Following the allocation draw and the release of all the songs competing at Eurovision 2022, the EBU and contest producers have been busy putting the running order together for the semi-finals. Now they have revealed to the world who will be singing when during the two shows.
Semi-final one opens with Albania’s Ronela Hajati. Meanwhile, Rosa Linn from Armenia has the honour of closing the first semi-final.
Over in semi-final two, it’s The Rasmus from Finland who will be opening the show with a bang. The closer for the second semi-final is Czech Republic’s We Are Domi.
Each semi-final will have two breaks for ads or non-commercial content, which can also affect the flow of the performances.
Eurovision 2022 semi-final one running order
- Albania: Ronela Hajati – “Sekret”
- Latvia: Citi Zēni – “Eat Your Salad”
- Lithuania: Monika Liu – “Sentimentai”
- Switzerland: Marius Bear – “Boys Do Cry”
- Slovenia: LPS – “Disko”
- Ukraine: Kalush Orchestra – “Stefania”
- Bulgaria: Intelligent Music Project – “Intention”
- Netherlands: S10 – “De diepte”
- Moldova: Zdob și Zdub and Frații Advahov – “Trenulețul”
- Portugal: Maro – “Saudade, saudade”
- Croatia: Mia Dimšić – “Guilty Pleasure”
- Denmark: Reddi – “The Show”
- Austria: Lumix ft. Pia Maria – “Halo”
- Iceland: Systur – “Með hækkandi sól”
- Greece: Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord – “Die Together”
- Norway: Subwoolfer – “Give That Wolf a Banana”
- Armenia: Rosa Linn – “Snap”
Eurovision 2022 semi-final two running order
- Finland: The Rasmus – “Jezebel”
- Israel: Michael Ben David – “I.M”
- Serbia: Konstrakta – “In corpore sano”
- Azerbaijan: Nadir Rustamli – “Fade to Black”
- Georgia: Circus Mircus – “Lock Me In”
- Malta: Emma Muscat – “I Am What I Am”
- San Marino: Achille Lauro – “Stripper”
- Australia: Sheldon Riley – “Not the Same”
- Cyprus: Andromache – “Ela”
- Ireland: Brooke – “That’s Rich”
- North Macedonia: Andrea – “Circles”
- Estonia: Stefan – “Hope”
- Romania: WRS – “Llámame”
- Poland: Ochman – “River”
- Montenegro: Vladana – “Breathe”
- Belgium: Jérémie Makiese – “Miss You”
- Sweden: Cornelia Jakobs – “Hold Me Closer”
- Czech Republic: We Are Domi – “Lights Off”
How the running order is decided
The running order was decided by the Eurovision 2022 host broadcasters Rai and approved by Eurovision Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl.
In January, the semi-final allocations were decided by random draw. The competing semi-finalists were allocated into either the first or second half of the first or second semi-final. The semi-final allocation draw gives broadcasters a head start on their travel plans and budgets for Turin.
The grand final running order will be decided after the second semi-final when all the finalists have been determined. However, as the host country, Italy has randomly drawn their place in the grand final — Mahmood and Blanco will perform ninth.
What do you think of the semi-final running orders for Eurovision 2022? Do any songs have a better chance at qualifying? Tell us your thoughts below!
I don’t down vote people who give their opinion. I’m British with 30 yrs in NZ and no stake in the semi final,
I can’t see Greece winning the jury vote as I don’t think it is the best of the slow tempo songs I think the Dutch entry is more interesting musically. I can see Norway winning the televote as a possibility.
Go cry looser … Sweden has always normal spot and they never close semi so go cry
Everybody asking why Netherlands has great draw, Twan van de Nieuwenhuijzen is responsible for running order also this year again! Typical he and his team give some countries better draws than others! What a shame we live in such a corrupt World spreading words like equality, transparency and diversity each day.
Or shockingly enough, because it is a slow song so having it between two really fast songs make sense? The conspiracy theory of some people..
Sorry guys but Greece, Armenia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Iceland, and Croatia all sound like different songs of the same artist, in the same album lol. I think only one of them will qualify, the rest will be shocking NQ. Which is good for Albania, Norway, Moldova, Ukraine and other character songs. Even Slovenia will qualify in this weak semi final.
And Hold me Closer would be the best song of that “album” but that is in the other semi.
Well, the album is amazing and they all qualify through. We love to see it.
Why Wiwi does not block you is what I want to know.
Seeing the running orders make me see even more that both of the semis are weak especially the first semi which is going to make it harder to predict which ten songs are going to proceed to the Grand Final.
Why are these two words even being used in comments about SF running order. Go to a news website to talk about that. Stay On Topic!
Do you know how Amanda is live? The song is nice, not fantastic and a kind of similar to the song from Netherlands that I like better . So Amanda’s placement will have to do about her performance. I have seen the dutch girl and she doesn’t give me any winner wibes. Last year Barbara from France elevated a kind of generic French song to mastery. This is what Amanda needs if she is going to have any chance of winning.
Albania makes more sense than Ukraine for opening the first semi. In the unlikely event Ukraine has to withdraw last minute, it would not affect the show open where they sit currently. Otherwise, Latvia could’ve been the opener if that happened and that wouldn’t be great…
If the breaks are evenly spaced, here are the openers and closers of the parts (Ones with a bit of a boost.)
sf1:
sf2:
good ones for Malta and Estonia then if indeed they are performing before the breaks
not so much for a San Marino, and even worse for Romania then, since the ones directly after a break and especially second break are likely to end up being forgotten (something what happened to Switzerland Timebelle in 2017 for example)
Bulgaria, Croatia & Malta were doomed from the start. Their placements won’t help.
But, I agree with the rest!
Malta is one of the worst songs this year—
Break is between 6/7 and 12/13 songs 🙂
Ooh I wonder if Switzerland and Georgia will break the curse of their respective positions.
Makka Baya, Makka Baya, Makka Lo, Makka Lo !! It is an honour for Eurovision to have such a great opening. Albania will rock Eurovision this year, deal with it! 😀
Lithuania and Serbia both placed early on, but on the other hand they’ll both sound even better after the insufferable Latvia and Israel…
This year will win eurovision Poland or Sweden
As usual people read in way to much on a simple numbered list.ESC is a TV-show with the main purpose to create a good show for audiences so that is why there is a running order; for producers to work around it.
But we be fooling ourselves if we think audience gives any thought to which songs performs when. For audience it doesn’t matter if a song is number 3, 13 or 26. If they like it they will vote it. The starting order has never been reason why a song wins. Relax and enjoy the show!
Songs are the same, why suddenly the show would become less better if Sweden performs 12 ?
I am not the producer, I don’t know. Maybe it don’t fit the flow..The point is if a song is strong enough on its own then people will vote for it. Conchita and Salvador both sang in the first half of final and won. Måns too.The fact that they started early was not an issue. Voters didn’t care about when these artists performed when they voted for them
If that was true, the producers would have no problem putting one of the favourites at number two in the final… but for some reason, they do.
They probably could. maybe some day they will. But It’s not like voters will avoid voting for the favourite just because it is second
You can’t deny that running order has an impact on the way that the public votes. I will take random examples. In 2016 Belgium closed the semi 2 and finished 3rd with the public. They then opened the final and finished 16th with public. Same with Israel in 2017. 4th with the televote when closing SF2, 22nd when opening the final. 2021: Malta finished 2nd with the televote and 1st overall in the semi final (performing last). Destiny got the spot number 6 in the final and finished 14th with televote, 7th overall. There are a lot of other examples… Read more »
Wow, these are some really good examples! I think there is indeed an impact. However, I also believe that the fact that all countries can vote in the Final definitely has an impact (some traditional voting blocks are broken during the Semi, resulting in a different televoting). I guess we will never know ‘what if this country performed last in the final..’. That is the charm of Eurovision, it’s a snapshot of that specific evening, and there is a certain ‘luck’ attached to it as well. Nevertheless, I think that the songs that appeal must to the entire European public… Read more »
Totally agree with you. The most memorable performance will get votes regardless of the running order. I’va always been happy with the winner since the production decides of the running order so it’s all fine for me. As long as the production doesn’t screw up the ultimate favorite it’s fine for me.
There are more countries voting in the final than in semis so it is easier to do well in the semi than in the final.
In final it is all about having mass appeal and I don¨t think any of those you mentioned had it.
But point is songs that appeal most to the public will end up at the top regarding of running order. Even if a favourite somehow gets number 2 people would vote it and not avoid it because of the number
Only half the public and half the juries vote in the semi-finals. Far more people watch the final too, so I think that also explains some of the differences.
I probably should have read what other people have said first before repeating it.
They shafted Malta last year for no good reason. If Jakobs draws “First Half” for final then it’s the type of thing which suits position # 2 after an upbeat start. But pigs are more likely to fly.
On what exactly is Cornelia a good number 2? On the premise that you dont like the country and every year hopes it will flop spectaculary?
What I don’t like Denis is the perception that certain countries receive preferential treatment. It didn’t work last year as the song was very weak.
Running orders in the semis don’t matter because ten ot 17/18 songs are being chosen to continue. Running orders in the Grand Final matter more because only one can win!
you are missing the point, us might care about running order because we know it could have an impact; I’m not saying that possition has a decisive impact for all songs and can make terrible songs sound amazing, but their influence in the results isn’t negligible. For anyone new to the songs these year you have 3 min to cause an impact, and even after the recap latter songs tend to stick with people’s head, hence the trend of performing last helping you get more engagement. It’ll be naive to assume that running order has nothing to do with the… Read more »
Regarding 1 semi final: Albania never performed or opened 1 in semi ever or have spot n.1, Lithuania never performed with position 3 in semi, Armenia never closed semi and neither performed in position 17 in semi, Portugal never performed with position 10 in semi, Greece never perfmormed in position 15 in semi. Ukraine has number 6 – same like in 2011. Denmark has number 12 – same like had in 2007. Latvia singing about food and performing in position 2 same like they did in 2014 lol Iceland has position 14 same like in 2011, Its funny cause they… Read more »
Norway had position 16* 😀
Regarding 2 Semi and positions: I am sorry for N. Macedonia – they got position 11 for this year. And they had same position in 2006,2014,2011,2018 lol Israel is going to perform in 2 position – since 2004 they already performed in 2 position in – 2007,2008,2014 Serbia – position 3 for 2022. Same positions had in 2018. Malta – position 6. Same positions had in 2013. Cyprus – position 9. Same positions had in 2006,2011. Montenegro – position – 15. Same position – in 2014,2016 Poland – position 14. Same position had in 2007. Romania – position 13. Same… Read more »
At this stage I would say qualifying
SF1
Albania
Switzerland
Ukraine
Netherlands
Portugal
Austria
Iceland
Greece
Norway
Armenia
SF2
Finland
Azerbaijan
San Marino
Australia
Cyprus
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Czech Republic
Final spot between Malta Ireland Romania Estonia
Interesting that Czech Republic gets a good spot (ending show) and a cursed spot (after Sweden) at the same time.
Also I wonder if performing after Australia is also another cursed spot?
Czechia never close semi – so Its fair! They always performed 2,3 or 6 or 8 moreless
Also, I don’t think it’s necessarly cursed for this specific song to go after Sweden. It will be a complete change of pace and energy and if the staging is right they can be memorable especially going last. I am still confident Czech Republic will qualify.
Norway will win the televote, Greece will win the jury and Albania will win the whole Semi imo. Sekret has many surprise elements, a lot going on there so being first will draw attention and get points from both televote and jury.
I think eurovision fans overrate Albania. It’s a good song and it will make it to the final without any problem but it I think will struggle to go further than 15th (unless the staging is really good).
And I think the same applies to Norway, everyone here seems to love their entry but it’s got a mixed reception elsewhere :/
You prejudge it from the country history. Why 15th and not 10th or 25th? Eurovision fans are too afraid to like a song lol
And if Albania sent Hold me Closer by Cornelia, y’all would have said that it is a borderline qualifier and 15th place in the final.
I think it is the opposite, everyone judge s Sweden harder than others. Countries that stopped sending Swedish songs and send their own music like Cyprus and Bulgaria this year – we will see how that will go. They are not so high up in the odds.., Like Sweden Netherlands is coming strong with writing songs to others. This year Spain is a dutch product.
Why Dutch? It’s like most if not all of the people behind it are from the US.
The song writing team is from the Netherlands. That is how authentic Spain is. Not.
Cyprus own music? Think not. Written by Swedes and Albanians. Once again Cyprus buys songs from abroad instead of buying locally
I did not know that!!
One of them is Arash..
But Cyprus sounds quite ethnic and is partially sung in Greek…
Albania would never send Hold me closer and if Yes they would have added electric 30 sec of guitar lol or screaming 1 min
That is not what modern music of Albania is. Again stop prejudging or judging from entries sent 15 years ago ffs!
Lol
I think that Albania can also be a surprise NQ. If they qualify they are most probably gonna end up on the right hand side of the scoreboard like you said.
Nah, that’s what it will happen to Greece
Greece will surely qualify. Whether it will finish high is something I as well doubt (I am not so fond of our entry this year).
I’d be surprised if Greece doesn’t score another top ten. Personally, I really like it. I do have a few songs ahead, but Die Together is beautiful. I think that this year we appreciate each other’s countries’ entries criss-cross. 😉
Haha. I also like Amanda’s entry, it’s just not that high up my list. It sits just inside my top 20 as of now. I think that it’s possible for us to be in the top 10 but I doubt that we will finish as high as the odds say right now. I am glad you like our entry though! What are the odds of me voting for Mia and you voting for Amanda during SF1 I wonder? 😀
I have Subwoolfer, S10, and Cornelia in front in the first semi, but with a good staging, it’s not impossible for me to vote for Amanda too. 🙂
I like all three of these entries a lot so we are in agreement! Sweden is my winner this year by the way.
Same like 2018 or 2019 – she needs blue hand and white dress too
Please not another blue hand ?
May prediction for first SF
My prediction second SF
These running orders have made it extremely hard to predict. Seeing in just alphabetical, particularly in semi two I could say who would most likely get through, though nothing stands out for sure at the moment. That’s a good thing, I think.
The situation is quite open in both semis, but I think that Bulgaria, Croatia and Denmark in semi 1 and Israel, Malta and Ireland in semi 2 are non-qualifiers. Others have chances to qualify and I am certain that one or more of the fun favorites will be shocking non-qualifiers like every year and on the other hand some countries that are not among the favorites like Moldova can easily qualify with decent staging. That’s why we have to wait for performances. There is no country that stands out that much to be the winner, but maybe Serbia can surprise… Read more »
Don’t say that about Ireland!!
I’d like to see Lithuania qualify, but I fear It might not make the final because of its dicey running order position (3). A lot of cards are stacked against it it, but it could overcome them surprisingly.
Monika Liu is good on stage though
She is one of the best perfomers this year.
I think Denmark has a chance because the song has technical merit which would get it on the juries radars and it stands out because there is nothing that switches genres in its semi, which will get it a good televote result too. they will probably be a borderline qualifier though, same as in 2019, and as 2019’s song was way more mediocre this probably has a very 50/50 chance of qualifying.
-Journalist : Why favorites always get the same specific positions ?
EBU : because statistics shows that the winners come from this positions
Journalist : But how can this be proved if the favorites are never placed on the other positions ?
EBU ; EUHHHHHHH
Why Sweden’s position made people uncomfortable.. They did the same for Gjon’s Tears last year , it was exactly one place behind the last one. And Duncan he had two places behind the last one and in 2020 the same for the biggest favourite Bulgaria.
They do this to the favourites , it’s not Sweden’s fault if they sent a winning contender
I think we can agree Sweden is being set up for a potential 7th win.
I hope not lol
Me neither – Sweden is overrated…
True, and Greece in semi 1 also two places before the last song, and even when a favorite to win is in the first half that’s always near the end of the first half such as Iceland, Russia and Lithuania in 2020, Netherlands and Australia this year
Bc public are way too jealous of Sweden … Its annoying … From justin Melfest untill swedish songs every year … Its enough… people act like Sweden sent perfect songs since 1957 … and we all know they started to send good song since 2011 only with some examples of good songs before tho
So why did they put Ukraine in 6th? Or are they so confident it’ll qualify, that it doesn’t? In that case, they should do the same for Sweden.
Because Ukraine was drawn in the first half of the 1st semi-final and Sweden was drawn in the second half of the 2nd semi-final?
Turkey winning from number #4 (even though her biggest rivals got late and more memorable numbers) was cool. And the system being only televote makes their victory even cooler because millions of TV audience heard that songs for the first time and voted for them.
I’m wondering if anybody can do the same soon , jury will help about it but it’s still hard
It is weird that Greece and Norway are performing back to back when they could have well placed Armenia between them and have Subwoolfer close the show with their fun uptempo track. I wonder if Armenia’s chances of qualification are raised by that spot. The draw of the favourites like Sweden, Netherlands, Poland, Australia was expected (Ukraine at 6 seems a bit early). The Rasmus opening was also expected given their fame. And Czech Republic closing is also pretty fitting although once again I don’t know if that will help them coming after Sweden. There are some instances where 3-4… Read more »
”I wonder if Armenia’s chances of qualification are raised by that spot.” It entirely depends on whether she does it well live. If her perfromance is too low-key and unimpactful, the fact that it come directly after the storm of Subwoolfer will only do it disservice. *Especially* if either Iceland or Croatia stage it much better earlier on. However, if her staging is cute and intimate, I can see it sailing through. ”Anyways, like always I like to think that the running order doesn’t ultimately play a huge role and that songs that deserve it will go through.” Same. In… Read more »
I agree. I like Armenia’s song I find it cute so I wouldn’t mind if it qualifies. The fact that we have 4 songs (Armenia, Croatia, Portugal and Iceland) with similar vibes (yet not in the exact same genre) in the same half of a semi final means that only one or at most two of them can qualify. If that’s the case I would opt for Croatia if they improve the staging. Semi final 1 seems completely unpredictable though. As of now only Norway, Greece, the Netherlands and Ukraine are sure qualifiers. The rest of the qualifying spots are… Read more »
I think the same – Norway, Greece, Netherlands, and Ukraine are qualifiers, and other 6 spots are for the grabs. The thing is, preliminary I wouldn’t mind if all among Portugal, Iceland, Croatia, and Armenia make it, but it’s statistically improbable. I really wish for Mia to make it, as least as a borderline, mostly to prove to HRT that they are progressing in picking Dora entries (baby steps, but still, a progress). I’ll be rooting for her to make it (even if, as you say, this staging needs to go!) Mia herself stated that she’ll change her staging, but… Read more »
I really like Mia’s song! It’s in my top 10 right now. With a better intimate staging I really think that it can qualify for the final. I really like country/folk entries in general so that also helps. Every year there are entries that are subtle but at the same time pleasant and I always like such entries. The bad thing is that they often get underappreciated.
Croatia is out … Armenia, Iceland, Greece, Portugal might be all in 🙂
Iceland is borderline but I also have the another ones in my list.
The only three sure NQ´s are Denmark, Slovenia and certainly Bulgaria
We have 5 folk girls sound songs in semi 1 second half? How Greece and Armenia could perform next to each other?! There are 5 group in first half … well all 5 groups cant be next to each other too, people acting like only 1 country will go home after semi but no 15 will go home, it is a competition and not the end of world lol 🙂
Very strong possibility indeed.
Can’t be too too sure pre-rehearsals
Since the running order is approved by Eurovision Executive Supervisor who is Swedish iy would be fair that Sweden would draw its running order in both SF and eventually final like the host do.
LOL, its not he like he made the draw himself What do you think approving mean? Do you think a Supervisor can actually do anything? He is powerless.
But keep spreading your anti Sweden stuff. Its only been what, three days since someone did it
How can we know if the RAI decided first to put Sweden in other position and the EES decided Sweden will be 17 since he has the last word.
No he doesn’t have the last word. The producers have it. All he does is taking a peak at the order and say OK,that’s it.He is not even the highest up in the organisation, so there is not much he can do..
And even if he is Swedish so what? He works for EBU. Or you somehow think he can’t be professional and objective in his job?
No, because where he comes from doesn’t matter – he works for the EBU, not SVT.
Norway is only a favorite here, in YT and other sites it has a mixed-to-bad reception and juries might not like it as much either :/
Not at all. Norway is constantly top 5 on the “my Eurovision scoreboard app” and top 10 in the odds. Stop spewing the same bs everywhere.
Do we know after what songs the ad breaks are?
Usually, it’s after the 6th and the 12th, but not 100% sure.
Thank you. I can’t remember if it is the same every year. I always feel sorry for the song who comes on after the break – it’s so short, and people probably get up to go to the toilet or make a drink and don’t come back in time. It probably didn’t help Lesley Roy and Roxen last year.
That too.
If the commercials come in same places, it’s Bulgaria, Austria, San Marino, and Romania. Out of them, my favorite is certainly San Marino. Also, while it’s not necessarily my thing, I think that Austria has a good chance of making it if they have a solid vocal performance.
From those countries I have a feeling only San Marino will (pretty convincingly) qualify. Austria’s genre of song doesn’t have that good of a track record at ESC and the staging and vocals can really make it or break it. Romania is between Estonia and Poland that are tremendously better songs imo and that will hurt them. Bulgaria never really stood a chance but you never know I guess.
I agree with everything you said. So far, I’d predict the same. Austria is a dark horse based on staging.
Yes I agree. I am not that big of a fan of Austria’s entry personally but it’s unpredictable how it will fare in the contest. And the staging will play a huge part.
So what that Austria song is not for ESC? Same like Maneskin song was not at all. We did not have opera, rap, or Dj sound club songs as a winner – why not have it this year – Austria, Germany, Czech Rep, Serbia, Armenia might win cause those type of songs never won, lets not talk what is good and what is not for ESC – everything is welcome 🙂
I imagine the breaks will be before the countries you mentioned. And I can already imagine a huge roar from the audience when they announce San Marino, since Achille is playing at home.
In vast majority of cases, truly strong entries don’t suffer from the running order. Especially not in the semis, where it’s enough to be 10th out of 17/18 to make it. Thus, even if a murky place in the RO would bring them down a spot or two, it’s still 4th instead of 3rd, or 7th instead of 5th. The entries that have a tougher job of standing out are those already struggling for attention among fans. Thus, Armenia or Belgium will probably have a bit easier route than Israel or Switzerland. However, we mustn’t forget the easy qualifications of… Read more »
Having read through the comments, I see everyone has completely written off Ireland as a non qualifier. Sad as I think they have a great entry this year. I listen to it more than most entries 🙁 I hope she slays because she is very talented.
yess, I never skip thats rich, she deserves to make it through
Imo it is a mistake that they put Cyprus before Ireland, they are both up-tempo and Cyprus has the upper hand here (imo) BUT Ireland can make it through if they have the right staging. Since the song is about “rich” it would be quite impressive (and definitely memorable, which is the key) if they have money included somehow, for example, rain of (fake) euros towards the end probably. Or Brooke holding money etc. They can do a lot of thing money-wise that I am sure they will have a (positive) impact, however, if the staging is indifferent, I’m sorry… Read more »
The thing is, I don’t think that Cyprus is actually an uptempo entry. The interesting thing about classifying something as ”an uptempo” or ”a ballad” is that things like instrumentation, lyrics, and (lack of) movement can very much influence the perception of tempo. I’d bet that Cyprus’ BMI is actually *much* slower than Poland’s, for instance. Ireland is a total uptempo, so both can stand out a lot if they make the right staging choices.
Yes interesting point, hadn’t thought of it this way. Still, as you said it is all about staging, but imo Cyprus is in a better position than Ireland
Sure, Cyprot delegation usually does well with staging, and That’s Rich’s staging felt a bit unrefined at the NF. I mean, the can embrace the ”cheap” effect, and go full on, but it still depends on how it’s received. Especially by the juries (I feel like they’d downrate a lot the staging from the NF).
I can’t see Brooke allowing her delegation to make her do something she’s not 100% on. She definitely seems like a perfectionist. I am actually happy with her position, she has Australias dark ballad then a dark ethnic mid tempo song, then we get Ireland up tempo, following by North Macedonia with another dark mid tempo. She may well stand out amongst these acts. But saying all that, Irelands staging is always what goes against them, it seems like two female dancers once again, 2019 vibes. Something is telling me its the same two girls too lmao. But I don’t… Read more »
I’m deeply unsatisfied with Lithuania, Serbia and Portugal (considering they got a 2nd half draw) performing so early. I hope their quality prevails. I also don’t know if it’s a good deal for the Czech Republic to go after Belgium and Sweden, but they’re a good choice to close the show. After watching the recaps, I believe the semis will flow well. I just hope this doesn’t happen at the expense of some of my favorites. I imagine the intention was to have high energy songs opening and closing each sequence of performances, I just hope some pairs of slower… Read more »
I think that Serbia will still make enough of an impact with its unique staging. Not sure about Lithuania, especially right before Switzerland. I find it interesting that ”death spots” are both filled with uptempo songs, and that one of the closing spots is given to a slower tempo song.
I think that Portugal and Croatia now have a tough job to stand out next to each other, but my money is that at least Portugal will do it.
I think the biggest risk for Lithuania is if the juries fall for Switzerland. On the other hand, if they share the fandom’s lack of enthusiasm for Marius Bear, Monika can stand out, since all the other songs surrounding “Sentimentai” aren’t what we expect the jury to support. In Serbia’s case, Konstrakta will stand out in any case, but I don’t see why they can’t changed it with Malta for example. Armenia will probably close because it’s the more carefree of the folky entries. The question now is if Rosa Linn will perform after Portugal, Croatia and Iceland leaving an… Read more »
While Switzerland and Lithuania can somewhat block each other from receiving the jury support, remember the ”lucky streak” of six songs from the second semi in 2019. Perhaps a similar thing will happen again, and some entries we assume might hold each other back will all make it through? When I think about it, Switzerland and Lithuania aren’t *that* similar, aside from both being in a slower tempo. If I had to pick one, I’d pick Lithuania, but I can see Monika and Marius both making cases for their songs on stage.
They’re actually completely different, midtempo x very slow, quirky x dramatic. The only thing they have in common is that in theory they need a good jury support (Lithuania to qualify comfortably, Switzerland to be a surprise qualifier). No idea about what to expect from Marius, but we know Monika can deliver. “Sentimentai” is one of those entries people tend to love or ignore, so we’ll have to wait and see how big is the love for it. At the same time I’m worrying for their chances to qualify, I wouldn’t be shocked if this flies to the top 10… Read more »
What’s so special about Switzerland? Lithuania is way stronger imo.
The only one in serious trouble here is Lithuania imo. A ballad following (Switzerland) and then lots of up-tempo songs, given that it is way too early in the running order it is indeed questionable whether Lithuania can make it (but of course the juries do not vote based on the running order which is good for their chances). Serbia is more of a matter whether is going to be liked or not. Definitely love or hate, but if it is liked enough, this running order is not against its fate (as long as it is liked enough). I totally… Read more »
The contrast is indeed nice for Portugal, but I believe it’s dangerous to perform before other songs that share a similar vibe. On the other hand, Iceland and Armenia will have to deal with all the focus Greece and Norway has been receiving. Anyway, I’m worried. The chances of losing one of my favorites became huge with this draw.
The question is: will the juries feel the Swiss entry boring or will they love it? If they don’t like “Boys Do Cry”, Lithuania can benefit. But I would like at least that they had inverted these 2.
Idk but I just realised that Give that wolf a banana after Die together just gives me MGP vibes with Death of Us vs. GTWAB
So Greece will be out?
Czechia and Armenia closing the show is a bit weird for me. Totally expected Albania to open. Also EBU hates Latvia, they had a decent change to qualify this year and they didn’t help them at all.
All in all, a bad running order since there are similar consecutive songs in some occasions.
PS Looking at Sweden’s 17th order made me roll my eyes.
Latvia ?? This will be fight for last place with Bulgaria lol …. How is surprise Czech and Armenia are closing ? They never did lol
Regarding Sweden – they never perfmored 17 in semi neither close semi … move on – We cant have Denmark, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Israel or Poland closing semi every year
It’s so funny how people try to predict the qualifiers based on the running order. We’ve seen many’s a time shock qualifiers because the performance on the night was solid af. Especially this year as most acts are actually brilliant it’s anyones call bar 1 or 2 acts from each SF.
I think Sweden and Poland should’ve swapped places, but overall a solid RO
In Semi 1 I only like Albania, Ukraine and Norway
In Semi 2 Finland, Serbia, Estonia, Poland and Sweden
All of them will Q!
Regardless of the running order, I think both shows will be super enjoyable! 🙂
I like how the first semi-final jumps from one genre to the opposite (or slow to fast). It will be a pleasant type of shock value. However, I am not very happy with the placings for the second semi-final, they seem too unbalanced… I am now fearing for Serbia not qualifying at all… However, Romania has good chances.
Here are the songs that qualified from the “death slot” of 2nd in the last 10 years:
Iceland & North Macedonia in 2012, Estonia in 2013, Armenia in 2015, Poland in 2016 and Austria in 2017.
Israel: I.M in danger : D
Latvia: Being green is hawt, being green is kool. Eat yo salad, save the planet being in green is sexy as fuhh.
But from which semifinal? I remember Poland and Austria qualifying From semifinal two, and It’s obvious that both second spotters qualified from both semi finals in 2012, but I don’t know which semi final Estonia and Armenia were sorted into in those particular years
Austria and Poland advanced in the second one yes.
Israel and Latvia were already 90% chances of NQ regardless the running order so now it’s more like 99%.
It looks like the Netherlands is the first-half favorite, Greece or Norway in the second half, as Australia and Sweden in the second semi. I’m worried about Serbia, but Manizha and Loik proved that the 3rd order is not a problem. Also pray for Portugal
Greece could win the whole semi from that slot, if juries stop Ukraine from doing so ( coz I think Ukraine can win the semi televote ).
Upset for the slots Lithuania and Serbia got, hope they still will make it. Not worrying about Serbia, it will go through, now a bit worried about Monika
I think the 3 possible winners of SF1 are Ukraine, Greece and Netherlands.
Netherlands is my personal favourite, Id love to see it winning the semi, I just think Greece has a small advantage thanks to running order and being in english and Ukraine is Ukraine! 😛
SF running order is only relevant for weaker songs/borderline qualifiers: in those cases then yes, *MAYBE* a good running order will get you the few extra points to place 10th instead of 11th and qualify… but that’s it. The good songs will qualify no matter when they sing.
Pretty much yea. Also I mean like Jury are not affected by the running order at all I don’t think. The public is, but if you stand out enough and make people wanna throw coins at you, they will do so no matter where they heard you.
Poland was saved by the public vote in 2016 and performed as 2nd – they got 4th in televote and 15th in jury. Very likely it would have scored even higher from a different running order, but proves that you can qualify from any spot if the song is capable of collecting those votes.
Of course.
my qualifiers are
1: Albania, Lithuania, Ukraine, Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Iceland, Greece, Norway and Armenia.
2: Serbia, Australia, Cyprus, Ireland, Estonia, Poland, Montenegro, Belgium, Sweden and Czech Republic.
the second halves of both semi-finals are much stronger than the first halves.
that might be a bad thing bc if casual viewers don’t like any of the first few songs then they will not carry on watching.
Omg i’m so mad, why do they ALWAYS put Albania to open show? or at the start.. isn’t it cursed?
I really do hope Ronela qualify and takes the 2nd half ticket in grand final.
At least there’s not so many good songs in the 1st half
Show opener is a good spot to be in though
Opening the semi is good, opening the final is bad.
What? Always??
This is the very first time that Albania opens the show….
Sweden opened the first semifinal in 2017, they placed 5th in the final.
Lithuania and Serbia go way too early in their respective semis.
I agree with you, but I think Serbia has a better shot overcoming that poor spot than Lithuania does. It has a very memorable staging like Russia in semi final 1 last year, and if it still has momentum, it could be through. Lithuania is less certain at this point. It might have some jury support (though it’s not usually a Jury magnet country), but going early is bad for the televote support and it’s right before Switzerland which could both screw them over.
My current predicted qualifiers of SF1 in random order : )
-ALBANIA
-LITHUANIA
-NETHERLANDS
-MOLDOVA
-UKRAINE
-PORTUGAL
-AUSTRIA
-GREECE
-NORWAY
-ARMENIA
I’m so sad
Cyprus has no chance to qualify now
What? They got 9th. What’s wrong with 9th?
Australia (the strongest entry of the 1st half) is at 8th position
(1) Just because you come after a strong song doesn’t mean you’re done, (2) Australia is far from being the strongest entry in 1st half or even that entire SF, (3) Cyprus’ song is strong enough to qualify regardless of order.
“Ela” may not be strong enough to qualify. It goes nowhere, doesn’t have a climax and the whole song sounds about the same.
I don’t think that’s factually accurate, but hey that’s your opinion. 🙂 I think it’s the best song Cyprus has ever sent and will breeze through to the final.
So true..
Love Cyprus so much..
That ain’t hurting Cyprus. If Cyprus gets eliminated on 9th they would have got eliminated any other place too.