eurovision 2018 semi-final running order azerbaijan norway

The speculating is over. At the end of January, Portugal played host to the semi-final allocation draw. Since then, fans around the world have been trying to work out when their favourite country might be performing.

Well now we can see if their predictions have come true. RTP’s producers have revealed their decision on the Eurovision 2018 semi-final running order today.

The honour of opening the shows falls to Azerbaijan and Norway. The shows will then be closed out by Cyprus and Ukraine.

You can check out the full running order draw below:

Semi-Final 1 Running Order

  1. Azerbaijan
  2. Iceland
  3. Albania
  4. Belgium
  5. Czech Republic
  6. Lithuania
  7. Israel
  8. Belarus
  9. Estonia
  10. Bulgaria
  11. FYR Macedonia
  12. Croatia
  13. Austria
  14. Greece
  15. Finland
  16. Armenia
  17. Switzerland
  18. Ireland
  19. Cyprus

Azerbaijan’s Aisel will give an up-tempo opening to the contest, as has been the case for the last few years. Iceland, meanwhile, may have a tall order to qualify from 2nd place.

Pre-contest favourite Netta from Israel performs 7th, between Lithuania and Belarus. If “Toy” performs as expected, could Netta potentially overshadow these two nations?

There’s a run of favourites in the middle, with Estonia’s Elina Nechayeva, Bulgaria’s Equinox and FYR Macedonia’s Eye Cue performing between 9th-11th.

Finally, the show will be closed out by Switzerland, Ireland and Cyprus. “Fuego” is set to be a scorcher to close us out! Could it also be good news for Switzerland and Ireland’s chances to finally return to the final?

Semi-Final 2 Running Order

  1. Norway
  2. Romania
  3. Serbia
  4. San Marino
  5. Denmark
  6. Russia
  7. Moldova
  8. The Netherlands
  9. Australia
  10. Georgia
  11. Poland
  12. Malta
  13. Hungary
  14. Latvia
  15. Sweden
  16. Montenegro
  17. Slovenia
  18. Ukraine

It’s probably no surprise to see Alexander Rybak opening the show — the most familiar face in the contest, he’ll be a big name to draw viewers in. This is a TV show, y’all!

As in 2016, Australia have the plum draw of the acts drawn to perform in the first half of the semi-final. Jessica Mauboy performs 9th with “We Got Love”. Another returning name, The Netherlands’ Waylon, performs just before her in 8th.

Sweden’s Benjamin Ingrosso doesn’t have to perform as early as Robin Bengtsson did in 2017. He’ll perform 15th, after Latvia and before Montenegro. With commercial breaks usually around this point, does that imply his Melfest staging is coming too?

Finally, the second semi-final is closed out by Ukraine’s Melovin.

We’ll be bringing you more coverage and reaction to the running order throughout the day, so make sure to keep checking back here on wiwibloggs for more info!

What do you think of the running orders? Do you think it’s helped any country with their push for qualification? Let us know all your thoughts down in the comments section below.

Read more Eurovision 2018 news here

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Henry
Henry
5 years ago

I believe that if the changes Saara will make is as lit as we are expecting, Finland WILL qualify! She has Brian Friedman behind her so defo Brian would come up with something that would get us excited! (Her x-factor performances said it all). So far, we don’t know what changes she’s gonna make so all these bookies odds and stuff like that are solely based on her performance in UMK, which was quite not good. I have a feeling Saara and her team are doing something full of surprises for the Eurovision stage so gonna wait until the SF1… Read more »

BoringYouAre
BoringYouAre
5 years ago

Jesus Christ the greek song is so overrated, Yianna Terzi reminds me so badly of JAMALA 1944. AND this greek song is very annoying and depressing. Let’s say bye to Greece this year. Not this year Greece.

ikoyy
ikoyy
5 years ago

How is “Heroes” by Måns a song that won because “people liked it”?

– It is a plagiarism of an existing, chart-topping song (not like Sweden can ever do a creative effort, but this one is too obvious)
– The staging had to be changed because they stole another artist’s visuals (again, not like Sweden gets very creative through other means than stealing)
– Whilst it was only 3rd for the televoting, the jury overvoted it so much and Italy so little (a professional jury placing Italy SIXTH, how on Earth) that only Sweden could win.

Rory
Rory
5 years ago
Reply to  ikoyy

Don’t spread the truth boy, the Swedish fans live in a pinky bubble. 😛

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago
Reply to  ikoyy

If it was so bad, How did it ever finish third with the televote? Im Dutch and personal don’t really like the song so Im not biased. Sweden gets good scores because the send good songs (except 2016 that was a disaster) and Norway is first in the RO and Iceland second- not Exactly the best spots.

Jimmy
Jimmy
5 years ago

My QF:

SF1:
Austria
Greece
Azerbaijan
Estonia
Albania
Belgium
Israel
Czechia
Cyprus
Switzerland

SF2:
Sweden
Ukraine
Hungary
Latvia
Poland
Serbia
Moldova
The Netherlands
Georgia
Australia

I guess it’s impossible to have them all , so I’ll be glad if I get 7 out of 10 right from each semifinal. I can’t really name a winner at the moment…

Kris
Kris
5 years ago

Qualification rate from the various positions since the introduction of 2 semi format(number in bracket is qualification rate since 2013) 1)50% (50%) 2)60%(50%)so much for it being the death spot 3)30% (30%) lowest rate- true death spot 4)40% (50%) 5)45%(70%) very high qualification recently 6)70%(80%) very high qualification recently 7)55% (50%) 8)50% (60%) 9)55% (70%)very high qualification recently 10)65%(70%)very high qualification recently 11)40%(60%) 12)70%(90%)best qualification rate recently 13)55%(40%) bad qualification rate recently 14)80%(60%)had 100% before 2013 15)65%(80%)very high qualification recently 16)58%(55%) 17)63%(33%)really bad rate recently 18)83%(75%) best overall rate for an order 19)80%(NA) no 19th position since 2013 Last position-… Read more »

Kris
Kris
5 years ago
Reply to  Kris

So it looks like bye Serbia and Albania/
And probably Slovenia and Switzerland

?? Hungary and Austria in danger?
?? Malta and Finland in with a real shot?
??

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago
Reply to  Kris

I’m really sorry for Albania! They could have put any of the big favorites there like Czech or Bulgaria. It wouldn’t make a difference for them. They must really hate Balkan countries! If Moldova qualifies and Albania not, it will be ridiculous!

Naomi
Naomi
5 years ago

Israel will certainly qualify but it will not win. Awful song with and outrageously overhyped to the max this year.

Amez YT
5 years ago

Q – Azerbaijan: I hate this song, mainly because it’s a cheesy piece of pop with terrible lyrics. However, the staging will be awesome and Aisel is beautiful! I think they’ll qualify because they’ll be a good opener and because it’s Azerbaijan, but imo it’s undeserved. NQ – Iceland: Ari is adorable and I love his attitude, but this is just a waste of his great voice. It has a nice message – albeit one that we’ve heard a million times before. It wasn’t going to qualify anyway but it’s in the famous death spot so now I think it’s… Read more »

PP
PP
5 years ago
Reply to  Amez YT

Bulgaria: Middle position?

Bulgaria sing last in first half of first semi. Their become 3 rd EBU favorites, after Australia (EBU baby) and Sweden.

Sasha
Sasha
5 years ago
Reply to  PP

10/19 = middle

Amez YT
5 years ago
Reply to  PP

10/19 is in the middle, dude.

Sasha
Sasha
5 years ago

I’ve noticed some anti-Balkan ordering in the contest past few years. They tend to put the Balkan countries one after another. How come Scandinavian countries get spread out though?

Rory
Rory
5 years ago
Reply to  Sasha

Ask Bjorkman (Sweden) and Jon Ola Sand (Norway) that.

Ana
Ana
5 years ago
Reply to  Rory

I’ve noticed that too, they’re always trying to block Balkan.

ikoyy
ikoyy
5 years ago
Reply to  Sasha

“We in scandinavia are not corrupt”

The fact that this has been Björkman’s brothel for almost a decade now kind of refutes your theory.

Robin Stjenberg – You, 3rd position in jury votes in the ESC final

Nothing else to add.

Curve
Curve
5 years ago
Reply to  ikoyy

2013 was the year of questionable voting. Sweden, Azerbaijan, to name a few.

Rory
Rory
5 years ago
Reply to  Curve

It was won by Denmark, which is highly contested by numerous circles. It just shows how the Scandi block acts innocent while it does the dirty tricks behind the stage.

2009 – Norway wins.
2010 – Germany.
2011 – Azerbaijan (Italy was the juries darling, Sweden next)
2012 – Sweden
2013 – Denmark
2014 – Austria
2015 – Sweden
2016 – Ukraine (but it was Australia, the darling)
2017 – Portugal (FINALLY A NICE CONTEST, voting wise)

So, you’ll notice how the Scandi block actually does the dirty things, not anyone else.

Joseph
Joseph
5 years ago

Um.. Finland will qualify. Cyprus and Azerbaijan not!

Amez YT
5 years ago
Reply to  Joseph

Nah, Cyprus is a definite qualifier. Prediction, not personal here – I’d swap Albania for FYROM (I like both songs but love FYROM’s so maybe I’m biased) and, while I prefer Belarus, I’d swap it for Switzerland or Austria. As much as I love Monsters, realistically I don’t see Finland making it through simply due to its position.

gaskela
gaskela
5 years ago
Reply to  Amez YT

Erm, not to hate or anything… but how can you put something up as ‘not personal’ and then say Macedonia will qualify because you’re biased?

usn9
usn9
5 years ago

Very bad draw for Belarus sadly. I’m not sure about Lithuania. If it was between Belgium and Belarus for example, that would be terrible but it’s between two bangers so maybe it will stand out?

Ron
Ron
5 years ago
Reply to  usn9

No.6 is actually considered not a bad draw statistically in semi finals, so it’s far from the end of world for Lithuania. If they’re good enough to qualify, they’re good enough to qualify.

Amez YT
5 years ago
Reply to  Ron

It’s more because she’s stuck in between such strong songs. The reverse could happen being that this could make it stand out more, but I doubt it sadly 🙁

Steve
Steve
5 years ago

A very weak year overall. That’s why people think that 18 out of 19 entries should precede to the final. I don’t even have one single song on my playlist. Utterly rubbish. Sorry

I guess Israel will win this year by any means, as they have changed the broadcaster. The new broadcaster wants to prove itself as a worthy one. So, they do massive PR campaigns and they will eventually claim the trophy. Simple as that!!!

Y tho?
Y tho?
5 years ago

Why I’m sure Albania will make it to the final? Coz if we see the story of the past 2 eurovisions, the tenth place qualifier had always around 100-110 points. Even in the past voting system, if we add up the jury and televote results, we get nearly the same quota. So given that Belgium, Macedonia, Croatia, Austria, Greece, Switzerland and Cyprus are voting in that Semi and we already know they historically vote for Albania (diaspora and neighboring voting), we can already predict 12 televoting points from FYROM (maybe Switzerland too), 10 from Greece and Austria, 7-8 from Belgium… Read more »

Y tho?
Y tho?
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

The opposite logic goes for Azerbaijan and Armenia. Other than each-other, they don’t have any of the other Ex-Soviet countries to help them out other than Belarus. Lithuania and Estonia might look quite far that taste, so yeah, maybe this is the first time we see Azerbaijan and the second to see Armenia fail to qualify?

Steve
Steve
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

I guess that both of them will miss the final this year. However, Turkish diaspora may still save Azerbaijan. By contrast, Armenia won’t have support, as the song is meh. So, Armenia may expect a second NQ.

Nevertheless, I don’t see better song which are worth to replace them and get a ticket to the final. All of the songs as bad as hell this year. No song can be ever played on a radio station.

Matt C
Matt C
5 years ago
Reply to  Steve

Cyprus & Greece historically vote for Azerbaijan and Armenia too so I can’t see the point you’re making. Albania sadly won’t be going through, Cyprus and Greece may have some Albanian diaspora but they certainly haven’t got any strong ties such as voting patterns. FYROM, Bulgaria, maybe Croatia yes, but that’s all.

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

I hope you are right. Lindita was 4th in the running order last year and she ended up 12th in the televote. Personally I think Eugent has a way better song, incredible vocals and a more likable personality, so he will probably do better. Also Albanians seem to like their song more this year, so the diaspora can really help. Let’s hope for the best!

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

So, I think that considering that diaspora’s vote is pretty constant and not affected by the running order, Eugent might get at least 12th or 13th from televote. What would elevate him would be the jury vote, which I think is also not affected by the running order, so basically it’s up to his performance. If he kills it live like we’ve seen him doing it, and if the staging is decent, he might have a good chance to make it through.

Y tho?
Y tho?
5 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

He will make it through. I’m quite sure.

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

I hope so. Except for his song and himself being amazing, everything else is against him and it makes me really angry! It kinda feels like they’re purposefully trying to hurt his chances!

Álex, from Spain
Álex, from Spain
5 years ago

True!

Ana
Ana
5 years ago

Why is for you hard to swallow that someone doesn’t like Sweden’s songs, could you even imagine that?

Jo
Jo
5 years ago

=(
Albania…

Y tho?
Y tho?
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Stop complaining and vote for it.
I am in Belgium and I will vote the sh*t out of it.
I’m not sending thoughts and prayers instead.

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

I’m in Usa and I’m thinking to fly to Europe in May just to vote for him. I’m not kidding! I’ve done crazier stuff!

Jo
Jo
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

Can’t vote from Italy.

Jo
Jo
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Azerbaijan and Iceland aren’t going to qualify, so there’s hope since he’s performing 3rd.

Y tho?
Y tho?
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo

You can vote for him in the final 😉

Y tho?
Y tho?
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Can’t vote for Belgium tho…

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago

It’s very improbable that there will be 8 qualifiers from first half and only 2 from the second one.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

Ohh. So THAT’S why the YouTube comments on that video are disabled.
Very sad. I feel sorry for William and Suzanne. They don’t deserve all that hate. If only the world were a nicer place where everyone loved each other for who they were.

Gav
Gav
5 years ago

It was the first entry I looked for. I really want it in the final

Y tho?
Y tho?
5 years ago

Vote for it. Pretty easy, no?

Rory
Rory
5 years ago

Hahah, I was wondering what happened with that article.

New low indeed.

Watch now how these posts will be deleted, as well.

At least last year Italy had a healtht amount of favoritism, this year is all staged (Netta’s thing). And they delete many things as it seems that they or Netta’s PR don’t like “bad” press. It will come hunting them as a boumerang come May tho.

Rory
Rory
5 years ago
Reply to  Rory

There are OTHER countries participating? 😛

oggy
oggy
5 years ago

I see they all hope to Israel & Greece. For Greece i hope. For Israel i feel same like you too.

oggy
oggy
5 years ago
Reply to  oggy

sorry im wrong in the comment

oggy
oggy
5 years ago

If Sweden wins again & Russia is domination in Eurovision 2018. It will worst foul in Eurovision 2018. Ukraine is so overrated like Israel & Bulgaria.

For Australia, i respect it & its not problem if she wins this year.

I see Swedish House Mafia & Kremlin was make revenged war to Portugal as dissaponting of Sweden after glory of Portugal last year & Russia is rejected in Eurovision 2017.

Are you know if last year Portugal & Sweden war in Eurovision last year & again in this year & also Russia vs Ukraine again?

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  oggy

You are so so deluded, Australia winning? In my worst case scenario! Australia is utter trash this year . That girl should lye in a poodle Forever! Pun intended.

oggy
oggy
5 years ago

Eurovision 2018 will be Revenged War in Geopolitical Song Contest between Western Europe/Mediterraean (Portugal & Spain) vs Northern Europe (Sweden & Norway) vs Eastern Europe (Russia & Azerbaijan).

Sweden & Russia will revenged to Portugal in Eurovision 2018. Sweden disappointed with Glory of Portugal in Eurovision 2017 & Russia rejected in Eurovision 2017 last year.

el nino
el nino
5 years ago

if sweden win eurovision because gets a good running number in the final by thiss dude i think next year all favorite countries must boycott next edition

oggy
oggy
5 years ago
Reply to  el nino

I see Portugal will withdraw again if Sweden wins again this year & followed by some country.

oggy
oggy
5 years ago
Reply to  oggy

Eurovision last year is great war between Portugal vs Sweden & Ukraine vs Russia.

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago

Ok, now I’m loosing all my dignity and very shamelessly I’m asking this: People of Europe who can vote in Semi 1, can you please please please please please vote for Albania on May 8th? I think they deserve it more than ever ( even more than 2012). Please, please, please consider it! ( I think I might have a little crush on the singer also 😛 ) Thank you! #shameless

Esc2018
Esc2018
5 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

I have to say I always love and welcome shamelessly honest comments.. I am rooting for albania too this year, it’s just such a good entry and they totally deserve to go through this time
Ps: can’t blame you for the crush thing 😀

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago
Reply to  Esc2018

Haha, thank you! It took me a while to admit it 😛 I’m running out of arguments that explain how amazing the song and the singer is, so now I’ve come down to this 😀

oggy
oggy
5 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

Televoter will help Albania for qualify.

Mark
Mark
5 years ago

Israel and Greece are not good enough for the final.

The Scorpio
The Scorpio
5 years ago

Giving this kind of power to Björkman is insane. Sure, the draw in itself makes sense, but how can the very dude that selects the Swedish entries decide the running order for his very own Swedish entry? Also, he has been connected to the Cypriot delegation and surprise, surprise, Cyprus gets to perform last. Not to mention Australia. What a sham!

The only counter argument to that is that, of course, those who are destined to qualify will qualify from any spot. Still, it is extremely unfair.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  The Scorpio

And it’s not like he’s the only person in this world that can handle this task. He’s a successful producer, he’s not a God sent to the Earth to bless Eurovision with his holy hands.

The Scorpio
The Scorpio
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I bet those hands are pretty unholy. 😉

oggy
oggy
5 years ago
Reply to  The Scorpio

I see Swedish House Mafia & Kremlin (Russia) was playing in Eurovision 2018 for revenged to Portugal after Eurovision 2017 yesterday.

Matt C
Matt C
5 years ago
Reply to  The Scorpio

Would you rather a country like Ireland or Croatia close the show? Would that be fairer? Then you’d complain that it was a boring end to the show and we’d hear no end of it. Cyprus was an OBVIOUS show-closer from the moment all the songs were revealed. It’s high energy, and it’ll be memorable on stage. Plus Cyprus have had Christers’ help for quite a few years but I don’t see people complaining about their previous running orders?

Aisling
Aisling
5 years ago
Reply to  Matt C

yeah I would prefer Ireland performing last, then we’d actually be remembered… but I’m really happy with second last place.

PP
PP
5 years ago

For I semi, producer of host tv and EBU referce group look betting odds ,and put Iceland to sing 2nd, and to sing 3 betting favorites in last 4 place in I half of first semi Israel, Estonia,Bulgaria, .and we know that western country Ireland will be in last 3 spot in draw for sing same as Cyprus (because composer is from Sweden) For second semi we all know that EBU baby Australia wili sing last in I half of first semi and the Netherlands wili sing in last 3 spot in I half of first semi. We all know… Read more »

Gloria
Gloria
5 years ago

Sweden and Australia are highlighted in Semi-Final 2. I could see them score Top 5

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Gloria

I could see them both finishing high, but I don’t really don’t think either deserves even to qualify. If those songs were from Latvia and Switzerland, they’d probably be marked as certain NQ.

Lucas H
Lucas H
5 years ago

It’s crazy to think that had Latvia and Norway been voting/taking part in Semi 1 instead of Estonia and Finland – highly possible, then Lithuania would be sailing through to the final. It’s a shame really because I think that would have evened out the two semi finals and also mean that Lithuania, my favourite song this year, would have qualified.

Madrileño
Madrileño
5 years ago

Good luck TO ALL at this point we just have to wait for the surprises the have prepared on stage.
LUCK AND LOVE 4 ALL.
BEST WISHES.

Ron
Ron
5 years ago

Semi-final 1 is easily the hardest semi-final in the history of eurovision since the semi-final system was introduced. I mean, seriously, I would take 16 of the 19 acts to the final. It is all going to come down to 1. performance and 2. staging for many many of these acts and no one is really safe in semi-final 1 (not even Israel). I think on Wednesday morning, we’ll be covering a lot of surprises. My prediction for qualifiers in no particular order are: Belgium Czech Republic Israel Estonia Bulgaria Austria Greece Armenia Switzerland FYR Macedona/Finland/Cyprus/Azerbaijan (I personally would take… Read more »

Darren
Darren
5 years ago

Top 10 but I dont think so this year. I’ve a suspicion Bulgaria may take it.

KESC
KESC
5 years ago

In your dreams maybe

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

The betting odds are reacting to the semifinals running orders announcement. On the first semi, Cyprus got some advantage over Belarus, Finland, Lithuania and Macedonia for the last spot on the final. On the second, Moldova is fighting with Serbia for the last spot, but Denmark and Latvia are also threatened. The running order may not be important for the frontrunners or the dead on arrival acts, but can change the faith of a borderliner qualifier. Anyway, many things can change with the rehearsals. So far, it’s all speculation of course. Besides Iceland and San Marino, I believe everybody still… Read more »

Nickc
Nickc
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Sabrina, do not count San Marino out, yet. Mark my words.

Darren
Darren
5 years ago
Reply to  Nickc

San Marino would be a fun surprise tbh. Unlikely though.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Nickc

Nick, I think Malta can be the surprise, but it’s everything against San Marino. The betting odds, the online rankings, the running order, the fact 1 in 360 was a mess and made many people angry… I really can’t see this happening. But the expression on the singers’ faces if this actually happens would be priceless.

The Scorpio
The Scorpio
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Don’t forget the main thing that’s against San Marino: They’re simply sending an awful entry.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  The Scorpio

They occupy the very last place on my personal ranking, so I agree with you on that. I was just trying to list factors that don’t depend on my low appreciaton for the song. For example: I also dislike Malta’s song, but I still think they have a chance to qualify.

The Scorpio
The Scorpio
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Malta could still surprise, indeed.

Yulia ftw
Yulia ftw
5 years ago

lots of comments dont mention commercial breaks.
& they actually can change perception of songs. So Moldova & Russia for example will be separated by it & they wont affect each other.
Same with other songs

OKish running order in general
Loved Az & Cyprus sports
They will stand out
Im still hopeful about Alekseev tho… he may improve & be a good ballad break between Netta & Elina

Magpie
Magpie
5 years ago

Ok so let’s look at the cursed positions. Just by the virtue of those positions, Albania, Belgium, Serbia, Denmark and Moldova are technically non-qualifiers. None of those positions have qualified more than three times. Combining them together, the total number of songs qualified from those positions is just thirteen. Slovenia seems to like being drawn second last, however they have only ever qualified from the second half of the second semi final, and that’s only three out of five times. According to history, Ireland is technically in the winning position, thanks to Russia and Azerbaijan previously winning from there in… Read more »

blondboybc
blondboybc
5 years ago

Far too much needless speculation based on running order as we see every year. IF the song is well-performed, impactful, etc, there’s little doubt it’ll qualify, regardless of position in the order. You naysayers about Greece, Albania and Estonia will be in for a surprise.

Malin
Malin
5 years ago

Har inte koll, vill kolla med andra svenskar. Orkar inte med massa hat svar. Vilken roll har Christer Björkman detta år vad gäller startordningen? Som i fjol, och i så fall hur och varför har han fått uppdraget?

Timo1962FI
Timo1962FI
5 years ago
Reply to  Malin

Hej Malin, jag är nog finsk men jag ville ändå säga mitt. Ja, det påstås på flera sajter att Christer Björkman skulle stå bakom detta och somliga har tyckt att CB var fräck som gav ett gynnande startnummer 15 till Sverige. Men jag vet dock inte, om det stämmer för oftast är det ju värdlandets radio som ska avgöra i vilken ordning bidragen skall framträdas. Det utgås att det ska vara variation så att inte alltför många sakta låtar eller ballader ska följas åt varandra. Jag vet inte, om det hjälper nåt att få framträda som just den 15:e –… Read more »

Faezdel
Faezdel
5 years ago

Do they really cry for help to put some songs in order? Come on, you don’t need to be a Doctor in Science to do so, it’s not that diffcullt!

Rory
Rory
5 years ago

It’s FINALLY time for Bjorkman & co TO GET THE HELL OUT of the ESC production teams and let A FAIR DRAW be the decisive factor, not favoritism of specific countries.

This is LAME and totally unprofessional!

Where are the HoDs to REACT, for f sake?!

Y tho?
Y tho?
5 years ago

Stop being superstitious with all this number 2 to 4 nonsense. To much of everybody’s surprise, both Albania and Belgium will qualify.
Albania, because the vocals will be flawless and it will be the highlight of the night. Juries won’t be like “oh such an amazing vocal, but such a pity it sang third, so we will not vote him”. LOL
Belgium, because it is so different. Also the gimmick-y czech song will look like a joke compared to the depth of Belgium’s presentation.

Farida
Farida
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

I wish the jury were fair and professional and gave Eugent a chance but after what they did to Lindita last year I can’t trust them anymore. What’s worse – most of Lindita’s points were given to her by Montenegro and Italy (both jury and televote) and neither of the countries will vote in SF 1 this year(((

Semi1
Semi1
5 years ago
Reply to  Farida

If belgium and albania don’t get through I don’t know who will… The monsters?? The chicken?? Or that totally unnecessary pop trash from Azerbaijan?? Like c’mon people… Europe must have some class on its taste for music… If not, than goodbye eurovision for me!!

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago
Reply to  Farida

What about Macedonia and Greece this year? They may give points to Albania. Lindita also sang 4th and ended up 12th from televote. I think Eugent is a stronger singer and has a better song, so maybe he will get more votes from jury and public. Never say never!

Farida
Farida
5 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

I really hope he qualifies! But anyway he’s already one of the best Albanian entries ever. The most important thing for Albania right now is to nail the staging because it’s pretty clear that he can give an amazing performance. He can do, he will do it, he will SLAY it live, we KNOW it!

HakunaMatata
HakunaMatata
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

The problem with Belgium this year is that it doesn’t have any friendly neighbours AT ALL, all alone in the danger zone… And the running order might make that problem bigger (not saying it will, but could) since all the fan favourites are performing in the first half. If it stays in the semi-final, I will be sooooo disappointed! I just hope that either Albania or Belgium makes it through, but I prefer both of them <3

Y tho?
Y tho?
5 years ago
Reply to  HakunaMatata

Then vote for it. Thought and prayers only won’t change the outcome.

HakunaMatata
HakunaMatata
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

I’m a German living in Brussels for the moment, so no can do sadly

HakunaMatata
HakunaMatata
5 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

Albania I will vote for

Victoria
Victoria
5 years ago

Question: Has anyone seen the live performance of the Israel song yet? Why is it a favourite? just because of the chicken sounds?

For me – MALL (Albania) and FOREVER (Belarus) are good notable songs, and deserve to be in the Final. Eugent is awesome live, so is Alekseev.

Alex M
Alex M
5 years ago
Reply to  Victoria

I can agree for Eugent but Alekseev is not so good live.

Victoria
Victoria
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex M

Alekseev is good believe me. I vouch for him 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5oBP6O7qXQ

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  Victoria

But can he please, please stick with this version not the new crappy one?!

Noel Hoffmann
Noel Hoffmann
5 years ago

According of 1000 YT tops the most of 12 points were receive:
1. Israel 88
2. Belgium 73
3. Estonia 70
4. France 58
5. Hungary 57
6. Greece 55
7. Italy 50
Well, from the 2nd semi final Hungary was received the most of 12 points, so they surely will qualify. Maybe Hungary can win the televoting in the 2nd semi final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2LF0Nph9Zg

LEO ESC AUT
LEO ESC AUT
5 years ago

RTP’s producers have revealed the decision on the two Eurovision 2018 semi-finals running order today. But again it is very interesting to see why the EBU has allowed a single person like Christer Björkman to decide this by his own.

To stop all the discussions about what is fair or unfair particular for the running orders both semifinals and the Big Final the EBU have to make a step back to old days – than putting all the countries in a hat and pull them out?
That’s fair – nothing else !

ikoyy
ikoyy
5 years ago
Reply to  LEO ESC AUT

Or deciding Sweden’s running order randomly, as they do with the host country. It is absolutely outrageous that this guy always chooses the most suiting and advantageous position for Sweden. And I don’t even want to get into how bland, plain songs like “You” or “I can’t go on” get the score they get from the jury. Now we only have to wait until the nth no-song sent by Sweden makes it to the Top 10 because of the staging and juries giving them twice as many points as the televoting does. So utterly sick of this character, he’ll end… Read more »

NickC
NickC
5 years ago

Do not get me wrong, I have nothing against Romania (and I was a big supporter of Yodel it!), but this year I am really happy that they were given the death spot (2). Very well deserved, I hope we will see first non-qualification for Romania, because it would be grossly unfair if they qualify over some more deserving song (which is the rest of the field, basically). Same goes for Iceland, there was no hope whatsoever from the beginning. In the meantime, I wonder whether we will have an executive producer who has the guts to put the top… Read more »

NickC
NickC
5 years ago
Reply to  NickC

place in running order, of course.

Faezdel
Faezdel
5 years ago
Reply to  NickC

“Death spot” doesn’t always work for semifinals. I mean, performing 2nd in the semi doesn’t mean you’re not going to qualify. Every there’s a country performing in 2nd place that makes the final. That’s 1/2 = 50%. The only exception was 2014, when both Latvia and Israel missed the final. But in 2012 both countries performing 2nd qualified to the final. I’m afraid this year Iceland will be out, but Romania will qualify.

Kris
Kris
5 years ago

While people have been musing over how stacked first half of semi 1 is I am in bigger awe of how stacked semi 2’s first half is in terms of qualification record

I think it’s a very strong likelihood that we may have 6 countries qualifying from one half this year and it’s probably going to happen from Semi 2. Especially considering the second half of semi 2 is much weaker in terms of voting power.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Kris

You have a point. I can see this happening in both semis. Both have stronger first halves.

ESCF
ESCF
5 years ago

Oh no, poor Albania. 🙁 I guess I’m gonna hear that masterpiece only once.

Semi1
Semi1
5 years ago
Reply to  ESCF

Just vote for it, please!! Ofcourse it will not qualify if everyone that likes that entry counts them out before the show even starts… For me, albania(3) and belgium(4) are the only ones worth the votes

Egle
Egle
5 years ago

Bulgaria got good place. Estonia greates the atmosphere and leaves people speechless. But oh wow, then comes Bulgaria and builds it up even more with good gloomy powerful song. So Estonian fans could go and support Bulgaria instead. Not so good for my country, Estonia. ? Macedonia could also ride into final thanks to Bulgaria’s and Estonia’s performances.
I Like both songs though.
Overall I’m happy with order. I hope Belgium struggles, but I think juries will help them.?

Andy
Andy
5 years ago
Reply to  Egle

Not really. Estonia builds up and delivers twice in one song and the “explosion” is quite strong. Bulgaria takes time to build up and the result isn’t as strong as La Forza. Bulgaria could follow any other song, but Estonia’s, and one-up them, but like that it’s gonna a bit more difficult.

Darren
Darren
5 years ago
Reply to  Andy

I think Bulgaria has better chances than Estonia if it was to come between them, Estonia is very niche and only a few will love it. I see them both qualifying though so I doubt it will be an issue.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Darren

I actually think this is a great spot for Bulgaria. Estonia sets the mood quite well for them. I’m not thinking about those who will love “La Forza”, because they wouldn’t probably also vote for Bulgaria anyway. But I believe those who may think that Estonia’s song is too much operatic for their taste will be warmed up for Bulgaria’s entry.

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago
Reply to  Egle

@Egle
Ei ei, ma arvan et Eesti on Bulgaariast kõvasti üle. Nende laul on küll hea, kuid mitte nii tugev kui meie oma. Pealegi, neil on selline “tume” temaatika, see võib teatud inimesi eemale tõugata. Sellegi poolest usun küll, et mõlemad pääsevad edasi. Makedoonia kohta ütleks ma seda, et jah nad peaksid pääsema edasi kuna laul on ka hea, lihtsalt et neil on lavastamises nõrk koht (vaata nende eelmise aasta oma). Eestil on ülihea koht, üks parimatest mida annab soovida.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago

SF 1: Azerbaijan, Iceland, Albania and Lithuania where given the worst spots, and their chances have faded. Cyprus is now secure of a spot if her live vocals are any good, they will surely stand out after Ireland. Austria is also in a bad position, because there are two better ballads (Greece and Armenia) after them. Sad how Macedonia got the worst possible spot, I don’t think they can make it anymore 🙁 SF 2: Sweden and Ukraine are secured for a spot in the top 3, together with Russia I think. Hungary is also in an AMAZING spot here,… Read more »

Henrikh Mugosa
Henrikh Mugosa
5 years ago

That’s a great question, Eugene! And one I ask myself more often than not. How are decisions made at the EBU?