Do, we have the qualifiers for the Eurovision 2013 final. What is of course most striking at first sight is the total absence of the ex-Yugoslavian countries when also Macedonia failed to qualify. Since the semifinals started back in 2004 some of them has always been present. Also Albania from the region is out.
The ex-Soviet countries are all in with the exception of Latvia. So are Romania and Hungary.
And then the Nordic countries all made it for the first time since 2009. This is only the third time it happens (after 2008 and 2009) since the semifinals started.
San Marino is the big favorite not to have done it. But the history has proven there always has to be one. Unfortunatly it was them this year. There are rumors this could have been their swan song and they won't be back next year. It's a rumor. Wait until you get an official statement before making conclusions. The same goes for Cyprus, that was already this year playing hide and seek with Eurovision for some time before confirming their participation.
Romania divides people and opinions. I think it was clear from the start it would make the final. It's the climax of everything Eurovision. An act like this is needed in the line up to make it real Eurovision, don't you think? Last year's grannies have turned into a Dracula. Besides, he sings well, he's no Krassimir!
Then we have Israel and Switzerland. I feel sorry for both as they gave a very good performance, especially Moran sung better than ever before controlling her voice perfectly. The Swiss entry could have even been a winner, so it sounded in December. That makes me think is it useful to select an entry in such an early stage? Sure, it gives the act time to prepaire but... Six months is a long time in this business. With this I send out a wish to all broadcasters: Hold your horses, don't start the song selections already in September, it's too long! I think EBU should set the date back to October. If the artists can't keep their demos to themselves and spread them all over internet until that date, it's their problem and wish!
Let's look back the entries that didn't make the cut this year. Who do you think should have qualified?
Austria - Slovenia - Croatia - Montenegro - Cyprus - Serbia - Latvia - San Marino - Macedonia - Bulgaria - Israel - Albania - Switzerland
What can we say about them? Austria may have lost as Estonia's Birgit came right after, and against all odds shone more and walked over her with style. She was oozing something very good and captured the voters making them forget about poor Natália. Slovenia was just maybe too hardcore for this event, and maybe Hannah's vocals were just not strong enough? Take Nina Zizic for this and see what happens! Croatia took a risk and they knew it. It didn't work out but they gained a lot of respect and admiration after all, and now everyone knows what klapa is! That is already a small victory, don't forget that. Montenegro tried with their own way in Eurovision again. It didn't pay of this time either but one day they will hit it. Maybe like Slovenia a wrong venue and audience but a great performance and brilliant staging. It's not easy to find something new in this event.... Cyprus presented itself with elegance and grace. Unfortunately Despina lost it vocally at one point, and the song maybe just wasn't instant enough?
Serbia had a good song, three talented girls but whoever designed and approved their dresses should take a long look at the mirror and not blame anyone else. Singing cupcakes doing something on stage no one understood what? The underlining devil and angel outfits in the national final all of sudden make a lot of sense. It's not politics nor racism, like one of them has apparently accused. It was just painful to watch and try to like it.
Latvia did a great show on stage, perfectly fitting the song and the arena. It just wasn't enough this time. Keep going guys! San Marino failed in the end. But... I have to admit, even if having a very special place in my heart for Valentina and San Marino and its delegation: I felt like something was missing last night. She didn't come across, it was a bit cold. Maybe others felt the same? I don't know. Macedonia was a gamble from the beginning, too. An odd couple that maybe looked great on paper but then didn't come together so well. Like San Marino this entry had two songs mixed together; one for Esma and one for Lozano and they quite didn't meet. Shame. Both are great artists.
Bulgaria tried to recycle their succesful entry from 2007 and it seems Europe remembered that after all. It was great back then, now it sounded dated. They also tried to recycle the grannies. Israel can also have a long look at the mirror. The dress! I blame all on the dress. Moran is a fantastic singer, the song is very beautiful iindeed, but if you heard, I mean saw her for the first time, did you hear it? No. You stared at her dress. And forgot to vote.
Albania was just too rock and chaotic to appeal to masses. I confess, I left the TV screen after 30 second and went to toilet, then to fridge, then to check my Facebook ... and came back to see the next entry. I think many did the same. The only memorable thing was the guitar on fire - but then Lordi did that already and better. And finally Switzerland. Maybe Emil wasn't such a good idea after all? People were wondering why is he there? Is he awake? Will he live til the end of the song? That's what people thought instead of listening to the song and voting for it. Cruel but true.
Eurovision 2013 wasn't very generous for the elderly anyways. maybe it's a sign. Keep the children and elderly away from Eurovision stage. maybe the gimmick value of that has worn out, too. This year it's all about growing people!
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