On 20 March, we asked our readers to start voting for their favourites to win Eurovision 2017 semi final 1. As of 10.00 CEST on 3 May, we had collected an astounding 27,346 votes.

Leading the poll with 3,430 votes is Belgium’s Blanche. The “City Lights” songstress built up a large fan base prior to rehearsals, but things haven’t run so smoothly in Kyiv. The young Belgian appeared lost and nervous during her first rehearsal. Can she get back on track before the semi-final?

Armenia’s Artsvik is the runner-up with 2,686 votes. You can’t spell Artsvik without “art”, and the power vocalist upped the ante during her first rehearsal. Complete with Bollywood voguing and ethnic flair, the blonde diva has established herself as a firm favourite. She won our best rehearsal on May 1st poll.

In very close third place is Sweden’s Robin Bengtsson with 2,493 votes. The “I Can’t Go On” hitmaker essentially transplanted his Melodifestivalen staging to Kyiv. The slick routine cements his status as a contender.

Interestingly, Portugal is in fourth place despite Salvador Sobral engaging his sister as a stand in for his first rehearsal in Kyiv. That puts Portugal just 20 votes ahead of Azerbaijan’s Dihaj, who recently won our poll for best live performance on April 30th. It looks like going live — and doing well — is a key ingredient to slaying in this poll.

Based on our poll results the other qualifiers for the grand final will be Poland, Greece, Australia, Latvia and Iceland.

Current standings: Semi Final 1 (as of 3 May 2017)

  1. Belgium: Blanche, “City Lights” 12.54% (3,430 votes)
  2. Armenia: Artsvik, “Fly With Me” 9.82% (2,686 votes)
  3. Sweden: Robin Bengtsson, “I Can’t Go On” 9.12% (2,493 votes)
  4. Portugal: Salavador Sobral, “Amar pelos dois” 7.43% (2,032 votes)
  5. Azerbaijan: Dihaj, “Skeletons” 7.36% (2,012 votes)
  6. Poland: Kasia Mos, “Flashlight” 7.02% (1,920 votes)
  7. Greece: Demy, “This is Love” 6.45% (1,764 votes)
  8. Australia: Isaiah, “Don’t Come Easy” 4.86% (1,329 votes)
  9. Latvia: Triana Park, “Line” 4.81% (1,314 votes)
  10. Iceland: Svala, “Paper” 4.74% (1,295 votes)
  11. Finland: Norma John, “Blackbird” 4.47% (1,223 votes)
  12. Cyprus: Hovig, “Gravity” 4.4% (1,202 votes)
  13. Albania: Lindita, “World” 4.08% (1,115 votes)
  14. Moldova: SunStroke Project, “Hey, Mamma” 4.01% (1,096 votes)
  15. Georgia: Tamara Gacheciladze, “Keep the Faith” 3.74% (1,023 votes)
  16. Montenegro: Slavko Kalezic, “Space” 2.56% (701 votes)
  17. Czech Republic: Martina Barta, “My Turn” 1.79% (490 votes)
  18. Slovenia: Omar Naber, “On My Way” 0.8% (221 votes)

Don’t forget: this poll is open until the eve of the first semi-final on Tuesday 9 May, so anything can still happen.

What do you think of the results? Do our readers have it right?

Make sure to shout out who your favourite is on the wiwibloggs app! You can also let us know in the comments section below. Remember you can also support your favourite with one of our Eurovision t-shirts too!

83 Comments
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AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

This poll started before the rehearsals, so back then we were all for Blanche!!
Now things have changed but I’m confident she’ll deliver on the night of the semi!

Personally, I see more possible that Armenia win the semi! Both the juries and the televoters will appreciate this!

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Really? With that performance she won’t come anywhere near first place. She still might qualify due to the quality of the song but she won’t be first. I knew she wouldn’t do well because there are clips of here singing live and she’s not good. The poll does seem to be wishful thinking… Doubt Armenia will win too. They are always overhyped, mostly by Armenians themselves and never wins the semifinal. Last year many said Iveta would even win over Sergey in the semi, and of course she didn’t. She got second which was deserved, really good performance. Doubt Artsvik… Read more »

wim
wim
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

WTF? She sings very good live. You have to look for your ears. I can give a lot of clips where she sing’s very good. Stop being watered gains Blanche. She has still some surprise for us and they worked very hard the last 3 days to improve her performance. You will surprised and When here next rehearsal is much better, she ‘s back on track to become the winner of eurovision 2017. Go, go, go Blanche.

Ern
Ern
6 years ago

Not certain Blanche from Belgium will even make the final, much less win the semi-final.

EVERY year there is that one song that fails to make the final, which leaves everyone stunned. This year, that song will be Belgium’s.

wim
wim
6 years ago
Reply to  Ern

Belgium will go to the final for sure. The worked very hard the last 3 days to improve here performance. Watch out because blanche will slay.

Mark Beckenbreur
Mark Beckenbreur
6 years ago

Not going to happen. Sorry Blanche.

wim
wim
6 years ago

Will happen, sorry Mark Beckenbreur

Charles
Charles
6 years ago

The passion for Greece is unbelievable …it doesn’t even matter that it recycled Germany from 2013 … no … what matters is that the song respects the Eurovision fan bible religiously … it has to be uptempo or a ballad may kill the fans like a the black plague … Jesus lord …

Ern
Ern
6 years ago
Reply to  Charles

Buddy, what is so original about, say, Sweden?

Greece took a generic song right off the shelf, but so did most of the other countries.

Andrés Jakob
Andrés Jakob
6 years ago

This is great. ICELAND is in the final according to this poll 🙂

Luz
Luz
6 years ago

While I really like the Belgian entry this year and can see why many people are supporting it and Blanche, you all must remember that this is a song contest and not a sympathy contest. Here you have to bring your A game since day zero! It’s not fair to the other contestants that have dealt with their nerves and have been spot on in the pre parties and/ or first rehearsals like Kristian from Bulgaria and Isaiah from Australia who are in the similar age range. Spare me the whole “not everyone is the same or deal with nerves… Read more »

KYLLITO
KYLLITO
6 years ago
Reply to  Luz

Luz…..PREACH!!! This is not a sympathy contest. If Belgium doesn’t improve greatly, then they don’t deserve to be top ten and should go home. This poll upsets me so much that she won. Any of the top 15 were better than her.

Stan
Stan
6 years ago

Blanche has the best song. It will remain my favourite song of 2017.

Anna Levy
Anna Levy
6 years ago

Portugal climbing to 3rd on the odds… After Salvador new video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffqIa1L4TBE

Pgonc
Pgonc
6 years ago
Reply to  Anna Levy

Really amazing!!!
I can’t stop repeating this…
He’s incredible! So different of all we have seen on the Eurovision!

Aline VR
Aline VR
6 years ago

So many hate. Let me remind you that Blanche reads EVERYTHING! I still believe in our Belgian teen queen.

Stan
Stan
6 years ago
Reply to  Aline VR

I hope she doesn’t, and if she does, that she realises that none of the people commenting here, have actually heard the rehearsal.

Maniac
Maniac
6 years ago

but she won’t win haha , this staying in semifinal

Abel
Abel
6 years ago

Belgium doesn’t deserve to take another’s country place in the final. If you like her so much, give her a place of Big5. Countries try hard to be in the final, why Belgium? I’m so tired of Big5 and fan favourite Belgium, go away all.

#ShoutToMyEx
#ShoutToMyEx
6 years ago
Reply to  Abel

Belgium was the f*cking ugly duckling for 9 years. Belgium was in the final for big acts like Tom Dice, Roberto Bellarosa, Loic Nottet and Laura Tesoro. And that’s it. Have some respect for Blanche and other acts. Cause all what some ESC fans can do is complain and hate. Please stop that useless hate! Thank you xx ps. WE BELIEVE IN YOU BLANCHE! She will blow you all away on the big night… 😉

Abel
Abel
6 years ago
Reply to  #ShoutToMyEx

OK, fine, let Belgium win, as long is not somebody from Big5.
It’s so sad when the winner is not somebody from semifinal.

GEF
GEF
6 years ago

My ranking would be

01. Azerbaijan
02. Finland
03. Belgium
04. Czech Republic
05. Australia
06. Iceland
07. Portugal
08. Sweden
09. Slovenia
10. Montenegro
11. Latvia
12. Moldova
13. Albania
14. Poland
15. Georgia
16. Cyprus
17. Armenia
18. Greece

Kirby
Kirby
6 years ago
Reply to  GEF

I agree with you!

Mark Beckenbreur
Mark Beckenbreur
6 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

Pff, only in your fantasy world.

Mari
Mari
6 years ago

Yeah!! This is so interesting! Good luck Artsvik <3

Elle
Elle
6 years ago

Good, now I’m just waiting for the lightening and dancing drone bulb. She is awful on stage, someone (or something) save her somehow, please. Light bulb my dear, come and save her. At least, she will sneak to the final ONLY because of it and we’ll be having something interesting to Watch, finally.

Grete Paia
Grete Paia
6 years ago
Reply to  Elle

That is so mean

Elle
Elle
6 years ago
Reply to  Grete Paia

That’s reality, are you all deaf? She’ll go through because of the memory of the studio version and possibly, if it ever happens, the eventual light bulb. Singing in a room or in a little intimate adjustement is WAY different then a big stage, everyone has its goods and bads. She might be working well in the first place, it’s not a demerit. Leave esc to others. I repeat: why the hell the internal commission never investigated her real ability in big stages. Don’t we forget that she was eliminated from local The Voice only at the second live. Only… Read more »

Elle
Elle
6 years ago
Reply to  Elle

***awkward***

andrew
andrew
6 years ago

so she awful live but still get to the final hardly seems fare and most of the better songs are gettinng slagged off her voice is so monotone its painful

GEF
GEF
6 years ago

I made an experiment looking how each country would place in the semi final. Here is my result: 01. Sweden 247 (This song will get points from all coutries, will please TV and j) 02. Azerbaijan 219 (memorable staging, good song, diaspora) 03. Armenia 202 (memorable staging, big diaspora) 04. Belgium 196 (song is very modern, will get many jury points) 05. Poland 183 (diaspora) 06. Greece 168 (will please TV, diaspora, catchy song) 07. Latvia 166 (memorable and the advantage of having the last performance) 08. Portugal 156 (memorable because of the simplicity, will please older TV) 09. Finnland… Read more »

Étoile
Étoile
6 years ago

Maybe she’ll improved with her 2nd rehearsal but I think it’s more her nervosity the real problem. Allez Blanche, détends-toi!

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

No clue at all tbh how this will appear to random viewer who will listen the song for the first time next week.. After seeing others at rehearsals, starting to think that she will struggle to qualify, although I hope very much that she will manage it..

Pgonc
Pgonc
6 years ago

PORTUGAL’S new version
I’m sorry to be posting a youtube video here, but I have to share this with people that love music. I just came across this new version of the portuguese entry and it’s absolutely amazing!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffqIa1L4TBE

I know that the ESC version will be the original one, but I honestly hope that Portugal goes to the final so that I can vote for him
(France votes in the 2nd semi-final)
Good luck to all the good singers and musicians!

Diego
Diego
6 years ago
Reply to  Pgonc

Love it

LC1725
LC1725
6 years ago
Reply to  Pgonc

AMAZING VERSION!! He is a true Artist!
Thank you so much for sharing this piece of art.

Geo
Geo
6 years ago

Is that a joke, obviously. The poll is not recent, those who’ve seen her as a favorite now are regretting it. After the first rehearsal fail she is down in the polls, there are other favorites to win the 1st semifinal (Armenia, Portugal, Greece, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Moldova – these 6 are sure qualifiers. The other 4 countries who can possibly join them – Poland, Finland, Cyprus or Latvia)… Even Australia, Iceland, Montenegro or Albania are better than Belgium this year (songs, voices, live singing skills, shows, graphics, staging overall)…..

escphbelgium
escphbelgium
6 years ago

It’s an indie song with complextro influence, what do people expect? Her face on screen? Weirdly dressed dancers? Hair whipping? A giant dancing chess piece? I think her alone on that stage and the orb would do just fine

Nico
Nico
6 years ago
Reply to  escphbelgium

At least she should not sing like a robot. No emotion on her face, no charisma, nothing… Nada… Blank! Her singing doesn’t cross the TV’s… She is singing flat, just like she’s acting on stage…

escphbelgium
escphbelgium
6 years ago
Reply to  Nico

Here’s a little something-something to prove you wrong on Blanche’s singing

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JoHBXcZBzfg

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  escphbelgium

I expected the ball from the video, or at least I expected a black and lightbulb yellow background instead of the boring, placeholder blue we got.

wim
wim
6 years ago
Reply to  Hada

Well; on sunday there where technical problems with the ball, so there is a ball, so let’s hope it will work tommorow.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Is it true that they won’t change the performance omg inb4 Poland qualifies instead of Belgium… the HORROR. Fix it Blanche

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

This really could happen, actually.

Elle
Elle
6 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Oh, please not!
Belgium all my life, instead of this pseudo-diva. She doesn’t even sing, she literally grunts sometimes, trying to look like a “black” singer…

wiltsu
wiltsu
6 years ago

Never wins. My advice for her would be, she should stay in studio and make Records for radio because obvisly she cannot sing very well live and is afraid the stage. Or then she could get a more suitable profession for herself.

Dana
Dana
6 years ago
Reply to  wiltsu

I have the same opinion. Or she should make a girl band along Serbia’s Tijana and FYROM’s Jana. All 3 of them disappointing live…. Great songs (studio versions), good potential but the bad singing and poor staging are dragging these girls down…. Definitely no qualifiers (Belgium, Serbia and Macedonia).

escphbelgium
escphbelgium
6 years ago
Reply to  Dana

You’re rude ;(

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

Sweden will win SF1, unless the juries go forcefully for Portugal or Finland.
People are underestimating Sweden, because we already knew the staging.
I don’t like the song, it’s not going to win the jury vote, but the performance elevates a lot.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Azerbaijan will collect Sweden’s skeletons and throw them to 2nd place

Lightning Bryce
Lightning Bryce
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

If no one else wants to be the boy crying that the emperor has no clothes, I will: Sweden delivers the same damn song year in and year out with nearky the same staging. Only the pretty boy is different.

Maite
Maite
6 years ago

That’s not true: last years’ If I were boring (oops… Sorry) was pretty different, and sadly in the wrong way. Sweden is always correct, but far from risky though.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Maite

Let’s say they always use the same overall formula. Their songs are heavily unoriginal, also.

Louisesc
Louisesc
6 years ago

About Belgium: It was her first rehearsal on the FIRST day! A lot of camera work wasnt good then! It improved a lot over the days. + she had technical Issues with her act!! There will be a light orb 🙂
I also really hate the press for making everthing so negative about her.
Shes only 17 c’mon…
Was the first time on the stage and without her dress
Sooo.. To all the haters: watch out

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  Louisesc

She’s 17, but she’s in the adult league. People at home won’t care about her age. Remember when the audience booed those Russian twins? That was much worse.
I hope the Belgian delegation work out on something to save the song, because it deserves to be in the Final. I’m not confident though, since they said it was everything ok.
Eurovision sometimes can be cruel. Like “zero points to Czech Republic”.
But I wish good luck to her.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Here’s a fact: the studio version had backing vocals that were higher than Blanche herself, so during her first rehearsal, the backing singers didn’t on stage with her. Hopefully they show up during the second rehearsal! 😉

Grete Paia
Grete Paia
6 years ago
Reply to  Louisesc

The russians were booed for being ugly girls from an ugly country

Tired
Tired
6 years ago
Reply to  Louisesc

Pleace stop with that nag about original/unoriginal what so ever!!! That´s only two songs this year that´s original and it´s Armenina and Romania. Not a fan of any of them but if you want original that’s it!

Baaaah
Baaaah
6 years ago
Reply to  Louisesc

Pleace stop with this nagging about original/unoriginal what so ever…
There are two songs this year that can be considered as original and it is Armenia and Romania. Not a fan of any of them but that’s it!

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago
Reply to  Louisesc

Thank you!
Exactly! It was the 1st day and her 1st rehearsal! She’s obviously going to be better at the 2nd one!
I didn’t like the performance eiher! But that’s why we have rehearsals! She can improve!

I like food
I like food
6 years ago
Reply to  Louisesc

Age doesn’t matter, hunny. You were in this contest and you will be in it. The Hunger Games is just the same.

Lianne
Lianne
6 years ago

Sweden will win the first semi-final. Mark my words. TBH I see Belgium qualifying, but no top 3 for Belgium.

Burger
Burger
6 years ago

If Blanche is going to be nervous then either the poll responders are tone deaf or the question really was who would win the first runner up in the semi final (otherwise known as 11th spot)

Frans
Frans
6 years ago

Belgium?? Definitely no. Armenia, Portugal, Sweden and Poland

S@g@
S@g@
6 years ago

….saying all the people in ESC bubble.
We will see next tuesday how Blanche will do it..
I must say im happy the Belgian delegation is not using projections of Blanche’s face, horse heads, half naked dancers, copy paste Loïc Nottet dance routines, confetti canonns, air balloons or projections that really hurting the eyes.

esc1234
esc1234
6 years ago
Reply to  S@g@

well of course. a frightened little girl with akward hand moves is by far more impressive….

escphbelgium
escphbelgium
6 years ago
Reply to  esc1234

IT’S AN INDIE SONG (with influence of Complextro). What do you expect? Stupid props and questionable dancers? I think her alone and the floating orb would do just fine.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  S@g@

Yeah, I agree with your point. It seems that everybody is using a gimmick this year.

Grete Paia
Grete Paia
6 years ago
Reply to  S@g@

Her timed arm movements are excellent and not awkward

Darren
Darren
6 years ago

Such a shame shes been receiving such a negative response to her live performances, as ‘City Lights’ is such a contemporary, artistic song, I am sure she could have given Belgium a victory. I still hope she turns things around and atleast get Top 10, I mean if Belgium could get Top 10 last year with that dull and boring ‘Sax’ copycat, then ‘City Lights’ can definitely aim higher.

I want Brussels to host Eurovision 2018 so badly

Dew
Dew
6 years ago

Hope those who voted for her got enough money to vote for her in the semi. A borderline qualifier at best.

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
6 years ago

The mighty Belgian diaspora must have rigged the poll.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

No chance.

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago

As much as I love the Belgian song, with all the bad press Blanche is getting, I am starting to fear that she might not even qualify… Let alone win…

Mar
Mar
6 years ago

Maybe ask again

Mark Dowd
Mark Dowd
6 years ago

No chance of getting anywhere near top….she may squeal through in ninth-tenth, but she is so lacklustre and lacking in zapp at the moment that she kills it. You feel sorry for her. It´s not age per se….look at Kristian, same age. It´s temperament.

M
M
6 years ago

Oh, well! What to say? Can’t argue with that. Will never receive my vote, though!

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Restart the poll and we’ll see how high she ranks this time 😉

escphbelgium
escphbelgium
6 years ago

You’re rude ?

escphbelgium
escphbelgium
6 years ago

You’re rude-_-

escfanBelgium
escfanBelgium
6 years ago

Yeah, let us restart it tomorrow after the 2nd rehearsals. Let us see how high she ranks! Let me tell you that she has a lot of DESERVED fans!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Well, that’s interesting. :S

Guchi
Guchi
6 years ago

FFF