Finland posed in the underpants, Iceland in the gold dress, Ireland discovered the joy of shivers and Croatia sang about the cow and the countryside, setting fire to both the stage and the fans.
They all wanted to progress to the big Eurovision final on Saturday. But not all were successful.
Here are the ten finalists for Saturday’s final.
- Croatia
- Ukraine
- Cyprus
- Luxemburg
- Finland
- Lithuania
- Ireland
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Serbia
Demonstrating for Palestine
But the prelude and start of the semi-final itself was dramatic.
Shortly before the first semi-final, there was a pro-Palestine demonstration in the Euro Village, where the Eurovision fans are gathered.
And Swedish artist and former Eurovision contestant (2011) Eric Saade started the opening show by twisting a Palestine scarf around his wrist, where he held the microphone.
The EBU stated to Expressen afterwards:
“The Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV programme. All athletes are made aware of the rules of the competition, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event”.
Photo: Martin Meissner / AP
Show and circus
Gold and glitter, pyro and sequins, colors and party. The loved and hated Eurovision Song Contest is taking over the continent again, with the first semi-final on Tuesday evening.
And this year there is even more circus than ever, says Eurovision expert for Swedish Aftonbladet, Tobbe Ek.
– If you look at this year’s starting field, 37 songs, there are a lot of these crazy, cool, ko-ko contributions. It feels like many people were inspired by the success of Finnish Käärijä with ‘Cha-cha-cha’ last year.
One of them is Ireland. ESC expert Anders Tangen stated the following after Ireland had been on stage in the semi-finals:
– Eurovision is not quite what it used to be, when the nine-year-old in the house’s favorite so far is Ireland with scary teeth, primal screams and exorcism, or whatever it was.
Nor did Finland, which presents a man in its underpants, evoke warm vibrations for Tangen.
– Finland is cruel. I’m not interested in Finnish farts and toe ice.
Advance favourite: – Deliciously crazy
This year’s biggest favourite, who also takes part in the first semi-final, is Baby Lasagna from Croatia, with circus rock. The Mediterranean country has never before won the competition.
– Baby Lasagna’s Rim Tim Dagi Dim is so deliciously crazy, so I just have to love it. The line of lyrics when he sings “Bye cat, please meow back” deserves extra praise. I shouldn’t be disappointed if this song wins, says Ek.
Croatia – Esc semi-finals 2024
ESC expert Tangen also has nothing against Croatia remaining victorious.
– Croatia is probably the one I hope will win, from what can be defined as a slightly sloppy contribution. It has a funny story, it is about eviction in Croatia. And it’s a decent artist with a catchy tune and a catchy beat.
And Tangen loved the performance in the semi-final.
– It was probably with Croatia that the show actually got off to a good start. One hundred percent ready for the final, and likely winner. If the jury is in a party mood this year. Croatia will go off the rails if the country were to win, they have had a national dance with this song as well.
Ukraina – Esc semi-finals 2024
About Ukraine: – Rich and beautiful
Another big early favorite who was expected to progress well on Tuesday night is Ukraine. The song is a mixture of folk music and rap, with a clear national character.
It’s only been two years since Ukraine won the whole bucket ballet, but this year it could happen again according to both the odds lists and the experts.
Ukraine’s three minutes on the Eurovision stage garnered several superlatives from Anders Tangen.
– The quality and decency comes with Ukraine. You notice that they want something. And delivers energetically and genuinely. This was strong.
He adds:
EXPERT: Torbjörn Ek comments on the Eurovision Song Contest for Aftonbladet. He likes the contribution of Croatia and Ukraine.
Photo: Aftonbladet
– Many believe that Ukraine gets so high because of sympathy votes. We put that discussion to rest. They are very clever, and have placed themselves high long before the war against Russia. And they do that this year too. It’s a rich, great ballad.
Tobbe Ek votes in.
– Ukraine never fails with staging on the Eurovision stage. And musically speaking, this song is something that fits the charts now. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Ukraine does really well, and maybe wins again.
ISRAEL: Eden Golan represents Israel in this year’s competition. And Israel’s participation is this year what is being talked about the most.
Photo: NTB / STRINGER
– Survives controversy
Demonstrations against Israel’s participation both here at home and abroad have characterized this year’s competition. But the biggest storm related to that is expected on Thursday, since that is when Israel will field, in the second semi-final. Then Gåte for Norge also participates.
ANALYZER: Anders Tangen believes the Eurovision Song Contest will survive the storm surrounding Israel’s participation.
Photo: Mette Ballovara
But despite the hubbub: Anders Tangen believes that this year will also be a party, and that the competition will pass an extra test.
– Eurovision survives most controversies and has a fantastic staying power. So yes, there will be a party this year too. And many will be watching for various reasons. Some are curious as to how this will play out. Some will screw up for various reasons. It is also perfectly legal, and I understand that very well.
also read: Ingeborg Heldal reveals her ESC favorites here
Eurovision king Johnny Logan (who has won twice as an artist and once as a songwriter) was supposed to sing a duet with Loreen as the evening’s intermission number, but Aftonbladet writes that Loreen withdrew.
Thus, Logan performed alone and sang Loreen’s signature song Euphoria. Also performing were Benjamin Ingrosso, who has previously represented Sweden, and Marcus and Martinus, who showed off the song they are participating in Saturday’s final. As the host country, Sweden is automatically ready for the final.
But it was during Croatia’s performance that there was the most excitement. Saturday evening we will know if next year the address will be Zagreb!
This is how you follow this year’s Eurovision Song Contest on NRK.
Published 07.05.2024, at 19.47 Updated 07.05.2024, at 11.30 p.m