Fifteen countries will compete. But only ten will advance to the grand final. Welcome to Semi-Final 1 of Eurovision 2023.

The first show in this year’s contest is stacked. It includes Sweden’s Loreen and Finland’s Käärijä, who currently sit first and second on the odds table. A lot of fans think Loreen will win the jury vote in the grand final. Many others think Käärijä could take the public vote in the grand final. The first semi will be their first reckoning — albeit in a televote only system.

Also performing in this semi is Alessandra — who many of you will know as “SHE, Queen of the Kings.” The Norwegian star has already topped the Spotify Global Viral Top 50. Will the hype return on May 9?

Israel’s Noa Kirel and Czechia’s Vesna — also in the Top 10 with the bookies — are among the others that fans are watching.

Eurovision 2023: Semi-final one line-up

Running Order

During the semi-final allocation draw, the fifteen countries were drawn into the first half or second half. Producers are now deciding the precise running order based on making the most interesting show (considering things like visual flow) and also practicality (the time and difficulty of moving acts and their props on and off the stage). 

First half

Croatia – Let 3

Ireland – Wild Youth

Latvia – Sudden Lights

Malta – The Busker

Norway – Alessandra

Portugal – Mimicat

Serbia – Luke Black

Second half

Azerbaijan – TuralTuranX

Czech Republic – Vesna

Finland – Käärijä

Israel – Noa Kirel

Moldova – Pasha Parfeni

Netherlands – Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper

Sweden – Loreen

Switzerland – Remo Forrer

Who should win semi-final one of Eurovision 2023?

But we want to know: Who is your winner? And which 10 countries do you want to see qualify for the final? Support your ten qualifiers by voting in the poll below. You can vote for as many countries as you want, but you can only submit your votes ONE time. Be sure to click the box next to each country you want to support before hitting submit.

So who did you vote for? Who are your ten qualifiers? Let us know in the comments box down below!

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Syl
Syl
13 minutes ago

This semi is so much stronger than the second that it’s actually unfair.

I see Ireland and Azerbaijan as the only sure NQ. For Switzerland it is difficult to say without the staging, but also possible NQ since it is televote only. Croatia and Malta will surprise and qualify, I think. Therefore I have no idea who the other two NQ might be….it could be a total surprise.

Lala
Lala
17 hours ago

I mostly agree with the results. The only country I see struggling is Latvia, for me its borderline qualifier.
I think Croatia has a chance to squeeze in instead of Latvia, considering how large Croatian diaspora is and they obviously love their song, judging by the comments.
I would love Latvia to qualify but Im not sure whether they will have enough televote support.

Max Mark
Max Mark
23 hours ago

I think the following countries will qualify (no particular order):

Finland
Norway
Sweden
The Netherlands
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Serbia
Moldova
Portugal
Azerbaijan

I think Israel will be the shock non-qualifier.

Maybe Latvia instead of Azerbaijan.

cheska
cheska
1 day ago

Not gonna lie, I feel like we’re potentially seeing the top 5 of the entire final in this semis. This is a super strong draw.

Misha
1 day ago

No particular order, the ones which should qualify for me are
Israel – Malta – Portugal – Netherlands – Norway – Sweden – Czech Republic – Moldova -Serbia – Azerbaijan
(Actually I put Azerbaijan at the end cuz it’s -from this lot- the one that i care LEAST to qualify, but the other ones I didn’t include are worst YES, FINLAND IS WORST THAN AZERBAIJAN to me)

Kosem
Kosem
21 hours ago
Reply to  Misha

Finally someone with good taste

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago

My qualifiers (in no particular order, but you can figure it out lol): Finland (irreverent, edgy and original, I love it when Finland brings something different to the table and ppl appreciate it) Latvia Serbia Moldova Czech Republic Portugal Malta Croatia Sweden (I like it despite starting to come off to me as a parody of Euphoria, but its overhyping has been off-putting and honestly there’s many better songs this year) Norway (I hate it, but it’d be delusional from me to say the wouldn’t qualify when ppl love it and only 5 countries aren’t making it through here) My… Read more »

Elfi
Elfi
1 day ago

Top 5:
1.Norway
2.Sweden
3.Latvia
4.Portugal
5.Finland

Reeeaally close to top 5: Czechia, Servia and Israel…and then 2 spots that i don’t care that much…

Amazing semi!

maiken
maiken
21 hours ago
Reply to  Elfi

amazing top 5

Marlinken
Marlinken
1 day ago

Are Israel fans this annoying every year or is it specific to this shiksa?

Darren
Darren
1 day ago

Sweden or Finland will easily win the semi I think, whoever wins, the other will come second, and vice versa. In terms of qualifiers, I’m going to say: Sweden, Finland, Serbia, Norway, Czech Republic, Portugal, Moldova, Israel, Latvia, Croatia Israel and Norway wouldn’t be my personal qualifiers, but they have big fan bases so definitely say they’re in. Azerbaijan I’m saying is out, but they have, in my opinion, qualified with far worse in previous years, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they did, but right now I’m saying they’re out. Ireland is DOA but we would have comfortably qualified… Read more »

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago
Reply to  Darren

Agree with you, just that Azerbaijan qualified with juries help

lasse braun
lasse braun
1 day ago

voted for croatia,finland,czechia & moldova – other available stuff is boring.

Yana
Yana
1 day ago

I really hope Latvia and Malta qualify. I love them and will support them ????

Man
Man
1 day ago

Sweden 100 %

Vicci
Vicci
1 day ago
Reply to  Man

Tell that to Mika Newton, she will be happy

Man
Man
17 hours ago
Reply to  Vicci

Why ?

Vicci
Vicci
17 hours ago
Reply to  Man

Go and listen the song “V Plenu” by Mika Newton, you will understand why

Man
Man
15 hours ago
Reply to  Vicci

Have you listen to Norway’s song. They have stolen the song from Klara Hammarströms song Run to the hill, but nobody say anything about that

Vicci
Vicci
14 hours ago
Reply to  Man

I agree, therefore I wouldn’t miss Norway if it came to be a NQ

Man
Man
15 hours ago
Reply to  Vicci

Ok, i have listen to the song now, and i dont still way i should listen to it. It’s not the same as Tattoo.

Vicci
Vicci
14 hours ago
Reply to  Man

The same could never be, or it would be scandalous, just some of the most important part. But each one has its own opinion , and I stick with mine,

ESC8
ESC8
1 day ago

I usually separate the songs of the semis in 4 categories, sure qualifiers, borderline qualifiers, probable NQs and NQs. Borderline does not mean that these countries will qualify as 9th or 10ths, it just means that it is not certain that they will qualify, and on the other hand ‘probable NQs’ mean that these countries could eventually qualify, but it’s most probable that they won’t. Semi 1 (as things stand rn) seems quite easier to predict than semi 2. The songs I have labeled as sure qualifiers in semi 1 are (in random order) : Norway, Serbia, Israel, Moldova, the… Read more »

KarmaLeon
KarmaLeon
1 day ago

Its televoting only so I guess Croatia is a 100% sure qualifier

Vicci
Vicci
15 hours ago
Reply to  KarmaLeon

Or not

Javi
Javi
2 days ago

Malta will qualiy, Serbia won´t.

Jo.
Jo.
2 days ago

all the love latvia is getting gives me joy

Panna
Panna
1 day ago
Reply to  Jo.

All the love Latvia is getting gives me false hope which will lead to a disappointment it they end up not qualifying.

Mint
Mint
1 day ago
Reply to  Panna

It actually gives a hope that people might really vote… but yes, you are also right that it can lead to a disappointment if they don’t qualify… ? But anyways, it’s nice to see how many people actually appreciate them.

Efthymios
Efthymios
2 days ago

Here’s how my SF1 qualifiers stand after 24 hours have passed since I made my latest top-15: *My complete TOP 15 of the ESC 2023 Semi-Final 1 (updated):* *MY QUALIFIERS:* *1. Finland – “Cha Cha Cha” (10/10)* 2. Serbia – “Samo Mi Se Spava” (10/10) 3. Portugal – “Ai Coração” (9.5/10) 4. Czechia – “My Sister’s Crown” (9.5/10) 5. Malta – “Dance (Our Own Party)” (9/10) (revamped) 6. Moldova – “Soarele ?i Luna” (8.5/10) 7. Netherlands – “Burning Daylight” (7.5/10) 8. Sweden – “Tattoo” (7.5/10) 9. Israel – “Unicorn” (7/10) 10. Latvia – “Aij?” (7/10) – – – – –… Read more »

Bernard
Bernard
2 days ago

Although Latvia had an internal selection by the broadcaster, I think the song is extraordinary and it would be a huge loss for the ESC to lose something so alternative and underground. What really makes ESC great is the diversity. As the Swedes & co. are trying to turn ESC into an American Song Contest / Billboard live show, it is more important than ever to keep the diversity at the front and centre of the ESC agenda. YES, “centre”, not “center”.

Brian
Brian
2 days ago
Reply to  Bernard

I agree Latvian song is so underrated

Unknown Melody
Unknown Melody
2 days ago
Reply to  Bernard

Latvia had a NF

Bernard
Bernard
2 days ago

I just hope that Finland’s staging won’t look like a circus, as it would put the people off and overshadow the song. Please Finland keep the right balance between being entertaining and laughable. Don’t mess this up.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
2 days ago
Reply to  Bernard

Just copy and paste from UMK and they’re good.

Bandido
Bandido
1 day ago
Reply to  Bernard

There’s a danger to look like amateurish (find the dancers are too distracting), but if YLE are involve as less as possible about ideas instead artist and record company.

Fatima
Fatima
2 days ago

With a 100% televote, I think we can already discount the first four acts. Sadly.

Jo.
Jo.
2 days ago
Reply to  Fatima

the producers will basically eliminate a few acts just by arranging the running order

Jay
Jay
2 days ago

Unpopular opinion: I love Malta. Likely NQ but you never know

Mint
Mint
2 days ago
Reply to  Jay

I also love Malta. I really hope both Malta and Latvia will qualify

Panna
Panna
1 day ago
Reply to  Mint

At least one of them should and very likely will, as it is never the obvious 10 qualifiers picked by the fandom.

Ekldnr
Ekldnr
2 days ago

I currently feel that qualification is anyone’s game including Ireland and Azerbaijan and it will all come down to the staging of all songs

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
2 days ago

Serbia, Moldova, Croatia got my full support in this semi, but Norway also growing on me nicely

Feel Azerbaijan is a sure nq but nice of them giving some real music for a change

Voilà monsieur
Voilà monsieur
2 days ago

Who I predict to qualify (not want):

Sweden
Norway
Finland
Croatia
Serbia
Moldova
Czechia
Portugal
Israel
Malta

Latvia and the Netherlands are borderline, the rest are pretty much destined to NQ

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
2 days ago

The rest simply being Azerbaijan & Ireland LMAO

Heyey
Heyey
2 days ago

Who I want to qualify;
1. Finland
2. Israel
3. Sweden
4. Czechia
5. Netherlands
6. Portugal
7. Norway
8. Switzerland
9. Moldova
10. Latvia

Non qualifiers in this case:
11. Serbia
12. Azerbaijan
13. Ireland
14. Malta
15. Croatia

Who I think will qualify:
1. Sweden
2. Finland
3. Norway
4. Israel
5. Serbia
6. Portugal
7. Moldova
8. Czechia
9. Netherlands
10. Switzerland/Latvia

11. Latvia/Switzerland
12. Azerbaijan
13. Croatia
14. Malta
15. Ireland

Y’all please I need both Switzerland and Latvia in the final :'(

Efthymios
Efthymios
2 days ago
Reply to  Heyey

You cannot even imagine how much I agree with your qualifiers and your borderline dilemma. 🙁

Efthymios
Efthymios
2 days ago
Reply to  Efthymios

*except I’d like Malta and Serbia in but tastes vary of course.

Amar pelos dois
Amar pelos dois
2 days ago

I already posted my prediction but here is my current list of semi final 1

1.Serbia 11/12
2.Finland 10,5/12
3.Portugal 10/12
4.Moldova 10/12
5.Malta 8,5/12
6.Sweden 8/12
7.Ireland 7,5/12
8.Czechia 7/12
9.Switzerland 6,5/12
10.Norway 6,5/12
11.Latvia 5,5/12
12.The Netherlands 5/12
13.Azerbaijan 4,5/12
14.Croatia 3/12
15.Israel 1/12

Mark
Mark
2 days ago

It’s funny how people who doesn’t share your taste end up downvoting you, instead of respecting you and your taste and support your opinion sharing. This might sound as an innocent problem, but this (social media attacks/downvote) is the reason why many people stay introvert in real life, and simply can’t fight for themselves. Be a human, let us no do this to each others.

Chew
Chew
2 days ago

i have a request i am a Malaysian fan for eurovision and since this is a public vote does this mean if i have a chance to vote? if so pls teach me how to vote (this is my fitst time use the app) bcos i been watching eurovision since 2021 and for first time i dont care who wins eurovision this year i just want latvia qualify so bad

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
2 days ago
Reply to  Chew

Yes you can vote. You’ll be given a number to vote and I think. Don’t think the app will work.

Jonas
Jonas
2 days ago
Reply to  Sol Stevia

A credit card is also necessary, which is maybe not good.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
2 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

Yes that’s correct

Jonas
Jonas
2 days ago
Reply to  Sol Stevia

What about the three-year-olds?

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
2 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

Their parents have 20 votes each.

Chew
Chew
2 days ago
Reply to  Sol Stevia

thank you sm

Jonas
Jonas
2 days ago
Reply to  Chew

I’m not sure we can teach you, because it is not the normal system. It’s never been done before, so just listen carefully to the hosts on the night. Or day.

Chew
Chew
2 days ago
Reply to  Jonas

thank you sm

Stas Romanchuk
Stas Romanchuk
1 day ago
Reply to  Chew

It’s online voting for non-participating countries so it will probably be on a website.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago
Reply to  Chew

X2 I’m from Mexico and I want Latvia to make it through to the final so bad! :'(

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
2 days ago

My current personal top:

  1. Israel
  2. Serbia
  3. Finland
  4. Czechia
  5. Moldova
  6. Croatia
  7. Norway
  8. Sweden
  9. Portugal
  10. Malta
  11. Latvia
  12. Netherlands
  13. Switzerland
  14. Ireland
  15. Azerbaijan
Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
2 days ago

My current predictions:

1. Sweden
2. Finland
3. Norway
4. Serbia
5. Israel
6. Czechia
7. Moldova
8. Croatia
9. Portugal
10. Netherlands

11. Latvia
12. Malta
13. Switzerland
14. Azerbaijan
15. Ireland 

Amar pelos dois
Amar pelos dois
2 days ago
Reply to  Sol Stevia

This prediction is quite realistic.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
2 days ago

I try my best :3

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago
Reply to  Sol Stevia

I’d swap Latvia with the Netherlands, but I agree with your top 10 all in all

Lala
Lala
17 hours ago
Reply to  Sol Stevia

I agree 100% with your prediction. I think the battle for last spot in the final will be between Latvia and Croatia, and I can totally see Croatia squeeze in, judging by large support that Croatians from entire Europe are giving to their song.
I love Latvian song but unfortunately I think its not impactful enough to get enough votes.

Jo.
Jo.
2 days ago

people here truly believe israel won’t make it??!! LOL
she’s coming with BUDGET

Panna
Panna
1 day ago
Reply to  Jo.

San Marino came with BUDGET last year.

Jo.
Jo.
1 day ago
Reply to  Panna

and with a song drunkenly written

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago
Reply to  Jo.

Just like Israel’s song this year XD

Max Mark
Max Mark
23 hours ago
Reply to  Jo.

I honestly think Israel will not qualify. I think the live performance will be very underwhelming. It’s not an easy song to sung. I don’t have much faith in Noa’s vocal abilities. The same I feel about the song and live performance of Azerbaijan.

Alfie28
Alfie28
2 days ago

Russia randomly appears on TV and announces: “We win or we nuke you!” HAHAHAHA (joke)

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago
Reply to  Alfie28

Looks like someone ate clown d*ck

Marlinken
Marlinken
2 days ago

The obvious: Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Norway, Serbia.

The very likely: Croatia, Moldova, Netherlands.

The “I hope so but may not”: Malta, Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Latvia.

The “I hope not but may”: Israel, Portugal.

The No-Hopers: Ireland.

Alfie28
Alfie28
2 days ago
Reply to  Marlinken

Fair.

Catherine
Catherine
1 day ago
Reply to  Marlinken

Portugal and Israel are already in the final, actually. Very clear qualifiers.

Marlinken
Marlinken
1 day ago
Reply to  Catherine

No they’re not. Portugal I could live with but Israel is a chaotic mess that the general public will despise.

Vicci
Vicci
1 day ago
Reply to  Marlinken

And yet you place Croatia as “The very likely “, LOL, or even Serbia as “The obvious” – really like this one ( not as much the singer itself)- when it is totally not obvious its qualification….

David
David
2 days ago

I can see Israel and Azerbaijan not qualifying with Malta and Latvia making it.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
2 days ago
Reply to  David

There is no way Israel will not pass at least 5 entries.

Tomm
Tomm
2 days ago
Reply to  Sol Stevia

2014 says HI

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago
Reply to  Sol Stevia

Unicorn is a mess, people won’t like it

Zisk
Zisk
2 days ago

I really, really hope Latvia make it. I always hate when there’s about 7 or 8 telegraphed locks for the final and then 5 or 6 good songs that are all competing for the last 2 slots. Some great songs get punished by the draw.

Catherine
Catherine
1 day ago
Reply to  Zisk

Latvia is a jury friendly song but not instant enough for televote, sadly.

Edward
Edward
2 days ago

I do have a feeling that Latvia will grab that final spot in the final and get a good result in the final. I also believe there will be a shock non qualifier from the favourites. Czechia and Serbia for me seems to be the candidates.

Panna
Panna
1 day ago
Reply to  Edward

I have a feeling Serbia might not get any points outside from their diaspora countries and Balkan friends (Croatia), but maybe I am wrong. Will see in May.

Lulu
13 hours ago
Reply to  Panna

Mediterranean* friends, Croatia

Marthaa
Marthaa
2 days ago

Latvia, letsss goo!! We need you in the semifinals and more!! 🙂

Young_At_Heart_In_Austin
Young_At_Heart_In_Austin
2 days ago

So glad I was able to get tickets for this semifinal. Latvia is my personal favorite. Even in a weak year of entries, it’s the rest of the field against Sweden.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago

I really hate people saying this is a weak year and also overrating Sweden

Dtorres
Dtorres
2 days ago

Mimicat will be the 2023 winner. Right at the 1st rehearsal the surprise will be huge. And Loreen’s decline will begin there. Don’t ask how I know this. I think it’s a good idea that wiwis make a video about the song from Portugal… In May it will be late, they will have already missed the train and it will be worse than Salvador in the 23rd place of the wiwibloggs ranking in 2017.

Miguel
2 days ago
Reply to  Dtorres

Is my Winner

Amar pelos dois
Amar pelos dois
2 days ago
Reply to  Dtorres

This was a shame !

Héctor
Héctor
2 days ago

Don’t know if winning but Latvia should be qualifying.

Doris
Doris
2 days ago

100% NQ: Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Switzerland

Henry
Henry
2 days ago
Reply to  Doris

Doris is using her Crystal Ball again… Sis, everything is possible in this Semi…

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago
Reply to  Henry

Yes, but Switzerland’s entry is awful if we see the bigger picture

D92
D92
22 hours ago
Reply to  Doris

The Netherlands is going to the final, better accept it.

Teo
Teo
2 days ago

Croatia, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Israel. Don’t really care about the rest.

Pat
Pat
2 days ago

I’m enjoying the love for Latvia in these comments! Please I hope they go through!!!

Cookie Nation
Cookie Nation
2 days ago
Reply to  Pat

Me too, I thought I was the only one loving it.

Jo.
Jo.
2 days ago

since it’s only a televoting thing, this semi is on fire
croatia, finland, sweden, czech, israel, moldova, norway and serbia are all televote magnets
this leaves very little room for the other acts. Hope Latvia makes it, that’s all I want

Mark
Mark
2 days ago
Reply to  Jo.

Czechia is not a televote magnet, the only time they got top 10 with televote is with “Lie to me”, while Croatia is alway either border qualifier or non qualifier with the televote. Israel is always hit or miss, either very good or very bad. Finland too. Sweden, Moldova, Serbia, and even Norway most of the time are definitely televote magnets.

Jo.
Jo.
2 days ago
Reply to  Mark

this is based on what we have now, not in past results

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago
Reply to  Mark

Well, I think Norway and Sweden can do worse than we think they will with the televote too

Catherine
Catherine
1 day ago
Reply to  Jo.

What is “Czech”? Anyway, I like the song from Latvian and the song from Finnish. (See what I did there? LOL).

Vicci
Vicci
2 days ago

3 I really want to go through: Moldova, Portugal and Czechia
3 I wouldn’t miss at all: Croatia, Israel and Norway

honeybooboo
honeybooboo
2 days ago

Guys, there is so much love behind Latvia and its the ultimate ‘on the cusp’ possible qualifier this year. PLEASE don’t let it slip through the net. If you believe in this song and love it, like I do, please vote for it. It needs, and deserves, all the help it can get this year!

Tom
Tom
2 days ago

We need Latvia in the final

Doris
Doris
2 days ago

Croatia of course.

Sebastian
Sebastian
2 days ago

I’m hoping for Latvia to pull through. Afraid they will be lost in this semi … Luckily I can vote, coming from Sweden

Anita
Anita
2 days ago

PLEASE, I need Latvia in the final!

ThorBeta
ThorBeta
2 days ago

I think it’s safe to say that Sweden, Finland and Norway will definitely qualify. Then Czechia, Israel, Serbia and Portugal are probably starting with an advantage in an only-televoting format. I’m unsure about the other 3. Moldova has an interesting folk dance sound that will likely stand out enough to get them through. Croatia is marmite, which means it can go either way. And Switzerland and Netherlands have 2 well structured ballads and -provided that are well sung- should have decent chances to go through although the lack of juries will make things more difficult. I would like them to… Read more »

Aan
Aan
1 day ago
Reply to  ThorBeta

Unfortunately, I don’t think Portugal has any advantage with televote only, but here’s to hoping?

ThorBeta
ThorBeta
12 hours ago
Reply to  Aan

Why not? I can definitely see an audience that will like Portugal and could vote for it since it’s definitely distinctive and memorable. That said it’s not among my personal favourites but it’s definitely a grower.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 day ago
Reply to  ThorBeta

I don’t agree with the last part, Netherlands is unremarkable and Switzerland is terrible

ThorBeta
ThorBeta
12 hours ago
Reply to  Benito Camelo

To be fair neither of the 2 are in my personal top 20, but imho at least one of the 2 should make it to the final to add to the variety of the show. If I could choose I would put Latvia above both Switzerland and Netherlands but I’m well aware that it’s too leftfield to be appreciated by most viewers especially in a fast paced semi like this one, while the other 2 are more accessible to larger audiences.