Saturday 30 January Eurovision National Final Schedule

National final season continues to pick up pace, as for the first time this year we have more than two shows to deal with in one night.

Here are all the details you need for 2021’s third Saturday of national selections. We’ll be checking in with semi-finals in Norway and Lithuania and a final in France. You can follow all the results on wiwibloggs (and via our Twitter: @wiwibloggs and Instagram: wiwibloggs) throughout the evening. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening, when it’s on and how to watch.

Saturday 30 January: Eurovision 2021 Selection Shows

Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix 2021

Semi-Final Three

Time: 19:50 CET to 21:15 CET

This evening’s third semi will see performances from four artists — Dinaye, Big Daddy Karsten, Ole Hartz and Emmy. A series of duels will reduce this number to just one finalist. They’ll join the other semi-final qualifiers, one wildcard and six pre-qualified finalists in the grand final. Kaja Rode — one of the automatic qualifiers — will also showcase her entry tonight.

Click to Watch Melodi Grand Prix 2021 Semi-Final Three

For additional viewing instructions, click here.

Lithuania’s Pabandom is naujo!

Semi-Final

Time: 20:00 CET to 22:00 CET

After the marathon selections of the 2010s, it’s hard to credit that we’re almost at the endpoint of Lithuania’s 2021 selection. But before we roll out the red carpet for the next Pabandom is naujo! champ there’s the not so small matter of the semi-final to deal with. Ten acts will compete for what is expected to be five spots in the grand final. The qualifiers will go up against The Roop who have already been given an automatic pass to the last round.

Click to Watch Pabandom is naujo! 2021 Heat Three

You can also watch on the official LRT Lituanica YouTube live steam.

For additional viewing instructions, click here.

France’s Eurovision France, c’est vous qui décidez!

Grand Final

Time: 21:05 CET to 23:35 CET

After a brief affair with internal selection methods, France returns with its first national final since 2019. However, Destination Eurovision is out and Eurovision France, c’est vous qui décidez! is in. The one-shot final will see 12 acts compete for the opportunity to represent the French at Eurovision 2021. Among the favourites is Barbara Pravi — one of the co-writers on France’s recent Junior Eurovision winner “J’imagine”.

French viewers can watch using the France 2 live stream. However, this is typically geo-blocked. International viewers may be better off trying the TV5 Monde (Europe) live stream. It will also be available to view on TV satellite and cable packages which carry the channel.

Watch Eurovision France, c’est vous qui décidez! online

For additional viewing instructions, click here.

Which show will you watch? Let us know below.

Follow all of our Eurovision 2021 news.

131 Comments
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Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

What a bizarre end!?

No winner’s performance!?

And the camera showing everyone hugging on stage at the end? Did they not know it was still live? Shows what a farce the social distancing was!! I hope Barbara will be ok, the amount of people who just hugged her and put her at risk.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Well, I imagine (and hope) they were all tested more than once. But the whole show looked like a singing competition in American TV. It was enjoyable, but there’s a lot to improve on the format.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I presumed they cut the winner’s performance because the show was overrunning. If it was planned that way that’s even worse! I agree, lots of formatting to improve upon.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

I don’t know if you ever seen the American version of The Voice. The ending of each season is quite bizarre. They keep the suspense until literally the last minute. So when they announce the winner, the credits start rolling!

They should at least give Barbara some time to perform again, even if they wanted everybody on the stage. Portugal did that when Conan won and it was quite endearing, everybody singing along.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I’ve never seen it, so that’s interesting to know! It does seem to rob the winner of a moment to perform their song again but I can see why it may feel more exciting to roll the credits with the winner in their moment of shock and glory, leaving the audience wanting more and waiting for the winner’s next output.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

You know, I am getting really tired of all this social distancing outing.If everyone tested negative on the day of filming, then what’s the effing problem? Please can we leave that awful subject alone? Thank you.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Totally understand the desire to just be done with it, Purple—I agree it’d be lovely to just wish it away! To be fair though, the virus is still a risk despite the recent rollout of vaccines. The show has a responsibility and care of duty to both its cast and its audience, to exercise and demonstrate safety. If the cast had all been tested, then they wouldn’t have needed distancing, masks, and dividing glass throughout the show. We all have different views and experiences of viruses but they’ll be many who know someone badly affected by or lost to the… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Indeed, it is the show’s responsibility to enforce it (or not), although it is also our prerogrative to enjoy it. You have the right to write to France Télévisions and complain legitimately if you are a subscriber – that’s fine. I just get annoyed when people “out” bad broadcasting practices on social media and spoil other people’s enjoyment of the show. In my view, TV entertainment has become a necessary escape from all of the death and suffering and restrictions and arrests and fines that some of us have had to put up with. But of course, you have the… Read more »

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

You also criticised SVT for not using routine testing and instead using proximity alarms at Melfest—I’m surprised you think your complaints about SVT’s broadcasting practices are somehow different.

Anyway, it was a small gripe, not an official complaint. It shocked me that they dropped all precautions once the show was officially over—and I think it’s reasonable to be concerned for the safety of these artists who are providing your entertainment and escape.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jimmy Smit
Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Yeah that’s fair about safety in France; I have just learned that everyone was indeed tested beforehand, so it is just a minor gripe indeed, thank goodness. About SVT: This hasn’t practically happened yet, so I wasn’t “outing” any breaches. But I can see it is a contradictory flaw in my logic; point taken there. I believe in testing because it allows the show to go on as necessary – so even if celebrations do happen, the risk is much lower than if there were not any testing at all. We can all enjoy the show whatever happens; job done.… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Purple Mask
Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

No worries at all. We can’t agree with each other all the time 😉

Glad you enjoyed the show, Purple—it was a lovely dose of Eurovision—enjoyed the live chatting here too. 🙂

Last edited 3 years ago by Jimmy Smit
Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Yeah I enjoyed it too; both the show and the follow-up. I don’t want to go back to “real life” tomorrow.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?

😉

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

Barbara it is! Marie Myriam’s vote almost gave me a heart attack though haha

Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago

Barbara won?

Last edited 3 years ago by Miguel
Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

Indeed. 🙂
Thanks to France.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

For me it has to be Barbara but I could see a shock Pony X victory…

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago

Come on France, you KNOW who the winner is this time. Surely.

Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago

Who are the 8 qualified? I stopped watching

Film
Film
3 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

Eliminated were Philippine, Andriamad, Terence James and Ali. The rest qualified.

Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago
Reply to  Film

Thank you, merci!

Last edited 3 years ago by Miguel
Film
Film
3 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

Youre most welcome. Jury votes are at the moment

Film
Film
3 years ago

What??? How Philippine and Andriamad end up in the bottom 4 is beyond me.

Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago
Reply to  Film

They were both a mess live, unfortunately… however the studio versions are lovely

Last edited 3 years ago by Miguel
Film
Film
3 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

I actually liked their stagings and performances.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

After seeing how the audience voted, I’m worried… Philippine and Andriamad depending on the jury save, that’s awful.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

They both went out. But it’s interesting that Juliette qualified too – so it’s not all about liking the “fun” entries. It’s just taste, I suppose. Mixed with alcohol, probably.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Non, I don’t think it’s a France 2 issue alone. But, French Eurovision fans generally might be… getting a bit vintage. 😀
To be fair, the UK has an almost similar viewership demographic for Eurovision.

Last edited 3 years ago by Purple Mask
Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I know I do. 😉
Really annoying to be locked down.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I would need lots of drinks to enjoy a particular qualifier tonight 😀

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Maeva was fun with those hot dancers. 🙂

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

No pony dance or polynesian vibes for you? 😛 I liked them. I wouldn’t like if they won, but it was fun to have them around. 21 Juin Le Duo on the other hand… I felt like I was a kid and teachers were performing at my school. They’re adorable, but… not, that song is not for me.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

Barbara’s performance was by far superior tonight. It was like a Best Song performance at the Academy Awards. She is the obvious winner.

I adore Andriamad and I really hope they return again to represent France if tonight is not their night. I’ll keep listening to their music, as I’ve done with Electric Fields since their debut!!

Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Andriamad were very disappointing live

Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

Also performing first didn’t help them

Marc
Marc
3 years ago

I’ve not been the biggest fan of Voila in the studio cut but l got the hype more with the live performance.

Sam
Sam
3 years ago

How is the French selection working? If I understood correctly, there are gonna be ‘7 qualifiers’?? And then what?

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Sam

Literally no-one knows, lol

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Sam

Yes, there’s a completely pointless ‘second round’, with 7 going through from the public vote alone and an extra eighth place for the jury to allocate if they wish—then the vote in the second round is split 50/50 between public and jury.

Sam
Sam
3 years ago
Reply to  Sam

Thanks for the explanation 🙂

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Sam

Owhh, right, thanks. It saves money on staging two semi finals, I suppose.

Andi
Andi
3 years ago

Andriamad please <3 !

Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago

Barbara is the only choice.
She is miles away ahead the competition.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

Barbara, Barbara, Barbara!

GrantK
GrantK
3 years ago

Not a case of saving the best till last Jesus this is beyond cringeworthy

Bimbamboom
Bimbamboom
3 years ago

I’m in love with 21 Juin staging

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Bimbamboom

Interactive cardboard. Haha! 🙂
Oh, and drumming on the bins, legally-speaking. Great fun.

John
John
3 years ago

France currently 2nd to win Eurovision on Oddschecker. Thank Voila for that!
So let it win!!

Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago

Ali is super cute

GrantK
GrantK
3 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

He is but what the hell was that 1991 special styling, it was not it.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

Was his song revamped? It felt different to me, but I haven’t listened to it again after the day they were released. He did well and he’s indeed cute.

Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

You are right, the version seemed different. Too repetitive

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

But the original was already a little repetitive. Though I liked the beggining (that I believe wasn’t on the original).

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago

They won’t; alcohol might though. Ahaha

Last edited 3 years ago by Purple Mask
Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago

The hostess is very, really annoying

GrantK
GrantK
3 years ago

LMK scored LOWER than Casanova wtf!

Bimbamboom
Bimbamboom
3 years ago

Waiting for LMK though

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Bimbamboom

It’s a good one! 🙂

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I was expecting “Magique” to gron when performed live and it did. Not enough to be competitive, I assume, but I hope to see more from LMK. Duncan too, he loved her!

Last edited 3 years ago by Sabrina
Bimbamboom
Bimbamboom
3 years ago

So let’s be honest Barbara performance was just
……
OVERWELMHING and EMOTIONAL
The jury seem also unanime.
Fingers crossed for her!!!!

Last edited 3 years ago by Bimbamboom
Miguel
Miguel
3 years ago
Reply to  Bimbamboom

I was truly impressed.
The performance itself and the staging was very Eurovision-ready!

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

Pony X was maybe the only act that could come right after Barbara and remain harmless. It’s undeniably catch and entertaining. I personally think France has much better options, but in more pop-oriented national finals, they would be a threat.

Casanova’s performance was nice, but that new intro has nothing to do with the rest of the song.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago

I respect your opinion. 🙂 Mine is:
I like how they filmed it more as a joint celebration rather than a contest. I think sometimes we take ourselves too seriously with the competitive spirit of contests. But it’s just my opinion.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Might be interesting to see what happens if you contact France Télévision and send them feedback. They might hire you as the show’s director next year! Ahaha 😀

Last edited 3 years ago by Purple Mask
Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

They can’t copy Melo. It’s copyrighted (probably). 😀

GrantK
GrantK
3 years ago

A chorus of LaLaLaLaLa groundbreaking ?? that was truly awful and painful.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  GrantK

Well, it won the ESC for Spain in 1968. (Poor Cliff Richard.)

eerr
eerr
3 years ago

Why is everyone screaming tonight lol

Bimbamboom
Bimbamboom
3 years ago

It’s for the show and the overall Ambiance

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago

It comes from TV contest shows like “The X Factor” and “The Voice.” A television contest show has a generally accepted format in that way, but I understand why some would find it out of place for Eurovision. Personally, I like hearing the jury’s transparent opinions. 🙂

GrantK
GrantK
3 years ago

Barbara has to win surely? That performance was STUNNING!!

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Barbara’s performance was everything I wanted! Wow, just wow! Loved it!

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

That was spectacular. My choice’s made already. It seems the jury is already on her bag too.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Incredible performance. My winner for sure.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

I agree. Juries should vote in secrecy and in part one only pick one after televote leaves five on a platter. Only in phase 2 should their votes be heard more.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

I feel it’s uncomfortable for the contestants and for the jury.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Terence James was very entertaining! It’s such a banger and bagpipes are just a bonus. 😉

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

It was a good surprise. I was afraid all those people in the stage would make it messy, but it was entertaining.

Sjodni
Sjodni
3 years ago

Phillippine had such a great song, but that performance, well, crashed and burned. It sounded like she was screaming, and everything that was great about her first video was totally lost here. Sad, I really liked her!

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

Philippine’s stage presence is awesome! Loved the choreography too, wasn’t expecting the dancer to have such a sad ending haha This one was very fun, I believe it’s a contender.

Last edited 3 years ago by Sabrina
Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I enjoyed Philippine too. I agree with Duncan that we also need good ”angry songs”. This was a bomb of fun and energy!

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

This is what I was expecting from Srbuk with “Walking Out”.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

A good comparison. It has the similar topic, but feels more natural on stage.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Yep, agreed. I didn’t like the song at first, but I loved that performance tonight.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I always liked this one, but I think the live performance brought it to another level. I’m following your comments in the other post by the way. Sorry for messing things up, I only saw it after I started posting here.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Haha. It’s alright. I’m not important. 😀

Koninos
Koninos
3 years ago

Can someone explain me what the nubmers after they sing are? For example Juliette got 7 what does that mean?

Koninos
Koninos
3 years ago
Reply to  Koninos

so if someone gets 10 it means that they think that it can go to esc?
I mean is 10 the best the can get?

Last edited 3 years ago by Koninos
ALas
ALas
3 years ago

I wouldn’t be surprised if Lithuania sent Gebrasy over The ROOP this year, it’s just a masterpiece! I still want THE ROOP to win next Saturday, but, you know… It’s Lithuania, everything can happen here lol

Jenny
Jenny
3 years ago

Gebrasy..! Wow

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Jenny

Please tell me he won! That performance was spectacular!

Jenny
Jenny
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

He has won indeed 🙂

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Jenny

Oh wow, cool!

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

Andriamad was born to do Eurovision, they have the perfect vibe for it. They did well, but I feel the jury wasn’t very excited by them (by the way, it’s a terrible idea to show jurors and hosts during the performances).

Juliette was awesome. Unfortunately, she’s been living on “Voilà” shadow since the songs were released, but it will be hard to top her vocals.

Cephaz gave a very professional performance and it seems the jury may back him. The song has a nice message and it’s a grower.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I feel Amui may had stole Andriamad’s thunder. The vocals were more evident, the dancers were better used, the performance was more energetic. I still prefer “Alléluia” as a song though.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

I am a BIG fan of On la mange le soleil and I would be happy if he wins tonight! The staging was quite eye-popping. 🙂

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

Thoughts so far…

Andriamad – 10

I feel very disappointed for Andriamad having to go first…seems like production pushed their chances under a bus. They seemed a bit frustrated in the interview. They did themselves proud though.

Juliette – 7

Beautifully sung, full of emotion, makes the song more lovely than it is.

Also-the judges getting promotional advertising of their books, cds, etc…feels very strange!

Last edited 3 years ago by Jimmy Smit
Andi
Andi
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

Can you tell me how many points Andriamad received after their performance? I missed it.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Andi

Hi Andi. They received 8 from the jury.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Uff… Is it just me, or did Juliette just did an exquisite performance on the highest level? Wow!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Read my comment in the last French post to find out, haha. She’s great, but… haha

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago

N.B. For France live opinion, I have been commenting in the last French post (poll results). Bonne chance tous!

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

Both links geoblocked for the French show, as I was suspecting. I’m watching it, but only because I’m using a VPN.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Glad you could join us Sabrina. 🙂
N.B. There was a slight glitch with the TV5 Europe signal here, but it’s fixed now. Bizarre.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

The good news is that the streaming is working very well!

Lolek
Lolek
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

weird, I Can’t get tv5 to work, but maybe its because I am in NA. Ah well, I have it on France 2

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Lolek

I’m on the French site, but with a VPN that has France as an option.

Lolek
Lolek
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Likewise Sabrina!

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

Good luck all!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago

Okay, we might have a technical issue. TV5 Monde might be playing its programming 1 hour behind the advertised schedule. Can anyone confirm?

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Ah, it was a technical glitch at this end – it has now been fixed. Merci TV5!!

Tom
Tom
3 years ago

Kaja Roode was really week Comparing to other semifinalists which are really good today. #teamdaddy

Marc
Marc
3 years ago
Reply to  Tom

I thought Kaja was excellent. Her voice is amazing.

Marc
Marc
3 years ago

Dinaye’s performance elevated the song and made it a contender tonight. I didn’t rate the song before but Dinaye is a star.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago
Reply to  Marc

Ah, I was commenting in the last Norway post for live commentary. Yeah, she’s good. I thought both of the first two songs were OTT choreography and not entirely serious. I’m glad Big Daddy Karsten won the first round – go proud bears! 🙂

Marc
Marc
3 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I think Big Daddy deserved it and I agree it was a bit OTT. He is not a joke entry as he can sing and rap but the choreography was a bit gimmicky and bordering not being a serious act.

Last edited 3 years ago by Marc
musimak
musimak
3 years ago

GUYS WHAT IS IT SERIOUSLY ABOUT BARBARA PRAVI ? We aaaaaallll heard betweeen 1 324 345 and 5 millions Barbara PRAVIs EVERY sin-gle weeek During aall the 90’s during the famous pascal Sevran’s show !! I’m not even joking !! Liked it but…

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  musimak

Bim Bam Toi

Esc addict
Esc addict
3 years ago
Reply to  musimak

Man you are definetely sick, the typical toxic eurofan who try to be interesting but who fail miserably and you add to that the typical bad french spirit of the 90’s 2000’s about eurovision, Combo.
The problem is we are in 2021 and things have changed and some ridiculous french peole like this are totally out but they are too blinded by their stupidity and their hatred so they can’t understand.