15/05/2021
So much bigger
The so called ‘big 5’ (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) and host nation the Netherlands, the contests biggest financial contributors go directly to the grand final of the contest. As a result, I would say our expectations for them are very high (and not naming names) but some countries deliver that more than others. Well, as we are getting closer to the grand final and second rehearsals for the semi-finalists are on-going – it makes sense that these automatic qualifiers (AQs) finally got their chance to take to the stage. But did they live up to their status as finalists or are they destined for a bottom 5 finish?
France: Barbara Pravi – VoilĂ
Alone on stage, in a very dark ambient atmosphere, Barbara seems to completely transport me into her music and has me hanging on her every word. Vocally she sounds great and the staging whilst different to her national selection performance seems to still evoke that same hauntingly beautiful quality. It remains to be seen how the staging progresses but I am really not worried about this one at all. Can you tell its still my personal winner? đ
How could they improve? – I need to see some movement in this song. The atmosphere is perfect but I do need resolution as the song progresses.
Germany: Jendrik – I Don’t Feel Hate
Colourful explosions fill the stage and if that doesn’t reflect Jenrik’s personality, I don’t know what does! Love it or loathe it, this song has personality and that comes across with this staging! From the dancing middle finger/peace sign (gotta abide by those rules haven’t we) which has somehow got the ability to play the trumpet, to the sparkly ukulele, this tongue-in-cheek number is bound to put a smile on enough people’s faces to get a half-decent televote. Will it ever be my cuppa tea? No. But is it trying to be? Absolutely not and if he can get enough fans onside he could do decent enough.
How could they improve? – Energy! This song lives or dies of off Jendrik’s vivacity. I would hope he focuses his time on ensuring that he can keep up the energy throughout, especially considering the number of shows he will have to perform in.
Italy: MĂ„neskin – Zitti E Buoni
Provocative outfits, flashing lights and LOADS of pyro – what more do want!? With the right camera shots this performance will be a vibe, you can feel the energy they are serving and I just want to join them rocking the night away! This performance seems to also have a nice balance between polished and crazy to feel professional but carry you into the zone and I really like that.
How could they improve? – I just feel like I need a little more direction at the moment. Obviously these are the wrong camera shots but there is an awful lot going on. So I really hope the team knows where they want to direct the cameras to keep both the energy on stage visible but also give the viewer at home some direction.
Netherlands: Jeangu Macrooy – Birth Of A New Age
Are you ready to celebrate, because I sure am! There is something so nice about the blend of music, dance and colourful backdrop in this performance. The song sounds very warm and well mixed on stage and Jeangu seems to be having fun. Which all in all puts me in that good mood too. Also credit to him for singing and dancing at the same time.
How could they improve? – I don’t like how the side screen cuts the back LED view in half when there is a word on it. It is a small thing but if there is a word on the LED and I can see it, I want to be able to read the whole word.
Spain: Blas CantĂł – Voy A QuedarmeÂ
Well we were promised a new version for Eurovision and that’s what we have! Currently I do think it is an improvement as well, even if it still includes those backing vocal parts that, eh, I’m not totally sold on. This song definitely has a beautiful message and I do really love listening to this song, though I struggle to always connect instantly to it. To help draw people in Blas’ prop reminds me much of Nathan Trent’s (albeit in a different stage of it’s lunar cycle) and I do think people will remember ‘the guy with the massive moon hanging above him’, hopefully they also connect to the music from that, though who knows if they will. I do really like the calm blues of the night sky behind him, I feel that soothing, nostalgic tone fits the song perfectly.
How could they improve? – Personally I’d make sure Blas’ microphone is up a bit, I want to hear the emotion in his voice more – over the backing. Personally, I feel like the meaning and passion of Blas’ is the powerful part of this song and it would be a real shame if that wasn’t emphasised on stage.
United Kingdom: James Newman – Embers
From a giant moon to some giant trumpets – Michael meant BIGGER! But it works well with the song! I’m pleased to see James has his own platform in the centre of the stage, where he can focus on singing and the rest of the stage team can work on dancing and creating the energetic vibe of the song. It’s also interesting to note that both Germany and the UK have brought brass instruments on stage this year. The performance looks fun and I am sure if James delivers those vocals, he can expect some jury points.
How could they improve? – In the same way vocals could 100% make this, I would focus on making them perfect cause a bum note could knock this a bit. I have a lot of confidence in James but if I was him – I’d be focusing on making sure I kept my voice in good shape for the night!
So now that you have put up with a UK citizen talk about the UK entry, are you ready to call out bias? Or do you largely agree with my initial reactions to these rehearsal snippets. I’d love to know! Feel free to leave a comment or if you want to discuss with me (and more) our social medias are linked in the contact us section of the website.