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Day 2: Romania, Russia and Greece
17. Romania - Nico & Vlad - Pe-o Margine De Lume
Perfect vocal harmonisation from the Romanian couple allows for a powerful and emotional rendition of Pe-o Margine De Lume. Vlad opens the song and demonstrates his classically trained voice to great effect. He is joined by Nico on stage, however, the two keep their distance from each other until the bridge leading to the final verse. At this point the couple hold hands as they sing the highest notes of the song. Very powerful. The couple are joined on stage by one pianist and three female backing singers. The singer have a very beautiful background filled with stars which provided a perfect backdrop to this love song. There is very little contact between the couple and the camera, which leaves a very strong performance with a touch of impersonality for the viewer.
Technical problems with the Russian team means a change in the running order at this point. Russia were not able to perform as their props had not arrived in time. Their place in the running order in the dress rehearsal was taken by Greece.
19. Greece - Kalomira - Secret Combination
On first impressions, Greece appear to have brought their own stage with them to the Belgrade Arena. This stage is in fact a book which is opened half way through then song when Kalomira sing 'open book', to reveal large shaped heart covered in velvet flowers. Before this Kalomira is carried on to the stage by her three male backing dancers on a diamond sequined bench . The four dance together in probably the energetic routine of today's rehearsals. A brake in the singing allows Kalomira, to perform some provocative dance moves which allows her to shake every part of her body. At the end of the song a wind machine is used and she is lifted on the back on to one of her dancer to conclude Secret Combination.
18 - Russia - Dima Bilan - Believe
Dima Bilan is joint on stage by Evgeni Plushenko the current Olympic and former world champion ice skating champion for his performance of Believe. Evgeni performs a series of spins, loops and twirls on specially crated ice rink located in the middle of the stage. For the presentation of the song Dima is sitting on a ladder on the stage whilst looking up at nigh time stars which are provided by the back screens. He is joined on the stage with Evgeni, a violinist and a male dancer. The arrangement of the song has changed to give stronger emphasis on the string section, however the main heavy back beat of the song remains present.
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Dima Bilan looks a bit gay.But i really enjoy seeing edvin marton at esc.Kalomoira was ok but they have to do something with the backing vocals.Nico&Vlad sounded incredibly good, their live performance will be their main strong point for the final because the song it's not really the "hit" kind.
GO RUSSIA AND CYPRUS!!12 POINTS TO BOTH OF THEM!!!
GREECE IS NOT THAT GOOD!!
burr the expert...
Omg. Russia looks really stupid. What's the point with the ice-scating after all? It has nothing to do with the song!!
And Dima sings quite bad, he needs to relax for once.. please. This is just a way to get attention, a desperate entry! He should be happy with the 2nd place from 2006, why must be absolutely win?
i love the swedish song i think its the best. russia serbia and switcherland are also very strong. But you know is a show contest more so we should wait the presentation in the final.
Kalomira is a lovely girl, a peoples person and may this will be usefull. and the best SAKIS ROUVAS GIRLFRIEND IS EXPECTING A BOY!!!!!!
@thelma pavlou
her attepms are very poor - she cannot do either
BURR what are you talking about..she can hardly move..KALOMOIRA is the only one so far attempting..to sing and dance simutainuasly..do you know how hard it is to do both at the same time...thats why most singers use playback if they do dance numbers....and as far as Ive seen from the other participants..shes has the hardest dance moves.and task..we should appreciate her determination...BRAVO KALOMOIRA
PS. The win now for the final will only matter if the number of participans is uneven!!
Good luck everyone!!
Well, now with the new systen of qualifing for the final - - dismal 'Big4' is a story of it's own-
when noone qualififies for the Final ---
The only thing that matters -isthe
WIN!!!!!
2nd, 3rd, top 10 do not matter any lonar!!!
Just the win!!!
Good luck everyone!
oh jeeeez the russian song is far too wanten the desperation in this performance is so ugly
im liking russia because of dima and EVGENY what a legend! i have a feeling this year may be russia's year.. although never let you go had more emotion in it - believe/believeing whatever u call it seems to be just some timbaland american mambo jambo HOWEVER its a pretty good package overall to take the top spot!
serbia is the clear quality yet again but i doubt a double whammy is possible.
*monkey, not money- eww he doesnt need nemore of that 
kalomoira- fab like always! ok vocals arent the strongest but hey atleast i can understand her english 
the performance was great, luv the book, but the new dancers look like ice junkies found in the gutters of gazi or omonia lol, bring the original dancers back 
romania- boring, my toilet break song
russia- need i re-iterate my previous remarks?? yes!!! absolute crap, performance was pointless (spesh the ice skater), vocals were lacking, i still cant understand a word that money babbles, and he's irritating to look at, he looks like he has just relieved himself from a large spate of constipation everytime he hits that uber note 
BLEAQ!
Russia riles!!!
Romania - no comment
Greece - she can hardly move at all!
Her live singing is very poor and weak/
And she's also lucky she will have to give anu interviews during show - she sound like a barby idiot when she talks!
RUSSIA TO WIN.BULGARIA SECOND PLACE.THATS IT.
After watching the russian rehearsal I am really wondering who is the bigger joke entry... Dustin the Turkey or Diva Bilan!?!?
For me the russian performance looks like huge mess.
But, of course, Russia will qualify. I just hope they won't win because I do not want to hear that song again after this years ESC. But we would if Russia wins... :-(
sweden was very strong today. charlotte perrelli is amazing
Check this out. I think they are so great..they must win!
www.myspace.com/nicovladmirita
Galandar,
Thank you for your nice words
Azerbaijan is among my faves this year, so original, Good Luck Azerbaijan in your great debut
The comments of some users against Kalomoira smeel to have a political foundation 
But whatever, Kalomoira is the best and she doesn't copy anyone. Beyonce has 2 eyes, 2 legs, 1 head, a good choerography and good voice, so Kalomoira has. Go Kalomoira!
Kalomoira was the best today. It was a perfect show for the first rehersal. Go Kalomoira! Go Greece! Azerbaijan calling: 12 points go to Kalomoira
Vote for Greece !! GO KALOMOIRA GO GREECE !!!!!!!!!
"...and BEYONCE copies SHAKIRA....and SHAKIRA copies belly-dancers thats how it goes Justin copies MICHEAL JACKSON and PRINCE copies JAMES BROWN....we should stop this compairiing issue and enjoy the show...because artists are artists...and are influenced by other artists..."
Well said, Thelma. Couldn't agree more! Thank U!
OMG´THIS YEAR DIMA BILAN SUCKS BIG TIME.
THAT SONG DOSEN'T GIVE ME ANY EMOTIONS NOTHING I HOPE THAT THIS SONG WILL NOT WIN
For me it will be like this, even if I don´t agree with some:
1 : Russia 100% sure (even if it is so kitsh and bad sing! I fancy the guy)
2 : Romania (growing on me)
3 : Greece (good on stage but not of my taste, will do well altough)
4 : Bosnia-Herz. (like it)
5 : Armenia
6 : Israel( I like it a Lot)
7 : Norway (not bad at all)
8 : Poland
9 : Slovenia (must be improved)
Go RUSSIA!
no matter what you have my vote!
good luck magnificent trio
love Evgeni 
and BEYONCE copies SHAKIRA....and SHAKIRA copies belly-dancers thats how it goes Justin copies MICHEAL JACKSON and PRINCE copies JAMES BROWN....we should stop this compairiing issue and enjoy the show...because artists are artists...and are influenced by other artists...
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