Last year’s winner Blanche (Photo: Andres Putting / EBU)

The first semi-final came and went, and with it 10 lucky acts qualified for the final. But what impact have these songs had on the iTunes chart? Let’s take a look.

The big winner with iTunes is Belgium. Blanche’s “City Lights” has made an impression with viewers in 19 countries. The song is No.2 in Belgium as well as Lithuania. It’s No.3 in Sweden, and has made the top ten in Estonia and the Netherlands.

Next on the list is Portugal, where “Amar pelos dois” has charted in 16 countries. It’s made the biggest impression in its home country, going straight to No.1 in Portugal. The song has also made the top ten in Lithuania and Sweden.

The third most popular song in iTunes is Moldova‘s Sunstroke Project with “Hey Mamma”. Europe can’t get enough of the epic sax, and the song has charted in 13 countries.

Italy‘s entry may have only made a brief appearance in the first semi-final, but it was enough for “Occidentali’s karma” to get noticed. Francesco Gabbani’s cheerful tune has charted in 11 countries, including No.11 in Finland.

In fifth place is Finland‘s Norma John. Their song “Blackbird” might have missed out on qualifying, but it’s still made enough of an impact to chart in nine countries.

Sweden‘s Robin Bengtsson and Australia‘s Isaiah both have their songs charting in seven countries. Iceland‘s Svala and Armenia‘s Artsvik are each charting in five countries.

Other artists charting in multiple countries include France‘s Alma, Cyprus‘ Hovig, the Czech Republic‘s Martina Bárta, Slovenia‘s Omar Naber, and Latvia‘s Triana Park.

So what does all this iTunes chart action tell us? It’s important to remember that not all countries use iTunes as much as others do. In some countries other online music stores are more popular, in others streaming has taken over as the dominant form of consuming music.

But the reaction in iTunes charts around Europe is at least an indication of what songs made an immediate connection with some listeners. It shows us what songs inspired listeners enough last night for them to track down the song online and download it.

What do you think? Do iTunes charts indicate Eurovision success? Share your thoughts below!

Read all our news on Eurovision 2017

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Matt
Matt
6 years ago

Everyone who knows something about contemporary music, must admit this is the best song of the contest! It has everything to become an international radio hit. That’s far mroe than can be said from, for example, Italy. Unfortunatly, Eurovision isn’t about the best song anymore. 🙁 Still, this girl deserves to win. And my kuddos for Belgium who are once again, sending a non-cliché-song to the contest, worth the 12 points big time!

Dew
Dew
6 years ago

Last year, after semi-finals, Russia and Australia dominated the Itunes. That is, I can surely say Belgium at least in Top 3 in the semi.

Fernando
Fernando
6 years ago

Remember this is a song contest,… not a freak show of lights & fashion,… Salvador Sobral from Portugal has it all,… simplicity,
melody, fantastic lyrics, fantastic voice… and sings in its native language to CELEBRATE DIVERSITY,… he is already a winner,…

Asencion sucks
Asencion sucks
6 years ago

@Asencion comment should be removed from this here for posting a link

kblomkvist77
kblomkvist77
6 years ago

Although Blanche’s song sounds like something I’ve heard before… it still sounds more original than 90% of the songs on the festival, and that’s the 1st point in her favor 2nd point is that she is not trying too hard. The nervousness and the fragility only plays in her hands as it is consistent with her age, her appearance and the message of the song There was an unpleasant crack in her voice in the bridge of the song, but the fact that she has a unique, dark voice it did not spoil the picture for me I say if… Read more »

Ascension
Ascension
6 years ago

Hey guys, check out this video on Semi-Final 1 and let me know what you think!! I would love to read your thoughts on the result! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJPA40szVZQ

Okta
Okta
6 years ago

As soon as Blanche started singing the audience went crazy! Also there was a great shot when she slowly raises her arms to show a cubic tunnel behind her, and again the crowd cheered with great excitement. Blanche then replied to the people with a cute smile adding more magic to her song while gaining more confidence. It was such a delightful performance!

Rafael
Rafael
6 years ago

Blanche went through because she has a fantastic song, it’s original and it has meaning, it isn’t shallow like 80% of the other songs. It’s a shame that she was so nervous but I guess people saw through that, hopefully she’ll get past that on the final. Portugal also has an amazing song, and it feels really good to see so many people enjoying it when they don’t understand my mother tongue, but in 2008 we were also one of the favorites and got 2nd place in our semifinal only to end up at 13th on the final. Eurovision also… Read more »

Stan
Stan
6 years ago

Did I see something else than most people here? Blanche was on stage as a 17-year old girl, in a confusing universe that she manages to grasp and organise. Song and staging fell beautifully into place. She looked great, she had a few nervous cracks, true… But that’s the only thing against this entry.
For me Blanche and Salvador had something all the others didn’t have: authenticity. I can’t really rank them because the songs are so different. But for sure they must have been 1 and 2 for the juries… Well done!

Freckled boy
Freckled boy
6 years ago

Netherlands will give Belgium 12 points in the final

Diane
Diane
6 years ago

This is the winner!!! I got goosebumps yesterday when I heard it live 🙂

C
C
6 years ago

Sweet girl, but no! Yesterday was not good enough (and should have been eliminated). Wobbly and Blanche was out of tune – Belgium cannot be judged on a cool music video! It should have been goodbye – and Georgia/Finland/Slovenia in the final!

gupol
gupol
6 years ago

To all Belgium haters – you are biased, and completely wrong. I’m pretty sure it will rank high in Grand Finale (4th- 6th position). And folks opposing here seem to ignore that everything opposes them – she qualified, she’s most popular on iTunes, she’s high in bookies predictions. Look at this another way – kids which are buying stuff on iTunes have some money for sms’s too.

CyxCy
CyxCy
6 years ago
Reply to  gupol

I’m not an “hater”, I just tell my advice, and is my right. I don’t “hate” Blanche, I don’t know her and she’s probably a kind people and a talentuous artist, BUT I don’t understand her success in this contest for all the reasons that I explain. I don’t like the song and the staging but I never attack Blanche. [ “she looks depressive when she sing” is not an attack but an impression. I could not say “she was smiling”, because she really was not.] If you can’t accept that other people can had an advice different than yours,… Read more »

CyxCy
CyxCy
6 years ago

First of all I want to make clear that I have absolutely nothing against Belgium, which generally presents very good songs and candidates. But this year, I do not understand the success of Blanche. Really this song is nothing special and does not stay in mind. And the staging is not terrible either. This dress does not suit her at all, and the wallpaper either. And to top it off, she looks depressive when she sings. In the same style, I preferred from far away Finland and Norma John, but unfortunately it was not their evening. But congratulations to her,… Read more »

Gon
Gon
6 years ago
Reply to  CyxCy

Blanche’s song got stuck in my head, she looked maybe a bit shy, but not depressed. Norma John song, on the other hand didn’t make any impression to me, can’t even remember how it goes and I’m from Finland

DyGh
DyGh
6 years ago

Saying as a Belgian: I’m going to eat old dog food if Italy doesn’t win, I’m going to eat my dog when Spain wins and I’m going to Eurovision next year if we win 😉
But that wont happen for the next few decades so we shall wait another 30 years unless we are consistent and we win next year 🙂

Bernard barnes
Bernard barnes
6 years ago
Reply to  DyGh

Hope it’s a sausage dog lol

Denise rice
Denise rice
6 years ago

Best song Belgium
Announced last because it has the money votes
It will win Saturday

S@g@
S@g@
6 years ago

In 2014 The Common Linnets stormed on the European iTunes charts after performing Calm After The Storm in the semi-final.
The result for The Netherlands in the final was not that bad 😉

Denise rice
Denise rice
6 years ago

If Spain bring a bull on stage
5 violins off key with one string
One sombrero and a pair of castanets
And a man singing ole to the audience and they sing back
It would be iTunes hit and bookies Eurovision favourite
That’s the Eurovision in a nutshell
Load nonsense

David powell
David powell
6 years ago

Let’s not forget Ukraine won last year
Pretty unforgettable song
It won because of politics and a vote against Russia
These polls are stupid basically
Stay calm

David powell
David powell
6 years ago

I predict Netherlands won’t qualify
Wilson Phillips not required in 2017
More hype about nothing
They won’t appeal to jury votes

adriana
adriana
6 years ago
Reply to  David powell

I want Netherlands ,Romania,Bulgaria,Israel,Belarus to qualify.

MM
MM
6 years ago
Reply to  David powell

hahaha, wrong prediction!!
Are you for real?

David powell
David powell
6 years ago

Outdated songs?
Sweden same old style every year
Why is this country successful?
Immigrants voting for it

Danny
Danny
6 years ago

Blanche should wear a Masquerade everytime she performs because the close ups always looks like she’s going to cry. Does she even want to perform or is somebody forcing her? Everything about her from vocals to stage presence lacks star quality. Her entire performance sounded off.

Verka
Verka
6 years ago
Reply to  Danny

Sorry, bad joke alert, but maybe this is why JOWST is wearing a mask.
For me semifinal 2 is so….equal. All are equals, in the good way, but hard to predict.

Yente
Yente
6 years ago

Begin from Belgium, I have to admit I was not sure last night if she was going to make it. Especially with the Netherlands, France and Germany all voting in the other semi (and jup, Belgium has no diaspora whatsoever). But the iTunes results show that people actually liked it and voted for it. I can understand that this gets a lot of hate, but at least this song is fresh, modern and has an edge, unlike (I’m sorry) Albania, Georgia and others. Don’t think she will win, but I can see a top 10 spot for her. And remember:… Read more »

Marc
Marc
6 years ago
Reply to  Yente

She will be Top 5 🙂

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago
Reply to  Yente

Blanche had her best performance yesterday! No doubt, Belgium has maybe the most modern track this year!

At the last qualifier yesterday, for me it was between Belgium and Finland!
First thought: It’s gonna be Finland! For sure!
Next thought: but Belgium was really good tonight! And the song is amazing! It can’t stay in the semi!
And then Belgium was annnounced! I believe there were many people who voted for this, but for others knowing the studio version may have helped!

Azaad
Azaad
6 years ago

Blanche was good (not great but good) in the performances that counted.

Peyton
Peyton
6 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

It wasn’t good or great, not even close. It was just average. A few more years experience and she might be good at singing and become more confident.

Jordan
Jordan
6 years ago

Belgium is the most overrated this year. Same level as a karaoke singer & performs on stage like it’s her first time every single time. If this was a singing competition eg X factor then she would be sent home straight away. Well wasn’t she eliminated early on The Voice? She is in the final because of the music video. “Awkward” is the best word to describe her.

Gon
Gon
6 years ago
Reply to  Jordan

Haven’t seen the music video, but the song is great and catchy

Danika
Danika
6 years ago

Finland was boring so I wasn’t surprised it didn’t get through. Belgium & Greece had the worst live vocals.

mateo
mateo
6 years ago
Reply to  Danika

Worst vocals of the night? Did you not hear the sqreech of Australia and the 4 notes of Sweden sung out of breath because the act requires him the walk and pose on a tredmill?
Greece was not good but not the worst. Blanche looks fragile but the voice works well with the song. It’s not my favourite of the night. That would be Portugal.
Poland won the stakes of managing the most fake drama in it’s perfomance for the second year running. The lady can sing but making a drama out of every word does not work.

Bob
Bob
6 years ago

Belgium and Greece did not deserve to qualify based on last nights performances. Albania and Georgia were much better based on how professional their performances were. At least the artists from those countries could SING. I’m very sad about the result. The only good performances that actually qualified were Azerbaijan and Sweden. I don’t get the hype over Portugal – he seems like a nice person and has a lovely voice but the song is nothing special. I’ve heard way better ballads with the vibe of that era going on. I felt it deserved to qualify and maybe top 10… Read more »

Toms
Toms
6 years ago
Reply to  Bob

I agree 100%. Portugal was nice but thats all. Greece was dreadfull, Belgium was bad but her song is simply – good.

Riva
Riva
6 years ago
Reply to  Bob

The thing is – you’ve heard but other people most likely not. It is sung in very specific way to be forgotten. Love/hate but you’ve heard how crowd reacted.

adriana
adriana
6 years ago

Sorry the song is good ,but last night it was just awful .

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Well, City Lights’ studio version is objectively fantastic. The performance left a lot to be desired, though.

Mattias Sollerman
6 years ago

Top 10s according to esctracker.com
City Lights
1 Belgium
1 Estonia
4 Sweden
4 Netherlands

Amar Pelos Dois
1 Portugal
5 Sweden
8 Netherlands

Just a coincidence? Or is there something in the water in Sweden and the Netherlands?

MS
MS
6 years ago

I have a feeling that swedens top in the Grand Final will be Belgium and Portugal! I hope so anyway!

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

And when has ITunes predicted a winner? When was the last time a ESC winner came from ITunes?
To answer the question “what does charts tell us”, it tells us absolutely nothing. Apart from telling us which songs might be a hit and live on after ESC.

Racal
Racal
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Read the article: where does it say that Belgium is going to win? Where does it say that iTunes predicts the winner? Nowhere.

The article is only saying that “Belgium dominates iTunes charts after qualification”, which only means that… Belgium dominates iTunes charts after qualification. Nothing more is written there.

Focus on what the article says, not on what you think it says.

Racal
Racal
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Actually the article is pretty clear: “So what does all this iTunes chart action tell us? It’s important to remember that not all countries use iTunes as much as others do. In some countries other online music stores are more popular, in others streaming has taken over as the dominant form of consuming music”. > So they are pretty explicit about the limitations of that information. “But the reaction in iTunes charts around Europe is at least an indication of what songs made an immediate connection with some listeners. It shows us what songs inspired listeners enough last night for… Read more »

Europe has spoken
Europe has spoken
6 years ago

After the semifinal is more hate than before.
Belgium and Finland were the same – sad song, black dress.
If Belgium had the first (white) dress perhaps now Finland were IN and Belgium OUT.

Irene
Irene
6 years ago

I was watching the semi with my sister, and on Belgium’s turn the moment the first notes were heard, she said, is this a favorite to win? Blanche hadn’t even started singing yet. LOL. Say what you want, but Belgium breezed through the semis based on the song and stage appearance only. And I fail to see how her vocals were worse than, say, Lena’s who won the contest even. She has a unique voice too, like Lena also.

Rhingo
Rhingo
6 years ago

I was holding my breath hoping against the odds that the tenth qualifier will be Finland… My wish was not granted. I knew that it is impossible but still the result hurts. Blanche is too awkward. Be it on stage or during interviews or in the press conference, she is so unsure of herself and unappealing. An artist must be charismatic and to have something to pull people toward him/her. Blanche doesn’t have it. She has a good song and good stage effects. She has wooden presence and almost crying face. If it was JESC, then ok – let’s give… Read more »

Blob
Blob
6 years ago
Reply to  Rhingo

If watching Blanche could cause you a nervous breakdown, you better don’t watch the finals then, because she will be there.

Rhingo
Rhingo
6 years ago
Reply to  Blob

If that is all you can came up as counter attack then better write nothing at all -.-

Yoeri
Yoeri
6 years ago
Reply to  Rhingo

Rhingo, I do understand the reaction of Blob. Your opinion is indeed an opinion but also the opinion of Blob is an opinion. For me an artist is a person who gives me goose bumps and Blanche did. For you it did not work. For me it did…even she sounded nervous, even she is not a dancer, she is a girl of 17 with an emotional song. Were you never ‘alone in a danger zone’? Do you never see all those people in danger zones looking out for ‘a helping hand’? I prefer songs with a message above perfection. just… Read more »

Rhingo
Rhingo
6 years ago
Reply to  Yoeri

I did not see Blob opinion. Just dislike for mine.
As for Blanche, if what she is giving works for you, you are one of the lucky fans. As for me it is absolutely undeserving qualification entry.
As for if I have ever been ‘alone in the danger zone’ – how about right now? I am on my own in the danger zone of ESC fandom XD
I have nothing against Blanche as a person but I definitely have against her artist persona. She needs to mature and find herself before singing about loneliness and love.

Sebastian
Sebastian
6 years ago
Reply to  Rhingo

I disagree. An artist should be human, and Blanche is human, showing her vulnerability. No manipulation. Pure natural.

Rhingo
Rhingo
6 years ago
Reply to  Sebastian

Then why not go and perform? You are human as well 🙂
If you are on stage you need to be attractive in some way

B
B
6 years ago

First one to go is Greece (ghastly vocals, out of tune) – for Georgia.
Second Sweden out (plastic, dodgy vocals) – Finland in.

Irene
Irene
6 years ago
Reply to  B

Finland was boooring, I can’t wait for Bulgaria to flop too, though unfortunately it will probably reach the final :/ I didn’t like Sweden either (the song), but if there was an entry it’d usher in the qualifiers, it would be the Czech Republic.

esc1234
esc1234
6 years ago

STOP CRYING FOR FINLAND AND GEORGIA, THANK GOD EUROPE DOESNT HAVE THE SAME TASTE WITH 20 HARDCORE UNICORN BOYS

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

Alright! 😀

Orla reilly
Orla reilly
6 years ago

They should get rid of the public vote

Orla reilly
Orla reilly
6 years ago

It’s very clear
On final night that western country public vote is dominated by migrants in that country
I remember Ireland voting for Lithuania and Latvia 2 bad songs 10 and 12 points these were from Lithuanians and Latvians living in Ireland not from Irish people

coryn
coryn
6 years ago
Reply to  Orla reilly

can you please stop the erroneous eastern european claim that you repeat hundreds of times. Eastern europe together has a population of one western european country. And by your logic eastern european countries should only vote for eastern european one, which has never happened, and if there is a vote for a western one, that might be because of westerners who live in a eastern european country, which is ridiculous. There is no logic in your words. Again Albania didn’t get to the final, think of that for a moment. Take your time. I am not saying people who have… Read more »

RC
RC
6 years ago

Her voice in live is awful. Great song but awful singer.

LAHAYANO
LAHAYANO
6 years ago
Reply to  RC

She was a lot better than Greece though.
Greece only had her looks working in her favour (I don’t really find her that pretty but can understand that others might)

The song is utter crap, her voice was weak. Only singer worse than her was the girl from Latvia.

Thad
Thad
6 years ago

I would say: I love the song .. But only the Studio-version. The staging is ok and how she is working on the stage is ok for this song, too. But her live-vocals are very weak in my opinion. It sounds like someone would run crying in a chainsaw (a little exaggerated). And to be honest: i thought that she had to go home. But i hope she will do better in the grand final. She deserves it.

Sgh11
Sgh11
6 years ago

Finland was boring. It’s as simple as that. Good voice is not enough in euroVISION! Belgium, Greece, Cyprus and Moldova had that extra sth to make it to the finals. Votes exchange is not enough anymore (hello, Greece last year)

James burke
James burke
6 years ago

Eastern block eastern block eastern block domination again
Can anyone truly say Moldova deserved to qualify?
Anyone remember the song?
Anyone remember Portugals song?
Joke competition for sure
I remember Finland but no no need to worry about it because largely ignored by the dominant eastern block who look after their own

Racal
Racal
6 years ago
Reply to  James burke

I do remember Portugal’s song, it’s actually on repeat on my iTunes and I voted for it. 😉 But how is Portugal part of the “Eastern block domination”? If you look at the map, Portugal is so Western that it’s actually on another timezone than the rest of mainland Europe, lol…

AG
AG
6 years ago
Reply to  James burke

Eastern block what?? Three ex Soviet countries are in, 3 from the west, 1 from central Europe, 1 from Scandinavia, 1 from the Balkans plus Australia. What are you talking about?! Relax. Everyone remembers the Portuguese song, just sayin’.

Orla reilly
Orla reilly
6 years ago
Reply to  AG

The migrants from the Balkan eastern block countries are the people voting in for their home countries from the other countries-
Work it out

coryn
coryn
6 years ago
Reply to  Orla reilly

they are mainly in UK, so your point isn’t relevant. There are in other countries but quite small amount relative to locals, in order to make a difference. For example, there are plenty of Albanians in Switzerland and Austria, but Albania didn’t pass, even though she probably is the best vocal. Not to mention that she is actually from Kosovo, from where we would expect a massive number of immigrants in EU, cause of war and huge unemployment. So your point that Balkanians rule isn’t relevant.

Alex
Alex
6 years ago
Reply to  coryn

Switzerland and Austria were not voting in the first semi-final…

Guðrún Karlsdóttir
Guðrún Karlsdóttir
6 years ago
Reply to  James burke

Both Moldova and Portugal deserved to qualify and I remember both of the songs. 🙂

Jake
Jake
6 years ago
Reply to  James burke

Of course everyone remembers the Moldovan song. It was one of the most fun entries of the night and got votes from all over for sure!

Maclaren
Maclaren
6 years ago
Reply to  James burke

So I voted for Portugal, Moldova and Cyprus from London. Matter of personal preferences. I have no affiliation to any of these countries or blocks (if they truly exist) – just really enjoyed these three the most

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago
Reply to  Maclaren

You voted for three of the best performances of the night. Good and fair choices!

Kai
Kai
6 years ago
Reply to  James burke

are you serious??? it was a surprise that Portugal make it to the final???? Its one of the BIG favourite! Wake up darling!!!!

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

The only actual thing I was put off with Blanche – vocals. I dropped her from my 9-10 to almost 30 before rehearsals because she sounds a bit too dry to me. Still, lyrics, production were good and staging was working for her, she looked enough dramatic. Vocals again left me wish her to blossom in future years. I will understand if it will place top10 in final.

Jason
Jason
6 years ago

If from the UK and loved Belgiums song which I voted for. I think she will be in the top 5. I think Portugal will win this year.

Racal
Racal
6 years ago

1 Guys, pay attention to the lyrics: “All alone in the danger zone, alone with the flame of doubt, begging you to take my hand”… Belgium’s song is a SAD song, of course she looks sad! Yes, she also looked a bit nervous, but overall her performance is in line with what she’s singing. Do you expect her to jump around in a pink tutu singing “I’m all alone, lalala, so happy I’m alone, lalala”? 2 Belgium was announced last but in a RANDOM order, so don’t simplemindedly assume that the choice was between them and Finland… For all we… Read more »

cesar
6 years ago
Reply to  Racal

I was rooting for her to smile a bit. and she did. and she looked like she enjoyed it. Happy she made it through.

Marc
Marc
6 years ago
Reply to  Racal

Amazingly said!
Belgium was Top 2 with no Netherlands and France, and no diaspora.

LAHAYANO
LAHAYANO
6 years ago

Though Belgium’s performance wasn’t the strongest, I wasn’t too bothered by her looking scared. Her voice is very interesting.

Veel geluk lieve Zuiderburen.

Finland should have qualified instead of Greece in my opinion. Greece and Latvia were the worst of the night for me.

Stan
Stan
6 years ago

I’d happily trade in Greece and Cyprus for Georgia and Finland. But all other spots are justified.

Geo
Geo
6 years ago

This whole Belgium thing is a big sad joke. Her performance was one of the worse in the semifinal…and yet she made it to the final, for Finland’s expense. I wasn’t a fan of the Finnish song, but I must admit it was a masterpiece comparing to the atrocious Belgium. Who would vote for that?….. Such a shame… Every year a bad song or performance manages to sneak into the final….

Racal
Racal
6 years ago
Reply to  Geo

I did vote for it. 😉 And just because she was announced last doesn’t mean it was “for Finland’s expense”: you don’t know what the ranking is, who was up/downvoted by the audience and the jury, etc. I’m pretty sure Belgium qualified comfortably in one of the top 3 spots. She’s charting all over Europe, so if people are buying the song it must mean they liked it (and don’t say “They are buying it because they like the studio version”: most people heard the song for the first time yesterday, they had no idea how the performance compared to… Read more »

Marion
Marion
6 years ago
Reply to  Racal

I so totally agree with you! She’ll do even better in the final after the initial semi. I’m sure of it. I hope she and Salvador will get many many votes!!!

Marc
Marc
6 years ago
Reply to  Geo

I also voted for it 🙂
I’m from Spain, and I’m sure we gave 10 points to Belgium yesterday. So many other countries did 🙂

Miked
Miked
6 years ago

This is the best song this year and the girl is pure, cute, naturall..
Go Belgium <3