The second semi final of the Slovakian national selection for the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest is about to be held. Ten acts will compete for three places is in the national final.
Webcast
A webcast is available here. (The webcast works now that the show has started!)
Participants
- Babenky a týpci – Babenky a týpci
- Mária Círová – Búrka
- Jakub Petraník– Nadomnou
- Golden Storm – Daj mi len den
- Samo Tomecek – To co chceš
- Editor – Pod parou
- Mukatado – Ja sa mám
- Marek Kravjar – Geniálny cvok
- Anawi – V predstavách
- Tomáš Bezdeda – Kazdý z nás
LIVE
The show has started. Again, Martin Rausch enters the stage with a rock version of Can't take my eyes off you in the background to welcome the audience.
1. Babenky a týpci – Babenky a týpci
Current poll result: 10.2% (3rd)
The show starts with a classic pop/rock song. The melody is strong, catchy and could definitely work on the Eurovision stage. The arrangement is more in a rock style than in the preview audio file and it works better for the song. The performance is modern, charming and works perfectly for the song. The first song tonight is probably already one of the favourites.
2. Mária Círová – Búrka
Current poll result: 30.6% (2nd)
The first ballad tonight. Last week, the only very classy ballad in the line-up easily made it to the final. Although this song is a very emotional and authentic entry that growns on you, it might not have the instant appeal needed on the Eurovision Song Contest stage. The singer's voice suits the music very well, even if she struggles with the louder notes once in a while. The performance with a sea of candles and roses might be a bit too romantic…
3. Jakub Petraník– Nadomnou
Current poll result: 6.1% (4th)
We go back to the rock genre, even if in a rather funky style. The song is catchy and entertaining, but a bit predictable after the first notes heard. The song probably works the best in the Czech language and might lose some appeal if it was translated to English. The performance is kept simple, which is probably the best choice.
4. Golden Storm – Daj mi len den
Current poll result: 44.9% (1st)
The fourth song tonight mixes pop and rock with some ethnic flavours, which is a successful formula in the Eurovision Song Contest. The melody is catchy and memorable and this is probably one of the favourites tonight. The performance (which includes violins played by the lead singer, something popular in the 2009 national final season), is a bit chaotic and the vocals are very agressive, but somehow it still suits the entry.
5. Samo Tomecek – To co chceš
Current poll result: 0% (=8th)
A rock ballad in a style that would be the perfect background music in a smokey bar around midnight. Similar songs are often taking part in the Albanian selections (with minor success). The atmosphere the song tries to create works very well, but it might not be the first choice for the Eurovision Song Contest, especially because such songs usually need more time than three minutes to reach a climax (which might be the reason why this songs seems to end rather abruptly).
6. Editor – Pod parou
Current poll result: 2.0% (=6th)
A very classic rock song again and it is probably the "hardest" one in its genre. However, the Czech Republic finished last in the 2007 semi final with a similar (yet less melodic) entry which may raise the question if this was the right choice for Moscow. The audience is obviously in love with this band. The performance is perfect for the song, the vocals are strong and this entry definitley leaves a lasting impression.
7. Mukatado – Ja sa mám
Current poll result: 0% (=8th)
This songs probably tries to create a "summer and holiday" atmosphere, which works rather well.The melody is very nice and catchy and being one of the few more laid-back entries tonight, it might have an advantage. Nevertheless, it is probably not outstanding enough to reach a high place in Moscow. The vocals are strong at the beginning but the singer struggles with her voice in the second half of the song.
8. Marek Kravjar – Geniálny cvok
Current poll result: 0% (=8th)
Another classic rock song. This one is probably the one tonight that sticks the closest to a well-known pattern and lacks some originality. However, the performance is rather charming and the vocals are very strong.
9. Anawi – V predstavách
Current poll result: 4.1% (5th)
A straightforward pop/rock song with a catchy melody. It is probably not the most outstanding entry tonight but being late in the running order could help it doing well tonight. Another performance that features a wind machine and itgets less special everytime it is used. However, strong vocals and an authentic overall impression.
10. Tomáš Bezdeda – Kazdý z nás
Current poll result: 2.0% (=6th)
We remain in the rock genre with the last song tonight. The song works well on stage and style suits the performers, but it might not be "special" enough for the Eurovision Song Contest. The performance comes across well, but we have seen many similarperformances tonight before.
Results:
Tomáš Bezdeda, Mária Círová and Mukatado have qualified for the final.
