Eurovision Song Contest 2024 Second Semi-Final

Host country: Sweden (SVT)
Venue: Malmö Arena, Malmö, Sweden
Hosts: Petra Mede, Malin Åkerman
Date: Thursday 9 May 2024

N.B. Any use of “tonight” or “this evening” throughout this post means Thursday 9 May 2024. All times in this post are in BST.

The Opening

After the usual Eurovision ident, accompanied by Charpentier's Te Deum prelude, the Second Semi-Final began with clips of the ten countries’ entries which qualified on Tuesday evening. This led into a pre-recorded video in which this year’s hosts Petra Mede and Malin Åkerman performed the 2023 winning song "Tattoo", on sunbeds. Some of the lyrics were changed for this video. At 20:03 the hosts Malin Åkerman and Petra Mede appeared on stage to give their opening speeches. The UK commentator warned UK viewers that they could not vote tonight.

The Songs

Six minutes after the start of the show (20:06 BST) it was time for the first song. Each song was introduced by a postcard film related to the appropriate country.

Song 1: Malta - Sarah Bonnici “Loop”

It’s difficult judging the first song in the line-up. The opening section, starting, “Don’t you know”, was sung in a powerful manner, and a beat could be heard. The beat continued through what sounded like the first verse proper, starting “Got me so hot, burning up like a fever”. The chorus was sung very rapidly, and had a powerful beat. I particularly liked the way Sarah sang “loo-oh-oh-oop”. There was an instrumental break after the second instance of the chorus; I liked the sound effects in this part of the song. The section starting “It was obvious, we’re addicted, addicted” was sung in a noticeably different manner to the rest of the song; presumably that must have been the middle eight. The song drew to a close with a final instance of the chorus. Staging included a red circle on the background screen during the first verse, and green lines on the background screen during first two instances of the chorus. Unsurprisingly, for a song of this style there four dancers on stage, and their dance routine enhanced the performance, but I question their need to lift Sarah during the instrumental break. Just before the end, there were some bursts of fireworks. Altogether, a very lively, powerful song, with a good beat in most parts, and a very catchy chorus, and well staged. The perfect way to start tonight’s show. I’d like this in the final on Saturday, but I think this will be a borderline qualifier.

Song 2: Albania - BESA “TITAN”

Now for something totally different, a power ballad. The opening verse was sung fairly slowly, but powerfully. Just like in the preview video, a ticking clock sound could be heard in the background. I liked the way Besa sang the chorus lines in a rising and falling pitch; in fact, I particularly liked the way she made the monosyllabic word “rise” sound polysyllabic. Various sounds could be heard in the chorus. The second verse was sung more rapidly than the first. This was followed by the second instance of the chorus. After an instrumental break, there were another instance of the chorus, and finally what sounded like a partial chorus to close the song (this closing section was, by far, the liveliest part of the song). In terms of the staging, Besa started by singing under a spotlight, on a predominantly dark stage, and what looked like glowing coals could be seen at the bottom of the background screen. Blue light beams, crossing each other, appeared on the first instance of the chorus. Those beams disappeared for the second verse, but they were back for the second instance of the chorus. Altogether this is what I’d call a good power ballad, the sound effects fit this song well, and it was well staged tonight. I’d like to see this in the final, but I think this is a doubtful qualifier.

Song 3: Greece - Marina Satti “ZARI”

Greece performed in its native language, Greek, this year. It’s nice to hear them singing in Greek for once. Marina has a beautiful voice, and plenty of Greek style sounds could be heard throughout the song. However, I didn’t like the beat that could be heard from about a third of the way through the song, and I question the need for the (ΤΑ ΤΑ ΤΑ ΤΑ ΤΑ ΤΑ) lines at various points. As for the staging, was it really necessary to show Marina occupying a narrow section at the centre of the screen, to resemble a smartphone view, during the opening verse? Thankfully viewers saw a full widescreen picture at the start of the first instance of the chorus. I question the need for the series of rapidly flashing, and colour changing, background and floor images that followed; they seemed rather random to me. Thankfully the background changed to a blue sky, with white, puffy clouds, plus a sky blue stage floor, for aa gentler part of the song. Rapidly flashing images and colour changing returned for much of the rest of the song, though there was one brief overhead view of Marina on the stage floor, which showed an aerial view of building rooftops. All in all, a rather unusual entry really. Not my taste in music at all; I’d rather this doesn’t qualify, but this might just slip through.

Song 4: Switzerland - Nemo “The Code”

On the official Eurovision website, Nemo states "'The Code' is about the journey I started with the realisation that I am neither a man nor a woman. Just like in the preview video, the first verse was sung in a bouncy manner, and a beat could be heard. The first line “the show” presumably means the story which Nemo wanted to tell within the song. The pre-chorus, was sung in quite an unusual manner, operatic (or perhaps spooky), but powerful. The chorus was sung in a bouncy manner. Presumably the lines “I, I went to hell and back”, “To find myself on track” are Nemo’s way of stating the problems he had being accepted by society with his lifestyle. The second verse was a rap section, performed at high speed. The section which seemed like a bridge or middle eight, was sung at a noticeably slower pace. Having read the background information, it’s clear to me that 0s and 1s is referring to male and female, but casual viewers who watch the Contest in May without doing any background reading probably won’t interpret it that way. “That’s where I found my kingdom come” is Nemo is getting his lifestyle message across; neither male nor female. For tonight’s live performance, no attempt to recreate a railway carriage (as seen in the preview video) was made, either on stage or on the background screen. Instead, the centrepiece was a circular platform, which could tilt and spin. Nemo stepped on to, and jumped off this more than once during his performance, so some of the time he was on the platform and at other times he was directly on the stage. Flashing lights appeared at times, and for some mysterious reason, a totally eclipsed sun could be seen on the background screen at the end of the performance. Altogether, a lively, catchy song, with a mix of styles, but to understand what Nemo is trying to get across in the song, one needs to do the background reading. Casual viewers watching tonight, without having previewed any of the songs beforehand, let alone doing any background reading, will be unaware of what the song is about, and they will either like or not like the song depending or whether not they like this style of music. Some who read the background information beforehand, but who also have an aversion to LGBTQIA+ lifestyles may refuse to vote for this when they realise what this song is about. People who have read about this song, and find such lifestyles perfectly acceptable are likely to vote for this. Anyway, I’d definitely like to see this in the final, and this is almost certain to qualify. See you Saturday, Nemo.

Song 5: Czechia - Aiko “Pedestal”

Czechia has gone for a rather lively entry this year. Just like in the preview video, the verses were sung quite rapidly, but the beat within the verses seemed to overpower Aiko’s voice. The chorus is lively and catchy, and was performed in a powerful manner tonight. I didn’t like the way Aiko sang the line “Put myself on a pedestal” in the preview video, but I thought it was better tonight. There was an unusual electronic sound between the first instance of the chorus and the second verse. The argument, which appeared in the preview video after the second instance of the chorus, was retained for tonight’s performance; I think that ought to have been omitted tonight. The outro seemed a bit repetitive, especially as it contained multiple instances of “Loving me”. Altogether a very lively song, with a powerful beat throughout, and well staged too, including plenty of rapid rising flame effects. However, I think Aiko ought to have sung more strongly during the verses tonight to compensate for the beat within them. I wouldn’t mind if this is in the final, but I wouldn’t miss it if it’s not there. In any case, I think this is a borderline qualifier.

A short break followed at this point. The time was now 20:27. Malin spoke about Jahn Teigen, who represented Norway in 1978, 1982 and 1983. Clips of his Eurovision entries, from those years, were shown. Next, Petra introduced a series of ciips of songs which finiihsed last over the years. This break ended at 20:30. After the break, Malin and Petra spoke together before introducing the next song.

Automatic Qualifier 1: France - Slimane “Mon amour”

The first of three automatic qualifiers to perform on a non-competitive basis tonight, that being France. This is one of my least previewed entries so far this year, so I was watching this performance with barely any knowledge of the content. For the whole of this performance, the stage floor was lit plain white. Slimane started by lying down, on his side, on the stage, but by the first instance of the chorus, he was kneeling. He continued kneeling through the second verse, and stood at the start of the first instance of the chorus. Vocally, he started by singing the first verse and first instance of the chorus softly. He sang the second verse a little more powerfully, and second instance of the chorus even, more powerfully. Musically, piano sound could be heard in the first verse, an da beat could be heard in the second verse. Altogether a pleasant ballad, and best of all it was sung in the native language, French. I particularly liked the way this song builds up musically and vocally as the song progresses. Furthermore, the staging was perfect; this is an example of a song for which the simplest staging works best. The addition of a little smoke / dry ice, after the second instance of the chorus, was a worthwhile enhancement for the most powerful part of the song. It’ll be interesting to see how this scores with the juries and public on Saturday evening, but for now, France doesn’t need to rely on viewers voting for this performance to get to the final.

Song 6: Austria - Kaleen “We Will Rave”

Back to tonight’s competing entries, which viewers in eligible countries can vote for. Austria has gone for an upbeat entry this year. I like the way in which Kaleen sings the opening verse. The section “So I go go go” to “They will never know”, which I presume to be a pre-chorus, has a beat, and it seems as though the vocals have been distorted in the preview video. The section starting “When the darkness hits and we can’t be saved”, which I presume to be the chorus, is sung in a powerful manner, and is very catchy and memorable. An instrumental section follows before the second verse. The second verse is sung in a similar manner to the first, but this has a beat. This is followed by second instances of the pre-chorus and chorus. As for staging, tonight’s performance featured considerable use of blue light beams or lasers throughout, and flashing lights at times. Rising smoke jets provided the climax to this entry during the final instance of the chorus. Altogether, a very lively, catchy disco song, so it’s hardly there were four dancers on stage for the performance. This is likely to attract plenty of votes from the viewing public, but I think this will struggle in a jury vote. For that reason, this should have no difficulty qualifying in tonight’s televote only semi-final, but this will be totally reliant on viewers votes to get a respectable overall placing on Saturday. I’d like this in the final, and there’s a reasonable chance this will qualify.

Song 7: Denmark - “SAND”

I watched the Danish national final, Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 Final live, online from the UK, on Saturday 17 February 2024. The first song to be performed that night, “SAND”, sung by SABA, ended up winning. At the time, I felt this was one to be valued more for being a multi-style light show rather than the song itself. Just like in the DMGP 2024 Final, I liked the introduction, but I think Saba's voice ought to have been in the first verse. Thankfully it was considerably stronger in the chorus. I particularly like the way she sang “Uh-uh-uh-uuh” at various points in the song. In tonight’s Eurovision performance, SABA was on a predominantly dark stage, under a spotlight, and with stage level lights behind her, during the first verse. During the instances of the chorus, there were white and yellow light beams, and bursts of flashing lights at times. In the bridge section, lasers provided a fan effect from both sides of the stage. Being as the song title is “SAND”, it’s hardly surprising that SABA appeared to be dropping sand at various points in the song (whether this was real or simulated is anyone’s guess) and a simulated sandstorm effect could be seen on the background screen for the closing section. Altogether, a powerful, memorable song, with some spectacular lighting effects. I’d like to see this on Saturday night, but I think this is destined to be a borderline qualifier.

Song 8: Armenia - LADANIVA “Jako”

This song is being performed in Armenian; it’s great to hear a country sing in its native language. Looking at the lyrics, it seems as though there is a seven-line verse (whose first line means “They tell me”): and a four-line verse (whose first line means “Come, come, come and join me!”). Apart from that plenty of “La La La” appears in the gaps, presumably to serve as a crude chorus. The rest of the composition is largely instrumental, but it features plenty of eastern style sounds, including a flute (or some other wind instrument) which someone was playing (or perhaps just miming) on stage tonight. During tonight’s performance, the stage floor had a multi-coloured eastern style pattern, which I think suited the style of the song appropriately. However, I’m mystified by the purpose of the stepped platform, with triangular lights on the risers. Altogether, an unusual entry, which seems to be more music than singing. Finally, this must be one of the shortest songs in this year’s Contest, because the preview video is just two minutes and 39 seconds long, including the Eurovision slide at the start. Tonight, I’ve measured this to be two minutes and 26 seconds. I wouldn’t’ mind this in the final, but I wouldn’t miss it if it’s not there. In any case, I have my doubts about this song’s ability to qualify.

A short break followed at this point. The time was now 20:48. The hosts reappeared together and spoke in various languages for a few minutes. After the break ended, they spoke a little longer before introducing the next song.

Song 9: Latvia - Dons “Hollow”

Latvia has gone for a ballad this year. The opening verse is sung quite slowly, and a piano can be heard clearly. Dons sings the chorus in a more powerful manner and various other sounds can be heard. The second verse is sung at a similar pace and vocal level to the first verse, but there is a regular soft beat as well as the piano here. This is followed by a second full instance of the chorus, and finally a couple of lines in a softer voice to close the song. At the start of tonight’s performance, Dons stood in what looked like a giant circular structure, lit by a spotlight. As the song progressed, a river effect momentarily appeared on the stage during the first instance of the pre-chorus, and circular patterns appeared on the background screen during the first instance of the chorus. During the second verse, Dons stepped out of the circular structure and walked forwards, along the stage. During the second instance of the chorus, a tree appeared on the background screen, and there were light beams, in multiple directions, from overhead. Altogether, a good ballad (or perhaps some might call it a power ballad), Dons has an excellent voice and has the talent to sing amazingly well both softly and powerfully live. Furthermore, the simple staging, including lighting and background images, suited this song perfectly. The only problem is, I think this style of song would do well in a jury vote, but struggle in a public vote. I’d like to see this in the final, but I think it will be a miracle for this to qualify, especially in tonight’s televote only semi-final.

Automatic Qualifier 2: Spain - Nebulossa “ZORRA”

The second automatic qualifier to perform on a non-competitive basis tonight, that being Spain. This is a lively, catchy song, from start to finish. I particularly like the musical introduction; this provides the perfect lead-in to the song. The chorus, which starts “Estoy en un buen momento”, is very catchy and memorable. At the start of tonight’s performance, a member of the group appeared to be behind a keyhole, but the block creating the illusion was soon raised. Early on, overhead views showed black and white zig-zag patterns on the stage floor, though I’m mystified as to their significance. Background images included what looked like red patterned wallpaper, and gold Lametta icicles; however, I’m mystified as to the significance of those images. From time to time, the title “ZORRA” was displayed on the background screen. One notable feature is the circular sofa structure, with steps, but again, I’m mystified as to its significance. Apart from that, this performance made good use of white light beams in various directions, and fireworks towards the end provided the perfect climax. Altogether, a catchy, memorable song, well performed and well staged. It’ll be interesting to see how this fares with the juries and public on Saturday evening, but for now, France doesn’t need to rely on viewers voting for this performance to get to the final.

Song 10: San Marino - MEGARA “11:11”

Back to tonight’s competing entries, which viewers in eligible countries can vote for. San Marino has gone for a hard rock song this year. It’s difficult for me to give a fair opinion on this as I don’t like this style generally, but anyway, it’s a very lively, powerful song, and plenty of electronic sounds can be heard at various points in the song. Interestingly, this is being performed predominantly in Spanish, with a few English lines. Tonight’s performance began with a swirling white pattern on the stage floor, which quickly changed to a tiled path pattern. Black trees on a purple background dominated for about two thirds of the song, but at times a cartoon like figure and a dragon appeared on the backgrounds screen. Towards the end, a giant clock, with towers either side, was on the background screen. Unsurprisingly for a song of this style, strobe lighting and smoke effects were included, and flame effects near the end provided the climax to this song. Altogether, a very lively hard rock song; and appropriately staged, you either like this genre or you don’t. The question is, will even hard rock, glam rock or heavy metal fans like this enough to want to vote for this tonight? We all saw what happened to Germany’s Lord of the Lost - “Blood and Glitter” in the Grand Final televote last year. I definitely don’t want this in the final, but if the betting odds at the time of the performance are anything to go by, there is just a slim chance this could slip through.

Song 11: Georgia - Nutsa Buzaladze

According to Wiwibloggs website, Nutsa conveys a powerful message in the song, expressing a metaphorical fight against various negative aspects like wars, envy, and hate. Tonight’s performance began with thunder-like sounds. Just like in the preview video, Nutsa sang the opening lines quite slowly, I liked the various sounds that could be heard between lines there. As she sang these lines, a circle formed, bottom up, on the background screen. The first verse proper has a noticeable beat to it, of rising and falling pitch. The line “Did we build empires, just to watch them burn?” could be interpreted as “Did we build cities, to see them destroyed by war?” There seems to be a slight increase in the tempo on the pre-chorus. In addition to the beat, other sounds can be heard. The first two lines in this block could be seen as a representation of damage being caused by war, and “It's getting harder to breathe” could be seen as “it’s getting increasingly difficult to live one’s life with war in progress”. I particularly like the way in which Nutsa sings the chorus, in a rising and falling pitch. The line “I'm rising from these ashes like a phoenix, yeah” could be interpreted as determination to succeed, despite destruction caused by conflict. The second verse has a good beat to it, and just like in the preview video, Nutsa raised the pitch during “rise higher, and higher, and higher”. Being as the title is “Firefighter”, it's hardly surprising that fire was a key feature of the performance, including simulated flame and smoke effects on the background screen, and actual rising flames around the stage edges at various moments in tonight’s performance. The performance ended with Nutsa being raised on a platform, and a final burst of flames from the stage. As if that wasn’t enough, the four dancers enhanced the song further with their dance routine. Altogether, an excellent song, which presumably could be classed as a power ballad. However, I think you need to read the background information, to understand what this is about, and one needs to be able to interpret the lyrics in connection with the background information. Will viewers, in eligible countries, for whom it’s their first time of seeing or hearing this, want to vote for this tonight? I’d definitely like to see this in the Grand Final, and I think this has a good chance of going through.

Song 12: Belgium - Mustii “Before the Party's Over”

Belgium has gone for a power ballad this year. The opening verse is sung softly, and is accompanied by electronic sounds and gentle beats. The chorus, which starts “Are you still playing the game” is sung in a more powerful manner, and has a faster and stronger beat. However, I’m mystified as to what Mustii means by “the game”. After the second verse and a second instance of the chorus, I like the way Mustii sings “I got a soul on fire”, “I’m gonna make moves tonight”; presumably this serves as a bridge. As far as the staging goes, Mustii was silhouetted, with yellow-tinted cloud effects behind him, and the area of stage behind him lit yellow, at the start of tonight’s performance. It wasn’t long before he was lit properly, and before the first instance of the chorus, he was on a circular platform surrounded by microphones on stands. I’m mystified as to the need for those, and have my doubts as to whether or not they actually worked, because he was singing into a hand-held radio microphone, and knelt down during the second verse. Late in the song, he stepped off the platform, and there were plenty of white light beams from above. The song drew to a close with multiple instances of “Before the party is over”; a simple, but effective way to round off this power ballad. During this outro, smoke effects appeared on the stage, but I question the need for strobe lighting in this part of the song. All in all, a good power ballad, Mustii sang well, but I’m not sure the circle of microphones was the best way to stage this. The question is, can this qualify tonight? I think this may appeal more to juries than the public, in which case this may have difficulty getting enough points to qualify in tonight’s televote only semi-final. I’d definitely like to see this in the final, but I think this is going to be very much a borderline qualifier.

Song 13: Estonia - 5MIINUST x Puuluup “(nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi”

The Estonian national final, Eesti Laul 2024, took place on Saturday 17 February 2024, and I watched it online from the UK, on demand, three days later. The winning song, “(nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi”, whose title means “We (really) don't know anything about (these) drugs”, is a rock song, which has a powerful beat. Just like at Eesti Laul, the song was performed in Estonian tonight; it’s great to hear Estonia perform in its native language for once. The band members had their unusual stringed instruments for tonight’s performance, though its uncertain whether they were actually playing them, or just miming them. The performance made use of illuminated squares on the background screen and stage floor, which were yellow for most of the song; however, there was an interlude when these were green and purple. Altogether a very lively rock song, which will not be everyone’s taste. Furthermore, having seen an English translation of the lyrics, some of the content, and the song’s title, could be cause for concern for some. This is not my cup of tea at all, and I’d rather this doesn’t qualify, but this could just slip through.

Automatic Qualifier 3: Italy - Angelina Mango “La noia”

The third and final automatic qualifier to perform on a non-competitive basis tonight, that being Italy. This is another song I’ve barely previewed in the run-up to tonight’s semi-final. Tonight’s performance included what looked like flowering thorn tree images on the stage floor and background screen. At times the song’s title was shown on the background screen. The parts which I think must be the chorus and middle eight sound pleasant enough, but I’m less keen on the section that sounded like rap. I’m mystified as to the significance of the unusual sculpture at the back of the stage; presumably it’s there for a purpose. The performance drew to a close with falling fireworks at the back of the stage. Summing up, another unusual entry and performance, and I think I’ll need to do some background reading online to find out more about this song before Saturday, time permitting. With that mind, it makes me wonder how casual viewers, who only watch the Grand Final, without seeing or hearing any of the songs beforehand, will think of this. Time will tell whether this can get votes from juries or viewers on Saturday night, but for now, Italy doesn’t need to rely on viewers voting for this performance to get to the final.

Song 14: Israel - Eden Golan “Hurricane”

Now for the last batch of tonight’s competing entries, which viewers in eligible countries can vote for. I’m aware of the reasons why Israel’s participation at all has been controversial this year, but let’s remember this year’s slogan “United By Music”, cast aside the fact that Eden is representing Israel, and assess this solely on the song’s lyrics, and tonight’s live vocals and staging up against tonight’s other 15 semi-finalists. Just like the preview video, tonight’s performance began with simulated thunder sounds. The first verse and first instance of the pre-chorus are sung softly, whereas the first instance of the chorus is sung in a slightly more powerful manner. I like the way in which some of the chorus lines are performed. The second verse is sung softly, but there are more sounds in this verse compared to the first (including what I think is a tambourine). The second instance of the chorus has a wider variety of musical sounds than the first instance. After an instrumental break, the closing section includes some Hebrew. The centrepiece of tonight’s staging was the giant circular structure, with lights around its outer edge. During the opening verse, Eden was inside the circle, and her dancers momentarily climbed on its outer for part of the chorus. At the start of the second verse, Eden was on the stage itself, and her dancers performed a dance routine. As for lighting, there were some spectacular effects with blue light for most of the song, but for some mysterious reason, the dominant lighting colour changed to yellow in the instrumental break, and remained yellow for the rest of the song. Smoke or dry ice effects provided further enhancement throughout the song. Altogether a pleasant ballad which includes both gentle and more powerful sections, and very well staged tonight. Furthermore, Eden has a beautiful voice, and sang amazingly well live tonight. The sad situation is, external factors, outside the scope of Eurovision, could influence whether people want to vote for this, or refuse to vote for this, tonight. Considering the song qualify, and tonight’s vocals and staging (and nothing else), up against tonight’s other competitors, I think this ought to be in the final, it’s questionable whether this can qualify or not.

Song 15: Norway - Gåte “Ulveham”

I watched the Norwegian national final, Melodi Grand Prix 2024 Final live, online from the UK, on 3 February 2024. Interestingly, the lyrics of this song had to be rewritten for the MGP Final. Just like at MGP Final, this was performed in Norwegian tonight. This is good, because I think performing this song in any other language would spoil it. Just like at MGP, the lead singer performed this on a plinth, with rocks, however I'm mystified as to the significance of that plinth. Early on, she was surrounded by a cone of narrow light beams. During the choruses, there was considerable use of flashing lights and lasers. In addition, some spectacular wave effects appeared on the background screen during the choruses. As if the lighting effects and screen images weren’t enough, smoke or dry ice provided further enhancement throughout the performance. One member of the band had an unusual stringed instrument, one had an electric guitar and another was seated at a drumkit, but it’s unclear as to whether they were actually playing, or just miming, their instruments on this occasion. All in all, a rather unusual entry, consisting of rock and some softer parts, so viewers will either like this or they won’t. The lead singer's voice is quite beautiful in the verses, but during the MGP Final, I thought she was too screechy for my liking on each instance of the chorus. For some reason, she didn’t seem quite so screechy tonight. I’d like to see this in the final, and I think there’s a good chance this will be there.

Song 16: Netherlands - Joost Klein “Europapa”

The final song in the line-up already; it’s amazing how time flies! the Netherlands. It’s quite a lively entry, though it contains spoken rap and sung sections. The song was performed in Dutch; it’s great to hear a country perform in its native language. Looking at an English translation of the lyrics, the gist of this is it’s about visiting various locations in Europe. The background screen showed part of a globe, with Europe visible, on the background screen at the start. Later background screen images included European locations or items associated with various European countries, e.g. spaghetti Bolognese, fish and chips. At certain points the title Europapa was displayed multiple time on the background screen. Apart form that, there was considerable use of flashing lights, and dancing at times. Near the end, this fast-paced entry slowed down considerably, and going by the in-vision English subtitles that appeared, it seemed as though Joost used this end section as a tribute to his father. All in all, quite a lively, albeit unusual, entry to close this show. Viewers will either like this or they won’t. I personally don’t like this at all, and I’d rather this doesn’t qualify. However, if the bookmakers’ odds are anything to go by, not only is this almost guaranteed to qualify tonight, but this is most likely to win tonight.

Televoting and Recap

After the songs finished, the hosts reappeared to announce the start of the voting at 21:35 BST. Some fireworks appeared at the back of the stage, and a message “Start Voting Now” appeared on the background screen. A recap of the songs followed. The UK was unable to vote in tonight's semi-final, and therefore UK viewers saw a message "UK VIEWERS CANNOT VOTE TONIGHT", and “Please do not call, your vote won’t count” underneath, at the bottom of the screen during the recap. Lines closed 21:50.

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My Preferences

Here are my preferences, based solely on all of tonight's performances:
Definitely want to qualify: Malta, Albania, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Latvia, Georgia, Belgium, Israel, Norway.
Wouldn't mind qualifying: Czechia, Armenia.
Prefer not to qualify: Greece, Estonia, Netherlands.
Definitely don't want to qualify: San Marino.

So, these are the ones I want to see Saturday night: Malta, Albania, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Latvia, Georgia, Belgium, Israel, Norway.

My Qualification Predictions

Here are my predictions of which countries will and won’t qualify, based solely on all of tonight's performances:
Almost certain qualifiers: Switzerland, Netherlands.
Likely qualifiers: Greece, Armenia, Georgia, Norway.
May qualify: Malta, Czechia, Austria, Denmark, San Marino, Belgium, Estonia, Israel.
Highly unlikely to qualify: Albania Latvia.

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Eurovision Song Contest 2024 Second Semi-Final Results

Here are the results, which were announced in a random order before 22:00 BST. Any use of "tonight" still means Thursday 9 May 2024.

My desired qualifiers: Malta, Albania, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Latvia, Georgia, Belgium, Israel, Norway.

Actual qualifiers (in order of announcement): Latvia, Austria, Netherlands, Norway, Israel, Greece, Estonia, Switzerland, Georgia, Armenia.

Bold entries represent the actual qualifiers that match my “Definitely want to qualify” preferences, and italic entries represent the ones that match my “Wouldn't mind qualifying” preferences.

OUT: Malta, Albania, Czechia, Denmark, San Marino, Belgium.

I’m glad Latvia qualified because Dons is a talented singer to be able to perform the way he did, and I think “Hollow” is a good ballad. I thought he had almost no chance of qualifying, but amazingly, he did. It just goes to show, anything is possible at Eurovision. I’m glad Israel also qualified, because Eden Golan is a talented, young singer, and her entry “Hurricane” is a pleasant ballad. Taking the lyrics of “Hurricane”, and how well Eden performed live, along with the staging, I think she genuinely deserves a place in the final.

Well done to also to Switzerland, Austria, Georgia and Norway all of whom had some amazing songs. It’s quite a diverse range really. I admit that some parts of Norway’s song that I like and some parts I’m less keen on, but with the way it’s been staged is a perfect package for this year.

So that means six of my ten “Definitely want to qualify” countries’ songs went through. Not bad I suppose. Sadly, Malta, Albania, Denmark and Belgium didn’t make it. Still, millions of other Eurovision fans around the world have different musical tastes to me, and without a shadow of a doubt, many must have liked some of the songs I didn’t want in the final. At the end of the day, I cannot expect to have all the songs I want in the final.

Anyway, no matter how I personally feel about which countries' songs went thorough and which ones didn't, all the artists who performed tonight deserve equal respect. Congratulations to the ten countries which qualified to the final, and commiserations to the six which failed to reach the final. So that means all 26 finalists are now confirmed and 11 countries have been eliminated (but will still vote in the final). Roll on the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 Grand Final at 20:00 BST Saturday evening.

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