The EBU has just announced the running order for the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. 33 countries will compete at the semi-finals, split into Semi-Final 1 of 16 acts and Semi-Final 2 of 17 acts. Only 10 acts will advance from each Semi-Final and as we’ve seen in previous years, where you perform in the running order is key to winning one of the 20 slots at the Grand Final on Saturday

You can see the full running order for Semi-Final 1 and Semi-Final 2 below. Breaks are scheduled after the fifth and 12th song in each semi-final, though the EBU notes these positions may change.

Eurovision Semi-Final 1 Running Order

1. Moldova
2. Armenia
3. Belgium
4. The Netherlands
5. Finland

6. Greece
7. Estonia
8. FYR Macedonia
9. Serbia
10. Hungary
11. Belarus
12. Russia

13. Denmark
14. Albania
15. Romania
16. Georgia

Reaction: Semi-Final 1 Running Order

Eurovision Semi-Final 2 Running Order

1. Lithuania
2. Ireland
3. San Marino
4. Montenegro
5. Malta

6. Norway
7. Portugal
8. Czech Republic
9. Israel
10. Latvia
11. Azerbaijan
12. Iceland

13. Sweden
14. Switzerland
15. Cyprus
16. Slovenia
17. Poland

Reaction: Semi-Final 2 Running Order

What about the Big 5, Austria and Australia?

Austria has already drawn to perform 14th in the running order of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna. Australia and the Big 5 will draw their position for the Grand Final running order later. In addition, Spain, Austria, France will vote in the first semi-final, while Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom will vote in the second semi-final. As Australia is a wildcard entry, it will vote in both semi-finals.

What do you think of the running orders? Who has the advantage and who will risk not qualifying?

92 Comments
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EurovisionFan2015
EurovisionFan2015
9 years ago

Poland go!!! I love this song. I know what was happend in her life and when I’m watching the video clip I’m proud of her and I see a brave wonderful person.

Bronson
Bronson
9 years ago

People need to stop making all these conspiracy theories based on running order positions. All sorts of countries have qualified from all sorts of positions, and nobody is at a disadvantage against anyone else (unless they are performing after a commercial break or fan favourite) because it doesn’t matter if a country sings first or last – if someone likes a song they will VOTE for it.

Jamie Paterson
Jamie Paterson
9 years ago

My top 10 from website

1 – Romania
2 – Slovenia
3 – United Kingdom
4 – Israel
5 – Spain
6 – Denmark
7 – Portugal
8 – Sweden
9 – Lithuania
10 – Moldova

6 worst from website

35 – Austria
36 – Germany
37 – Greece
38 – Belgium
39 – Poland
40 – Hungary

BIONDA
BIONDA
9 years ago

TO Sander
This test is incredible!
Here are my results!
Entry
1 Greece
Maria Elena Kyriakou
One Last Breath
2 Estonia
Elina Born & Stig Rästa
Goodbye to Yesterday
3 Sweden
Måns Zelmerlöw
Heroes
4 Italy
Il Volo
Grande amore
5 Slovenia
Maraaya
Here for You
6 Norway
Mørland &
Debrah Scarlett
A Monster Like Me
7 Spain
Edurne
Amanecer
8 Georgia
Nina Sublatti
Warrior
9 Iceland
María Ólafs
Unbroken
10 Malta
Amber
Warrior

Sander
Sander
9 years ago

I took this battle test on esc.gerbear.com and this is my top 10 of my top 40. Hungary was dead last. I hate that song. I’m a bit surprised what my top 10 is though:

1 Estonia
2 Greece
3 Slovenia
4 Italy
5 Iceland
6 Sweden
7 Georgia
8 France
9 Spain
10 Switzerland

Lily
Lily
9 years ago

Ireland’s position is disappointing and the organisers should of known better than to put a slow song like that in position number 2. As a result it will suffer in the televote, it may do well with the juries though and that might just pull them through.

jasmine
jasmine
9 years ago

“If you worry about qualifying due to your position – then you’ve got nothing to do with the end fight anyway”

Something Christer Björkman said a while ago regarding the running order in the ESC and the hype around it.

2015!
2015!
9 years ago

Spot 2 is always the worst spot you can get, while spot 3 doesn’t bring luck aswell… you know ”who counters who” after there rehearsels are online. Still don’t count belgium and the Netherlands out. Remember last year NL. But don’t remember last year belgium’s entry xD

Alex
Alex
9 years ago

@Aurelija: Lithuania went first half of the semis last year, yes, but not in 2011-2013, or 2009. It’s true that when they’ve been in the final, they have been first half consistently (ever since 2007), and seemingly to their detriment. Their results do seem quite significantly affected by the running order, but I think this is a good year to break that trend (and Donny Montell even placed 14th with a horrible finals draw of 4th in 2012). Interestingly, Estonia and Lithuania have had their qualification fates linked since the change of the semifinal system in 2008… every year, they… Read more »

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
9 years ago

@Marcus: You want a fair solution? Let’s have a completely random solution. Throw all of the countries into a drum, like they do in my city with New York LOTTO, Powerball and Mega-Millions, and whichever ball comes out first, the corresponding country goes first in the order of the first semi, with the next ball corresponding to the country going first in the second semi, and so on, until the semis are filled. Then do it again for the final, with Austria maintaining its 14th position. Either that, or let the betting lines determine the order, to be decided May… Read more »

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
9 years ago

@ilikeesc: If you’re right, then the two “Warrior” songs are likely to go in different directions. Nina is singing last in the first round, and Amber is singing 5th, with Mørland and Debrah right after her. Very not good.

Helooo
9 years ago

@Noah-Could you give me some advice to become more civilized? I’d aprreciate that.

Noah
Noah
9 years ago

@Helooo – your level of culture is truly pathetic.

PP
PP
9 years ago

My prediction for first semifinal
2.Armenia
3.Belgium
6.Greece
7.Estonia
9.Serbia
11.Belarus
12.Russia
14.Albania
15.Romania
16.Georgia

II Semi final
1.Lithuania
5.Malta
6.Norway
8.Czech Republic
9.Israel
11.Azerbaijan
12.Iceland
13.Sweden
16.Slovenia
17.Poland

UejSi
UejSi
9 years ago

Lol, Conchita won the whole semi from the 6th spot last year. Greece is going to be fine.

Esceire
Esceire
9 years ago

@Robyn Gallagher Precisely, People must remember that the Semi finals are a lot smaller than the Grand Final meaning that the running order isn’t as important as the final for example. e.g 2nd spot before 2014 had a 75% qualification record yet in the final its called the “Slot of death” and last year Latvia ( who ever few people rated) was only 7 points away from qualifying. Because overall the Semi final are not about winning they are about getting top 10 and therefore getting to the Grand Final.

Angelos
Angelos
9 years ago

@Helooo what happened??? 😛

Helooo
9 years ago

@ Angelos

Are you under drugs or something?

adriana_gabrielauk
adriana_gabrielauk
9 years ago

semi final 1 definite quallyfiers:Moldova,Greece,Estonia,Georgia,Romania,Albania….

PP
PP
9 years ago

Many say that Moldova not have big chance to final, same thing many said for Belgium in 2013. And Belgium 2013 was suprise when they made some changde of their song , many said before changes, that no chance and that Serbia is better, but at eurovision stage Belgium eat Serbia who sang last after Belgium in first semifinal. Maybe Moldova do that this year like Belgium 2013 and eat Belgium and their chance for final.

Angelos
Angelos
9 years ago

XAXAXAXAXAXAXAXAXAXAXAXAXAXA I’M CRYING AND I AM A GREEK!!!! LOVE YOU GREEKS AND EUROPEANS!!!! Greek think that we will not pass to the final that easy as the previous years and the Europeans think we will!!!! XAXAXAXAXAXAXAXA LOVE YA ALL!!!! VOTE FOR THE GREEK SONG!!!!
On the break after Finland people will go pee and they will hear the 2nd part of the Greek song which is powerful and not boring!!!! <3 <3 <3

Alex
Alex
9 years ago

I think it’s funny that Greece got put before Estonia, but the real problem is going AFTER Estonia. In other words, it’s Macedonia that got screwed over, not Greece.

Not a big fan of this running order to be honest. But we’ll see what it sounds like when it’s live. Last year’s running order was so good that perhaps my expectations were too high. (Also, with so many ballads, it’s kind of hard to have any one song stick out)

Peyton
Peyton
9 years ago

This is how I think the semi finals will go –

Semi Final 1 –

1. Estonia
2. Russia
3. Albania
4. Georgia
5. Greece
6. Romania
7. Armenia
8. Belgium
9. Finland
10. Belarus
———————————————————————————————————–
11. Netherlands
12. Serbia
13. Hungary
14. FYR Macedonia
15. Denmark
16. Moldova

Semi Final 2 –

1. Sweden
2. Slovenia
3. Azerbaijan
4. Norway
5. Malta
6. Iceland
7. Poland
8. Latvia
9. Lithuania
10. Czech Republic
———————————————————————————————————–
11. Ireland
12. Israel
13. Switzerland
14. Portugal
15. San Marino
16. Cyprus
17. Montenegro

Mar
Mar
9 years ago

The running order isn’t really that important in the semifinals, it just serves to cement the fate of songs on the edge of qualification, for better or worse.
Based on this information, I think Ireland, Montenegro, San Marino, CR, Serbia, The Netherlands and Macedonia are goners. On the contrary, Poland, Belarús and Israel seem to have improved their chances. I think Norway is the only favourite to be slightly threatened.
Whoever put Belgium and Netherlands right after eachother, and Armenia second, is an idiot.

Esceire
Esceire
9 years ago

How does Ireland have a “Bad Draw” before 2014 2nd position had a 75% qualification record and the only entries i could remember that didn’t get through where Ireland 2009 ( Came 11th in the semi) and San marino 2013 ( also 11th in the semi) and latvia in 2014 despite being followed by so many heavy weights still managed 10th in the tele vote. Overall 2nd isn’t the best but tbh being in the first half what is a good draw? the answer is none the only draw that makes a massive difference in 1st.

Britney
Britney
9 years ago

Check out SEMI FINAL 1 TOP 10 which is based on votes from
youtube videos and comments!

VOTE FOR YOUR TOP 10 IN COMMENTS!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2j9Ons9BytA&gl=LV&client=mv-google&hl=en

SEMI FINAL 2 COMING SOON!

Tom
Tom
9 years ago

I think this year is going to be so unpredictable that the running order won’t matter *that* much. However, I’m sad for Ireland for getting such a bad position, but I’m happy for Slovenia and I think they can win the second semi (or at least end up as the runner-up, after Norway XD). Oh, and Estonia doesn’t seem to have much competition in its semi and given their nice spot I can see them sailing through.

Helooo
9 years ago

@Noah. Take a shit :*

Adam
Adam
9 years ago

For all the amount of comments on here telling Greeks to stop complaining, you’d really think there’d be about 10+ people complaining about their running draw when in fact its only like 3 people…lol

Noah
Noah
9 years ago

@George – take a chill pill.

Jose
Jose
9 years ago

Latvia, Belgium, Ireland and Greece got the worst spots unfortunately. However, Sweden, Slovenia and Israel could stand out a lot in the Semi 2 imo. I’d say Portugal, you know, a pop rock song between two ballads…anyway, it won’t qualify lol. Still have my doubts about Poland, Belgium and Armenia.

Leon
Leon
9 years ago

I really have no idea why Greeks would even complain. They actually got the best draw given they were selected to perform in the FIRST HALF OF THE FIRST SEMINFINAL and out of 8 acts there, they are the 7th to perform. Countries like Moldova, Armenia, Belgium and Estonia should be pissed not Greece.

Deven O'Kearney
Deven O'Kearney
9 years ago

I can understand why people are saying that Ireland have a terrible draw. But look at it like this, it’s actually a great spot to be in, as far as qualification is concerned. Only Ireland (Uh oh 😀 ), San Marino and Israel have failed to qualify from semi no. 2. So, it’s only been doom and gloom on 3 occasions out of 7. So far.

ryanireland
ryanireland
9 years ago

Ireland in the dreaded 2nd position, not a great place for qualification 🙁 hopefully though she will pull through.
Albania great position I wonder does the EBU want them to win

Random.sage 2.0
Random.sage 2.0
9 years ago

OMG! All of my top 10 might go through! In no order Finland (always does well with crazy heavy rock songs, those pop & folk songs hurt them) Greece (because it’s Greece) Slovenia (that voice… :D) Russia (always awesome) Sweden (always awesome) The Netherlands (Nice Ska rhythm) Israel (I wanna be the king of Fun!) Armenia (dude, I’m gay. Why the f*ck not?) Azerbaijan (Elrnur is back and so is his voice!!! Slay!) Moldova (So bad it’s good AND it opens the final) Italy (Always liked Il Vovo) Albania (Deil was good but the newer song is BOMB!) And Greece… Read more »

Random.sage 2.0
Random.sage 2.0
9 years ago

OMG! All of my top 10 might go through!

In no order
Finland (always does well with crazy heavy rock songs, those pop & folk songs hurt them)
Greece (because it’s Greece)
Slovenia (that voice… :D)
Russia (always awesome)
Sweden (always awesome)
The Netherlands (Nice Ska rhythm)
Israel (I wanna be the king of Fun!)
Armenia (dude, I’m gay. Why the f*ck not?)
Azerbaijan (Elrnur is back and so is his voice!!! Slay!)
Moldova (So bad it’s good AND it opens the final)
Italy (Always liked Il Vovo)
Albania (Deil was good but the newer song is BOMB!)

And Greece

EF0912
EF0912
9 years ago

Is there going to be a reaction video for this??

Aurelija
Aurelija
9 years ago

@ilikesc
I mean that Lithuania almost every year shows up in first part. I think that every country have to draw number like it was before.

Giorgos
Giorgos
9 years ago

Well, as being a Greek I don’t believe that our position is that bad…it is a small disadvantage that we appear after the commercial break and before Estonia…but this does not mean that we will not qualify because of the running order! As @JimM said If they like our performance they will vote it no matter what. And others should stop saying that Greeks react too seriously because only 2 or 3 people did that…you don’t have to blame the whole society…!! And let’s stop talking for Greece all the time! There are other 39 countries in the contest…

JimM
JimM
9 years ago

Let’s try not to exaggerate about the running order. Juries won’t be influenced, since they would already know the songs and the people that really like a song, they will still vote it no matter what. I mean, does anyone really believe that Loreen wouldn’t have won if she opened the competition back in 2012? As being a Greek, I have to say that our running order is fine. If people want to vote it, they will. If not, so what? I just want our entry to be decent and making me proud for the effort, not matter what the… Read more »

YoungsterJoey
YoungsterJoey
9 years ago

I knew Lithuana would go first!! They always go early. Also kinda disappointing for Armenia going 2nd since they were 1st last year, thought maybe they would move them down the list. Worried San Marino will be forgotten and perhaps Malta. Slovenia is a good spot! So is Sweden.

Helooo
9 years ago

Epic sax guy sounds like Eric Saade. lol

WTF
WTF
9 years ago

I hope we (Romania) give as little points as possible to Moldova’s shit song so it doesn’t make the final. Why couldn’t you send Epic Sax Guy again instead?

George
9 years ago

@ Dar Yes, we have bigger issues than a song contest.So do you, I suppose.We take eurovision seriously enough to read and comment in this site which is Eurovision related.I can complain for many other things such as my electricity bill that is way too expensive for one more time but as i said before this is a Eurovision related site and it would be off topic.Furthermore none whould give a shit about my ploblems ,as he should. Now please let me have a say about Greece compiting in the sixth place of the first semifinal, being tottaly aware that… Read more »

Easpag
Easpag
9 years ago

Slovenia and Sweden in pole position, Cyprus, Ireland and San Marino left in the dirt.

Also, Belgium doesnt have a great position. Albania and Russia are dead certs.

brandus
brandus
9 years ago

I mean 23rd of march 2014

Otna
Otna
9 years ago

Very worried for Ireland now 🙁

Very happy that Czech got last in the first half though!

brandus
brandus
9 years ago

Running order in the semifinals isnt that important….. In the grand final IS important. Besides its too early to talk about favourites. For example i dont think Sweden and Estonia will be in top 5 in betting odds in the final week of the contest. In ESC 2014 on the 23rd the favourites according to bookies were Armenia, Sweden, Norway, Hungary, Belgium, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Uk, Romania and UK. No Austria No the Netherlands….in top 10 so its too early.

George
9 years ago

@ Noah

Screw you and your nazi or colonial related country.(PLEASE fulfill my wishes.I’m down on my knees, begging you with a non demanding attitude) Alright? Let me know about your progress.

Aaron
Aaron
9 years ago

My predictions for the 2nd semi: 1. Lithuania: I can see why they are opening. 6th-12 place 2. Ireland: I’m pretty sure ORF or whoever did the running order has a thing against us, this is a disaster for us! I won’t be surprised if we don’t qualify. But there’s a chance. 7th-13th place 3. San Marino: I can’t see this qualifying at all from this position. 10th-17th 4. Montenegro: I think there is a small chance of them qualifying, but I’m not sure. 9th-14th 5. Malta: I feel like this will qualify, 6th-12th place — 6. Norway: This has… Read more »