I get so tired of toxic fans saying Ukraine are only good due to sympathy, how do you explain their perfect qualification streak since they joined in the early 2000s? And their previous wins? They have just always been amazing and they take the contest seriously. 💙💛
I know it’s upsetting.. toxic «fans» are just looking for everything to tear down and discredit other artists because they think it will help their favs to win 🙄 real fans don’t do that, as this is not the spirit of Eurovision.. Ukraine is always great, if they win it’s definitely deserved, even if I personally have other favs this year.. the favourites and the winner will unfortunately always receive hate and I don’t get it.. try not to let these idiots to get to you, just enjoy the contest and support your favs!
Diaspora and sympathy votes do have a large effect, but diaspora votes are not unique to Ukraine and used to be a limited effect, beyond that only Stefania can be explained by sympathy voting and honestly I fail to see what the big argument is. Ukraine deserves our sympathy and Eurovision was literally the first time we could protest the war in unison and we did just that. The effect will wane, our votes having been turned into the money, weapons and munition Ukraine requires. I do agree with the general point, if Ukraine does well this year it must be ascribed to the song and performance first and foremost. If they send horseshit they won't be in the final.
Tanu Muino (the creative director for Ukraine's staging) is a well-known Ukrainian music video director. She was the MV director for Harry Styles's "As It Was", Dua Lipa's "Illusion", and many other international artists like Sam Smith, Cardi B, Rosalia, etc. I don't think she has ever done any Eurovision stagings.
My favourite is Croatia, but wow, Ireland is amazing. I used to absolutely dislike that song, then it grew on me and now after the rehearsals I just need Bambie to qualify
5:30 I can't vote for them on Tuesday, but I'm 100% supporting Ireland during the final. I really hope all that effort on stage is awarded with a top ten place.
Ireland wow wow just wow Bambie for Ireland is my winner this year outstanding and her intimate version of doomsday blue I have on repeat it's gonna be a great year of Eurovision good luck everyone ❤❤❤
If Portugal doesn’t go through, not only will we need juries back in the semis but I will be so mad, I legitimately get emotional watching Grito and that NEVER happens for me. Also Ireland looks awesome, that rehearsal clip is legitimately unsettling.
I'm probably more what you'd call a "casual fan" as up until this year I've waited until the broadcast to hear/see the songs for the first time. I'm not much into ballads (my favourite song this year is FInland 🥚) however Slovenia's song is in my top 10 this year. It could be because I've had time to listen to all the songs many times and it's grown on me but I'm definitely going to give it a few of my votes. Plus I have to vote for Ireland because its so cool and different and of course my votes for Croatia and Finland and I'm beginning to wonder if I have the budget to be a hardcore Eurovision fan 😅 Also I live in Australia so it'll be my first time getting up at 4:30 in the morning to watch it live. I am very excited haha! 😄I even have official WIndows95man merch already 😂
Ireland defo immediately stood out to me like i had to watch it a couple times it just felt like a whole different level to me and proper got a reaction from me, the staging and camera work and outfits work so seamlessly well together and emphasise and represent the different parts of the song so well just omg
Ukraine, Ireland and Portugal are definitely the standouts - everything looks so professional. I’ve seen the clip of Ukraine like ten times and I get chills every. single. time. I’m hoping Azerbaijan qualifies against all odds because I love that song so much… but with the staging being a little bit lacking, plus coming after hyper-produced, high energy Sweden feels like a death sentence. Strange choice by the producers to put the two male duos back to back.
I literally cried when I saw Ireland for the first time! It was just so exciting because I thought it was the best clip of the video and didn't expect it to be this good! I'm a horror fan too so this clip felt like it comes straight out of a horror film and I was living! I've re watched it an embarrassing amount of times too 😅🖤
@@YehudaEvreuklovic That's a hateful and hideous thing to hope for someone to be SA'd. I know emotions and tensions are high and i would hope you are speaking out of frustration and hurt and not out of actually wanting to see another human being hurt. I hope you're ok
@CROATIAPOWEEERYour arrogant attitude and spamming can beat you. At first I thought Lasagna song is ok. But after reading so many toxic comments from Croatians towards Joost and others...Now meow songs only irritates me 🙄
Top 3 from Rehearsal Clips: 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇮🇪 Ireland 🇺🇦 Ukraine I’m also most worried about 🇸🇮 Raiven, since it has overlaps with Ireland on the witchy vibes, and Portugal with the contemporary interpretive dancers; I’m really hoping that when we see the full performance the storytelling helps it be more approachable🤞🏼
First half of this semi final - so, so strong. Best ever. So pleased re Ireland. Clearly Bambie had creative control on this performance - fantastic artistry complimented by cracking camera work. Getting my vote.
Bambie is clearly using a live backing singer (or backing singers). It sounds different to the studio version - it probably explains why the "I, I, I know you're living a lie" part sounds so good here.
I think it hasn't really been mentioned but Ireland's is not JUST about the camera angles, they are also the only ones to change the aspect ratio to 4:3 (I believe). This creates a more intimate, nostalgic horror film vibe to start the song. It's to be seen though whether this ratio will expand during the chorus or will stay the same throughout. I think it's a brilliant move to create this vibe.
Tbh Ukraine 🇺🇦 Slovenia 🇸🇮 Ireland 🇮🇪 Australia 🇦🇺 Serbia 🇷🇸 and Lithuania 🇱🇹 are the real standouts of the first semi. They can sing, their songs are not generic at all and don’t look outdated like the rest.
Bambie is exceeding all expectations and absolutely killing it. So greatful rte is letting them have so much creative control and free reign, it's amazing to have an entry I can feel excited by as an Irish Eurovision fan. Definitely top 3 in staging, music video and rehearsals. Love our witch!
I was initially not very moved with Ukraine’s song (compared to their entries in the last few years) but this staging has made me feel their pain - again. Sigh…
It's so lovely to see the Irish RUclipsrs' joy now as Bambie Thug is bringing Ireland back to the Grand Final! ❤ I remember to have felt the same joy when my country Finland finally turned the table and started to qualify more often. Enjoy!
Tom, great to see you without the odds, spreadsheets and everything else. I can't vote in SF1 unfortunately but Bambie deserves to be in the Final. They've put so much effort in this and in a good way. But I'm not sure if Eastern Europe is ready for this.
If you want fully understand Finland's staging you have to read Kalevala's "Creation of the Earth". The story begins with the sacred bird Goldeneye(Henri) flying over the dim ocean in somewhere to rest. Bird built a nest and laid seven eggs, six of gold and one of iron. One of those eggs is Windows95man's egg. He born from it. That is why he was supposed to be naked. But EBU's rules didn't allowed it 😅
SF1 is weird because there's a distinct split in my predictions. There's a big gulf between Finland (who I have 5th) and Cyprus in 6th (who will likely be lower once I update the spreadsheet on Tuesday). Really feel like there's a 8 way scrap for the last five spaces (sorry Moldova and Iceland, you're not in that).
Ukraine, Poland and Australia are the ones that I feel still have some surprise left. I have to say I don't get why so many countries decided to show the most important part of the performance (Cyprus, France, Malta). I feel like those won't hit as hard now that we know what's coming
I'll mainly be throwing my support towards Portugal on Tuesday but I think I'll also throw some votes at Slovenia since it's so at risk. It's kind of strange going into a Eurovision semi with the majority of people being confident my country (Ireland) will making it. I feel like we're normally considered a borderline qualifier, at best. Hopefully all the people hyping us up will vote for us on Tuesday.
My S1 Top 10: 1: Ireland - Australia - Luxembourg - Serbia - Lithuania - Azerbaijan - Ukraine - Portugal - Iceland - 10: Cyprus Best of luck from Norway
Thank you for appreciating Ukraine's staging and song! Probably the delegation informed you about Ukrainian clip maker Tanu Muino making the staging because she was directing MVs for a lot of world stars and even won a Grammy for the best MV. She makes the staging for Ukraine for the first time. Before that there were others))
So so psyched for this semi! A bunch of great acts I am so into (CROATIAAAAAA) and Ireland oh my god so ready to see them that looks INCREDIBLE I can't get shake Iceland sounding so much like the UK's Embers though. That's the one I feel the most, 'Yeah that's not qualifying,' about.
Australia getting comfortable and holding back there, getting to know the stage and area. Saw Zaachariaha on the stage at Copenhagen, where he sang with the Didge-Kikaki player....and before playing he said, this is not our territory, do you mind if this Aborigial gets comfortable first? But the energy is there, and without doubt will explode on the night....also dealing with Jet Lag, they will be amazing....and by the way, Zaachariah singing with Kikai is amazing to hear, perhaps you can do a reaction to that, when he sings in his own language.
My worries for Ireland is gone after these clips. I feel like qualification is now in the cards. My only concern left is if the casual viewers will get it, but I think it's visually so good and different that people will get behind it. I still have worries for Cyprus. And Serbia. Also slightly Lithuania. I just don't know if these songs pop out in this running order. None of them are bad or poorly performed - I just don't see all of them going through. Poland is also not vocally fully there, but the visuals are there so if she nails it on the night, she'll qualify. I think 2 of these 4 mentioned will NQ on Tuesday.
"Lots of gold, reminding me of Wild Youth and Emma Muscat..." - does not bode well for Iceland then! Not that we thought it would before the rehearsals, but they're not helping themselves here.
I'm pretty sure that Lithuania, Ireland, Ukraine, Croatia and Portugal are 100% qualifiers, people will like all of them Serbia, Slovenia, Azerbaijan and Australia will probably fill up up to 9th place and then battle for 10th will be between Poland, Cyprus and Finland Iceland will finish last in this semi
Poland would have always qualified if the system had been like this year - the televote only except for 2021 Poland has Germany, UK, Ireland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Iceland voting in the semi where huge diaspora lives. Poland gets high points from these countires every year. It has never had so many "firends" in the semi. They would have even qualified in 2018 when he sang out of tune and the song was really weak and they didn't have so many "friends" then. Also, there were 18 songs in the semi, not 15. Luna is 100 % qualifier unlike Cyprus. Bigger coutries with diaspora like Poland are much better at the televote and small ones like Cyprus and Malta struggle. And apparently, backing vocals were too silent during this reharsal and they want to fix it so it will sound better.
Heya Tom - I’m a bit late this year 🤣 So happy for Ireland - FINALLY!!!! Loving the look of the staging! And finally something for Ireland to be proud of. It better qualify. My worry is that most people will be thinking it’s safe to. VOTE PEOPLE! Love Lithuania this year (it’s in my top 4), Switzerland is my number 1 (won’t be mad if Croatia wins though as that’s in my top too 🤣
Totally agree with every single point you made Tom. With me, im dissapointed in Australia this year. They literally missed the mark as they had the chance to showcase the beautiful artistic nature of Indigenous Aboriginal culture. I imagined Zaachariaha belting out the chorus, stood on a large tall structure resembling Ayers Rock, with long pieces of fabric gracefully undulating behind him (using a wind machine) with beautiful hypnotic colourful aboriginal patterns swirling around on the large LED screens behind them. I really wished for something that gave us a little more 'POW'. Instead what they do present is pared back and almost energyless. My favourite of the lot was Ireland, by a country mile! Bambie levelled right up 😮 What an incredible glow up of their performance. Biggest dissapointment was Iceland for me. Queen Hera deserved SO much better! I just feel like Iceland just decided to show up as they couldnt really pull out on Hera, but had it been anyone else (but Bashar) they wouldve likely not gone due to their stance over the participation of another country. Hera's team really shouldve taken the words of the song and created a literal spectacle of heights. Have her walk a high plank, have her swinging out over the audience on a giant swing, HECK even call up Scooch and have them fly their plane over the stage and push Hera out of it 😂😂😂 Something...anything! Also sad news....just discovered the TV is dead! And double annoying is the fact that the house ive just moved in to doesnt have a tv aerial connection anyway! Going to have to figure out another way to watch Eurovision!
You can watch it on a laptop if you’ve got one on RUclips LOVE hera walking the plank, that would have been iconic 😂 Also love the ideas for Australia. I’m guessing their was budgetary stuff but it definitely could have been bigger
@@ESCTom ah...I never thought of that! I'm borrowing my sisters TV until I get paid next month and can get my own. Till then, I'll connect my phone and play Eurovision via RUclips through the TV. Great idea! 👍🏼
Tom how does it feel to be Irish and looking at all these comments gushing about Ireland. I remember you loosing it a bit last year with a revamp...you finally got here. Ireland is def getting a couple of my votes tomorrow from Slo. Bambie deserves it and I hope it encourages Ireland to be more risky.
Funny you said you said younger audience will love Croatia. Saw a poll while back with different age groups and BL did not do well with zoomers. I think the Netherlands won that age group. But BL was No 1 with Gen Xers and early millennials
I don't like the camera work on some of the performances. Some of them are nicely cut, like Ireland, Ukraine, France, etc. But then there are numerous performances with too many too-wide shots; as if they are filmed from the Moon. It doesn't look good even when a lot is happening on the stage, let alone when there isn't. That's not good television. I don't see why closer camera cuts would be considered problematic for the organizers. This is a live show but made for television, they need to shoot it well
I hate it when they show dance breaks in clips Spain 2022 was amazing as they didn't show STOP GIVING US THE BEST BITS Ireland have stolen a spot literally the penny has finally dropped and its nice to see you happy
Tom, thank you for the high evaluation of Ukraine's performances at the Eurovision Song Contest. in fact, every country has wonderful, original, interesting songs and productions. may the best win. and I want to remind you that as soon as the Russian Federation deals with the flowing blood of innocent women, children and yesterday's programmers, farmers and sales managers who were forced to take up arms for self-defense, Ukraine and Ukrainians, the next victim will be Latvia, Lithuania , Estonia, Poland. There is no doubt. Russians discuss it every day on their federal channels and in the family circle, in front of the TV. as it was before the attack on Ukraine. Ukrainians did not believe in this either in 2014, when the Russians annexed Crimea, or in 2022, or indeed in 2008, when the Russians attacked Georgia. even now, no one believes in the attack of these monsters on the European Union. but it is only a matter of time. everyone is in a good mood and advice to engage in tactical medical care and learning how to handle weapons.
Ireland is doing great 🤩! But I really need Serbia and Portugal to qualify. Btw, why are you excluding the Big 5 who will also be part of the semis? Never heard your reaction towards Isaak or did I miss that? 😉
I get so tired of toxic fans saying Ukraine are only good due to sympathy, how do you explain their perfect qualification streak since they joined in the early 2000s? And their previous wins? They have just always been amazing and they take the contest seriously. 💙💛
the pre-2022 stats are literally right there to look at 💯
Scream it louder FACTSSSS
as a ukrainian i am doubly tired of these toxic fans
I know it’s upsetting.. toxic «fans» are just looking for everything to tear down and discredit other artists because they think it will help their favs to win 🙄 real fans don’t do that, as this is not the spirit of Eurovision..
Ukraine is always great, if they win it’s definitely deserved, even if I personally have other favs this year..
the favourites and the winner will unfortunately always receive hate and I don’t get it..
try not to let these idiots to get to you, just enjoy the contest and support your favs!
Diaspora and sympathy votes do have a large effect, but diaspora votes are not unique to Ukraine and used to be a limited effect, beyond that only Stefania can be explained by sympathy voting and honestly I fail to see what the big argument is. Ukraine deserves our sympathy and Eurovision was literally the first time we could protest the war in unison and we did just that. The effect will wane, our votes having been turned into the money, weapons and munition Ukraine requires.
I do agree with the general point, if Ukraine does well this year it must be ascribed to the song and performance first and foremost. If they send horseshit they won't be in the final.
Ireland really surprised me, it might have one of the best staging that we have seen this year.
It’s amazing what can be done when you find a passionate artist with a vision.
Thank you for not blaming Ukraine for their message and for such a wonderful reaction in general.💙💛
@@YehudaEvreuklovic yes, u can start 🤡
Will be voting for Ireland from the UK! Ireland’s rehearsal clip is absolutely outstanding
thank you James 🙏🏻
Tanu Muino (the creative director for Ukraine's staging) is a well-known Ukrainian music video director. She was the MV director for
Harry Styles's "As It Was", Dua Lipa's "Illusion", and many other international artists like Sam Smith, Cardi B, Rosalia, etc. I don't think she has ever done any Eurovision stagings.
ah awesome, thank you for that info 🙏🏻
I absolutely LOVE Ireland this year! It's so good 🖤 And Portugal is my biggest grower right now, the rehearsal clip just blew me away 😍🥹
Ireland gave me goosebumps!!! Can’t wait for Tuesday ❤
My favourite is Croatia, but wow, Ireland is amazing. I used to absolutely dislike that song, then it grew on me and now after the rehearsals I just need Bambie to qualify
The 3 best clips for me were:
1-Ukraine
2-Ireland
3-Portugal
Love Ireland & Ukraine!!
5:30 I can't vote for them on Tuesday, but I'm 100% supporting Ireland during the final. I really hope all that effort on stage is awarded with a top ten place.
that would be great but qualifying and top 15 for me would be amazing too
Love to break it to you but Ireland is a definite yes. Also a Top 5 contender in the final.
Ireland rose to my 2nd place, the vocals were really clean which was the only thing I was missing from otherwise perfect package!
Ireland wow wow just wow Bambie for Ireland is my winner this year outstanding and her intimate version of doomsday blue I have on repeat it's gonna be a great year of Eurovision good luck everyone ❤❤❤
If Portugal doesn’t go through, not only will we need juries back in the semis but I will be so mad, I legitimately get emotional watching Grito and that NEVER happens for me. Also Ireland looks awesome, that rehearsal clip is legitimately unsettling.
I 100% agree, HOWEVER I think that we need a better version of the juries who honor songs that are not radio friendly. Remember Eaea?
@@AW-EV-and-FTM We need a new criteria, 3 different music generes whithin the juries
@@Rafael-br9dd what would those be (pop, electro/rock and ethnic are what come to mind for me)?
@@AW-EV-and-FTM Or classical music for example, but should be at least 3 different music generes
@@Rafael-br9dd gotcha, at least three.
I went from absolutely hating the Irish song to literally needing it in the final after the 2nd rehearsal.
I'm probably more what you'd call a "casual fan" as up until this year I've waited until the broadcast to hear/see the songs for the first time. I'm not much into ballads (my favourite song this year is FInland 🥚) however Slovenia's song is in my top 10 this year. It could be because I've had time to listen to all the songs many times and it's grown on me but I'm definitely going to give it a few of my votes. Plus I have to vote for Ireland because its so cool and different and of course my votes for Croatia and Finland and I'm beginning to wonder if I have the budget to be a hardcore Eurovision fan 😅 Also I live in Australia so it'll be my first time getting up at 4:30 in the morning to watch it live. I am very excited haha! 😄I even have official WIndows95man merch already 😂
love all your videos tom your the person who got me into eurovision last year can't thank you enough 🙏
❤️
Ireland defo immediately stood out to me like i had to watch it a couple times it just felt like a whole different level to me and proper got a reaction from me, the staging and camera work and outfits work so seamlessly well together and emphasise and represent the different parts of the song so well just omg
Ukraine, Ireland and Portugal are definitely the standouts - everything looks so professional. I’ve seen the clip of Ukraine like ten times and I get chills every. single. time.
I’m hoping Azerbaijan qualifies against all odds because I love that song so much… but with the staging being a little bit lacking, plus coming after hyper-produced, high energy Sweden feels like a death sentence. Strange choice by the producers to put the two male duos back to back.
three male duos back to back 😭 Sweden are before Azerbaijan as well
I literally cried when I saw Ireland for the first time! It was just so exciting because I thought it was the best clip of the video and didn't expect it to be this good!
I'm a horror fan too so this clip felt like it comes straight out of a horror film and I was living! I've re watched it an embarrassing amount of times too 😅🖤
yea it really is next level. some of it is the fact that expectations for ireland are low, but some of it is just the fact that it looks fantastic
@@YehudaEvreuklovic That's a hateful and hideous thing to hope for someone to be SA'd. I know emotions and tensions are high and i would hope you are speaking out of frustration and hurt and not out of actually wanting to see another human being hurt. I hope you're ok
@@YehudaEvreuklovic wtf no? Pretty sure we will be going to Dublin. Looks like you need some geography lessons
@@YehudaEvreuklovic I can't believe you wish for someone to be SA'ed wtf is wrong with you? Why are so many people so evil in this world?
Raiven and Iolanda's vocals gave me goosbumps. I'm really hoping both qualify, but I don't know who i would put out...
GRITO and Portugal in the Final ❤️❤️❤️
Outstanding beauty 👌❤️
BAMBIE 💙 Ireland 🇮🇪 you nailed it from day one . CROWN THE WITCH 🏆
Baby Lasagna has indescribable pure energy and talent 🤩
@CROATIAPOWEEERYour arrogant attitude and spamming can beat you. At first I thought Lasagna song is ok. But after reading so many toxic comments from Croatians towards Joost and others...Now meow songs only irritates me 🙄
Top 3 from Rehearsal Clips:
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇺🇦 Ukraine
I’m also most worried about 🇸🇮 Raiven, since it has overlaps with Ireland on the witchy vibes, and Portugal with the contemporary interpretive dancers; I’m really hoping that when we see the full performance the storytelling helps it be more approachable🤞🏼
Thanks for the beautiful words to Portugal 🇵🇹 Iolanda in the final 🙏 Portugal its doing magic with this performance 🙌❤️
Ireland has the best staging this year!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!
First half of this semi final - so, so strong. Best ever. So pleased re Ireland. Clearly Bambie had creative control on this performance - fantastic artistry complimented by cracking camera work. Getting my vote.
Bambie is clearly using a live backing singer (or backing singers). It sounds different to the studio version - it probably explains why the "I, I, I know you're living a lie" part sounds so good here.
Aah it makes me so happy to see a lot of comments supporting Ireland 🇮🇪❤
I hope Bambie wins, my personal fav😂
12 points from UK 🇬🇧❤🇮🇪
So proud of our Iolanda 😊😊😊
Ireland looks incredible. It’s so intense and the camera work is stellar. So excited that Ireland may finally break their NQ streak! ❤
Thanks from Portugal ❤❤❤goo Iolanda ❤
I think it hasn't really been mentioned but Ireland's is not JUST about the camera angles, they are also the only ones to change the aspect ratio to 4:3 (I believe). This creates a more intimate, nostalgic horror film vibe to start the song. It's to be seen though whether this ratio will expand during the chorus or will stay the same throughout. I think it's a brilliant move to create this vibe.
Portugal, oh my, yes yes and yes!
Tbh Ukraine 🇺🇦 Slovenia 🇸🇮 Ireland 🇮🇪 Australia 🇦🇺 Serbia 🇷🇸 and Lithuania 🇱🇹 are the real standouts of the first semi. They can sing, their songs are not generic at all and don’t look outdated like the rest.
What about Portugal, its was awesome
Thank you, I agree
@@Rafael-br9dd that’s true Portugal has really great artist but you cannot say that the song is outstanding. I think I t’s qualifying easy tho.
Bambie is exceeding all expectations and absolutely killing it. So greatful rte is letting them have so much creative control and free reign, it's amazing to have an entry I can feel excited by as an Irish Eurovision fan. Definitely top 3 in staging, music video and rehearsals. Love our witch!
Love Ireland and will be voting for them tomorrow! ❤ from 🇮🇸
Thanks from Portugal 🇵🇹 🇵🇹 🇵🇹 🇵🇹 ❤❤❤
If that the 1st 30 seconds off Ireland song can't wait to see the rest
Portugal. Perfect art
Bambie nailed it
I was initially not very moved with Ukraine’s song (compared to their entries in the last few years) but this staging has made me feel their pain - again. Sigh…
Thank you🙏💙💛
Это песня не про войну, а про женщин
Ukraine, Portugal, Ireland and Slovenia are my favorites.
It's so lovely to see the Irish RUclipsrs' joy now as Bambie Thug is bringing Ireland back to the Grand Final! ❤
I remember to have felt the same joy when my country Finland finally turned the table and started to qualify more often.
Enjoy!
Tom, casually: "I don't really care what casuals think anymore about my beloved contest" ❤
gonna be sending those votes to Ireland from 🇺🇦 one of my favs this year - the sound, the staging, the camera is so unique. it deserves top 5
Tom, great to see you without the odds, spreadsheets and everything else. I can't vote in SF1 unfortunately but Bambie deserves to be in the Final. They've put so much effort in this and in a good way. But I'm not sure if Eastern Europe is ready for this.
Portugal, Iolanda, Grito. ❤❤❤
Get ready for your reaction of your reaction to Ireland qualifying. They have done such a great job. I'll throw a few votes from Australia for ya
🙏🏻
Tom my go to esc channel,
Excellent as always.
Thanks tom.x
Thanks for your analysis. I love all the details you notice. I am always looking forward to your videos! 😍
Ireland is fricking amazing, I am expecting top 10 this year, I'm so happy they took the risk and it will definitely pay off
If you want fully understand Finland's staging you have to read Kalevala's "Creation of the Earth". The story begins with the sacred bird Goldeneye(Henri) flying over the dim ocean in somewhere to rest. Bird built a nest and laid seven eggs, six of gold and one of iron. One of those eggs is Windows95man's egg. He born from it. That is why he was supposed to be naked. But EBU's rules didn't allowed it 😅
Hope Australia amps up the energy. Might've just been jetlag 😂
SF1 is weird because there's a distinct split in my predictions. There's a big gulf between Finland (who I have 5th) and Cyprus in 6th (who will likely be lower once I update the spreadsheet on Tuesday). Really feel like there's a 8 way scrap for the last five spaces (sorry Moldova and Iceland, you're not in that).
yep i agree with that. it really could come down to 5-10 points
The big split for me is the the first half has mostly very good staging but only Portugal provides anything wow in the second half.
Ukraine, Poland and Australia are the ones that I feel still have some surprise left.
I have to say I don't get why so many countries decided to show the most important part of the performance (Cyprus, France, Malta). I feel like those won't hit as hard now that we know what's coming
i reckon less than 1% of people who watch the semis watch the rehearsals
I don't love watching rehearsal clips because I want to save some surprise for the big show, but still supporting your videos, Tom!! 💚🤍🧡
From these clips:
1. 🇨🇮
2. 🇺🇦
3. 🇱🇹
4. 🇵🇹
Ivory Coast represent 🙌🏻
Im voting for Serbia and Croatian....i don't know why so negative about Slovenia...❤
Tom you did excellant job! Bravo❤
I love these videos, can't wait for the second semi and big5
Ireland🇮🇪❤❤❤ love from Türkiye 🇹🇷
I'll mainly be throwing my support towards Portugal on Tuesday but I think I'll also throw some votes at Slovenia since it's so at risk.
It's kind of strange going into a Eurovision semi with the majority of people being confident my country (Ireland) will making it. I feel like we're normally considered a borderline qualifier, at best. Hopefully all the people hyping us up will vote for us on Tuesday.
My S1 Top 10: 1: Ireland - Australia - Luxembourg - Serbia - Lithuania - Azerbaijan - Ukraine - Portugal - Iceland - 10: Cyprus
Best of luck from Norway
Thank you for appreciating Ukraine's staging and song! Probably the delegation informed you about Ukrainian clip maker Tanu Muino making the staging because she was directing MVs for a lot of world stars and even won a Grammy for the best MV. She makes the staging for Ukraine for the first time. Before that there were others))
they said as well in the email that it was a secret up until they announced it
Slovenia❤
Bambie mfing Thug.
#crownthewitch
Azerbaijan, Armenia and Greece are bringing culture.
Armenia's staging is traditional, Greece is contemporary and Azerbaijan is futuristic
So so psyched for this semi! A bunch of great acts I am so into (CROATIAAAAAA) and Ireland oh my god so ready to see them that looks INCREDIBLE
I can't get shake Iceland sounding so much like the UK's Embers though. That's the one I feel the most, 'Yeah that's not qualifying,' about.
Australia getting comfortable and holding back there, getting to know the stage and area. Saw Zaachariaha on the stage at Copenhagen, where he sang with the Didge-Kikaki player....and before playing he said, this is not our territory, do you mind if this Aborigial gets comfortable first? But the energy is there, and without doubt will explode on the night....also dealing with Jet Lag, they will be amazing....and by the way, Zaachariah singing with Kikai is amazing to hear, perhaps you can do a reaction to that, when he sings in his own language.
I vote Ireland. But no RULES 🕺🕺
a rarity at Eurovision, no stagings this year are completely boring, IMO; it all comes down to personal taste.
My worries for Ireland is gone after these clips. I feel like qualification is now in the cards. My only concern left is if the casual viewers will get it, but I think it's visually so good and different that people will get behind it.
I still have worries for Cyprus. And Serbia. Also slightly Lithuania. I just don't know if these songs pop out in this running order. None of them are bad or poorly performed - I just don't see all of them going through. Poland is also not vocally fully there, but the visuals are there so if she nails it on the night, she'll qualify. I think 2 of these 4 mentioned will NQ on Tuesday.
i agree with everything you say here
I love your commentary 🥰
You planning on doing an analysis of the Big5+1 rehersal images etc? Would like to hear what you think of them.
It’s filmed. Will try and edit tomorrow
Awesome! Thanks!
Baby Lasagna ❤ Phenomenal, ❤❤❤❤❤
If Portugal doesn't qualify we need the juries back or I'm not watching anymore😭
Marko is the winner of our hearts❤
We love him so much❣️😻❤️🔥💫
"Lots of gold, reminding me of Wild Youth and Emma Muscat..." - does not bode well for Iceland then! Not that we thought it would before the rehearsals, but they're not helping themselves here.
I'm pretty sure that Lithuania, Ireland, Ukraine, Croatia and Portugal are 100% qualifiers, people will like all of them
Serbia, Slovenia, Azerbaijan and Australia will probably fill up up to 9th place and then battle for 10th will be between Poland, Cyprus and Finland
Iceland will finish last in this semi
Poland would have always qualified if the system had been like this year - the televote only except for 2021 Poland has Germany, UK, Ireland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Iceland voting in the semi where huge diaspora lives. Poland gets high points from these countires every year. It has never had so many "firends" in the semi. They would have even qualified in 2018 when he sang out of tune and the song was really weak and they didn't have so many "friends" then. Also, there were 18 songs in the semi, not 15. Luna is 100 % qualifier unlike Cyprus. Bigger coutries with diaspora like Poland are much better at the televote and small ones like Cyprus and Malta struggle. And apparently, backing vocals were too silent during this reharsal and they want to fix it so it will sound better.
Bambie Thug bringing Ireland back to our prime!! they will remind the people that Ireland has 7 wins!
What are you saying before you start each rehersal clip? I only hear "Wanna know my secret band?" but I don't think that's it😂
Im totally wondering the same thing, I even put the subtitles on but its still not clear 😂
Heya Tom - I’m a bit late this year 🤣
So happy for Ireland - FINALLY!!!! Loving the look of the staging! And finally something for Ireland to be proud of. It better qualify. My worry is that most people will be thinking it’s safe to. VOTE PEOPLE!
Love Lithuania this year (it’s in my top 4), Switzerland is my number 1 (won’t be mad if Croatia wins though as that’s in my top too 🤣
Bambi's performance is the only one that gives me goosebumps. But I think Ukraine's song is going to be the winner.
Marko❤❤rim tim tagi win❤
Totally agree with every single point you made Tom.
With me, im dissapointed in Australia this year. They literally missed the mark as they had the chance to showcase the beautiful artistic nature of Indigenous Aboriginal culture.
I imagined Zaachariaha belting out the chorus, stood on a large tall structure resembling Ayers Rock, with long pieces of fabric gracefully undulating behind him (using a wind machine) with beautiful hypnotic colourful aboriginal patterns swirling around on the large LED screens behind them. I really wished for something that gave us a little more 'POW'. Instead what they do present is pared back and almost energyless.
My favourite of the lot was Ireland, by a country mile! Bambie levelled right up 😮 What an incredible glow up of their performance.
Biggest dissapointment was Iceland for me. Queen Hera deserved SO much better! I just feel like Iceland just decided to show up as they couldnt really pull out on Hera, but had it been anyone else (but Bashar) they wouldve likely not gone due to their stance over the participation of another country.
Hera's team really shouldve taken the words of the song and created a literal spectacle of heights. Have her walk a high plank, have her swinging out over the audience on a giant swing, HECK even call up Scooch and have them fly their plane over the stage and push Hera out of it 😂😂😂 Something...anything!
Also sad news....just discovered the TV is dead! And double annoying is the fact that the house ive just moved in to doesnt have a tv aerial connection anyway! Going to have to figure out another way to watch Eurovision!
You can watch it on a laptop if you’ve got one on RUclips
LOVE hera walking the plank, that would have been iconic 😂
Also love the ideas for Australia. I’m guessing their was budgetary stuff but it definitely could have been bigger
@@ESCTom ah...I never thought of that! I'm borrowing my sisters TV until I get paid next month and can get my own. Till then, I'll connect my phone and play Eurovision via RUclips through the TV. Great idea! 👍🏼
Tom how does it feel to be Irish and looking at all these comments gushing about Ireland. I remember you loosing it a bit last year with a revamp...you finally got here.
Ireland is def getting a couple of my votes tomorrow from Slo. Bambie deserves it and I hope it encourages Ireland to be more risky.
Ireland ufff!!
Ukraine, Luxembourg and Lithuania. (1st semifinale)
Funny you said you said younger audience will love Croatia. Saw a poll while back with different age groups and BL did not do well with zoomers. I think the Netherlands won that age group. But BL was No 1 with Gen Xers and early millennials
It is actualy good for BL, older people have more money for votes 😂😂
I don't like the camera work on some of the performances. Some of them are nicely cut, like Ireland, Ukraine, France, etc. But then there are numerous performances with too many too-wide shots; as if they are filmed from the Moon. It doesn't look good even when a lot is happening on the stage, let alone when there isn't. That's not good television. I don't see why closer camera cuts would be considered problematic for the organizers. This is a live show but made for television, they need to shoot it well
Up Bambi they might win but did love Ukraine special climbing that cliff so good
I hate it when they show dance breaks in clips Spain 2022 was amazing as they didn't show STOP GIVING US THE BEST BITS
Ireland have stolen a spot literally the penny has finally dropped and its nice to see you happy
And the Irish clip is the first 30 seconds. It isn’t even the best part 🤩
Love Rylan! He did a great job last year and could have been one of the "official" hosts 💖💖💖
Tom, thank you for the high evaluation of Ukraine's performances at the Eurovision Song Contest. in fact, every country has wonderful, original, interesting songs and productions. may the best win. and I want to remind you that as soon as the Russian Federation deals with the flowing blood of innocent women, children and yesterday's programmers, farmers and sales managers who were forced to take up arms for self-defense, Ukraine and Ukrainians, the next victim will be Latvia, Lithuania , Estonia, Poland. There is no doubt. Russians discuss it every day on their federal channels and in the family circle, in front of the TV. as it was before the attack on Ukraine. Ukrainians did not believe in this either in 2014, when the Russians annexed Crimea, or in 2022, or indeed in 2008, when the Russians attacked Georgia. even now, no one believes in the attack of these monsters on the European Union. but it is only a matter of time. everyone is in a good mood and advice to engage in tactical medical care and learning how to handle weapons.
Serbia Top 5 ❤
🤞🤞🤞
Portugal ❤️🇵🇹
Ireland is doing great 🤩! But I really need Serbia and Portugal to qualify.
Btw, why are you excluding the Big 5 who will also be part of the semis? Never heard your reaction towards Isaak or did I miss that? 😉
their rehearsals were done separately on a different day
@@ESCTom 🙏
@@ESCTomdo you also think when Portugal qualify, they will end in top 15? 😁