Hungary - Joci Pápai - Az én apám ****
Simple is beautiful. Barefooted Joci alone on stage that at times reminds me of Jamala's tree growing in the backdrop. Not visible in this video the faces that will appear in the backdrop as well, I must say I'm not so keen on them. This said this is stylish, fitting and Joci is an artist that can trasmit emotion on screen and I firmly believe this will qualify for that reason, and end up rather well in the end.
Belarus - ZENA - Like it *
This feels like ZENA and her team said "I like it" to every idea proposed by whoever was in charge for the staging. Smoke, fire, every possible idea and image in the backdrop topped with all over the place choreography. Every little like it I had for this earlier on has pretty much vanished. Confusing and irritating with mediocre vocals.
Serbia - Nevena Božović - Kruna ****
This could be a real surprise as people do love a strong Balcan ballad and that's what Nevena is serving with grace and class. The staging looks good on screen and it feels like she's floating inside the whatever hurricane is happening on stage. The only hic up I can see is her overdoing the drama and come across a bit hysterical. If she holds it and nails it vocally... this could the ballad of the year. After all most every favorite is male and some women must do well as well, it could be Katerina or Nevena.
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