Sergey Lazarev sang in a sea of mirrors, Duncan Laurence performed at a piano and Sweden’s John Lundvik brought soul to the stage. And in the end all three men were among the ten qualifiers from Semi-Final 2 of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.

Tonight’s Semi-Final was perhaps the most competitive in years and provided a slew of compelling moments. Perhaps one of the standouts was the Shalva Band interval act. They gave a heartwarming performance of “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman.

But after hearts were warmed, many were broken as the qualifiers were revealed, and fan favourites fell left, right and centre in the line of battle.

Eurovision 2019 Semi-Final 2 Results

Semi-Final 2 Qualifiers

North Macedonia: Tamara Todevska with “Proud

Netherlands: Duncan Laurence with “Arcade

Albania: Jonida Maliqi with “Ktheju tokës

Sweden: John Lundvik with “Too Late For Love

Russia: Sergey Lazarev with “Scream

Azerbaijan: Chingiz with “Truth

Denmark: Leonora with “Love is Forever

Norway: KEiiNO with “Spirit in the Sky

Switzerland: Luca Hannï with “She Got Me

Malta: Michela with “Chameleon

Semi-Final 2 Non-Qualifiers

Armenia: Srbuk with “Walking Out

Ireland: Sarah McTernan with “22

Moldova: Anna Odobescu with “Stay

Latvia: Carousel with “That Night

Romania: Ester Peony with “On A Sunday

Austria: Paenda with “Limits

Croatia: Roko with “The Dream

Lithuania: Jurij Veklenko with “Run with the Lions

The running order for the grand final will be announced in the early hours of Friday morning.

What do you make of the Semi-Final 2 results? Are you happy with the qualifiers? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo Credit: EBU

486 Comments
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florinho
florinho
4 years ago

Breaking News: Romania withdraw from eurovision starting next year

Rhingo
Rhingo
4 years ago

I loved Moldova and am quite surprised that it didn’t qualify. I did not see any pre parties, rehearsals or interviews but based on what I saw yesterday it was one of the best acts. Can someone who is in this year’s eurovision bubble enlighten me why it is almost taken for granted that it didn’t advance?

Nena Verdadero
Nena Verdadero
4 years ago

MAHMOOD “SOLDI’

Nya
Nya
4 years ago

Don’t know why they put Malta and Switzerland last in announcements, I was sure of their qualification, I think it would be more exciting to put N.Macedonia or Albania on that places

nitzan
nitzan
4 years ago
Reply to  Nya

you have a point but for me, i wanted malta to qualify so much, so keeping them last really got me nervous. at this point i got really worried they might not qualify, especially when armenia was left as well, so the moment they announced malta was very exciting and michela’s reaction was the best

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  nitzan

We’ll never know, but I have the feeling Malta wasn’t supposed to be the last one, but Switzerland instead. At the same time we always knew Luca was a lock, the country has been away from the finals for a while and this would build some tension. I guess they changed it after noticing that people were screaming “Malta” in the arena. Which was cruel to Michela, but great television, since the final explosion was endearing.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago
Reply to  Nya

Because Ireland’s STAGE performance was so much better than either the song or music video, and the fact that Ireland was called last in last year’s first semifinal, that they figured the suspense they built up in the end would make the people think that perhaps Ireland (last on the bookies’ board) would steal the final spot again.

When Albania was called, I knew Romania was out. It was Malta (and to a lesser degree, Norway) I was worried about.

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
4 years ago

Albania performing 2nd at the grand finals seem to indicate that she finished10th place at the semi finals.

Tom
Tom
4 years ago

Production team dont know the results, only Jon Ola know…last year Hungary and Finland were last ( both end in 10 position in semi) and they performed at spot 17,21 so Albania can end up in 10 place but i have feeling that also Denmark, Norway could

Fun or ban?
Fun or ban?
4 years ago

As a Romanian living abroad, if my vote did not matter in Selectia Nationala, why would it matter at ESC? I simply did not vote for Romania last night! TVR should change their unfair voting system to 50/50 jury/televote.
Ester tried her best, but the song wasn’t strong enough.

Rhaenys
Rhaenys
4 years ago

Where are all the Roko’s fans from Croatia? They have been so annoying during the last 3 months, they were keeping on saying “Roko will win, you will see, he is the best”… AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH So funny!

Taco
Taco
4 years ago
Reply to  Rhaenys

Strange sense of humor you have.

Eurovision fan since 2014
Eurovision fan since 2014
4 years ago

Jon Ola Sand revealed on twitter, that only one point separated 10th from 11th act yesterday evening, next time we are going to have a tie apparently

Tom
Tom
4 years ago

Armenia was 11 I think – she literally walked out from Instagram

RodrigoPinto
RodrigoPinto
4 years ago

Can I please just share how proud I am of Jonida?
To all the Albanians here, my heart was with you all the way!!

After Hungary and my own country Portugal(even though I’m still not a huge fan of the song)’s unfair treatments, I came to this semi-final extremely worried with my overall winner Albania, but eventually it all paid off at the end.
What a great choice of qualifiers!! I can’t remember the last time I was this happy with the results!!

LaliLali
LaliLali
4 years ago

“2nd semi much better than 1st, there were professional artists, amateurs, some great and some poor[or boring]. And there was the youngest 17 turned 18 Michela. Seen here mixed comments about the Malta song, yes Michela could be noticed a bit excited on stage, maybe lack of dance movement. But overall it was great and deserved the final, and many loved it. So what if the girl was more experienced, more relaxed? Would’nt it have been a Bomb sure winner, she will start 1st in the final, will it affect her negative or will she even improve her act? Time… Read more »

The OA
The OA
4 years ago
Reply to  LaliLali

At this point, I don´t care about the show. Let´s all vote for Serhat. Really! It would be a fun moment and a middle finger to EBU.

Fun or ban?
Fun or ban?
4 years ago
Reply to  The OA

Never

Taco
Taco
4 years ago
Reply to  The OA

And that is a legimate reason? Or should we just vote for talent and great songs? If that was the case no one in their right mind would vote for Serhat. That man obviously is not a singer.

LaliLali
LaliLali
4 years ago
Reply to  Taco

No I am not saying to vote for talent!!! I said the girl had her limits and she still did well. She may repeat her performance, but I was wondering what if she and her team gives their 100% on stage in the final.

The OA
The OA
4 years ago
Reply to  Taco

Of course Serhat is not a singer. That´s my point!! To make a mockery of this!!

Taco
Taco
4 years ago
Reply to  The OA

and why would you want that? Why not just vote for a quality song ?

esc26
esc26
4 years ago

Am I the only one who thinks Duncan did one of the best performances in Eurovision history? And no, I’m not a “NETHERLANDS WINNER JAJAJAJA” kind of person. I was actually very disappointed by his rehearsals. But about his performance yesterday, I can’t even describe what I felt but it was something so real. The song kept me captivated from the first to the very last second. I really, really, really hope that it works as well in the final as in the semi-final. The Netherlands will have my vote on Saturday.

Chkish
Chkish
4 years ago
Reply to  esc26

It’s a level above everyone else, that was clear yesterday. I was also not convinced from the rehearsals.

Katitam
Katitam
4 years ago
Reply to  esc26

Agree. He takes the “music is feeling” statement to another level. The last chorus is another thing, is so emotional and huge. I can’t.

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
4 years ago

Tibor, thank you for those words. I feel exactly the same. From around 2010-2012 I was happy that we were getting more quality and diversity and reached a climax in 2016-2017. But now I see an opposite trend going on, which indeed I cannot be happy about either. The fact is that in the final we will have a lot of songs sounding the same.

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

As you guys already know, I’m on your side on this subject. I don’t think last night’s semifinal changed anything because it was already a more mainstream one (the only atypical Eurovision entries were Austria and Latvia and I guess we all knew they were too understated for the contest, as much as I wanted Paenda to make it). But the first semi was indeed an alert for me. For the final, I hope Australia and Slovenia get good results, which would keep the door open to inventive and indie acts. The Netherlands or Italy winning would also send a… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I’m especially worried about Festival da Canção. Conan’s elimination (along with Cláudia & Isaura’s last place) can generate outcomes that may even lead to Portugal leaving the contest again. Portuguese people may now feel that Salvador’s win was just an exception and that Eurovision will never stop underestimating them. Also, there’s a chance we see something very conventional winning the next edition of FdC. I hope the producers and the voters stay strong and keep pushing creative boundaries.

Chkish
Chkish
4 years ago

Curious to see the result split. I got 9/10 the only shocker being Romania. I personally believe juries cannot not vote for classic Scandinavian pop songs which reflects somewhat of a double standard in ESC. I hope I’m wrong but I don’t expect DEN & NOR to have got many votes. I think juries just instinctively go a bit with the country’s reputation because the songs were dusty old and voice-wise there was a lot of falsh in there. Also for me RUS all things considered was not top 5 last night. I think Romania missed the diaspora vote party… Read more »

Maria
Maria
4 years ago

Europeans do really have bad taste in music.

Trh
Trh
4 years ago
Reply to  Maria

Indeed.

The OA
The OA
4 years ago
Reply to  Maria

At this point, I don´t care about the show. Let´s all vote for Serhat. Really! It would be a fun moment and a middle finger to EBU.

kristy
kristy
4 years ago
Reply to  The OA

Yes, I will vote for Sanmarino!

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago

Here is how I saw the second semi: *9.61 Netherlands/Duncan Laurence: “Arcade” (my #2 overall before this contest) *9.49 Russia/Sergey Lazarev: “Scream” (my #16) *9.49 Switzerland/Luca Hänni: “She Got Me” (my #13) *9.48 Sweden/John Lundvik: “Too Late For Love” (my #15) *9.45 Denmark/Leonora: “Love Is Forever” (my #14) *9.41 Norway/KEiiNO: “Spirit In The Sky” (my #10) *9.40 Azerbaijan/Chingiz Mustafayev: “Truth” (my #5) *9.40 Malta/Michela Pace: “Chameleon” (my #4) *9.38 North Macedonia/Tamara Todevska: “Proud” (my #20, a non-qualifier) 9.35 Romania/Ester Peony: “On A Sunday” (my #18) 9.34 Austria/Paenda: “Limits” (my #22, a non-qualifier) 9.34 Armenia/Srbuk: “Walking Out” (my #19) 9.31 Ireland/Sarah… Read more »

Loin dici
4 years ago

There’s actually a warm feeling when I see Team Malta’s reaction. Michela bursted into tears, and Destiny kept on supportively convincing her like a big sister (looks like they have been great friends even before Michela is in ESC). I’m really happy for her. I’m still not really into Malta’s approach this year, but I just wanna hug Michela somehow like a proud big brother.

Steve
Steve
4 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

Malta song is terrible

Taco
Taco
4 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

I agree that was lovely.
All the best for her.

Bastian
Bastian
4 years ago

Agree. And the opposite would probably happen if the edgy or innovative acts where the ones that were rewarded, everyone would jump on this train. Its a human thing I guess.

Bastian
Bastian
4 years ago

Happy about Netherlands and Albania.
Norway was the worst for me. Rather seen Austria in final.
Happy for North Macedonia finally in final, although I am not a fan of the song. Doesn’t anyone see the similarities with Rise like a phoenix?

LLilah
LLilah
4 years ago
Reply to  Bastian

Norway was the best for me

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago

I am thrilled for NORWAY, to me the performance looked perfect! Alexandra, Fred and Tom were absolutely amazing, confident, joyful, they sang so well, the staging was awesome!!!!!!! I am also thrilled for ALBANIA, Jonida looked gorgeous, her voice was amazing, the staging some 90% for me but I can’t point out what didn’t work for me. I have to review the performance. I am also very happy for Malta, Sweden and North Macedonia. I am disappointed for Romania, I was very critical of the dancers but Ester was so captivating that at one point during the performance I wondered… Read more »

Taco
Taco
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

I dont like Norway;’s song at all, but clearly Alexandra is one of the best vocalists this year,… amazing that she hit every single note so effortlessly!

The OA
The OA
4 years ago
Reply to  Taco

I completely agree with you! I don´t like the song but the performance was good!

Crogirl
Crogirl
4 years ago

After Roko go home only John left with good voice. Go Sweeden. 12 points from Croatia

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
4 years ago

I think overall the outcome of SF2 is quite good. I am just sad for Austria, which I really like, but it was expected… Reallly happy for Albania making it through. Duncan was superb and I will be very surprised if he doesn’t win it. As usual predicted 8/10… Never reach those 10/10… rrrghh… 🙂

Miguel
Miguel
4 years ago

My thoughts of the night.
Better show than the first semifinal. Better songs and better production. KAN did a much better job tonight.
No shocking qualifiers. Everything went as expected.
I am happy for Albania, Netherlands and Norway, and sad for Romania. I really wanted Ester in the final.

Shalva stole the show <3 They brought a tear to the corner of my eye. If they had been able to represent Israel they could have won!
I will be waiting for the final now, with no clear favourites.

Dario
Dario
4 years ago

What are you talking about, Croatia has the best performance

Brit-bit
Brit-bit
4 years ago
Reply to  Dario

Dear Dario you are delusional

Dario
Dario
4 years ago
Reply to  Brit-bit

Why? Roko has the best voice this year and his performance was very good on the 2Semi, I hopewill he will come next year with better song. He is so great young singer and very kind. After his performance I didnt hear Sergey and other singer, I keep asking where they lose voice?

Rainer1
Rainer1
4 years ago

Yeaaaaah, go for gold, LUCA

Valentino
Valentino
4 years ago
Reply to  Rainer1

He must have won the televote or at least be in the top 3.

Fuego
Fuego
4 years ago
Reply to  Valentino

Really? That thing isn´t music.

Elsa
Elsa
4 years ago

Not a good show overall, but I was impressed by Sergey’s performance. The song is not a masterpiece but he does his job flawlessly. I can see only Russia as a rightful winner.

Dario
Dario
4 years ago
Reply to  Elsa

Sergey sounds like bad copy of Roko, 19 years old boy has better voice then all this famous “singer”

Trh
Trh
4 years ago
Reply to  Dario

Roko was horrible, the song was horrible and about the staging I didn’t know if I shoud laugh or vomit. I decided for the first

Matthew
Matthew
4 years ago
Reply to  Trh

You probably fan of Malta and Switzerland. Esc was at begining competition of different culture and songs , now are all songs the same, for kids. If someone send some unusal song with message like Portugal, Poland or Croatia dont go to final. What is the message of Dirty dencing? Hm this is just plagiat,copy nothing else

Trh
Trh
4 years ago
Reply to  Matthew

You got me completely wrong. I loath Malta and Switzerland, They are just cheap and vulgar. Portugal and Poland were among my favs, Portugal still my nr. 3. I agree that Eurovision is becoming more and more like Junior Eurovision, which is not good. But Croatia was not in the same league as Poland or Portugal, by far

Budwires
Budwires
4 years ago
Reply to  Matthew

Matthew, I think you should really look into Eurovision ‘s history and than come back and write something smart

America
America
4 years ago

Netherlands? Why are they so hyped?
Who will pay for voting on that boring song and performance?

Trh
Trh
4 years ago
Reply to  America

Boring only for the ones who doesn’t have any taste. He will win, deal with it, looser

Matthew
Matthew
4 years ago
Reply to  Trh

Hope no, one Coldplay is enough, who want to hear that boring song??? Only Sweeden is good of this songs in final, because of this sweet singer who really have good voice , just need better performance then in Semi 2

Trh
Trh
4 years ago
Reply to  Matthew

Sweden???. That act is completely unauthentic, just fabricated for the masses. Arcade is art. Too Late for Love is commerce

JusticeForMaruv
JusticeForMaruv
4 years ago
Reply to  Trh

Erm… I have a taste, but I still find it utterly boring!

West
West
4 years ago

Unlike the first semi-final this time there were no shocking non-qualifications. Yes I’m a bit sad that Latvia and Romania didn’t qualify, but not shocked.
Also – I was extremely impressed by Sergey’s vocals. This was the first time I admitted that Russia could win this year.
My top 3: 1. Netherlands, 2. Russia, 3. Switzerland
my mom’s top 3: 1. Switzerland, 2. Russia, 3. Netherlands

Pancake
Pancake
4 years ago

I’m so happy Romania didn’t qualify! Bella and Laura finally got the justice they deserve and Emmelie deforestation got a huge slap in the face 😀

Anca
Anca
4 years ago
Reply to  Pancake

No matter Ester result, Bella and Laura are still losers. Ester was in ESC bubble for three months, something that Bella and Laura will never know.

AurelianTamisan
AurelianTamisan
4 years ago
Reply to  Pancake

How did they get justice? How in the world were they helped by Ester’s non-qualification?

Chkish
Chkish
4 years ago

Na bine, rãutate româneascã stil “capra vecinului”. N-ai ce-i reprosa fetei, dupã mine ce a lipsit au fost voturile diasporei românesti influentatã de tot scandalul ãsta nationalisto-bisericoso-conspirationist..

Khazar
4 years ago

I think Azerbaijan or The Netherlands will win

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
4 years ago

So…I’m just gonna go ahead and throw in my predictions of how this all panned out

Won: Netherlands
2nd: Sweden
3rd: Switzerland
4th: Russia
5th: Azerbaijan
6th: North Macedonia
7th: Malta
8th: Norway
9th: Denmark
10th: Albania
11th: Romania
12th: Croatia
13th: Armenia
14th: Ireland
15th: Lithuania
16th: Austria
17th: Latvia
18th: Moldova

Trh
Trh
4 years ago

Sweden didn’t got the second place. More like 5th or 6th

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago

Thanks for that, Joe, you really sent me to the arena with your words. I hope someday I’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy Eurovision in loco. Enjoy San Marino’s big moment! 🙂 I wasn’t happy that Portugal and Poland were out, but my silver lining was to think that you were crazily happy about Serhat’s qualification.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Believe me, I was sad to see them go as well. Bittersweet, but the sweet is ultimately beating the bitter. I hope you can go someday as well! I highly recommend it.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

So yeah. Great semi, better even than the first, and this time it was nice to feel less nervous. Two down, one to go! Ready to say na na na in the final! This has been the best week ever and it’ll suck to leave, but hopefully in the future I can go again. It’s been wonderful, start to finish. Also, the fans in the arena are genuinely some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

I only called five countries completely 100% safe (Switzerland, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Netherlands, and Russia). After that, I had “probables,” of which I got two (North Macedonia and Malta – farewell far too early, Armenia and Romania) and “50/50s,” of which I got three (Norway, Denmark, and most surprisingly Albania. The other ones I called it in the air on were Ireland and Croatia, and at least for Ireland I’m disappointed if not surprised). The rest I called hopeless, and was totally right on. (Sorry, Latvia.) From the arena: – The slower songs, unless they had a killer vocal or sound… Read more »

Henrikh Mugosa
Henrikh Mugosa
4 years ago

John did what he could. He gave a good performance of a song completely devoid of any real human emotion.

JusticeForMaruv
JusticeForMaruv
4 years ago

Shalva had the best performance of the night. That girl has one of the best voices I have ever heard. They stole the show like Onuka 2 years ago.

Eyal
Eyal
4 years ago

Before diving into the results, I must say Shalva band brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautiful.

JusticeForMaruv
JusticeForMaruv
4 years ago

Wowsers. Azerbaijan can win it all! That was a great performance!

JusticeForMaruv
JusticeForMaruv
4 years ago

So #proud of Tamara. She just made me shed a tear. Beautiful song.

Nitzan
Nitzan
4 years ago

I really enjoyed this semi final. I thought it was a lot of fun and for the first time in years, everyone I wanted to, actually qualified. Here are my thoughts on every performance, if you’re interested: Armenia – this was actually one of my favorites going in but something in that performance just didn’t click. Srbuk really gave it her all, I thought she deserved a spot in the final but this performance was lacking in energy and vocals. Still liked it but I get why this didn’t qualify. Ireland: I liked Ireland from the start so I enjoyed… Read more »

David F
David F
4 years ago

Completely agree!

Sweden got another pimp spot. They’re always so lucky like that.

The Netherlands is in a great spot, similar to the spots/positioning Conchita and Måns had in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

We’re probably not going to Russia in 2020.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

So Malta is opening the grand final, so I hear. Ugh, that’s tough on Michela. 🙁

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Possibly but had Malta finished 6th-10th in their SF, then surely opening the show is probably the best they could’ve hoped for?

Bruno
Bruno
4 years ago

What do you guys think about a Serhat and Valentina Monetta duet for San Marino next year? It would be epic!

Henrikh Mugosa
Henrikh Mugosa
4 years ago
Reply to  Bruno

No. New artist, please!

Elfi
Elfi
4 years ago

God, this year i don’t know why but it seems eurovision it’s about around the corner and not on the finish line already…i don’t know what it is happening but at one show to end this season i still don’t feel the hype, the two semi-finals were “bad”…the delegation are lazy on the thinking behind each act(mostly because are relying too much on the LED’s), the production is ok, but the camera angles and the wide views all the time are making me go crazy, and the script oh my the script, it is professional, but like too professional, i… Read more »

Bruno
Bruno
4 years ago

My top 10::
– Albania
– North Macedonia
– Belarus
– Denmark
– San Marino
– United Kingdom
– Slovenia
– Germany
– Israel
– Spain

pmoi
pmoi
4 years ago
Reply to  Bruno

That’s probably most people’s BOTTOM 10 😉

Budwires
Budwires
4 years ago
Reply to  Bruno

There he is again:-S

Rombout
Rombout
4 years ago

Sweden always have great spots because its decided by the swedish producer.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

Congrats to the countries that qualified.
I got 8/10 right (better than SF1). I didn’t have Denmark getting through but wasn’t surprised that they did. I was surprised that Albania got through. Albania is one of my top ten songs this year but I didn’t think that performance was strong enough. Am glad that it is in the final though!

JusticeForMaruv
JusticeForMaruv
4 years ago

Watching it now. Luca needs to work on his breathing. He sounds like he’s about to pass out, straight from the beginning!

David F
David F
4 years ago

Please. A routine like that is not as easy as it looks and his singing and dancing was great.

I just wish the Swiss would tone down that glaring red hue.

JusticeForMaruv
JusticeForMaruv
4 years ago
Reply to  David F

That’s why I said ‘from the beginning’! He just walked on stage and already he can’t breathe. Either a smoker or not fit at all!

Besides calling his singing ‘great’ is a stretch. 😛

David F
David F
4 years ago

Well, I may concede that stretch to you 😛

His outfit is very pretty though.

JusticeForMaruv
JusticeForMaruv
4 years ago
Reply to  David F

Oh, don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t kick him out of bed. 😛 And he has one of the cutest smiles ever. He’s a good performer, I agree. Working on his breath control isn’t hard. He’s still young. He can do it. It will just make him greater. The fact that he was inhaling so heavily after the first line just struck me and I was unable to wrap my head around it. Did he smoke a packet of Malboros right before going on stage? Did he have a hefty dinner? Did he just finish doing nasty with Jonida? 😛… Read more »

Steve
Steve
4 years ago

He is cute, but his voice not good at all.

Rombout
Rombout
4 years ago

Amazingly overrated

Fun or ban?
Fun or ban?
4 years ago
Reply to  Rombout

For me this song is a tribute act to the 90’s dance music

Mercolus
Mercolus
4 years ago

My top 5: United Kingdom, Germany, San Marino, Slovenia and Belarus

Peter
Peter
4 years ago
Reply to  Mercolus

You’re probably Arabic… you start from the last!!!

JusticeForMaruv
JusticeForMaruv
4 years ago

Soooo happy for North Macedonia and Albania 🙂