Eurovision 2012 Final

I finally got to catch up with Eurovision, so here are my notes - although very late.

United Kingdom

Sorry 'The Hump' I found this a lull. He might have been famous in his career but this style of music does not attract in Eurovision anymore. The vocals were decent I must say but the song is so boring and the big notes were just odd.

7.3

Hungary

He still sounds constipated and the vocals just don't work for this track, his voice isn't big enough. The whole thing also sounds very generic. I also didn't understand much, sorry Compact Disco.

7.1

Albania

Despite not knowing what she's singing every time I hear it I'm touched, anyone who can sing this song well deserves kudos. The piano track, the vocal, the performance everything sounds so emotional. However I think the song could have been improved by having better placed rests. I do have to say I think she was better in the semifinal though as she sounded slightly screechy at parts today

9.1

Lithuania

The start sounds so 90s pop, actually let me rephrase that the whole track is so 90s. His thrusts were so embarrassing they looked like the stuff you see dad's do at the local pub. The vocals were decent though but the whole performance was just too karaoke.

7.6

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The whole thing was beautiful, the music, the voice and the singer! However this might not leave a strong memory on viewers because it doesn't really have a big moment. It's a nice simple track. I agree with Graham Norton this year there are quite a lot of good songs sung by good singers.

8.75

Russia

I agree with Graham Norton, it's difficult not to like them actually even though it's pretty bad. This is typical Eurovision nonsense. However I must say I only really remember the "Party for everybody, come on and dance" bit and the "boom boom" part.

8.3

Iceland

I just find this forgettable. It isn't a bad track but it's hard to remember this because nothing really stands out. The vocals are only ok, the track is ok, the lyrics are ok, everything is just ok. They build the song up and then break it back down so it's kind of all over the place.

7.9

Cyprus

This is as Graham Norton said a very infectious track. It's the classic good looking girl - catchy pop track - sexy performance that Eurovision continually showcases and she's arguably the best one this year. It sounds like it could be on the radio now actually. I do find her hand gestures very odd though. 

I think if Rihanna were to release this it would make No.1, that is not a compliment by the way!

8.65

France

I'm amazed, if she's the most listened to French speaking artiste then why didn't she do better? This isn't awful, yes not amazing but arguably should score better. Her vocals were a little rough for me but I do quite like this track actually, if only she sang better I think this song could have done quite well. How did her dress flow but not her hair?

8.1

Italy

More 'boom boom boom's and la la la's!' It's quite catchy but something doesn't work. I quite like it though. It reminds me of something but I can't remember what. It kind of sounds like two song mashed together.

8.55

Estonia

Another very beautiful sounding track that I don't understand a word of, as cheesy as it sounds it does prove that music is universal. This is almost the male version of Albania but this is definitely sweet rather than emotional. The singer is amazing.

8.9

Norway

I personally find this better than Popular by Eric Saade last year because that was just so egoistical. However this is still not great, it is however one step away from being catchy. I do feel for Tooji though, this track sounds so camp (though not as camp as Malta last year). I do agree that it's a mix of Eastern and Western European pop.

7.75

Azerbaijan

This is just in the same vein as Ell and Nikki's track last year, it doesn't sound the same but it's very familiar. I'm not really keen on it to be honest but it's ok. The vocals range from good to average (sometimes screechy), the track is a bit bland and generic and the weird guy screaming in the background is so odd. This track is undying.

7.8

Romania

This track along with Greece's are the two 'love-to-hate' tracks of mine, it's just so catchy! I just can't help but want to move with this track. Zaleilah leilah lei! One word of criticism, I think they should have kept the energy up throughout the track.

8.85

Denmark

Graham Norton was so rude (but funny) to her! I do like this track but she doesn't sing it well enough. I think she was better on the semifinal as well. They also should have had a full xylophone. I don't get her outfit.

8.5

Greece

I don't know why I don't like this as much as Cyprus and Romania, I just don't. But it is still quite a decent Eurovision track.

8.25

Sweden

I like it but it's not my favourite, it sounds like any other dance track except for the decent singer Loreen. The dance is quite amusing, though could easily catch on. The thing is this song is memorable even though it might not be the best track or the best vocal and it taps into the current market.

8.6

Turkey

I guess he does look a bit like Sasha Baron Cohen, a better looking one though. I still think he sounds odd and this whole track sounds odd. This sounds like something you'd here when a friend starts singing outside of a club.

6.9

Spain

Another beautiful song and a beautiful voice. I like the buildup of this song, there's a definite story to it unlike a lot of stop-star tracks this year. This is in direct competition with Albania I think.

9

Germany

A very sweet song I think and showcasing that you don't need to hit big notes to showcase your vocals. It's definitely something I can imagine hearing on the radio, I can definitely here the Jamie Cullum influence.

8.8

Malta

It's quite a nice track I guess but it's still pretty bland and it doesn't have a big moment despite repeating "This is the night" so many times.

8

FYR Macedonia

The whole styling of this song reminds me of a French entry a year or two ago. There are so many good female vocals this year; Albania, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I find it a real foot tapping track. I like the rough tones to her voice but she can still hit those high notes - impressive.

8.7

Ireland

I still don't like Waterline as much as Lipstick and I think it showed in the results. It just isn't as catchy or as energetic a song as Lipstick and it just seems a bit desperate to me.

7.5

Serbia

He sings well but I just find this track a bit boring ala the UK's. Don't really get the love for it. However I still commend the smooth vocals and distinctively Eastern European sound of the track.

8.2

Ukraine

I must admit if it wasn't for the singer's very grouchy voice and squealing I think I would have enjoyed the chorus. I think the trumpets sound funny but are an interesting addition to a dance track.

7.25

Moldova

Possibly one of the worst songs to close out a decent night of singing. Ok I'll be nicer, the song isn't that bad, very typical Eurovision, we normally have one of these every year and the vocals are decent but it just doesn't cut it among this year's powerful crop of singers.

7.25

I think I have a very strong Top 10, I actually like all of my Top 10 for the RIGHT reasons! So here is my ranking. With the countries scores and actual ranking next to it.

Albania                                 9.1                   5th                146

Spain                                    9                      10th              97

Estonia                                 8.9                    6th               120

Romania                               8.85                  12th             71

Germany                              8.8                     8th               110

Bosnia and Herzegovina        8.75                  18th              55

FYR Macedonia                   8.7                    13th              71

Cyprus                                 8.65                   16th              65

Sweden                                8.6                     1st               372

Italy                                      8.55                   9th               101

Denmark                               8.5                     23rd             21

Russia                                   8.3                     2nd               259

Greece                                  8.25                   17th              64

Serbia                                   8.2                      3rd               214

France                                  8.1                      22nd             21

Malta                                    8                         21st              41

Iceland                                 7.9                       20th              46

Azerbaijan                            7.8                       4th               150

Norway                                7.75                     26th              7

Lithuania                               7.6                       14th              70

Ireland                                  7.5                       19th              46

UK                                       7.3                       25th              12

Moldova                               7.25                     11th              81

Hungary                                7.1                       24th              19

Ukraine                                 7                          15th              65

Turkey                                  6.9                        7th               112

A few notes on the scoring,

In total Sweden got 18 '12 points'!

After 15 countries the Top 5 are already the same as the final 5.

I'm shocked Russia only got 1 '12 points'.

25 countries in Sweden makes the 200 mark!

I don't really understand how Sweden won by such a big margin.

Only Italy didn't award Sweden with a score whilst only Switzerland didn't give Russia anything. Both of which gave Albania 12 points!

I'm happy Albania made the Top 5 despite Graham Norton's snide remarks. But boo to Britain for not giving Rona anything.

Spain, Estonia and Germany also made the Top 10. Sadly Bosnia didn't make it anywhere near the top half of the table, I guess there were just too many similar performances. Kind of shocked that Cyprus only made 16th and Greece one below them at 17th! I thought Greece would do well as they always do Of note is this is the first time Greece falls out of the Top 10 since 2003.

I still don't really get why Serbia did so well, supposedly he's quite famous or something, but his song was a lull.

This is the 4th consecutive year Azerbaijan made the Top 5 and each time I'm baffled as to why. I guess Always by Aysel and Arash were a decent Top 5 but Drip Drop, Running Scared and When the Music Dies were not that great.

The UK continue to languish. In the past 10 years we have only managed to make the top half of the table twice; Jade in 2009 and Blue last year.

Anyway I'm kind of happy that Sweden won because firstly I actually liked the song and secondly it shows that bloc voting isn't stifling the results as in the last five years western Europe have won three times. However I still can't believe Sweden managed a score nearly as high as Alexander Rybak in 2009.

Eurovision 2012 Semifinal 2

Serbia
I think this is ok, it's pretty soothing but that can also be seen as boring.

8.25


F.Y.R. Macedonia
Her voice is quite nice, I like the whole style of this song.

8.75


Netherlands
I like her voice and it's pretty sweet. I like this folksy tune but she really can't do high notes.

8.5


Malta
Sounds quite Eurovision, I quite like it though it's a bit samey.

8.5


Belarus
I'm not sure about this. I think it's quite catchy but the vocals are totally not working, it sounds a bit messy. But I think this might attract the female vote in that it's a hot guy in a vest in a band. Enough said.

7.75


Portugal
This song is pretty boring, nothing really stands out. The vocals are ok, the track is ok, the performance is ok everything is just ok which makes it forgettable.

7.75


Ukraine
She's a bit screamy tbh. What the hell were the graphics about? Anyway I don't know what I think of this. It sounds a bit messy but I've heard worse.

7.25


Bulgaria
Ok I have to admit it, I like the track but not the singing. She sounded really screechy.

7.25


Slovenia
Her voice is decent but the song is pretty boring. I was literally about to fall asleep.

7.5


Croatia
I quite like this track, it sounds a bit Final Fantasy to me for some reason. It's quite game music because it's quite dramatic and has a strong instrumental track.

8.75


Sweden
I do like this but I don't get the hype. I guess I can hear this in clubs and it's quite a nice mix of a club track with decent vocals.

8.75


Georgia
This is so random. The song just doesn't work and the vocal is odd.

4.5


Turkey
erm... what the hell is this? He sounds like he has some sort of nasal infection or something and the song doesn't make any sense.

6


Estonia
Beautiful voice, I think this year is all about the big voices. Quite mesmerising even though I have no idea what he's saying.

9


Slovakia
SCREAMO! Definitely not my type of music.

6.75


Norway
I think he's trying to be the Eric Saade of Norway. I actually find this better than 'Popular' and danceable though not very catchy, it's one of those types of songs which you try to sing but then forget the lyrics and start humming.

8.5


Bosnia and Herzegovina
I love her voice and the track is so beautiful. However it might be a bit too low-key to do well at Eurovision.

9


Lithuania
Vocals are decent though it's pretty bland and I hate how it suddenly goes into this very cheesy pop track.

8


So my Top 10 in order

Estonia (Top 10)
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Top 10)
FYR Macedonia (Top 10)
Croatia
Sweden (Top 10)
Norway (Top 10)
Netherlands
Malta (Top 10)
Serbia (Top 10)
Lithuania (Top 10)

Rest of Actual Top 10
Ukraine
Turkey

A bit disappointed Croatia didn't make it but I knew Ukraine and Turkey would make it as they always do. Turkey did however suffer a blip last year.

Ok my favourite 5 from the two semifinals I think are Albania, Romania, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Cyprus.

The winners of the last five years also performed. I have to say out of the 5 years I think I like Ell and Nikki the least by far. I didn't like Satellite when it won but Lena kind of redeemed herself to me last year. My favourite by far is Alexander Rybak and Molitva is a pretty good ballad.

I'll be looking forward to these acts in the final...

France
Italy
Spain
Germany
Albania
Romania
Cyprus
Denmark
Russia
FYR Macedonia
Sweden
Estonia
Norway
Bosnia and Herzegovina

see you on Saturday!

The Apprentice UK Series 8 Episode 10

Finally Stephen is out but sadly she dragged out Gabrielle as well.

I have to admit I never found Gabrielle that strong a contender but I loved her personality and she's an Architect so I have to support her! Stephen was really grating me with his manipulative tactics, it was nice to see him more human in You're Fired but I think that might be more just damage control for his reputation.

So with the double elimination we have our Top 5. I thought Jade was the weak link but with this episode I think she's redeemed herself in Lord Sugar's eyes. So now we have our Top 5 who will win?

Nick - He's like the 'saint' of this series. He's never been portrayed badly and everyone seems to like him but then again we have seen very little of him which seems quite odd if he were to win this.

Tom - Around halfway through this series Tom began to be portrayed as a spoilt brat, I find it hard to imagine Lord Sugar would want to work with him from the way they're portraying him but then he does seem like a favourite.


Adam - He seems like Lord Sugar's favourite and people are starting to like him, however I find it difficult to imagine him winning based on his clueless-ness in most of the tasks but they are editing him quite well.

Ricky - Ricky is my favourite because he's competent and seems like a good guy overall. However Lord Sugar doesn't seem to like him so unless he amazes him next week he'll probably not win.

Jade - I don't know about Jade anymore, I thought before this week she had shown no strengths but this week she's obviously been portrayed in a good light.

It's really difficult to predict who will win, I find this year to be pretty week in general. I think at the moment Adam and Nick look the more likely to win.

Eurovision 2012 Semifinal 1

I missed the semifinals but I'm here blogging about it just before the finals, which I'll probably miss as well but I'll definitely blog about it.

Montenegro

WTF! Weird costume and even weirder song. He wasn't even on time and was tuneless!

3/10

Iceland

It's ok I guess but it's a bit bland and reminds me of a Danish duo a few years ago

8/10

Greece

This is pretty typical, the kind of Greek pop you come to expect from Eurovision.

7.5/10

Latvia

This is really odd. The lyrics are so random and the song is pretty boring.

6.5/10

Albania

I like her voice but the song is a bit erratic, stops and starts quite a lot. I'm amazed she pulled it off though because I thought this could sound horrible live from the MV. I do love the power of the song even though I don't understand it.

9.25

Romania

I find this really catchy and totally Eurovision. I love it!

9/10

Switzerland

Switzerland likes sending these pop-rock entries but they never do well at Eurovision. I quite like this though but I've heard better from Switzerland. It sounds so generic and hate the repetitiveness.

8.5/10

Belgium

I like the tone of her voice but she was slightly off key. However I remember liking this song when I heard the MV. I just wished her voice was stronger.

8.75/10

Finland

It's ok, quite nice and sweet but is pretty forgettable.

8.25

Israel

I can't believe this is coming from Israel! It just doesn't seem Israeli to me - maybe I don't know Israel enough. I'm slightly disturbed by the lead singer!

5/10

San Marino

Sorry this song is totally shit. Why couldn't she sing in Italian at least I wouldn't know what she is singing. This is like San Marino's Rebecca Black.

3.5/10

Cyprus

This sounds like a song Rihanna would sing to me. It's ok, pretty generic pop song though I think the lead singer is a bit too growly.

8.75/10

Denmark

I remember this was one of my favourites when I listened to the MVs. I still like this song sadly the lead singer can't handle this song. I still like this though.

8.5/10

Russia

Russia can send in one of those talking cards and they'd go through. They'd probably win though, it's worrying. I do find them adorable but this is borderline scary. However I do like the line "come on and dance" when the Russian grannies sing it. Adorable - 7 for cuteness!

7/10

Hungary

He sounds constipated. I like the music but the song overall is pretty boring. I think the song would be better if the lead singer sounded better.

7/10

Austria

OMG I love this! It's total shit but soooooooo catchy! I want this in the final just so I can sing 'WOKI MIT DEIM POPO' in the final! Ok on a serious note only the chorus is memorable everything else is shit as POPO!

8/10

Moldova

Randomness can either be fun or boring and this was on the boring side, there was nothing that hooked me.

5.5/10

Ireland

Where are their quiffs! Now they have a bird's nest for hair! I find Lipstick catchier. It sounds kind of 90s to me and there isn't a memorable chorus or anything. Not as entertaining as last year because the song is quite bland.

7.25/10

So my Top 10, in order, are...

Albania (Top 10)

Romania (Top 10)

Belgium

Cyprus (Top 10)

Denmark (Top 10)

Switzerland

Finland

Iceland (Top 10)

Austria

Greece (Top 10)

Rest of Actual 10

Ireland

Russia

Hungary

Moldova

Don't understand how Moldova made it and maybe Hungary as well. I think I'll come to love Russia by the final. Slightly sad that Belgium is out but she really didn't perform that well. Anyway I'll update Semifinal 2 in a bit.

Gloves Come Off

Gloves Come off is the first series of 2012 that I have watched from start to finish so I wanted to post a few words about it.

I think Gloves Come off is the most annoying series I've watched in a while it started off so good but it collapsed into the usual TVB melodrama after the 15th episode. I think TVB tried to make this into a bigger drama than it needs to be adding all the silly nonsensical drama. I'm so disappointed with TVB this series could have been so good, a contender for the best series this year. I think TVB's series this year have been pretty ok, on an upward trend. However the last two episodes did bring it back a bit to what I had initially loved about the series.

Vicky's character was one of the first things that saw the downfall of this drama. There was no reason for her existence in this drama she just created more stupid drama however her demise made me pity her.

The way that characters changed had no development or precursor. Power just suddenly became this good for nothing prat, a little back story would have been nice. Edwin's change might have had reason but was totally unnecessary and overdramatic. I don't understand why they wrote in so many awful characters e.g. Power and Katy and Raymond, Edwin and Florence for a few episodes as well as that evil rich man. How and why does Katy suddenly become this good girl? TVB just makes everything so convenient, it's always drama up until the finale and then everything happens to tie up at the end, however Power's transition back into someone with some morals was a quite well written I thought.

I think Natalie Tong was my favourite character and whilst her death was unnecessary it was sweet how they treated the aftermath.  Nancy however was probably the best actor/actress in the whole series for me. What Gloves Come Off did well was pull at our heartstrings, all three couple pairings were distinct which made it easy to like all three but I just wish it all had more involvement with Muay Thai. The way they wrote all the love relationships were pretty good but Gloves Come Off tried to be something it was not meant to be, there were moments near the last few episodes which kind of reprieved the earlier nonsensical madness but nothing could really make up for what they tried to do.

Gloves Come Off will leave a love-hate relationship for me I think it was TVB trying to be fresh but still holding onto some very annoying TVB traits. If TVB still had the Best Couple awards I think all three pairings would be a good nominee but as individuals I'd only support Nancy Wu for Best Supporting Actress and maybe Selena and Natalie for a Top 15 nomination in the Best Actress category.

The Apprentice UK Series 8 Episode 9

So Jenna is out, not too surprising actually for her track record but in the boardroom it did look like Stephen.

I'm starting to hate Stephen, he has got to be one of the most despicable Apprentice characters ever on TVB and that's a very strong word for a TV personality. I hate the way how he tries to drag people into the boardroom over him such as with Gabrielle,  how he tries to say "you're sitting there very quietly" etc etc. He's so annoying!

My favourite is still Gabrielle followed by Ricky then maybe Tom.

Nick: 90%

Tom: 85%

Adam: 85%

Ricky: 70%

Gabrielle: 50%

Stephen: 40% 

Jade: 30%

I think Nick is now the outright favourite, he hasn't been shown in a negative light at all.

Despite Tom's win the series is editing him with more flaws than before.

People are starting to like Adam and I think Lord Sugar sees a lot in him.

I think Ricky is a decent candidate but he has two PM losses and Lord Sugar thinks he has a defeatist attitude which is surely not good if you're going into business.

Gabrielle is starting to look more and more likely as a Top 5 candidate, it would be amazing to see her get there, she has always been an underdog.

I think Stephen's last chance will be next week.

I think Jade is on her last thread, if she's on the losing team next week she'll probably be sent home.

The Apprentice UK Series 8 Episode 8

The time was up for Laura, she was on Lord Sugar's books and with another unimpressive performance she was booted out.

We were reminded on You're Fired that Laura is a good salesperson, regularly among the Top 3, but this is no longer orientated on sales and since Laura didn't provide any other strong reason to stay the failure of what she is supposedly strongest at meant she had to go.

I think Pure Evil was definitely the best choice, love the artists name! I think Tom was so excited that he could showcase his knowledge about the field he forgot that the task was mainly to endear yourself towards the artist. Yes knowledge is great but you also need to be enthusiastic about the work. Nathan Bowen was the best choice for the corporate client out of the five and with a good sales pitch could have won them over whilst Copyright was a good choice for Renault. Though besides a few of his works on show I wasn't keen on Copyright's work. Does anyone feel that it was a bit unfair that the budgets for the corporate clients were different.

I think the Jessop works were the best of what Phoenix had left, SPQR would have been a great talking point but whether they would sell well is another question. It was either play it safe or gamble and I think Tom's decision was not wrong it's just that it didn't work out on the night.

My opinion on the 8 have definitely changed since last week so here's my updated view on who will be the Top 5.

Tom: 90%

Nick: 90%
Adam: 85%

Ricky: 75%

Stephen: 45%
Gabrielle: 45%

Jenna: 35%

Jade: 30%

Tom might have been hit but I think he's a strong enough contender to stay until the Top 5. Unless of course he fails to deliver in next weeks task which should be up his alley.
With Nick's continued success it's hard to doubt his Top 5 position.
I still don't like Adam but Lord Sugar obviously does. Lord Sugar sees a lot of himself in Adam I think so he might not win but will definitely stay longer than what I initially expected.
Ricky stays within good chances because he's undoubtedly shown strengths
Stephen is now the weakest male of the five I think, I wouldn't be surprised if he's the next guy to leave.
I highly doubt there would be no females in the final 5 and out of the 3 left Gabrielle has shown more potential than the others. What is problematic is despite showing enthusiasm and creativity she often manages a major fall as well, it's like two steps forward and then one big step back for her.
I think I talked up Jenna's beauty business, she has yet to been heavily featured, even when she was PM, so she's probably leaving soon.
More and more questions are propping up for Jade and she has yet to really prove her worth, if she finds herself in the boardroom any more she'll have a lot to speak up for.

So I think there's a clear scramble between the girls and Stephen for a place in the Top 5 atm. Yet again there are no favourites to win atm until we see the final proposals I think so until the final few are set it's going to be interesting seeing who gets fired.

The Apprentice UK Series 8 Episode 6 + 7

I didn't post last week so today I'll make a quick catch up. So Katie and Azhar are now out.

I don't think Azhar was responsible for the failure of the task but Azhar was definitely the weakest of the 10 left. So my brief opinion on the final 9.

Adam Corbally - he's somebody out of the 60s honestly. I think his sole strength is sales but small consumer products, I don't think he is strong in any of department and that's why he should go before the Final 5.

Gabrielle Omar - It seems like she'll be PM next week and I feel this could be the be all or end all for Gabrielle. If she loses the only thing that would save her is if she outsold all of her team if not she'll be on rocky ground.

Jade Nash - I think this week has shown us that if Jade doesn't sharpen up quick she'll be leaving the process very soon. She hasn't shown her strengths besides being a strong motivator.

Jenna Whittingham - I find Jenna weak to be honest but having been reminded that Lord Sugar is interested in the beauty business and Jenna having experience there maybe Lord Sugar will keep her around till the serious competition begins.

Laura Hogg - In all honesty what has Laura done? I love her but I really can't remember anything that she has excelled at. I'm sorry to say but out of the 9 she has the least noticeable strengths.

Nick Holzherr - He's a nice guy and has been able to glide his way through the competition but he's still very much an unknown to me. However with two PM wins he's got to have left an impression on Lord Sugar.

Ricky Martin - His strength is his sales and leadership qualities but he can also rub people the wrong way. He's a contender for the Top 5 but there's still a long way to go.

Stephen Brady - His manipulative powers reminds me of Jim last year and that could serve him very well if he avoids the boardroom for the coming weeks. He's yet to feature in the bottom 3 so all if looking good at the moment.

Tom Gearing - I think he's the obvious favourite at the moment no doubt. I don't remember any time where Nick or Karen have talked negatively about him but I think he hasn't built up a substantial enough lead to be seen as the outright winner yet. It all comes down to the proposals but if you ask me the first one with a shot at the Top 5 is Tom.

So out of the I'd say Top 5 looks like

Tom: 100%

Nick: 85%

Ricky: 75%

Stephen: 55%

Jenna: 50%

Adam: 45%

Gabrielle: 35% 45%

Jade: 30%

Laura: 20%

I'm hoping Gabrielle has a good business plan under her sleeve to keep her around for a bit longer but actually maybe Jade has one too. I definitely think it'll be a male dominated Top 5.

Still rooting for Gabrielle after that I'd support Tom.

n.b. I upped Gabrielle's chances a bit after doing a little browsing around the internet, feeling more positive towards her chances now.