The primary spherical of semi-finals at this yr’s Eurovision Music Contest has concluded, with 10 international locations presently continuing to the Grand Finals this Saturday (Could 13).
A grand whole of 26 international locations will take part within the finals, consisting of 10 finalists from semi-finals spherical 1, 10 finalists from semi-finals spherical 2, the “large 5” and Ukraine.
The primary 10 finalists from semi-finals spherical 1 has lastly been revealed after a slew of performances and voting, with the next international locations popping out on high: Norway, Serbia, Portugal, Croatia, Switzerland, Israel, Moldova, Sweden, Czechia and Finland.
Watch Norway’s Alessandra carry out ‘Queen of Kings’ under.
Because of this the international locations eradicated from the competition following the primary rounds of semi-finals are the Netherlands, Malta, Latvia, Eire and Azerbaijan.
International locations set to participate within the second spherical of semi-finals on Thursday (Could 11) are: Denmark, Armenia, Romania, Estonia, Belgium, Cyprus, Iceland, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, Georgia, San Marino, Austria, Albania, Lithuania and Australia.
Watch Sweden consultant Loreen‘s efficiency of ‘Tattoo’ under.
The “Massive 5” international locations assured a spot within the finals with out having to take part in semi-finals are France, Germany, Spain, the UK and Italy, as they contribute essentially the most financially to the Eurovision Music Contest. Final yr’s winners Ukraine additionally robotically qualify for the finals this yr.
Eire’s elimination from this yr’s contest marks the most recent in a string of failed makes an attempt to qualify, with the nation not making eight of its 10 most up-to-date makes an attempt. The nation additionally holds the report for essentially the most Eurovision victories, at seven wins.
Norway’s Eurovision 2023 entry Alessandra lately opened as much as NME concerning the that means behind her music ‘Queen Of Kings’ in a brand new interview. Explaining the that means behind the observe, she advised NME that the inspiration got here from these moments of issue and self-doubt which, tackling them head-on, and changing into empowered.
“It represents somebody, a queen that has gone by way of rather a lot in life, however has discovered a lot from it,” she defined. “She is going to stand up as a result of of all of the shit that she has been going by way of. It’s a fantastic instance of: ‘Really feel the ache for one or two days, or how lengthy it needs to be, after which since you felt it, you’re going to develop out of it.’”