Good evening Europe and good morning Australia! Semi-Final 2 of Eurovision 2023 kicks off tonight at 20:00 BST.
In tonight’s show, 16 fabulous acts from 16 countries will compete for just 10 spots in Saturday’s grand final — where they’ll be one step closer to winning the glorious Eurovision crystal trophy. Hannah Waddingham, Alesha Dixon and Julia Sanina will present the show live from Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.
Amongst tonight’s contenders is a TikTok star from Denmark, an Austrian dance track about a 19th century poet, and a quintet of rock gods from Australia. After the semi-finalists have performed, three of Saturday’s automatic qualifiers — Spain, Ukraine, and hosts United Kingdom — will showcase a snippet of their performances.
Viewers watching from tonight’s 16 competing countries and the UK, Spain and Ukraine can vote in the semi-finals. The rest of the world can also vote with a valid debit or credit card via the Eurovision app.
You can celebrate by downloading these bingo cards for whatever party you’re throwing — available in colour or black-and-white for easy printing.
Eurovision 2023 Semi-Final 2: Thursday 11 May
1. Denmark: Reiley — “Breaking My Heart”
Memorable lyrics: “If we could go back to the start, bet we’d still be falling apart”
Tonight’s opener is a cutesy teen-bop track with a splash of colour. TikTok megastar Reiley is the first Faroese singer to represent Denmark at Eurovision, and he’s doing his country proud. “Breaking My Heart” is about approaching a relationship with trepidation, as Reiley anticipates his lover leaving him. Reiley is aiming to secure Denmark a spot in the final for the first time since 2019. Can he make it happen?
2. Armenia: Brunette — “Future Lover”
Memorable lyrics: “Drink smoothies at near cafes”
Second position is often referred to as the “death slot” for its poor qualification rate. But don’t get it twisted — Armenia’s Brunette didn’t come to play. “Future Lover” is about Brunette’s longing for the perfect relationship, as she dreams about making art and drinking smoothies with her one and only. Her stage show is psychedelic and hypnotic, and features the first of tonight’s multiple dance breaks.
3. Romania: Theodor Andrei — “D. G. T. (Off and on)”
Memorable lyrics: “Off and on like a radio song”
18-year-old Theodor Andrei brings a change of pace with the first of tonight’s rock entries. Theodor wears a stylish pink summer suit jacket with shorts. He starts off the performance acoustic, with just a guitar to accompany him. Then, the energy picks up as lava erupts and a female dancer runs on stage and glides her hands across Theodor’s body. Parental guidance is advised — the Liverpool stage gets sensual in this one.
4. Estonia: Alika — “Bridges”
Memorable lyrics: “There is always time to get back on track”
If you’re a fan of a classic ballad, this one’s for you. Estonia’s Alika channels raw emotion with a powerful vocal performance, accompanied by a self-playing piano. It’s one of the very few ballads in this year’s lineup, and is a breath of fresh air from the other uptempo entries amongst the competition. Alika wears a light blue gown with a train, singing against the backdrop of rippling blue fabric emulating water.
5. Belgium: Gustaph — “Because of You”
Memorable lyrics: “When the world got me going crazy, I carry on”
Gustaph celebrates chosen family with “Because of You”, an ode to queer resilience. The stage show is inspired by the New York ball scene and features a dancer performing traditional vogue steps. Gustaph dons unique fashion, sporting a large white brimmed hat and flared pink trousers. If you’re hosting a Eurovision party, this is the first song of the night that will get everybody up and dancing.
6. Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou — “Break A Broken Heart”
Memorable lyrics: “You lift me up and leave me in the gutter”
Australian singer Andrew Lambrou represents Cyprus with his Imagine Dragons style dark pop track “Break A Broken Heart”. Honouring the glorious British weather, this stage show goes through all the seasons as Andrew sings in rain, wind, and blazing heat. Cyprus missed out on the final last year. Will Andrew Lambrou take them back to the Eurovision final?
7. Iceland: Diljá — “Power”
Memorable lyrics: “You hold no power over me”
Diljá’s vocals are one of the strongest of the year. The Icelandic superstar throws herself around the stage with high kicks and low dips, all the while belting her heart out in this appropriately-titled empowerment anthem. Look out for the blooming fauna in the backdrop, and get ready for a stellar light show.
8. Greece: Victor Vernicos — “What They Say”
Memorable lyrics: “Lost souls make sure no one loses their way”
Victor Vernicos is the youngest contestant in this year’s lineup. At just 16 years old, he’s also the youngest Greek contestant in Eurovision history. But don’t be fooled by his age. Victor’s voice emulated a maturity far beyond his years, and he’s got the stage charisma of a professional. His song “What They Say” is an indie guitar pop track about navigating conflicting emotions. It’s a UK radio hit waiting to happen.
9. Poland: Blanka — “Solo”
Memorable lyrics: “Baby, it’s kinda crazy”
Bejba has arrived. Polish star Blanka has been the topic of much conversation amongst Eurovision fans this season, who have embraced her unique pronunciation of “baby”. The stage fills out with tropical colours, and an easy to follow dance routine that transports viewers to the hotspot clubs of the Ibiza strip. “Solo” is bound to be a Just Dance favourite.
10. Slovenia: Joker Out — “Carpe Diem”
Memorable lyrics: “We’ll be dancing all night long”
Boyband lovers, this one is for you. Joker Out — that’s Bojan, Jure, Kris, Nace and Jan — are one of Slovenia’s best selling bands. With the Britpop-esque “Carpe Diem”, the boys are letting loose and telling the audience at home to seize the day. Taking pointers from Harry Styles’ wardrobe, Joker Out have enough energy and stage presence to have a huge televote demographic lapping at the palm of their hands.
11. Georgia: Iru — “Echo”
Memorable lyrics: “I have a big faith, my love is my crown”
Georgia hasn’t seen a Eurovision final since 2016. And this year, they’re going all out with star power. Iru makes her Eurovision Song Contest debut 12 years after winning the junior edition of the contest as part of girlband Candy. Now, she’s a superstar in her own right. “Echo” is an epic ballad, complete with cinematic ballads and — you guessed it — an extremely powerful wind machine. The lyrics are difficult to decipher, but we’ve got you covered with our analysis.
12. San Marino: Piqued Jacks — “Like An Animal”
Memorable lyrics: “She knows the way to turn me on”
Eurovision’s smallest nation brings a big rock song to Liverpool. Italian band Piqued Jacks represent San Marino with their song “Like An Animal” — sounds and visuals inspired by old school British and American rock bands. This is the first of three entries in a row featuring lots of red and black. Strap in for a wild ride.
13. Austria: Teya & Salena — “Who The Hell Is Edgar?”
Memorable lyrics: “Zero dot zero zero three, give me two years and your dinner will be free”
Here’s a wild one for your bingo card — macabre gothic horror meets funky dance-pop. “Who The Hell is Edgar?” is an absurdist commentary piece about artists’ treatment in the music industry, suggesting that even 19th century poet Edgar Allan Poe would only receive pennies for his contributions to the arts in today’s economy. Prepare for another dance routine the whole family can enjoy.
14. Albania: Albina and Familja Kelmendi — “Duje”
Memorable lyrics: “Something inside me is suffocating”
Albania’s Eurovision entry is a family affair. Albina Kelmendi is joined on stage by her sisters Vesa and Sidorela, brother Albin, and parents Bujar and Albana. It’s a tribute to the highs and lows and family life, showcasing traditional Albania culture through striking visuals and fashion.
15. Lithuania: Monika Linkyte — “Stay”
Memorable lyrics: “Čiūto tūto, Čiūto tūto”
In 2015, Monika sang “This Time” for Lithuania at Eurovision in Vienna. This year, she’s back as a soloist with her healing ballad “Stay”. The main “ciūto tūto” hook is a traditional Lithuanian chant used in folklore, and is insatiably catchy. You’ll be singing this one all night long.
16. Australia: Voyager — “Promise”
Memorable lyrics: “Cross my heart ’til the sky turns red in the sunrise”
Closing out tonight’s show is rock gods Voyager. The Perthian metal heads go full 80s synth with a stylish white car on stage — and a keytar. Lead singer Danny Estrin is an immigration lawyer in his day job, but turns up the fire for this energetic performance. Another contender to do very well in tonight’s semi.
Which act are you looking forward to? Who will qualify from tonight’s semi-final? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
All my top 5 ( and all number1 for me lol) – Slovenia,Moldova,Portugal,France and Spain will perform in the final , happy with that ?
!
Georgia out? You must be kidding me!!!
Hannah the presenter was fab – such a hoot!
I’m not shocked that Georgia didn’t make it through the final. Expected Albania to got through. Surprised by Estonia and Lithuania.
Sad that Georgia missed out 🙁 but well done to all finalists!
Europe preferred memes (Poland) instead of good music (Georgia) ffs.
Uhm… Georgia song being good music is a stretch
SURELY WAS BETTER THAN POLAND’S CHEAP-A** DANCE BREAK.
For sure, but the music spectrum is wide
Sad for Georgia and Iceland not in, and bejba not out…
Now the question is, will bejba open the show?
I mean, it *would* be a good opener… so we can forget about it right away…
Poor Victor – he did his best. I hope to see him back in the future
No thanks. Whoever picked him with that song in ERT needs to be fired
Oh Estonia Q’ed and Denmark didn’t. Didn’t expect that but it’s nothing shocking or anything. Props for Armenia for being the 3rd act since 2016 to break the death slot curse. I was debating between Georgia and Albania and ended up choosing wrong. Oh well. I’m very pleased Belgium went through!
POLAND IN AND GEORGIA OUT IM ACTUALLY GONNA DIE WTF
POLONIA?? are you serious? disgustng!
My 5 favs went through and…. Poland????? Bribe reaches officially Eurovision …
I nearly died near the end. Wtf was that Slovenia being left till the end
omg i cant believe georgia didnt make it!!!!!!!!!!!
So happy for Albania, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania, Australia, Armenia & BEJBA 😀 Sad for Greece & Georgia though
I’m okay with the results but I feel like I didn’t expect this somehow. Congrats to all qualifiers!
Georgia didn’t q…..really…….
GEORGIA IS ELIMINATED AND GEORGIA IS IN, WHAT THE HEELLLL!!!
POLAND IS IN FFS, I’M IN SHOCK
Understandable
Wow. I’m genuinely shocked Georgia didn’t make it through.
I didn’t expect that either
Tbh, i’m not. It wasn’t bad, but i don’t know anyone who would call it their favorite. I forgot this song existed tbh. Sucks for them though
Come on, Slovenia…
Two slots left, Slovenia and Armenia, RIGHT?
Oh god, I’m gonna lose a favourite now…
Damn, Bejba is in the final. Definitely not what I expected after that performance
BEJBA!!! 😀
Welp, Beijba did it.
NOOOO, POLAND IS THROUGH!
Thank you from Lithuania! <3
Congrats!
Way to go!
They are always showing the country that gets through first 😀
ALIKA IS IN!!
YAAAAS
YES, Albania qualified!
Omg the first qualifier is about to be announced
UK might reinvent the host country ending up somewhere at the bottom…
It was fun while it lasted for us 😛
Uk: the rhythm is sooo SloMo….
Yikes, Mae Muller can’t sing. A shame; she’s going to damage the big UK comeback. Ah well, there’s always 2024.
Bye San Marino. Aphrodite was not impressed.
Huh?
one of the lyrics from their song has Aphrodite bringing a party.
Love Ukraine
God, I love this Spanish entry so much.
and the LED screens with the dancers looks so cool for Ukraine!
Ok, that was super cute!
This semi was somehow more exciting than the previous one lol
That interval act was a wonderful moment of pure joy and freedom. Ridiculously over the top of course, but I was admittedly moved. 🙂
Amazing to hear that Ultra Naté song again, and Jessica Mauboy too!
My top ten (in the order of performances):
ARMENIA
ESTONIA
CYPRUS
GREECE
POLAND
SLOVENIA
GEORGIA
AUSTRIA
LITHUANIA
AUSTRALIA
Last two spots is are between Greece, Poland, and Romania, and I had to lose one… sorry.
Overall, not that weak of a semi after all.
Albania and Belgium replace Poland and Greece on my list, but it’s all quite low scoring compared to SF1; really anyone can qualify here.
Sure, semi 1 was stronger on average, but I liked semi 2 more than I thought. Denmark was the only one I *really* didn’t like at all.
Yeah, I’m sorry to Reiley, but when he watches it back he will see and hear the issues. Not his fault: Mainly the camera zoomed in too close, and the sound balance wasn’t great
Also, the song is too repetitive and unintentionally unsettling, sadly. The performance only solidified that the song isn’t for me. My last place, I think. But I do feel bad for Reiley, and I wish him all the best in the future.
Less Måns, more Filomena please!
I don’t have it in me to be bored with Mans. He’s too beautiful and, at this stage, ESC without him would feel like Christmas without a tree.
Fair 😛
I’m sorry but SF1 was miles better in every single aspect. Could have done without Rita though…
Aww poor Rita. (But yeah, agreed on the songs.)
Top 3 : 1. Albania/2. Georgia/3. San Marino (this tells all about the average level of the others)
This is blasphemy! Why was Jessie Ware not invited?!
Slovenia, Armenia,Albania, Estonia and Cyprus… the rest is up to you 🙂 ( but not Poland pleaaaseee)
Voted for Australia and Estonia. Good Luck!
Ooo thank you! Same here! 🙂
I hope both make it.
Both did!
My predicition:
Def Q: Armenia, Belgium, Cyprus, Australia, Austria, Slovenia
Likely Q: Poland, Georgia, Albania, Lithuania (Greece and Estonia might push some of these out)
Q: Armenia, Estonia, Belgium, Cyprus, Slovenia, Georgia, Austria, Albania, Lithuania, Australia.
This is your last chance to VOTE
Closed now
What a DISASTROUS semifinal. EBU should be thanking the average Blanka for saving it. What an irony.
Haha! We can’t always have good songs every year. I really had fun with how bad some of it was, and some of the performing was wonderfully over-the-top
Which drugs are they? We need to know if we’re going to help you.
The true irony is the fact that while SF2 was considered a weak SF, it was vocally much more powerful than the so-called bloodbath in SF1, where even fan-favourites were failing at delivering live with loads of pre-recorded vocals. SF2 at least had more decent vocalists who didn’t need support from autotune. 🙂
I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Marlinken, you better tell us the name of YOUR drugs if you found this semifinal to be high quality. People who have replied agree with me, either partially or fully, and so did many people in earlier comments below. Blanka is the definition of average, but she stood out and it proves how bad it was. The winner is definitely among the Tuesday qualifiers. Maybe even the WHOLE TOP 3 will be filled with the acts from Tuesday.
Blanka isn’t the definition of average, she’s the definition of abysmal. Jann summed her up in ‘Gladiator’. If you think otherwise, we need to know which drugs so we can get you the help you need.