Spain - Lucia Perez - Que me quiten lo bailao **
What to say about this? Clearly not the best offer in the Spanish final. This song could have been the Spanish entry in any year in the past 30 years. Does it make it timeless? Or simply one in a dozen? Is it too much carneval so it works only there and comes across as tired and boring late Saturday night? And the fact that Lucia looks like a rabbit in the flashlights doesn't help either. Time will tell but I don't have high hopes for Spain bothering the battle on top this year (either). Shame.
Poland - Magdalena Tul - Jestem ****
This is a good entry, well sung, produced and performed. And at least the fans are pleased they chose to perform the original Polish version instead of the English one, First class ticket to heaven. In my books this competes with Hungary and unfortunately loses but I'd be happy if they both make the final, especially because of the Finnish touch in it. Qualifier: Hopefully.
Italy - Raphael Gualazzi - Madness of love *****
I admit I was very sceptical at first. Even a bit shocked and very disappointed. But! A big but. This might have been a very clever choise for Italy. Being the only song in this genre it might get people vote for it. And if they don't they can always say the genre was wrong and misunderstood by the audience. This said, I have grown very fond of this song. In English or in Italian, I don't really scare as both work very well. I can even forgive Italy using English as it clearly fits this kind of a song much better. Raphael isn't the greatest singer in the world vocally perhaps but he makes it up with style and originality and personality. Welcome back Italy - with a bang!
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