The first semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest concluded on Tuesday night, with ten countries securing the coveted qualification for Saturday’s grand final. Cyprus, although presenting a stage-bold and artistically well-crafted performance with Theo Evan and the song “Shh”, failed to qualify for the final. Sweden comfortably secured its place in the grand final, as it is considered the big favorite from the beginning, impressing fans of the music contest. Among the big surprises of the evening was the qualification of Portugal, as the predictions did not give it a place in the final.
This year's competition was broadcast live from Basel, Switzerland via ERT1, starting at 22:00 Greek time.
The evening featured 15 entries, with Spain, Italy and host Switzerland also taking the stage, all of whom have already qualified directly for the final without having to compete. As every year, the so-called “Big Five” countries – France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom – along with the host country, are guaranteed a place in the final.
The impressions of the first phase were positive: spectacular sets, high-demanding directing concepts and special performances kept the audience interested until the last moment. Standout entries such as Sweden, which strengthened its profile as a favorite, while the new process of announcing the results – in threes, with only one name revealed at a time – kept the suspense unabated.
The 10 countries that qualified for the Eurovision final
1. Norway – Kyle Alessandro – Lighter
2. Albania – Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm
3. Sweden – KAJ – Bara Bada Bastu
4. Iceland – VAEB – Roa
5. Netherlands – Claude – That's life
6. Poland – Justyna Steczkowska – Gaja
7. San Marino – Gabry Ponte – All of Italy
8. Estonia – Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato
9. Portugal – Napa – Displaced
10. Ukraine – Ziferblat – Bird of Pray
The countries that were excluded
Slovenia – Klemen – How Much Time Do We Have Left
Belgium – Red Sebastian – Strobe Lights
Azerbaijan – Mamagama – Run With U
Croatia – Marko Bošnjak – Poison Cake
Cyprus – Theo Evan – Shh
