2nd Semi Final predictions.....

And now time to have a look at the draw of the second semi final...

1. Croatia

Not the best way to open the second show. Maybe this ethnic Balkan ballad would have had a chance to qualify if it had come towards the end of the show. As it is now I don't think I will leave a lasting impression on the public.

2. Ireland

Of course the number two position is never good in Eurovision. On the positive note this could not be more different than Croatia's song. This is a catchy pop-rock song, and even quite contemporary. Despite the bad position I think this will have no trouble qualifying.

3. Latvia

This is in my opinion the worst song in the contest this year. Not the best draw for Latvia, that combined with a bad song, I think this will struggle to qualify even if they have all their neighbours in this semi.

4. Serbia

Bizarre choice for Serbia, and another bad song in my opinion. However I do think most if not all the Balkan countries will vote for this. As much as I hate to admit this it does have something catchy about it. Might also get the protest vote from many viewers. So for that reason a probable qualifier.

5. Poland

The second ballad of the night. Quite similar to the song that represented Poland last year, but in my opinion this song is better. Whether it will qualify or not is hard to predict. I think this is one of those that will be on the border of qualifying or not qualifying. However, I think this may be the song the juries might save.

6. Norway

Lucky for Norway they seem to be the big fan favourite this year, and I would be very surprised if this did not qualify. Despite not having the best position I think this will stand out, as it comes between two ballads, and is not close to any of the other big favourites of the night. Definite qualifier.

7. Cyprus

I think this will come across as a bit of anti-climax coming right after Norway, however at the same time it might be refreshing with a change of song style too. In the national final this did not come across very well on stage as the singer was very much out of tune. However, if she is able to master the song on the night this could actually qualify. There will no doubt be 12 points from Greece!

8. Slovakia

This is another song that I don't think highly of. After 11 years away from the contest it's a shame they have such a bad song, and their draw is not the best one coming between two mid-tempo songs. I fear all the screaming that is done in this song will put people off.

9. Denmark

In my opinion this is the best song we have heard from Denmark in a long time. This sounds very much like Ronan Keating (who even co-wrote it), and whether that is an advantage or disadvantage remains to be seen. I think this type of music may be more popular in the west than in the east, and therefore may struggle to qualify. Just my gut feeling.

10. Slovenia

Another big change in style. It might actually be refreshing with an almost instrumental song in the contest, certainly standing out from the rest. I was not keen on this song when I first heard it but it has grown on me. There is something classically Eurovision about this one. I think they may just make it with almost all their neighbours voting.

11. Hungary

A piece of disco in this semi final too, and even in the same spot... Decent song, again another refreshing change in style. Think also this song has a fair good chance of making it to the final although not a favourite of mine.

12. Azerbaijan

One of the big favourites in this semi final. This is a guaranteed finalist in my view. Catchy ethno pop/dance song. Along with Norway I can see this fighting in top of the scoreboard on the final night.

13. Greece

Another big favourite. Unfortunate for Greece coming straight after one of its biggest and most dangerous competitors, in addition to the songs being quite similar in style. However, I don't think it will matter too much, and Greece will easily qualify in my view. Remember, this also happened to Iceland and Sweden last year, and they both made it.

14. Lithuania

Time for a ballad again. Although a decent enough song I don't think it will have a great impact. But then again they do have just about all their neighbours in this semi, so anything is possible. For me this song is a bit dull even coming after 3 dance songs...

15. Moldova

Back to more ethnic music again... I'm afraid I don't quite get this song but I can easily this getting a lot of points as Europe seems to love this type of music. With a good stage show and good vocals I think this is another probable qualifier. Also they will benefit from the late draw.

16. Albania

At first I was not very keen on this song, and the Albanian language comes across as a bit odd in my opinion. However, the song will now be translated to English and also edited and remixed for Eurovision. This should only improve the song, and with such a late draw, I can easily see this also making it to the final.

17. Ukraine

Not at all impressed with Ukraine this year, in fact one of the songs I like the least in the competition. Very cheap and tacky dance song. However, I do fear that the eastern countries and especially the baltic countries may buy into this no matter how cringe-worthy it is, and for that reason alone another probable qualifier.

18. Estonia

Finally another song with some class. Despite being sung in Estonian I think this will come across really well after Ukraine, Albania and Moldova. I think we finally see Estonia in the final again, the first time since 2003!

19. Netherlands

The show ends with the cheesiest of all Eurovision songs this year. I do think Europe will see through the overly camp production and clichéed lyrics. Despite performing last I still cannot see this qualifying.

Predictions

Who I hope will go through:
Ireland, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Slovenia, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Greece, Albania, Estonia.

Who I think will go through:
Ireland, Poland, Norway, Slovenia, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Greece, Albania, Ukraine, Estonia.