In recent weeks fans have labeled the first semi-final of Eurovision 2018 as “The Semi-Final of Death”. But we’ve noticed in our comments section a growing number of people who think Semi-Final 2 is as difficult to call. While Australia, Ukraine and Sweden are generally considered locks, things get much more interesting when you try to predict which “borderline qualifiers” are going to push through.

Little will be clear until rehearsals take place next week. But we thought we’d look into our crystal ball and try to take a guess anyway. You can watch William and Deban thinking out loud in the video above as they endeavour to choose their 10 qualifiers. And while you’re at it, why not let us know which 10 countries you think will go through (note: who you think will go through isn’t always the same as who you want to go through).

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Josh Kennon
Josh Kennon
5 years ago

My Prediction:

1. Sweden
2. Australia
3. Russia
4. Denmark
5. Norway
6. Serbia
7. Malta
8. Slovenia
9. Moldova
10. Ukraine

adriana
adriana
5 years ago

Australia,Denmark,Hungary,Poland,Romania,Ukraine,The Netherlands.

Christian
Christian
5 years ago

Heres my prediction:

FOR SURE:
Australia
Sweden
Denmark
The Netherlands
Norway
Hungary
Ukraine

PROBABLY:
Poland
Russia
Latvia

MAYBE:
Malta
Serbia

NOPE:
Montenegro
Slovenia
Georgia
Moldova
San Marino
Romania

Kirk
Kirk
5 years ago

MY PREDICTION

1. Australia
2. Netherlands
3. Denmark
4. Sweden
5. Ukraine
6. Slovenia
7. Malta
8. Norway
9. Romania
10. Moldova

Héctor
Héctor
5 years ago

My thoughts about these countries’ chances of qualifying (Q-most probably a qualifier, q- will struggle): Sweden (Q)- 100%. As always. Ukraine (Q) – 100%. It’s Ukraine and Melovin delivers a memorable show. Australia (Q) – 99%. Australia is very overrated everywhere, but I don’t see a reason why the juries or the televote would vote for it except for the country. It’s still Australia, so this will definitely qualify. Hungary (Q) – 95%. Full of energy and power, the staging “leaked” is amazing. I already though this would qualify, but now I’m even more convince. The Netherlands (Q) – 80%.… Read more »

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

Sweden as “always”. Dont you remember 2010 and 2008? 2010 11th and 2008 12th. The jury saved us.
So no “always” on Sweden thank you. Its about the song. By the way. Why even have a song contest if everyone just votes on Australia anyway? I think that opinion is wrong because Australia hasnt had San Marino bad songs yest. Not even close. They have Quality and thats why they get votes. Very simple. Quality = Votes San Marino bad = No votes

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago

Semi 2 is open, which gives room for surprises. However, my 10 qualifiers are:

1.Ukraine
2.Australia
3.Sweden
4.Hungary
5.Poland
6.The Netherlands
7.Montenegro
8.Moldova
9.Norway
10. Russia

Romania doesn’t have a song good enough to go through, despite their qualification record.
Denmark won’t go through in my opinion, despite the hype about it.

fan
fan
5 years ago

I think Denmark will sail into the final and possibly win this semi…

MissMonkey
MissMonkey
5 years ago

I think the 10 qualifiers from the sf2 will be (random order):
Australia, Sweden, Ukraine, Russia, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Moldova, the Netherlands, Denmark. Personally I like all of these songs except Denmark. It’s not bad but it lacks epicness. I would rather see Georgia qualify although I know it’s a long shot.

Alex
Alex
5 years ago

Romania and Hungary will qualify. 2 AMAZING songs

thespb01
thespb01
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Hungary could, but Romania probably won’t.

bingocharts
bingocharts
5 years ago

My guess (random order):
1 Hungary
2 Russia
3 Serbia
4 Australia
5 Poland
6 Ukraine
7 Denmark
8 The Netherlands
9 Sweden
10 Norway

However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Moldova would qualify

Thomas Wiersma
Thomas Wiersma
5 years ago

Ukraine, Sweden Netherlands!

Olly the Swede
Olly the Swede
5 years ago

For Semi-final 2, these are the countries that I WANT to qualify (according to my Top 43 rank): – Sweden, The Netherlands, Australia, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Ukraine, Serbia, Latvia and Moldova. These are the countries that I THINK EUROPE will send to the final (in order from #1 to #10): – Sweden, Australia, Norway, The Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Moldova and Russia I think that both Russia and Romania will be fighting for a place in the final, although Russia is the only country in the SF that is a “Sia-like” ballad which gives them an advantage plus some… Read more »

Sander
Sander
5 years ago

These are the countries I believe will qualify: Definitely: Sweden, Australia and Ukraine Likely: Denmark, Poland, Hungary and The Netherlands Borderline: Malta, Slovenia and Norway Just missing out: Serbia, Russia and Latvia Unlikely; Romania and Georgia Almost no chance: San Marino, Moldova and Montenegro These are the countries I want to qualify: Love: Ukraine, Australia and Slovenia Like: Sweden, Denmark, Poland and San Marino Don’t care a lot about (I don’t mind seeing any of them qualify but I won’t be sad if they don’t): Latvia, The Netherlands, Malta, Moldova, Hungary and Serbia Don’t like: Montenegro and Georgia Hate: Norway,… Read more »

M_K
M_K
5 years ago

These are the ten countries that I think will make it to the final: Australia, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Romania, Montenegro and the Netherlands.

These are the ten countries I’d personally like to make it to the final: Netherlands, Latvia, Hungary, Montenegro, Ukraine, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, Norway and Russia.

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago

My 10 are: Sweden,Hungary,Australia,Denmark,Ukraine,Montenegro,Netherlands,Norway,Poland,Malta
I would be happy if Norway missed.

Maybe: Russia if she are great live, Romania if she kills it. Serbia if they do an awesome job with staging

No: San Marino,Georgia,Latvia,Slovenia,Moldova

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago

There are 8 countries on lock: Sweden, Ukraine, Australia, The Netherlands, Russia, Norway, Poland and Hungary. The rest could literally be anyone except San Marino and Georgia. I cant Wait for the rehearsals.

Julia
Julia
5 years ago

Ukraine will qualify for sure! Melovin is a great performer and I’m sure he’s going to do well! My votes go to him this year!

Malin
Malin
5 years ago

I think this is my top 1-10, difficult. Not in order:

Sweden, Slovakia, Denmark, Montenegro, Australia, Georgia, Norway, Hungary, Serbia, Moldova.

Good luck to all from Sweden.

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago
Reply to  Malin

Dont you mean Slovenia;)?

Malin
Malin
5 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

yes! ?

Julian
Julian
5 years ago

Too early to tell, the rehearsals will give a better picture. Some songs will flop other will stand out.

escaxa
escaxa
5 years ago

it’s sad to see that slovenia is underrated again…… lea is a great performer good voice and truly not that bad song i just don’t get it why so much hate whyyyy i mean whyy the hell will norway qualify just because it’s rybak omgg and russia i mean i’m realy sorry to see her because of her situation but sorry even tho she’s lovely she just can’t sing and you know what i really like australia this year really amazing everything about it but what if slovenia sends this kind of song they will just sad its good but… Read more »

maja
maja
5 years ago
Reply to  escaxa

it’s true no matter how unique lea try’s to be or how hard slovenia try’s to be in eurovision they will always have to except the semi final, but if they make it to the final probably between 10-20 place but never top 10…. slovenia is the most underrated country in eurovision history……… there they have the 1th place well done 🙂

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago
Reply to  maja

If Portugal can win. Slovenia can win. It depends on the song, live and staging. No Slovenian victory this year. Its the song. Maybe it qualifies but not near the top 10 in final.

Danielsen
Danielsen
5 years ago

Malta will, 100%! Wait and see. I bet Australia will win the semi or come close, I bet it will surprise in the televote!

florin
florin
5 years ago

all eastern countries in the same semi who will vote for each other just wait and see.. moldova receive points from romania and viceversa , hungary from romania and , poland from hungary and viceversa

Clay
Clay
5 years ago
Reply to  florin

Hungary and Romania rarely vote for one another

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  Clay

Romania televoting! gave them 10 points last year, they were just under Moldova! When they get emotional they vote in droves! And Hungary delivers emotion this year too, so….

Timo1962FI
Timo1962FI
5 years ago
Reply to  florin

One or two secure sets of 12 points is barely enough for qualifying, and some stray points from a few other countries won’t help much. Last year nr. 10 in Semi1 earned 115 points and from Semi2 an amount of 101 points was needed to get through to the grand final.

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago
Reply to  florin

I dont think Moldova and Romania both qualify. do you? yes some of the eastern jurys and the balkans vote exactly the same some years and some have been DQ. But i dont think its enough with 24 points to even come close to qualify :). The televoting and jurys must like you both. I hope both fail.

florin
florin
5 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

yes i think both will qualify.. on 10 may you will see

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago
Reply to  florin

Do you like their songs? Moldova is super dated if we are honest and Romania will we over shadowed by Hungarys rock song with 1000000%. So if we are honest it could happen they miss. Jurys and voters dont always vote for bad songs because they love the country. It cost money to so the song should deserve a vote. They dont.

florin
florin
5 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

i dont like their songs .. ok moldova lets say will dont qualify but romania is 100% in final.. they never missed a final plus huge diaspora plus good live

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago
Reply to  florin

I could see Romaina Q. I agree she are good live. The armenian disaspora is the biggest. I dont think romania has that big support. ps i hate diaspora voters who only vote for their homecountry when they dont like the song . I hope the romanians dont do that this year who live abroad.

gjr
gjr
5 years ago

I don’t think people learned from Latvia last year, re: Hungary.

My picks for qualifying:
Ukraine, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, Moldova, Serbia, Latvia, Russia. Just about in that order for the top 10 – Montenegro missing out, Malta last.

Vrede
Vrede
5 years ago
Reply to  gjr

I don’t really see the comparison between Latvia and Hungary. Last year, Latvia had an amazing current electro-pop song with incredibly cool visuals in the official video. For whatever reason, they decided to turn it into a Lisa Frank on acid stage performance, where all the coolness of the song got lost in the hysterical and nonsensical staging. This year, Hungary is sending a moving metal song with a message that seems to translate to even the diva-hungry Wiwi-crowd. Their performances at the pre-parties have gone down well too. Who knows what they’ll do on stage in Lisbon, but I… Read more »

Vrede
Vrede
5 years ago

If it were up to me:
1) Australia – 2) Sweden – 3) Denmark – 4) Ukraine – 5) Moldova – 6) Romania – 7) Netherlands – 8) Slovenia – 9) Malta – 10) Hungary

What I think Europe will do:
1) Sweden – 2) Australia – 3) Ukraine – 4) Netherlands – 5) Norway – 6) Poland – 7) Russia – 8) Denmark – 9) Russia – 10) Hungary

Dane
Dane
5 years ago
Reply to  Vrede

I guess europe so excited till russia qualify twice

Vrede
Vrede
5 years ago
Reply to  Dane

Whoops! ?
I’ll swap Russia at #9 for Serbia…

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  Vrede

You now have edit button

Benjamin Ingrosso - Lucifer
Benjamin Ingrosso - Lucifer
5 years ago
Reply to  Vrede

Why is Sweden so overrated?

Rasmus
Rasmus
5 years ago

Because they who have ears can hear quality:) Thats why:) I dont like y our name. Its offensive.

Apple
Apple
5 years ago

I think these 10 will qualify. 1. Ukraine (This one is obvious. Solid staging and performer) 2. Hungary (Very good feeling this one will place very high this year) 3. Norway (This will steal the fun vote from Moldova because it’s Alexander Rybak) 4. Sweden (If Isaiah taught us anything last year, the jury will push through good production and staging) 5 Russia (Returning country, Russia always performs well, Has the story going for it) 6. Netherlands (It stands out too much to be ignored imo) 7. Denmark (The Game of Thrones viking style will win over a lot of… Read more »

NickC
NickC
5 years ago
Reply to  Apple

Very good analysis! I agree with most points.

loveeurovision
loveeurovision
5 years ago
Reply to  Apple

i agree , your view is spot on i think
i only doubt the qualification of serbia, maybe montenegro will steal their place

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

Most likely qualifiers are – Sweden, Norway, Denmark (All three have each other and songs/shows which will draw attention), Australia (because of who they are and the song is catchy), Ukraine (qualification record, closing the show, Melovin’s charisma) Probably qualifying, but may surprise – Hungary (song with a very passionate group of fans, but not sure about the juries), Netherlands (good qualification streak and many love it, but I can see it as a surprise NQ), same goes for Poland A toss for – Russia (bad song, not many support from countries apart from Moldova, but they are who they… Read more »

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Based on my rating, my personal qualifiers (for now) are – Hungary, Denmark, Montenegro, Latvia, Serbia, Moldova, Georgia, Norway, Poland and Netherlands

NickC
NickC
5 years ago

Here is the latest ranking by the algorithm. 1 Israel 2 France 3 Australia 4 Bulgaria 5 Belgium 6 Sweden 7 Austria 8 Czech Rep 9 Estonia 10 Norway 11 Belarus 12 Finland 13 Spain 14 Ukraine 15 Cyprus 16 Germany 17 The Netherlands 18 Italy 19 Greece 20 Denmark 21 Azerbaijan 22 Portugal 23 FYR Macedonia 24 Latvia 25 Switzerland 26 Lithuania 27 UK 28 Moldova 29 Poland 30 Ireland 31 Albania 32 Russia 33 Armenia 34 Hungary 35 Malta 36 San Marino 37 Serbia 38 Croatia 39 Georgia 40 Romania 41 Iceland 42 Slovenia 43 Montenegro Based on… Read more »

NickC
NickC
5 years ago
Reply to  NickC

Yes, soon they will take over Czech Rep. I think algorithm is working better than last year. It is really a two-horse race between Israel and France now, with Australia and Bulgaria with an outside chance. Others need epic staging just to have any chance at all.

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  NickC

Keep dreaming!

Eurowesslan
Eurowesslan
5 years ago
Reply to  NickC

Uk can no come 27. It is only 26 in the final.

Henry
Henry
5 years ago

I hope the juries do their job and keep Russia,Romania, and Borway from qualifying and reward worthy entries like Hungary,Serbia, and Slovenia.

Apple
Apple
5 years ago
Reply to  Henry

Yesss Those 3 are so good but I feel like the only one that will definitely qualify is Hungary

EUROFAN MEXICO
EUROFAN MEXICO
5 years ago

I WANT.- 1.- LAT 2.- DEN 3.- SLO.- 4.-SWE.- 5 POL.- 6.- SER 7.- NET 8.- AUS 9.- MOL
BUT WILL GO TO FINAL.- 1.-SWE, 2.-NOR, 3.-UKR, 4.-DEN, 5.-AUS, 6.-SER, 7.- POL, 8.-RUS, 9.-HUN, 10.-NET

Pandaman
Pandaman
5 years ago

I’d say Australia (even though I’m not a fan), Sweden, Norway, Denmark (hey, look, three Scandinavian countries in one semi! Wonder if that means anything for the results.), Poland, Ukraine, Netherlands, Hungary, Latvia and Serbia. I think this might be the first non-qualification for both Russia and Romania (both depending on the live performance – especially the former).

Yaa
Yaa
5 years ago
Reply to  Pandaman

You wonder?!

Pandaman
Pandaman
5 years ago
Reply to  Yaa

Wo-wo-wo-wo-wooondeeer!

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago

100% sure:
Australia
The Netherlands
Sweden
Moldova
Ukraine
Norway
Poland

75% sure
Denmark

50/50
Malta
Serbia
Romania

Non-qualifiers:
Russia: they will need a big televoting result;
Georgia: might surprise, but I don’t think so;
Montenegro, Slovenia, San Marino, Latvia: out;
Romania: Could qualify instead of Malta and Serbia. Tbh, I think they will;
Hungary: killed by the juries.

gjr
gjr
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

Thank you so much for not making me feel so alone on Hungary.

Marcelo
Marcelo
5 years ago

In other news, Estonia is out of the Top 5 of the betting odds. It has been replaced by France who sits at #4. According to eurovisionworld.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

I guess Australia, Norway, Sweden and Ukraine are locks for most people. I believe Denmark, Hungary, the Netherlands and Poland will join them also. If I had to place a bet right now, I would complete the list with Moldova and Russia. I wonder if the jury can give the push that Latvia and Georgia deserve.

Aria
Aria
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I agree with this concise post. And so do bookmakers

Doug
Doug
5 years ago

I could see San Marino qualify because they will get points from Germany, Malta, and Italy plus they have a generic pop song which can get some televotes.

Apple
Apple
5 years ago
Reply to  Doug

They will get points from Malta, but I don’t think Germany will give them many. Jennifer is from Germany, sure, but she isn’t as big a deal to Germany as Jessika is to Malta

Nick
Nick
5 years ago

Norway
Netherlands
Australia
Sweden
Ukraine
Hungary
Denmark
Slovenia
Malta
Poland

SpirK
SpirK
5 years ago

I think Sweden, Australia, Norway and Ukraine are definite qualifiers. The Netherlands, Hungary and Denmark seem pretty safe to me too. Then we have Romania, Moldova, Latvia, Malta, Russia, Serbia, Poland who are all borderline. I’d say Poland and Russia will probably make it. Then at the time being I’d say Romania, though Moldova and Serbia are really close. It really will depend on staging.
Can’t see Montenegro, Slovenia, San Marino qualifying.
Wouldn’t be totally shocked if Georgia somehow made it.

esc1234
esc1234
5 years ago

Many songs that will NEVER qualify if they were on semi 1, now they will… and many good ones will stay out…

Lourdes
Lourdes
5 years ago

The ones that I think ( not want) will go through (random order):
1. Australia
2.Netherlands
3.Ukraine
4.Hungary
5.Sweden
6.Norway
7.Denmark
8.Poland
9.Latvia
10. Serbia

Apple
Apple
5 years ago
Reply to  Lourdes

Only one I disagree with is Latvia

Okta
Okta
5 years ago

Australia, Ukraine, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, Slovenia, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland and shocking San Marino

Martin Kilp
Martin Kilp
5 years ago

You guys should add a poll where you can pick up to 10!

Mario Eur(o)Vision
Mario Eur(o)Vision
5 years ago

Denmark
Australia
Norway
Ukraine
Sweden
Serbia
Netherlands
Russia

About the rest 2 countries that will may also qualify
I can’t predict with certainty which ones will might be…

Nick
Nick
5 years ago

Ukraine,Sweden, Australia, Hungary,Poland,Denmark,Norway,Netherlands, Russia,Malta/Latvia

Pasadena
Pasadena
5 years ago

My prediction: Norway, Romania, Denmark, Russia, Netherlands, Australia, Poland, Hungary, Sweden, Ukraine.

Thomas
Thomas
5 years ago

My qualifiers I think are pretty solid.
Ukraine Sweden Australia Slovenia Moldova Denmark Netherlands Malta Latvia Hungary

I genuienly think these will be the ten. Norway shouldnt qualify. If he does it is simply due to him being Rybak.

Elise
Elise
5 years ago
Reply to  Thomas

If Norway qualifies, it’s because he is one of the best PERFORMERS this year! He can sell any song on that stage, and that is a talent. People get too butthurt about the fact that he’s coming back with a song that suprisingly enough isn’t Fairytale. He has a big fanbase for a reason, so the fact that his name is well know, is deserved.

Ric
Ric
5 years ago

For sure the Netherlands Denmark Norway Sweden Australia Ukraine. Then I would say Moldova Hungary Russia and Poland as borderline…fingers crossed for Slovenia which is my guilty pleasure but I am afraid it aint making the cut.

Anita
Anita
5 years ago

My prediction for the qualifiers: Australia, Ukraine, Hungary, Schweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Norway

I would love to see Slovenia and Serbia as qualifiers but I guess they won’t qualify. And I have some love for Georgia too and thought that they were one of the best live performers in Israel.