After semi-final one the previous night - and in a move I don’t really understand, the 18 finalists were announced (online) prior to the second semi final - a bit strange...!
Regardless, on 22 December we were offered the acoustic versions of all 25 songs. All I’ll say is that this felt entirely unnecessary in the age of YouTube where anyone could go and see different versions of songs they liked. I guess it fills another night of television, but I’d have preferred them to cut it to just the finalists, given these had already been announced. Most versions are also inferior to the regular studio version, so I’m not sure it really adds much to the competition.
There was also a LOT of what appeared to be local music and interviews with Albanian stars/musicians, which I guess would be a lot more interesting to those watching in-country.
Some highlights from this second night:
Florent Abrashi with Vajzë. This was better in the acoustic set, although had been dreadful on night one. A bit sickly sweet for my liking.
Wendi Mancaku with Vesi i shpirtit tim. A ballad of dullness on night one, but the acoustic piano and maracas (yes!) version made it a little more exciting
Festina Mejzini with Kush je ti dashuri. The acoustic version actually made the song feel fun and joyful – like a totally different song – it was such a pained, anguished (great) track on night one. One of the few which doesn’t sound worse!
Anxhela Peristeri with Karma. This version was mournful and soulful, and still sounded great.
Fatos Shabani with Ty. Not so different from night one - still sweet. It’s like the background music to a scene in a romcom, playing behind a montage of breaking up arguments, getting back together moments, being happy together, and then an eventual separation.
Era Rusi with Zjarri im. This was all about the (ridiculous) dress and not much about the song. A fall from grace from night one.
Xhesika Polo with Më mbron. Another which didn’t translate well despite being strong the night before. Also, forgot to cover her bits with her dress...
Kamala Islamaj with Kujtimet s'kanë formë. Seemingly a triple threat – this artist wrote, sung, and played the piano beautifully in this version. One which came across so well on both nights.
Enxhi Nasufi with Njësoj. This moved from a forgettable pop ditty on night one, to a decent background song on night 2. Not a ringing endorsement, I appreciate!
Rosela Gjylbegu with Vashëz. This was fun! Plink plunk of strings with a fun gallop through the lyrics.
The acts which didn’t make the final are: 1. Enxhi Nasufi, 2. Franc Koruni, 5. Erik Lloshi, 7. Agim Poshka, 13. Stefan Marena. 18. Fatos Shabani and 22. Klinti Çollaku. I’m fine with all of that with the exception of Fatos, which I think is a shame - but probably not very ‘Eurovision’.