Is it really that time of year again? The National Final Season is underway with the first song already selected for Baku, almost 5 months in advance. The excitement has started already and I have to say on a personal level what a fantastic start to proceedings.
Sat in front of my laptop with an excellent stream from SF Tv on Saturday Night I watched as for once, a song I really wanted to progress to the ESC made it. Sinplus will represent Switzerland with the song Unbreakable. A great addition and a great start for Baku 2012!
The Swiss national final gained headlines for the return of the first ever winner of Eurovision Lyss Assia who many felt was a hot favourite going into proceedings. Could the 87 year old really trump the youngsters and take her place at Baku 2012? I thought it was possible but in the end, despite a better than expected vocal and a song that wasn't by any means awful, she failed to make an impact missing out on even the top 3.
The final itself started really poorly and by half way through even the most addicted ESC fans were beginning to give up hope but those who knew the songs prior to the contest knew what was coming and a succession of contenders to the throne cured that. Suddenly it all felt alive and by the time Sinplus took the the stage the contest was on.
Sinplus have a great sound, something close to The Killers and the problem Sinplus obviously have is their "sound" on the night and in Baku 2012 will rely on the vocals of the lead singer. Now I'm not saying Sinplus cant play live, Ive never heard them but the vocals at the NF weren't the best. English pronunciation was off a lot and this may effect the song in the final but that can easily be worked on. I'm sure Sinplus will be pitch perfect come Baku.
Lyss Assia did herself proud and it was nice to see her on stage again, a simple song, a simple performance and simple delivery. All very charming, all trying to tug the nostalgia strings but it didnt work. Not even the well fancied Katherine St Laurent could make it into the top 3 and without seeing the actual figures I have a feeling Sinplus will have ran away with it.
A deserved winner, a good song, a modern sound and something to add diversity to the contest, Sinplus - Unbreakable is a worthy winner and gets a massive thumbs up from ESCA.
Baku 2012 has got off to a flyer, long may it continue!
