Glen Returns With His Views
It’s Monday, the 28th of April 2014, and it’s time for the first rehearsals of Semi-Final one. Sadly, the first rehearsals are closed to the public, so you’ll just have to take my word for now – but I was very pleased with the first batch of countries. Here’s a review of what happened today:
Armenia
After getting to the press centre 45 minutes early – because that’s how I roll – we waited for a bit for Armenia to take to the stage. You know what, I was pleasantly surprised. I was a bit sceptic to start off with; ‘Is Not Alone really the right way to kick off our beloved song contest?’ – and in a way it works. It’s full of drama and Aram is a very good actor. He shows the intensity of the song not only through his facial expressions but also through his very long arms. He’s equipped with a radio mic which means those arms are flying everywhere! When the beat drops, the stage literally explodes and it comes across great on camera. Highly intense, highly dramatic – it’s a sure qualifier. Given a good running order in the Final, it’s one to remember.
Listen to Glen with Aram MP3:
Latvia
It was a chirpy song that lost a bit of it’s chirp. We’ve got to remember – these are the first rehearsals and therefore it’s a chance for the artists to find their feet on the stage, get used to it all. I mean, we’re talking 125 million viewers plus an added 10,000 in the hall. We saw ‘Cake to Bake’ about four times and each performance got better and better in my opinion. The back-drop is woodsy – trees galore, but it goes well with the feel of the song. Wasn’t expecting a dark blue backdrop but it kind of works! A surprise for the better. The guys clearly looked like they were enjoying themselves, just hoping for a bit more enthusiasm on the night.
Listen to Glen with Aarzemnieki:
Estonia
Amazing. AMAZING. The Daily Mirror questioned whether she’d be able to keep up with all the dancing and singing but today she was vocally and physically flawless. I mean, to pull off a 3 minute routine like THAT – amazing. Tanja is joined by a well fit dancer (he’s even blonde!), both dressed all in white – they start lying down on the stage (and singing whilst lying down is a talent too!). They sooner lift up and it’s well dramatic. We saw it about 3 times and can’t fault anything so far. This is getting hard – but again, I would say a sure qualifier.
Listen to Glen talking to Tanja:
Sweden
Nothing much has changed with Sanna’s performance, and although it was practically perfect in rehearsals today, as a Eurofan I was expecting more. Throughout the performance, she’s trapped in a circle of blue lights and she doesn’t move from this position – but don’t worry there’s still some actuality! Sanna clearly feels the music (and her face and body show it). Vocally tremendous and this will sail through, but go on Sanna – give us a surprise!
Iceland
We were expecting fun and we got it in the bucket loads from the (hairy) men of Pollaponk. My highlight of the performance was at the end when they spelled out the word ‘LOVE’ with their bodies – truly matching the message of their song. When chatting to the boys, although they’re fun and eye-catching with their brightly colored tracksuits, they’re very serious about their message. They told me that every had predujice and it’s their duty to squeeze that out of people and to get everyone to treat everyone else the same! Good on you lads!
Listen to Glen with Pollaponk:
Albania
Ah, my best friend Hersi (of which I still owe a drink after she bought me one in Amsterdam..). Vocally incredible on stage but I don’t see who this would appeal to. Yes, I see the Shakira tendencies, and Yes, I see the Kate Bush tendencies, but Hersi does have her own appeal; her natural charm and her powerful voice. I do admire that! I’ll say it again; it’s a great performance, but I have no idea who will vote for this. Time will tell and I hope she gets through merely because I love the pants off this woman!
Listen to Glen with Hersi:
Russia
Siblings everywhere! We continue with the sisters from Russia. I don’t know why, but I wasn’t expecting much from the Tolmachevy Sisters, but they surprised me for the better. Vocally, they were great with the odd flat note, but this will be ironed out in time. They have a massive see-saw on stage with them.. don’t quite get how it works – I’ll have to ask them! One would naturally question whether they were ready to take to the big stage – as although they’ve participated in the sister contest, Junior Eurovision is nothing like the powerhouse that Eurovision is. Gladly, I was surprised, and the 17 year olds stood passionate and professional on stage. Good show!
Azerbaijan
We were always expecting a good staging from Azerbaijan – they pull it out of the bag every year, and this year was no different. This year – a trapeze artist. Yes, a trapeze artist. Azerbaijan picked the next insane thing out of the hat and it was circus tricks. Many would say it was a distraction tactic to lead people away from the not-always-perfect vocal from Dilara, but I must say I liked what they were doing. I’m a sucker for an ethnic instrument as well – so I hope this goes through. Hell, it’s Azerbaijan, of course it’ll go through!
Listen to Glen with Dilara:
Ukraine
Fit man on a hamster wheel. There we go – Ukraine have finally done it. You though Azerbaijan had the weird staging this year, well step over Svetlana Loboda as Mariya Yaremchuk is in town. The wheel (with the fit man running on it), symbolizes the passing of time and how this man has been running for years to get Mariya, but no can do. So Mariya runs climbs the wheel, reaches for her man and ta-dah – happily ever after. It truly is a magnificent story. This definitely ticks the ‘different’ factor and will stand out. Vocally good, presentation great – hope this qualifies.
Belgium
Not much has changed here from the staging of the national final – in fact, nothing has changed. It’s the same performance on a bigger stage. Some have called the staging ‘creepy’ and I get that, but vocally, Axel is a good classical singer that deserves a place in that final. Also, having met Axel, he’s a very nice man, so deserves to go through on that basis as well. Come on Axel, you can do this!
Listen to Glen with Axel:
We look forward to hearing more from Glen tomorrow. You can follow Glen on Twitter here and see W12P’s coverage of the event here.