Well, here we go. It's that time of year again. As we embark upon our first semi final tonight it's time to crack on with my predictions. Last year this was actually quite a straightforward task. Other than the surprise eliminations of Norma John from Finland and Koit and Laura of Estonia it was reasonably … Continue reading Semi Final 1 Predictions: Who The Hell Knows???
Apologies for the lack of update yesterday, it feels like we're in a slight lull period before everything seriously starts to ramp up. Yesterday started with doing my laundry. I know, it really is all glamour here at the Eurovision Song Contest. Later that day saw the 'blue carpet' opening event on the coast. Blue … Continue reading Day 8 & 9: Slowly, Slowly Catchy Eurovision
Much has been said of the musical diversity we've been treated to this year. Perhaps we're going to get a Eurovision like no other in Lisbon. However, I would argue that isn't strictly true. You only have to go back 12 months to find a lot of entries from 2017 have actually popped up again … Continue reading The History Book on the Shelf
Today marked a very important day in my first Eurovision bubble experience. Today...we went to the arena. Now this is not my first Eurovision completely. I was lucky enough to be in Stockholm for a week back in 2016 so today was not my first time walking into a Eurovision arena. However, today marked the … Continue reading Day 7: Stepping into the Ring
Busy day for us all here in the press centre, hence why the daily blog is being posted a little later than normal. Busy day for me individually too. Earlier I posted the reasons why we should all get behind the UK act, SuRie as well writing up my experience of these first few days on … Continue reading Day 6: Solid Start for Surie, Poignant Portugal & all the Feels for France
Later today the United Kingdom will take to the stage for the first time in preparations for this year's Contest. SuRie will get her first taste of the Altice Arena as she and the other automatic qualifiers rehearse their numbers for the very first time. Regardless of what happens next Saturday night (8pm, BBC1 for … Continue reading Your Country Needs You: 7 Reasons to get Behind SuRie
Today we got to the second rehearsals for semi final 1. For many here in the press room this meant a second viewing after Sunday's initial forays. However, as I missed Sunday much of today was completely fresh for me. Given that this semi final is being slated as one of the most competitive in … Continue reading Day 5: Miraculous Mikolas, Alarming Alekseev & Faltering Favourites
Georgia's resident Ethno Jazz band Iriao were an utterly delightful start to the day. If I'm honest this is not a song I'd given any real thought to prior to viewing the staging. However, seeing the lads bring high class to the Eurovision stage has raised it hugely in my estimations. Following the performance of … Continue reading Day 4: Hungary. Hungary Hungary Hungary. (Other Countries are Available)
We opened the day with our returning hero from Norway, Alexander Rybak. The 2009 winner appeared to take to the rehearsals this morning with a quite a restrained approach. The man has quite clearly done all this before, he understands that nobody wins Eurovision on a Tuesday morning. I still can't stand the song itself … Continue reading Day 3: Magnificent Moldova, Rybak Returns and San Marino Stuns
OK, so I arrived a day late. In missing Day 1 of rehearsals I managed to lose out on 4 of the big favourites. Not only that but Sunday saw a hospitalisation, a rose sprouting back (who knew that was a thing) and a Lithuanian heart string tug-fest. Note to self for next year, leave … Continue reading Day 2: Aalto’s A-Game, Sensational Cypriot Silliness and Eye Cue’s Eyeful
