Depsina – Cypriot Eurovision Representative 2013 – Photograph courtesy of © Thomas Hanses (EBU)

Cyprus

(YouTube Video Courtesy of ESCKaz)

Elaine’s view

Cyprus is still simple and sophisticated. Despina is so elegant and the beautiful ballad speaks for itself. There is no one on stage with her so you can just concentrate on the song and the performance. I really hope this qualifies on Tuesday night as she really deserves to.

Garrett’s view

Quality always speaks volumes and anyone who cannot see and appreciate Despina’s poise, elegance, and complete control over her voice and presence on the stage. Simple and understated and some wonderful camera shots of Despina and the stage. Like Elaine I want to see Cyprus in the final.

Belgium

(YouTube Video Courtesy of ESCKaz)

Elaine’s view

Roberto has vastly improved this song from the national final but the performance is ruined now by the dancers. The dance routine is not far from what we witness and participate in down the Euroclub every night. It looks like a comedy dance routine which just does not fit with the song. It would be better for the dancers to be further in the background if they have to be there. I don’t see it qualifying which is a real shame as Roberto is a lovely lad.

Garrett’s view

Elaine and I are agreeing today on many key elements across several countries. The Belgium song is a strong pop song that has grown since the Belgian National Final. Roberto’s vocals have improved and he makes sure to hit all his camera shots and with those puppy dog eyes he should be melting many a heart across Europe. However I put out an SOS call to the Belgian delegation. The dancers that flank Roberto cheapen the song and performance. They are 2 accomplished dancers but the routine they have been given is at times almost inappropriate or sensual and they take the focus off the singer – cardinal sin!! I would remove them all together as they are not required or place them further back in the stage and in silhouette. Also soften up their routine as it is totally unnecessary. As it stands “Love Kills” has just flat lined and will not make the final if the dancers are not changed.

Serbia

(YouTube Video Courtesy of ESCKaz)

Elaine’s view

I regret to inform you that Moje 3 are wearing the same outfits that they wore on Tuesday. The song is good, the vocals are great but the staging is terrible. This is Serbia however so I think we will be seeing it all over again in Saturday’s final but I fear that something more deserving will miss out to this frocky horror show.

Garrett’s view

Congratulations to Serbia as they are going to win – “The Barbara Dex Award” for crimes against fashion. If I was a member of Moje 3 I would be in the clothing boutiques of Malmo at 9 am tomorrow and let these 3 beautiful young women pick their own clothes because they look uncomfortable and totally the comedy look of the contest this year. The song is good (not great but it has a hook that would normally get them into the final. They sing wonderfully and this performance is being let down by bad costumes and terrible acting on stage and questionable dancing. Serbia seem to have lost their way this year and if they were in the second Semi Final I would have had this as a non qualifier – however with several neighbours in this semi final I suspect they will qualify at the expense of a far more deserving song and performance.

We will have Andrews comments on the songs tomorrow as he was off working with the Cypriot Team as he ia member of their delegation – see we bring you the best writers!

Authors – Garrett Mulhall and Elaine Dove

Source Eurovision Ireland