The song performances in the First Dress Rehearsal of Semi Two came to an End. I have to say that I enjoyed them a lot, much better than Semi One. Here are some short comments on all the songs:
Lithuania- Perfect opener, charming, a bit camp, a kiss! Vocals could have been better, still ok.
Ireland- Very good backdrop, love the voice, a bit static, not sure if it will stand out.
San Marino- Shaky vocals, comes across amateur, even if the stage work is professional.
Montenegro- Zeljko school of staging, looks really dramatic, flawless vocals, sailing through.
Malta-Conchita backdrop meets Paparizou outfit. Vocally good enough, seems a bit "empty" and not special in my opinion.
Norway-Simple, more chemistry than previous rehearsals, some awkward moments (walking around the stage!), amazed by the voices.
Portugal- Did the best out of it, still forgettable. The kind of "decent" that's rarely appreciated.
Czech Republic- Amazing voices, over-dramatic performance, not a televoting grabber, will the jury vote be enough?
Israel- Stands out by a mile, lifts up the mood, choreography a bit disjoined, vocals decent enough. Don't think the juries will prevent it from qualifying.
Latvia-Performance lifts it up even if a bit odd, some fantastic camera angles with the dress and the floor.
Azerbaijan-The mix of the vocals isn't really good, comes across shouty. Awful choreography. Probably the best backdrop.
Iceland-Really off tune, worst vocals so far. Unspectacular performance. Doesn't look good for Iceland.
Sweden-Mans nails the whole thing visually and vocally from the first rehearsal. Still looks impressive. Obvious winner imo.
Switzerland-Really like the way it comes across on camera, good voice, still not sure about its chances.
Cyprus-Some camera angles look magical, lights in the crowd, great vocals, simplicity.
Slovenia-Doesn't come across powerful enough, lights get better towards the end. Song itself stands out.
Poland- The bright colors are a wise choice, holds back vocally, borderliner.