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UMK 2013: HEAT 1

The six first artists performed for the first time to the judges with their demo versions. Their performances gave us hints about what will happen on stage and how will they present themselves. Here's a short recap of their comments and hints before the first gig with live audience in Helsinki on January 17 . And this blogger will say his, too.

LAST PANDA - SATURDAY NIGHT FOREVER ****
The judges generally liked it, especially Toni but he also criticized them lacking energy until the last chorus but on the other hand it's better lack than fake it. This blogger agrees and thinks they were maybe a little nervous? Redrama understood it isn't the easiest place to perform, a rockband doing only one song and for four people only. But they did a good job, he thinks. Aija liked also the fact they look like band and the look fits with their musical style. And Henry's way of singing. Tomi was also happy what he saw and heard telling their gig experience shows. The band itself was happy the judges liked their song and were also a bit taken their idol Toni Wirtanen was one of the judges. (The acts didn't know at this point who the judges are. Ed.note) Otherwise this has become one of my favourites even if this genre isn't exactly what I listen the most but I like this. Great sing-a-long!
MIKAEL SAARI - WE SHOULD BE THROUGH *****
This was the biggest surprise for this blogger. I kinda liked this song before but wasn't sure about it. Now I am. Mikael sung fantastic, really heart felt. The song is beautiful, the piano haunting. One could compare this to some ways to Estonia's Kuula last year, but it's completely different. It made me also think about Michael Nyman's Heart asks pleasure first, one of my all time favorite songs. But the judges? 
Aija tells this has been one of her favorites since the beginning.She found it very emotional and touching and praised Mikael's vocals and the way he gave his all. The others entered a long discussion about the song's structure if it should be changed and make less challenging, and would Mikael be ready for it. He said they had thought about it a lot and ended with this version but was ready to consider changes. Maybe. Otherwise they all praised his singing. Then he told he will have a grand piano and pianist on stage for sure, maybe archs and dancers but that has to be decided still. 
IINA SALIN - LAST NIGHT ****
I really like this song and LOVE her voice but the song starts and ends without much of a do and in between gets rather repetitive. But it's a great club track that could be turned into an Eurovision show stopper with an intro and key change? And the choreography by the guys is hilariously fantastic! Like the judges said they should make it even cornier than it is now. If Brian Ferry can do it, why can't Iina? With a tongue in cheek...
Aija said she should get a bit wilder as now the "last night was a bit chilly". The other judges were asking her to set herself on fire and drop the cool while the guys should keep the cool and max it. 
RAUTAKOURA - ILMALAIVALLA *
I don't know if I have ever seen such uninspired performance. The jurors partly liked the song, but weren't impressed with the staging. Tomi who pushed them through to this stage wanted to see if they can make it on stage and he wasn't impressed. Aija asked more facial impression (as there was only one, that of boredom). Toni also criticized their wardrobe  Tomi said their last chance is the live gig. Clearly they weren't impressed either. And apparently the band wasn't so ready to make the necessary changes.... Oh well...
KRISTA SIEGFRIDS - MARRY ME *****
"More is more" she said and the  said that she's a kind of person people have a lot of prejudgment easily that doesn't come across well in media and could play against her which is a shame as she sings well, looks good and performs well. And she got more ding dong than they dared to wish for. And indeed she's a natural performer and comes across well on screen, sings her bubblegum pop to perfection. It's fun, memorable and entertaining  isn't Eurovision all that? Aija liked her and her over the top dress and performance. Her bridesmaids got praise, too. The judges are sure this will go very far. Redrama said she has to go far, and her song is good. Bubblegum, Barbies and princess dreams all in one, feel good song with a killer chorus. Easily a winner candidate. She lifts the standard for all the others. I agree.
GREAT WIDE NORTH - FLAGS ***1/2
Toni praised them long and was impressed. He also suggested they make the sound even bigger with horns or something. Tomi was equally impressed, they played well, they look well together, it's a solid pack. But he thinks something extra should come now as they sounded exactly the same as on demo. A lot of promise but not really delivering in the end. Aija liked Kaj's voice but advised him to control his facial expressions. 

So, in conclusion the judges said Last Panda surprised them positively, Mikael Saari blew them away, Iina Saari despite singing very well didn't convince. Or rather her song doesn't convince, they don't believe in it. But if she manages to surprise them all on next step? Rautakoura didn't impress: "It felt like they were not performing to us. Or anybody else." Even the singer seems to have zero charisma. Krista is one Tomi wants definitely into the final and she totally fulfilled all hopes Aija had for her, she was stunned. GWN are cheekier than they even realize, and maybe that's their secret, thinks Toni. 



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