The second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 starts from the Malmö Arena, Sweden. 19 countries take the stage: sixteen competing and three of the “Big Five” or Italy (with Angelina Mango), France and Spain. Here are the report cards of the competing artists.
Malta, Sarah Bonnici, Loops. Rating: 5
More dancer than singer, more ballet than song, which is barely there. And even in the moments when it is there, remember Survivors of Destiny’s Child: the rest are shots, explosions, rhythmic passages, and also a lot of flames. And the silver bodysuit gets a little hot too.
Albania, Besa, Titan. Rating: 7
Urban soul hip hop that becomes trip hop at the end. Not bad, though, two backup singers arrive for the chorus. Veil on the head, an embroidered turquoise dress, all very pleasant.
Greece, Marina Satti, Zari. Rating: 7
Tradition and modernity as required for Eurovision. Ethnicity and the Mediterranean for a very rhythmic song which, after a traditional beginning complete with sirtaki dance steps, steals the tempo from an Arabic song. She, a Sudanese father and Greek mother, raised in Crete, wears a silver skirt and a white top, her leather boots hide the white handkerchief which she then waves together with the four dancers. A chip thrown towards the podium.
Switzerland, Nemo, The code. Rating: 6
Nemo, the Swiss singer, arrives wearing a skirt and faux fur coat with sneakers and pink lace laces to match the rest. He climbs onto a kind of rotating satellite dish and when the song vaguely becomes the theme of a film from the 007 saga, he is amazed by the way in which he manages to keep himself upright. Nemo also threw a chip onto the three steps of the podium.
Czech Republic, Aiko, Pedestal. Rating: 4
A rock piece but the band plays in playback and only from the screens. In fact, rock soon becomes diluted into watered-down pop. Fire and flames are then useless. Note the flesh-colored leotards that only make you imagine a generous décolleté for the four dancers. She had it on trial, then they must have advised her to be careful and a glittery red bra appeared.
Austria, Kaleen, We will rave. Rating: 5
Throwing away the heavy coat, because in these latitudes you can never completely exclude yourself, Kaleen discovers thigh-high boots and a silver bodysuit: daring choreography with acrobatic steps for a decidedly commercial rave. Applause for your commitment and courage.
