Odds Review-Rehearsals Day 8: 07/05/22
Today's first proper glimpse of the big 5 in action always looked likely to shake up the odds and that is certainly the case. France were the first in action sticking to their national final template. It's incredibly striking and far more professional from Alvan and Ahez but those positives are tempered against the first half draw. Any dark horse hopes for the spark have been extinguished but top 10 remains possible, depending how they are used in that early half.
Italy were up next and have been much criticised for their showing with the odds hitting 9. Personally the fundamentals are there and we know the pair can deliver this to standard, as seen at San Remo. Better vocals and chemistry are obviously needed but this isn't some internal selection we hadn't seen properly so it's too early to write this off. M and B should be able to deliver this better when it matters after (hopefully) some rest. What I will say is the draw of 9th known for some time is looking more damaging now in the context of the year.
The UK has stormed its way into single figures following a strong performance followed by a second half draw. Sam's vocal really is great and despite not being pitch perfect, it's the kind of powerhouse improvisational display juries love and whipping the guitar out further helps the credibility stakes- yes juries can be that cheap. This looks every bit the jury winner and with a huge score.
Spain followed on with a strong display. You can't fault the effort here from Spain with much of the best cues used but unfortunately this needed everything to fall well for it to have even an outside chance and a first half draw is not that. There's already some balancing to do in the first half before even considering Ukraine and/or Sweden pulling a short straw. My gut says 5th-7th, or 11th-12th in the running look equally likely for now.
Germany were last up and remains uninspiring. On paper there's enough for jury’s but even they may struggle to remember this from the first half. Bottom 5 looks certain.
