Semi-final 2 press conference: What the qualifiers said

Israel’s Nadav Guedj showed us how he’s the king of fun. Cyprus’ John Karayiannis serenaded us with a lullaby. And Slovenia’s Maraaya rocked out with a vintage wedding dress and headphones. As the results came in, tension was extremely high – especially because the emcees dragged out the announcement much longer than they did on Tuesday. Our team ran to the press centre immediately after the show to catch the qualifiers’ press conference. We transcribed as we watched, so you can read the rough transcript below. You can also watch the entire press conference in our video below.

Semi final 2: Qualifiers press conference

Lithuania: Monika and Vaidas with “This Time”

I want to ask you about the fantastic kiss in the middle of the song. Is there a social message attached to it?

With those kisses we had on stage, we didn’t expect to make a surprise out of it. We are bringing the message that Lithuania is step to step with Europe and are integrating for equality and equal rights for everybody.

Running order: First half

Poland: Monika Kuszynska with “In The Name of Love”

How does it feel to have made history by making Poland qualify for the second consecutive time?

That’s great, wow! I’m very happy, really.

On Saturday, the Polish people will be watching. It is just one day before the presidential elections. Do you feel any pressure, knowing that the whole country is watching you?

Why are you doing this to me? Aren’t we supposed to be together and support each other? I think that everyone feels a little bit of pressure, but I try my best to overcome the pressure. I’m very happy because you don’t know what to expect. I’m very happy to be here and I’m surprised. It’s a kind of dream come true, really. As you said, I already feel like a winner because I’m here. I won my life again. So it’s great. I hope that it could be an inspiration for many people who don’t believe in themselves. I’ve said it many times. I’m glad. Thank you.

Do you believe the accident made you a better artist?

I feel like I have something to say. I think it’s deeper than it used to be, and I have some message to put in my songs and my whole career. It’s amazing, actually. It’s a good part of what happened. Sometimes we can only see the dark side but there are many beautiful things that go with this terrible event, so I always look at the bright side. That’s why I’m here.

Running order: Second half

Slovenia: Maraaya with “Here For You”

Tell us about your feelings.

We are very happy to be here.

You have a very dynamic, very moveable song. I think Marjetka is very static on stage. She should move more. This is my advice.

Thank you for your advice. I came to a conclusion this evening. I don’t think it’s about numbers and personal winning. Today was my personal victory because I never felt as comfortable on the stage as I did today. That’s all that matters to an artist. But thank you for your suggestion, really.

What is your goal for Saturday? What are you looking for?

We came here to give people some emotions and present them music. The goal stays the same. There will probably be more millions of people watching. We will present our song to millions and we will stay this way.

Running order: First half

Sweden: Måns Zelmerlöw with “Heroes”

How are you feeling?

It was a great night, and I’m both happy and relieved. And very excited. Double rehearsals tomorrow, but we’re still going to have a little bit of partying tonight. A little. I promised.

What are the main things trending between you and victory?

Oh, I don’t know know. I think there are a number of really good songs in the final. I’m just happy to be there and part of the final. I think that I could have done some things better tonight. I think I was a bit rushed in the second verse when it came to the movement. I hope I’ll have even more energy on Saturday, and I hope I’m in the running to become the champ.

Less than 30 seconds ago, a fellow singer said your song is too similar to David Guetta’s “Lovers on the Sun”. Do you think this will affect your chances?

I don’t think so. We had this discussion earlier, and I don’t think they are alike. Maybe the buildup is alike, but if you anazlyze the tones, I don’t think there are two tones that follow each other the same way. But I’m sorry he feels this way.

Running order: First half

Norway: Mørland and Debrah Scarlett with “A Monster Like Me”

How do you feel?

So good. Such an amazing feeling, yeah.

You sing about “something awful in my early youth”. What can be so awful?

It’s a mystery! We’re not going to tell that.

You and Sweden are the only Nordic countries to make it to the final this year. Do you believe you can do the Nordics proud this year by being there?

I certainly hope so. I think it’s really awesome that two of the Nordic countries got to the final. It’s really that Iceland didn’t make it, but it’s really great.

Running order: First half

Montenegro: Knez with “Adio”

In the previous press conference, you said you’d dedicate your performance to your father. What would he tell you if he were here?

I never felt better in all my career. This is the time of my life. He was with me tonight, I know that.

Two years in a row from Montenegro, you are on a roll!

We maybe expected this but it’s a success. This semi-final was a very good competition. Very good songs. We are so happy. My daughter is here we me on stage and I am so happy because of that.

Running order: Second half

Cyprus: John Karayiannis with “One Thing I Should Have Done”

Do you have a message for your fans?

For them to support me is something really great and they must believe in the song. So thank you very much.

Is there a nation that missed the final that you wanted to go to the final with?

Yeah, about that. I’m very happy but I’m also kind of sad. This is live television, and ten countries made it and seven didn’t.

Running order: First half

Latvia: Aminata with “Love Injected”

I feel amazing, absolutely amazing. Totally love injected.

Your debut album is called “Inner Voice”. Is “Love Injected” in a similar style to the rest of the album? Did Eurovision influence it?

I can’t say it’s all like “Love Injected”. It’s my first album and I wanted to put everything I like on it. There’s some ethnic tracks, some electronic, some pop, some R&B. But “Love Injected” is a central song in this album, not only because of Eurovision but it’s just my emotions. Actually, “Inner Voice” is about my personal experiences and my relationships, my way through love and how I understand it. “Love Injected” was the song of when I really understood the meaning of love and it means a lot to me.

Whose support did you feel on stage?

I’d like to thank all the people who supported me and voted for me. I felt the support, really, and I felt the storm of emotions and energy that I wanted to feel. Thank you everybody.

Running order: Second half

Israel: Nadav Guedj with “Golden Boy”

You are very young but very good! Can you sing “Hava Nagilah” for us?

Elnur can sing it very well, actually! I want to say I am so happy to be here. It’s crazy. I never thought I would do something like Eurovision. And you know, I’m here. And thank you for those guys down there that I get the chance to meet. Thank you for all of my perfect team.

Do you think you will light the hearts of the audience? Are you the golden boy of Israel?

I hope, I hope that I will do something. I hope you will all join us and party on Saturday!

Running order: First half

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Photo: Andres Putting (EBU)