Semi-final 2:
Lithuania - A modern song, typical Lithuanian pop though it wouldn't seem out of place in charts across Europe/the world. Both the singers can sing amazingly well and their harmony together is more than pleasing. The music is simple and smooth, and picks up when it makes the most impact. Overall, a brilliantly crafted song! Everything points to this doing well.
Czechia - Despite this not winning the Czech internal selection, I think this is pretty solid choice. The beat is strong and fits Ewa's voice well despite that not standing out on it's own. Overall, it's an upbeat song that has a clear rhythm and is more than likely to get feet tapping. As solid as this song is, I don't think it'll pass to the final unfortunately.
Slovenia - Ah Maraaya is a solid choice - they had a popular song at ESC so they definitely have something to live up to. And I think they do meet expectation! Marjetka is a beautiful singer, as always, and the arrangement is powerful (loving the cellos). It's a little darker than their ESC entry, trying to fit with the theme this year, but is light enough to stand out. Overall, a very solid choice from Syr. This should qualify easily, and there's nothing to say that it won't win the semi final.
New Zealand - Well, you could describe this song as brooding pls don't flay, that's my one pun. Anyways, the contrast between the chorus and the verses is stark enough to keep the listeners engaged while not making it seem like a different song. Her voice doesn't stand out from the pacl, but it does help this song to do just that by giving it a darker mood. Overall, the best choice of the NF by a long shot! This is a very strong song and I think it should qualify.
Ireland - First of all, this didn't recieve a single set of 12 from any of the international juries at it's NF, however it did score very highly withe many of them. It does sound very much like a common alternate rock song nowadays however the arrangement does stand out in this SF. It has a light sound to it, helped by the singer's voice, and the lyrics sound pretty significant. Overall, a solid song. I'm not sure with this one. It doesn't sound like it would be anyone's favourite but should sweep up a lot of the lower scores.
France - Aight, on to the best song now. Mine. It has a Parisian sound which so far has been pretty successful at RSC and is quite unique, though it is diluted with typical European pop sounds. Sasha has a voice that stands out with the song, and adds to the atmosphere the song creates. However, the verses and chorus do sound like 2 different songs and that could lose it some popularity. Winner obviously. It's difficult to predict your own songs as I tend to overrate them. However because most of the people I suspect to vote for this are in the other semi, it could struggle.
Andorra - Sounds very 80s, despite being just 4 years old. Probably the effect the band were after, but it does make it sound pretty dated. Despite this, the music is quite synthesised which can be popular at RSC, and the singer has a distinct voice. I don't think this will do very well because the dated sound isn't very popular at RSC.
Turkey - Well, this certainly is a fan favourite it seems. It sounds very modern and is upbeat, so both of them are good signs for the song. Ayse is an impressive singer and gives the powerful song a strong delivery. Overall, and impressive song and a great improvement on throwaway's last song in my eyes. Should do very well - easy qualifier I think.
Mexico - A very different song for this edition so due it's individuality it has a decent chance of doing well. The singers voices' aren't too unique, however the timbre of them does complement the music well. The music itself seems simple enough at first but grows into a decent beat and good electronic parts. Overall, a solid song with proven success comercially. I have a feeling that this one will not make it through the semifinal, although it will be borderline.
Panama - Woo, Panama are back! This is a firey song with a strong, distinctive beat. This cressendos into a pure bop with a slick melody ending the chorus. The singers voice is pretty distinct too, though I don't think it's quite right for the song. This doesn't detract from the strength of the song however. Overall, it's a solid entry. Dnick should be back in the final without a problem.
South Africa - A solid song that starts out with slow but powerful melody, then grows into something even more beautiful. The tune flows throughout. All the guys in NRG can sing well, and together their voices act as another instrument with the smoothness complement that of the music. Overall, a very solid song that was ultimately chosen by the jury at the NF. Dutch knows how to do well. This should do well.
Germany - You start off thinking this is a traditional folk song, then BAM!! Germany hit you with some rock. The contrast between the two is melded seemlessly. Both of the singers can sing well with distinctive voices, then together they have perhaps the best harmony in the competition. Overall, a fairly accessible rock song with a distinct twist to help it stand out. (Loving the bagpipes by the way) I reckon this could qualify, though there is a chance it doesn't just because it's rock.
Australia - Dami has already proved herself as an exceptional artist, and I think this goes above and beyond her ESC entry. Her voice is impressive, despite not being to unique, and provides some extra lift to an already powerful and upbeat song. The melody overall is powerful and dynamic. A very solid song in general and I'd say the only one that sort of 'copies the previous winner' this edition. Should do really well.
Finland - Well, hmm, this is... a little weird. The video doesn't really do the song any favours I don't think. As with last edition, the singers can sing well and they have a really fun song. However, it is quite similar to, if not worse than, the entry from last edition which failed. Overall, it's a fun upbeat song but there's not much else going for it. Sorry Hraf... I can't see this one qualifying.
United States - This is a song that starts of inconspicuously, then slowly grows and all of sudden it's strong and powerful. The cressendos and decressendos are striking, adding to the power. The vocalist is exceptional - his voice adds an extra oomph to the song and is dynamic to give the song even more depth than the music itself gives. I can see this qualifying, but really could place anywhere.
Canada - The start of the song reminds me quite a bit of Time Machine, which is by no means a bad thing. It's a strong song with a distinct, powerful, and beautiful voice singing it. Of course, the French makes this so much better. The lyrics are meaningful, and of course delivered with amazing strength. Should do well in the final and could push for another top 6 finish.
Denmark - And the dark theme continues! This is a weird song on first listen, however it really does grow each successive you hear it. Eivør is a talented singer, and adds an extra eerieness to the song on top of the hallowing music. Additionally, the Faroese language really helps this too, but regardless it's great that such a language is being shown off! Could finish anywhere in the final really, but it doesn't scream winner to me. Definitely won't finish too low, but I reckon will be in the bottom half.
Wales - And finally, the host's song! For sure, it sounds like typical cheesy pop rock, however there's a reason it's still made - because people like it. The singer's voice is pretty distinctive in this edition, however other than that it sounds like 'fast food' music. I don't think anything like the 'host's curse' will come back, but I don't expect it to get top 6.