Live: Semifinal in Spain

by Victor Hondal 101 views

The semifinal of the Spanish selection process for Eurovision 2011, Destino Eurovisión, is about to start. Ten hopefuls will battle to become one of the three lucky acts to qualify for the final. Three of them will go through thanks to the jury voting, while the other one will be selected by the public.

How to watch

  • Live on TVE1 at 22:15 CET
  • Webcast(TVE official)
  • Via satellite on TVE Internacional Europa (Hotbird 19), live at 22:15 CET

The participants

  • David Sancho –Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare)(Italy 1958)
  • Auryn –Eres tú(Spain 1973)
  • Lucía Pérez –Boom bang a bang(United Kingdom1969)
  • Gio –Dime(Spain 2003)
  • Da Igual –Puppet ona string(United Kingdom 1967)
  • Esmeralda Grao –La fiesta terminó(Spain 1985)
  • Melissa –Diva(Israel 1998)
  • Sebas –What's another year?(Ireland 1980)
  • Mónica Guech –Love shine a light(United Kingdom 1997)
  • Don Johnsons –Hard rock hallelujah(Finland 2006)

Have your say

You can vote for your favourite act in the Spanish semifinal in our poll here.

LIVE

The show has started. The host Anne Igartiburu is introducing the jury members to the audience: Albert Hammond, Merche, Reyes del Amor, David Ascanio and Boris Izaguirre.

A video recap of all semifinalists' performances from the qualifying roundsis now being shown. Lines are already open.

1. Da Igual – Puppet on a string (Marionetas en la cuerda)

Da Igual are covering the UK winning entry from 1967, with a rocky flavour. It is interesting to see how these guys are capable of transform every song into a powerful tune. However, their rendition of Sergio Dalma's Bailar pegados sounded much better than this one.

2. Esmeralda Grao – La fiesta terminó

Esmeralda is singing one of Spain's flagship entries in the Eurovision Song Contest, despite its low placing back in 1985. The singer is all dressed in red, with four backing singers. Esmeralda's vocals are good, just like in his previous participation last week. Her performance is emotional and engaging, as she interacts quite well with the public and the camera.

3. Sebas – What's another year?

Sebas, the eurofan candidate, takes the challenge of singing one of Ireland's winning entries in the Eurovision Song Contest, What's another year? by Johnny Logan. Sebas is dressing in a casual way, unlike in his first tv appearance. The guy is singing the song quite well, with flawless vocals and feeling very comfortable and confident on stage.The best performance so far, according to the public's reaction.

4. Lucía Pérez – Boom bang a bang

Our Lulu tonight is Lucía, who is singing Boom bang a bang in a mix of English and Spanish. Lucía's vocals sound in tune, although it should be noted that this song is not very demanding in terms of vocal abilities. The overall impression is effective, the girl is giving a convincing performance and thus becomes one of the strongest acts in tonight's selection.

5. Auryn – Eres tú

The second boy band in tonight's show takes the stage and are ready to sing maybe the most popular and remembered Spanish entry in Eurovision: Eres tú, by Mocedades. Auryn keep the song a ballad, with a modern touch. The guys' voices combine really well, and it is remarkable to mention their professionalism despite their young age.

6. Melissa – Diva

Melissa is set to perform the last Israeli winning song, Diva. The girl is looking stunning wearing that shiny red gown. Melissa seems to have improved her vocal skills in comparison with her first appearance last week, which is not easy as they are nearly perfect, as she doesn't miss a singlenote despite the dance routine. Melissa shows herself very confident and professional on stage. The outcome of this performance is impressive, we should all watch out for her.

7. Gio – Dime

Gio is one of the most surprising acts in this year's Spanish selection, although he is not stranger to the competition. His qualification in the first gala was heavily discussed all over the internet. Gio is performing the 2003 Spanish entry Dime with a rap-reggae feature. Undoubtedly, this guy is really original and might surprise us once again tonight.

8. Mónica Guech – Love shine a light

Mónica has decided to go for one of the most renowned anthems in the Eurovision Song Contest – Love shine a light by Katrina & The Waves. Once again, just like in her first performance, she is on stage playing the piano. Mónica seems to be performing a simplified version of the UK 1997 entry, at least referring to the music. Her vocals are flawless, giving the song an RnB touch. Mónica might easily qualify.

9. Don Johnsons – Hard rock Hallelujah

Don Johnsons are challenging themselves by performing the 2006 winning entry, Hard rock Hallelujah by Finland's Lordi. The band is way too far from Lordi's style but the song doesn't sound bad at all in a more poppy register. Anyway, it is funny to hear the chorus of Hard rock Hallelujah with a milder voice.

10. David Sancho – Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare)

David will feel quite comfortable singing the 1958 Italian entry. His vocals suit this type of songs really well. David is singing the Spanish version of Volare, which is best known in flamenco version by The Gypsy Kings. The singer from Teruel is delivering a solid and professional performance, feeling confident on stage. In fact he is being called the Spanish Michael Bublé.

This concludes tonight's performances. The voting window is still open. Remember that you can vote for your favourite in our poll.

It is now time for the guest artists to perform. First up is Pastora Soler, with her latest song La mala costumbre.

David Ascanio, one of the jury members, is now on stage.

Sergio Dalma is closing tonight's guest performances. The 1991 Spanish representative sings El jardín prohibido.

Phone lines are now closed. The results will be announced shortly.

The results are coming in:

PUBLIC CHOICE: Lucía Pérez

JURY CHOICE: Melissa and Auryn

The three above qualify for the final.