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Semi Final 1 Results Written by on May 22, 2012 | 1 Comment

That’s the first semi-final completed, and eight countries are heading home. Who is still in the game? And where are they singing?

First up, the ten qualifiers:

Albania, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Moldova, Romania, and Russia.

Which means the eight countries going home are:

Austria, Belgium, Finland, Israel, Latvia, Montenegro, San Marino, and Switzerland.

The running draw for the qualifying countries was also made, directly after the semi-final, and it makes for an interesting running order.

(1) United Kingdom
(2) Hungary
(3) Albania
(6) Russia
(7) Iceland
(8) Cyprus
(9) France
(10) Italy
(13) Azerbaijan
(14)  Romania
(15) Denmark
(16) Greece
(19) Spain
(20) Germany
(23) Ireland
(26) Moldova

The start of the show is slow, there’s no getting away from it. Any fast paced number at (4) is going to do well. Russia’s hopes of a victory took a tumble with an early draw and the power of Iceland. Still, the omens are good for Iceland. The last time they sung seventh was 2009, and Yohanna finished second.

At the other end of the table, we hae two upbeat numbers already in the last five, and if there’s going to be any more drawn there (Norway) then a slower number could do the business.

What is clear is that there’s all to play for, from everyone in this draw to those who will qualify from the second semi final.

Apart from Hungary. They got slot 2.

 

About The Author: Ewan Spence

British Academy (BAFTA) nominated broadcaster and writer Ewan Spence is the voice behind The Unofficial Eurovision Song Contest Podcast and one of the driving forces behind ESC Insight. Having had an online presence since 1994, he is a noted commentator around the intersection of the media, internet, technology, mobility and how it affects us all. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, his work has appeared on the BBC, The Stage, STV, and The Times. You can follow Ewan on Twitter (@ewan) and Facebook (facebook.com/ewanspence).

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One response to “Semi Final 1 Results”

  1. Phil says:

    Thanks Ewan.
    Loving the daily podcasts and Terry!
    Cheers.
    Phil

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