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The first Semi Final at the Eurovision Song Contest was packed with heartbreak, joy, sadness, surprises, and a surprising mention of a sauna. Let’s look back over the results, highlight the impact of new systems and Reference Group decisions, and look forward to the Grand Final.
Eurovision Insight Podcast: Daily News From Stockholm, Wednesday 11th May
The winners, the losers, the hopes, the dreams, and The Grey People. Joining Ewan Spence to looking over the results from Semi Final 1 are Samantha Ross (ESC Insight) and Peter Dunwoody (EscXtra).
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I’m surprised Ewan never mentioned Armenia about as a potential winner ahead of Russia. Not a fan of the song Ewan?
Nice summary there – I’m one of the gutted many that Greta isn’t in the Final – I believe that Russia being on first did for her. If Iceland had been first or ideally in SF2, she would have been through – can’t see she did anything especially wrong, maybe the jury final wasn’t as good?
My main surprise was Samra qualifying but the vocals were the best they have been all Stockholm, as were Nina’s…
Interesting that no-one is feeling that the three Direct Finalists came across particularly well vocally – wonder how Jamie-Lee, Francesca and J&J will sound?
My #1 this year has gone – hopefully my #2 (Serbia) will not be jinxed!
My impressions:
My favorite of the show: Armenia.
Impressed by: Netherlands & Hungary (was not of fan of any of them).
Happy that Austria qualified.
Disappointed that Estonia did not qualify.
Partially disappointed that Iceland & Moldova did not qualify. Iceland had a lovely song but not strong enough; Moldova performed better than expected.
Most boring of qualifiers: Czech Republic, but I’m glad they qualified for the first time.
Most ‘constructed’ for Eurovision, but catchy and with televote appeal: Russia & Azerbaijan.
Pleased that finally Greece and Bosnia & Herzegovina did not qualify.
I have a prediction for the final:
Malta will be 26 on the running order and ending the show.
SVT is giving them a helping hand, shouldn’t be a surprise, though
Why are these podcasts taking so long to get uploaded. We are sitting here at 3 in the afternoon with no review of yesterday’s dress rehearsal. It all becomes a bit pointless.
Short answer is we’re human and the Euroclub is very popular!