…a look at the Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final 2005…

Welcome Europe � and Welcome to Ukraine! The land the cornfields, of hearty borchz and of Slavic folklore. From the golden domes of Kiev to the Caparthian Mountains this nation has it all, and is a perfect setting for a contest now truly in a new era of life. Ukraine represents the new Eurovision and the vision of a new Europe! On May 19th Ukraine will host the semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 live from the Palats Sportu in central Kiev. Once again ten nations will qualify, to join the current fourteen countries in the final on Saturday May 21st. Here�s a little low-down from me, Kemal Shahin as I give my views on each entry and really start to separate the wheat from the chaff�

The running of the semi-final isn�t too bad, but then again isn�t anything that special either. Importantly the opening and closing songs fit well together and give the semi a sense of cycle, from one ethnic folk song to another. However I am now sick of Austria always being in the top three songs, it�s becoming scandalous! Second place suits Lithuania well, as one of the weakest should be placed here in my eyes, as it�s the song position everyone forgets. Moldova make an early entrance with their crazy song, but then back to back are three ballads from Latvia, Monaco and Israel I hope this does not stunt the chances of Israel as it is by far one of the best ballads in the whole contest this year. Favourite Iceland has a good chance being sandwiched in tenth place between a good ballad and then a not so good ballad! A good draw for Hungary, FYR Macedonia and Andorra and Switzerland too will be happy with their position. Then a saving grace for Croatia, Slovenia and Denmark and a waste of a very good space on Bulgaria!