We're already at the second Semi-Final, which will determine the final 10 acts who will battle it out on stage at the Telnor Arena in Oslo this Saturday to win the title of winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2010.
This is, in my opinion, a challenging semi-final to call accurately, as there are far more stand-out artists and performers, which will no doubt lead to a close round-up of votes for the acts. As Ewan Spence, a fellow Eurovision commentator stated in his podcast today, there are about 13 strong songs that will be in play tonight for those 10 places for the final on Saturday. For these reasons, it’s very difficult to get my head around, with as much ease as the last day, to who will fly through.
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My Top 10 Semi-Final predictions
(In no particular order)
Georgia: Sofia Nizharadze – Shine
Azerbaijan: Safura - Drip Drop
Armenia: Eva Rivas - Apricot Stone
Sweden: Anna Bergendahl - This Is My Life
Lithuania: InCulto - Eastern European Funk
Turkey: maNga - We Could Be The Same
Croatia: Feminnem - Lako Je Sve
Denmark: Chanée & N'evergreen - In A Moment Like This
Ireland: Niamh Kavanagh - It's For You
Cyprus: Jon Lilygreen & The Islanders - Life Looks Better In Spring
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~// Sofia Nizharadze - Georgia
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It’s a dark, moody alternative pop tune, but judging from public feedback about the act, it should get the votes. The juries may also like it because it’s so very different.
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~// Safura - Azerbaijan
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It’s slow, the lyrics aren’t the best piece of linguistic genius, but it’s a consistent track that Europeans may enjoy. Personally, I don’t like it one bit, but it will get the votes.
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~// Eva Rivas - Armenia
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This song has a real local flair to it, and it brings something different to the contest from Armenia. It’s not too fast or upbeat, but it’s a easy-going track. It’s not got winner potential, but it should pass to Saturday with ease.
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~// Anna Bergendahl - Sweden
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It’s a squeaky clean pop record. It’s from Sweden. It’s not the worst, and it’s not the best. See you on Saturday, Anna.
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~// InCulto - Lithuania
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This is a fantastic track. Its fun, it’s uplifting, and it’s a perfect Eurovision song from the nation. It should go down a treat for the viewers. Again, see it on Saturday, but don’t expect any big scores then. Oh, and watch out for their unusual dress sense!
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~// maNga - Turkey
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maNga are like a mix between Linkin Park and British pop rock outfit, Elliot Minor. They’ve got a strong following, mostly teenage I suspect, who will be sure that the masses like the track. It’s a decent song, and even though it doesn’t set the world alight, I feel it will pass to the final without difficulties.
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~// Feminnem - Croatia
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Now, if you’ve not seen this act before I can clarify that they are not a feminist rap group, as I suspected from the name. They’re a group of girls who deliver a contemporary pop ballad. They’ll get votes for their song, and no doubt for their looks, judging by feedback left on internet forums.
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~// Chanée & N'evergreen - Denmark
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I like Denmark; I really do, but this song doesn’t quite do it for me. It should make the final, but being honest, I wouldn’t be too surprised if it doesn’t. Why is it in the list? Because it is still one of the best songs on offer for us tonight.
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~// Niamh Kavanagh - Ireland
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I won’t say much on her, as she’s representing my home country, but from general opinions, online blogs and my interaction with people across the continent, people seem to like Niamh and her song, and therefore she should pass through to Saturday. Also, I am not holding a bias as I state that.
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~// Jon Lilygreen & The Islanders - Cyprus
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When this act appears on the screen, feel free to hold your lighter in the air and wave your hands from side to side; this is a trademark pop song that you’d expect to hear on a Reality TV show like The X Factor as the performers relive their “best bits”.
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// THE WILD-CARDS //
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There’s not many on offer tonight, I feel, that would grant the title of being called a wild-card. As stated, there are around thirteen countries with decent songs and representatives, but I strongly believe that it is far more difficult to determine who will get through.
I’ll be on twitter (@davidokeeffe) as the contest kicks off, so stand by if I think of a wild-card on the spot.


