SAN MARINO

The San Marino entry was presented on March 14th during a special show on SMRTV called "Verso Copenhagen" hosted by Alessandro Capicchioni, the Head of Delegation for San Marino at the Eurovision Song Contest. Back in June, it was agreed that the principality will be represented by Valentina Monetta for the third consecutive year. In Copenhagen she will be singing the song "Maybe".

The pre-recorded show was very basic, it did it's job. I also noted that the show, although mostly in English, also had English subtitles possibly a nod to the fact that this show was being watched around the world on TV or via the internet. Appearing on the show were Valentina herself and the composers of the song. However they also had a plethora of special segments syke chats and and in studio discussions about the contest as well as appearances from John Kennedy O'Connor and Sanjay Jiandani from ESCToday. The song presentation was made in the form on a video clip.

Although this was not a live performance, as she is a known (and tried and tested) act on the Eurovision stage I don't quite have so much negativity for this. The video is mainly set at the beach although there are inserts of her sitting at a piano, but not playing it. The setting of the coast really suits the song and the elements help the song to build however the studio parts focus her emotion to the camera.

The song quiet slightly minor sounding ballad. Most of the song is sung quite quietly and focuses on the words and meaning of the song which is a slight difference to her past entries. The song also contains a lot of repetition of the word 'maybe' which is no bad thing. The song slowly builds up but is more subtle and less dramatic than in "Vola". The song quietens down for the ending which is a little weak in my opinion and would benefit from being a little more punchier.

I think that there is no question that Valentina can sing so that is not an issue. The song is just her singing so will not be any extra bodies as backing singers. I could though see dancers especially to emphasise the meaning of the song and slight change of tempo. However I would also see here singing is all by her self, possibly with a pianist. Hopefully they have learnt a lot about staging from last year, which severely let her down. It will be less frantic and possibly less visual than her previous entries.

I think that Valentina will get a lot of publicity for her third appearance in a row and a pet favourite for many people. I also think there will be A LOT of love for her in the area. Part of me thinks this will come about midway in the jury ranking and possibly near the bottom in the semi-final televote. If it does qualify it will be a great result but I am really not sure. San Marino and Valentina deserve a crack at the final.
Just a place in the final would be a win to them.

Artist - Valentina Monetta

Song - Maybe

Music - Ralph Siegel

Lyrics - Mauro Balestri