Televised on January 30 in Lithuania and online was the somewhat
unnecessary semi-final of the Lithuanian Pre selection. We’ve seen all these
acts before, and frankly, most were extremely underwhelming, so here we go,
ready to critique for the second time, and look for, what we hope, are major
improvements, because it really does look like this is going through the
motions waiting for The Roop to be proclaimed the winners.
Once again, we see the jury make up has changed. No new blood thankfully, to
warble on for hours, but a few from each of the heats to mix things up a bit.
Now for the songs.
1. Be U- Love Yourself
Ron- A vast improvement in vocals and presence, but now she’s wearing
a white satin tent. I still don’t think this makes the cut
Luc- A vast improvement on the heats, with greater band participation.
They’re having a blast! And so am I.
2. Aiste Brokenleg- Home
Ron- Again, an improvement, especially vocally. Now I actually see what
she was trying to do, and how she made it into the actual selection
shows. Still weird for weird sake though
Luc- The hipster bob and trench coat returns to moan at us, but with
more diction and joy…. Still a no but not as hard a no as before.
3. Gabrielius Vagelis- My Guy
Ron- HE LOST THE HAT!! Yes! He looks a million times better. Much
better visually, but no real vocal improvement, unlike the past two.
Mere semi-final filler here
Luc- Ditches that horrid hat and goes all white ensemble and clean
shaven to bring more life to this dull song. Better, but still not great.
4. Martyna Jezepcikaite- Thank You Very Much
Ron- Yeah, still the same semi baked bop as the heat. The lighting and
butterfly bodysuit are the true stars here
Luc- Presence plus, with a bit of a contemporary banger…. Cute, fills the
stage…
5. Norbertas- Man In Need
Ron- Oh Norbs, This insipid performance won’t get you anywhere
Luc- Bless the NSync wannabe, sans any real vocal ability. Its as trite as it
always will be.
6. Evita Cololo- Be paslapciu
Ron- I feel like Evita has a lot of potential, but this is just not right for
her. I can’t explain it.
Luc- Lounge singer brings the late-night vibe with conviction. But, it’s so
late everyone’s a sleep
7. Titas Ir Benas- No
Ron- These boys should not sing separately. They work so well together,
that’s about it, as a package, it works though
Luc- These youngens continue to show they’re a cut above with sincerity
and harmony. I still like this
8. Voldemars Petersons- Never Fall For You Again
Ron- My favourite from heat one, builds a little more momentum, just a
little closer to being Eurovision ready
Luc- The pointy thin man and his band of vagabonds rise above the pack
with a still pleasant toe tapper. Fun, interesting and enjoyable
9. Milita Daikeryte- Shadows
Ron- Still kind of looks like a teen beauty pageant. Id love to see this girl
take on a really good actual song.
Luc- Severe haired vocalist who is just so much better than this song. It’s
still very acceptable, but not remarkable.
10. Gebrasy- Where’d You Wanna Go?
Ron- The classiest entry of the night, between this and Voldemars for
best of the night. I feel like the song needs just one more elevation
though.
Luc- This bloke has presence and the song is dramatic and melancholy.
Like the voice, like the song, like this.
And just like that it’s time for the voting. Both Luc and I agree that if
anyone has a shot of knocking off The Roop, its Gebrasy, but that would
be highly unlikely.
The qualifiers for the grand finale, after what seems like an eternity, are:
Martyna Jezepcikaite
Evita Cololo
Titas & Benas
Voldemars Peterson
Gebrasy
These five acts will face off with The Roop for their chance at Eurovsion
glory. We aren’t holding our breath for any of them. See ya next week at
the finale!