• The Eurovision Five contest: from Sweden to Ukraine, passing through Spain, these are the favorite proposals for the final
  • Eurovision This was the first semi-final of Eurovision: two favorites, potential superstars, a musician with dwarfism and 10 qualifiers

With a summary of the first semi-final, held on Tuesday night, the second semi-final of Eurovision 2023 began, very punctually. On this occasion there was no initial performance. However, it was not necessary. Because it was enough for the three presenters – rapper Alesha Dixon, actress Hannah Waddingham (known for playing Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso) and the leader of the Ukrainian band The Hardkiss Julia Sanina – to set foot on stage, for the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool to be euphoric.

Thus, without further introduction, the competition began with the first participant of the night: Reiley, from Denmark. A singer from the Faroe Islands, who landed at Eurovision with one of the 100% pop songs. This is Breaking My Heart, a song about a breakup. Maybe that's why the interpreter sighed so much... Although, according to some tweeters, his voice contained too much air due to lack of technique.

In second place, came Brunette from Armenia with Future Lover. A modern ballad that impacts in every way. The staging is wonderful, thanks to a play of lights. However, the most remarkable thing is the attitude and vocal power of the singer. Brunette filled the entire stage with her presence. And the applause let him know.

Later, at number three, Romania came to the contest with the song D.G.T. (Off and On), in the voice of Theodor Andrei. A young artist of 18 years, who became known in the talent Vocea Romaniei Junior. A kind of La Voz Kids. On stage, Andrei played the guitar and demonstrated his capabilities. Although his proposal did not seem to surprise the audience, which remained somewhat silent during the presentation.

But, with performance number four, the noise filled the room again. And it was only necessary for Alika, the representative of Estonia, to appear at the M&S Bank Arena for the public to unleash their emotion. The reason? His presentation is one of those that surprise anyone. Alika moves, plays the piano and gives her heart to Bridges. A song that talks about anxiety.

Minutes later, in fifth place, the Belgian Gustaph fully lit up the stadium. With the catchiest song of the night -whose lyrics are dedicated to her husband-, the singer delivered a great presentation, with impeccable tuning, a smile on his lips, numerous hip movements and the incomparable company of his three backup singers and a voguing dancer.

Gustaph, from Belgium, with the catchiest song of the night. ADAM VAUGHANEFE

Then, in sixth position, the longest applause of the first 40 minutes was heard. The person responsible? The beautiful (why not say it!) former participant of The X Factor Australia Andrew Lambrou, from Cyprus, who, between smoke and campfires, walked around the stage to sing Break a Broken Heart. A ballad about the need to resurface after breakdowns.

In seventh place, the former contestant of Island Got Talent, the Icelandic Diljá, who – according to numerous experts – is one of the Eurovisions with the highest technical level. What's more, in the press room she was one of the favorites. However, both journalists and tweeters agree that its staging, which contained a luminous tree, was not striking enough.

At number eight, the youngest singer of this edition was presented. This is Victor Vernicos, from Greece, who is only 16 years old. However, Vernicos already has a great career behind him: he started playing piano at four, learned to sing at eight and at 10 started guitar lessons. Despite this, some consider that he is still not mature enough for Eurovision. In fact, his performance – with his song What They Say – did not raise too many passions.

And then, in ninth position, came the party. As happened in the pre-party, in Madrid, Blanka of Poland managed to get the feet of the whole stadium to start moving to the rhythm of Solo. An ultrapop, ultra danceable song that spreads good vibes. Although, beware, the subject, in reality, talks about spite. However, Blanka also sings of empowerment.

In the 10th position, Joker Out, from Slovenia, made his entrance. An indie rock band, composed of five kids, similar to the Jonas Brothers. Although with looks notoriously inspired by Harry Styles. Despite this, it is fair to say that his song Carpe Diem does not sound like anything that has passed through this stage. It is, without a doubt, a future radio success, which Liverpool thanked with great applause.

Later, in the eleventh position, it was the turn of Iru from Georgia. One of the favorites of the experts, with Echo. A song designed to exploit his vocal talent and allow him to teach how far he was able to go. Although their efforts, in the end, did not bear fruit. However, many flattered her wardrobe: a kilometric white dress, with which she could barely walk.

After the equator of the night, at number 12, the representatives of San Marino arrived. A four-piece Italian band called Piqued Jacks. And although there are no women among their ranks, it is inevitable to think that their idols are the winners of Eurovision 2021 Måneskin. Despite this, his song Like An Animal has nothing to do with Zitti e Buoni. Their song tries to have fun on the dance floor and, judging by their presentation in Liverpool, they had a great time.

In position number 13, the audience again got up to dance. But, this time, to the rhythm of a very curious song inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. Is this Who the Hell Is Edgar? An ultrapop hit, performed by the Austrians Teya and Salena, who -allegedly- make a metaphor for how little artists are paid. However, his criticism is not based on harsh words, but on catchy rhymes and a chorus that is hard to get out of your head.

In number 14, Albanian folklore was present with the Kosovar-Albanian singer Albina, who sings with five of her relatives. In fact, they present themselves almost like the Von Trapp family. But these are Albina and The Kelmendi Family. And what do they sing? Duje, a song that tells the struggle of a family to stay together during difficult times. A topic that certainly caught the audience.

Moments later, in the penultimate position, Lithuania entered the scene with its star Monika Linkyt, who was already in Eurovision 2015. On that occasion, Monica sang the song This Time, but this time she chose a ballad called Stay. A very quiet theme, which transmits calm, serenity ... What's more, that's what the song is about. Of the need to take breaks in the midst of chaos. And although it is difficult to think of the silence in the middle of Eurovision, Monika won.

Monika Linkyt from Albania.Martin MeissnerAP

Finally, the Australian group Voyager was presented. A progressive metal quintet, who performed the song Promise. A song that to be metal, is quite pop. Although it is undeniable that Voyager, in the last seconds of its presentation, shows all that "dark" side that Eurofans always like. In fact, the Australians' performance was one of the most applauded performances of the night.

After the end of the 16 performances, Dixon, Waddingham and Sanina returned to the stage to talk about voting, cheer up the audience and show how Peppa Pig – yes, Peppa Pig – led "a conga" in the Green Room. Despite this, the laughter was short-lived and soon the event took on a solemn character when three great Ukrainian artists were introduced: Mariya Yaremchuck, Zlata Dziunka and OTOY, who paid tribute to some of their compatriots.

While the first act of the interval was emotional, the BBC, the broadcaster in charge of Eurovision 2023, and the EBU chose a second act that raised spirits. It was a drag show, in charge of three drags, who imitated the presenters, and interpreted well-known songs. Like Jessie Ware's Free Yourself and En Vogue's Free Your Mind. All this with a group of dancers.

And then, finally, it was the turn of Blanca Paloma, who – sitting next to the representative of the United Kingdom Mae Muller and Tvorchi, the representatives of Ukraine – spoke with Alesha Dixon about EAEA and its debut in the grand final of Eurovision, which will take place this May 13. "My fans are called 'pichones', because my name is Blanca Paloma and 'pichón', in Spanish, is like the pigeon's baby. Let's fly together, pigeons!" he said as he introduced a preview of what you'll see in 48 hours.

10 minutes later, the jury – led by Martin Österdahl – certified all the votes and the presenters announced the 10 countries that qualified in this semi-final: Albania, Cyprus, Estonia, Belgium, Austria, Lithuania, Poland, Australia, Armenia and Slovenia. In this way, those 10 selected will be presented this Saturday, along with Ukraine, the winning country of Eurovision 2022, the countries belonging to the Big Five (Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy) and the qualifiers of the first semifinal: Croatia, Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, Czech Republic, Israel, Portugal, Sweden, Serbia and Norway.

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