Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Ireland's second rehearsal also sees no changes. The backdrop of a dark forest with sun shining throught the branches is there looking gorgeous and propriete. Molly sits behind her piano surrounded by her band and nothing else happens. The song is beautiful, her voice is great. Some critic for her for singing with eyes closed - can that turn out to play against her? No eye contact, no hooking the viewers to really listen to her and vote? Maybe. Once again it all comes down to camera work. I like this, she's great and I hope Ireland will make the final.

Ireland's Molly next sitting on her piano, with drummer, cellist and bassists. She's in black and has flawless vocals and wonderful voice besides a lovely song. The backdrop is a forest with sun shining through. It all comes together very nicely. Just like Lithuania, well done Ireland! The second semifinal has a quite beautiful start!

After three years with Valentina Monetta - who is going to be present for the 4th year in a row as a spokesperson - San Marino sends two teenagers, San Marinese doc Anita Simoncini who just turned 16 and Italian Michele Perniola. Both have already represented the tiny country in the Junior Eurovision (Michele in 2013 with O-o-O sole intorno a me , and Anita as a member of The Peppermints in 2014 with Breaking my heart ). They will be now together performing Ralph Siegel's 23rd Eurovision entry and if they make the final, his 20th finalist, Chain of lights . 

The first Eurovision song contest took place on May 24, 1956 in Lugano. Now 60 years later the 60th edition will be held on May 23, finishing on early hour of May 24 in most of Europe. The oldest participant this year is Finland's Pertti Kurikka, born on Boxing day the very same year 1956. He's 43 years older than the youngest artist this year, San Marino's Anita Simoncini who turns 16 just six weeks before the final in Vienna. The funny thing is the oldest one does punk, the youngest...  well, schlager.

And we get another 16-year-old for Vienna 2015 Eurovision when Molly wins in in Ireland with Playing with numbers . For once I was pretty right with my prediction. After the live performances she was my favorite along with Kat, who came second. Erika's Break me up was very poor on stage, as was Nikki's Memories and Alex's She's so fine was simply odd and bad. Well done Ireland!

Ireland will have its final this Friday. In apparent lack of Irish songwriters and artists it's a bit international mix. Alex was born in Zambia, Erika is Swedish and it seems she even flies Timotej to back her up in the final. Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan has written Kat's song, and Nikki we all remember as runner up in 2011 Irish final behind Jedward and doing the backing vocals in Eurovision 2010 for Niamh. Alex is out first and the song doesn't just go anywhere. The rapping is useless and annoying. Next please! Kat offers a tender ballad with piano and violins in the classic Irish Eurovision mode. Beautiful and old fashioned but didn't this train pass already? Or would this stand a chance among all those fierce angry women with heavy beats in Vienna? Hmmm... maybe. Erika takes us to MF. If she was there she'd be one of my favorites propably. In Ireland I'm only asking myself why? Especially if Timotej will be there, too. Sounds like a winner t...

Ireland has announced their five entries this morning and later tonight they will be played on radio. I will add links as usua later, but if you want to listen them live, you can do it here . From 4pm CET. Some familiar names among the artists an song writers. Nikki Kavanagh returns after being 2nd in 2011 behind Jedward. Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan has written Kat Mohan's song. Alex Saint comes from Zambia and Erika Selin from Sweden, also known from Swedish Idols. Molly Sterling is only 16 so also ireland plays the teenager card. One can only wonder why Ireland has hired foreign songwriters and artists.... I have no clue! Nikki Kavaragh - Memories Kat Mohan - Anybody got a shoulder Alex Saint & MJ's - She's so fine Erika Selin - Break me up Molly Sterling - Playing with numbers