The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest has kicked off in Liverpool, United Kingdom, where 15 countries are competing to qualify for the show’s grand final. This year’s song contest had a massive change in the voting system, stating that the international jury could no longer vote on the acts during each of the semi-finals.
As usual, the first semi-finals were filled with strong acts. From returning Eurovision champions, fan favorites, and those in between, having the people decide who should qualify is a massive challenge. Eventually, the people spoke, and 10 countries were selected to take part in the Song Contest’s grand final this Saturday.
Which countries from the first semi-finals qualified for the grand final?
The first semi-final was filled to the brim with strong performers. 2012 winner and Eurovision legend Loreen represented Sweden once more with the song “Tattoo.” Meanwhile, the 2023 fan favorite and Finland’s representative Käärijä had crowds singing during his performance. The night started with Norway’s Alessandra with “Queen of Kings,” followed by multiple acts that showcased a variety of music.
After two hours of fun and music, here are the 10 acts from the first semi-final that qualified for the grand final.
- Croatia (Let 3 – “Mama ŠČ!”)
- Moldova (Pasha Parfeni – “Soarele şi Luna”)
- Switzerland (Remo Forrer – “Watergun”)
- Finland (Käärijä – “Cha Cha Cha”)
- Czechia (Vesna – “My Sister’s Crown”)
- Israel (Noa Kirel – “Unicorn”)
- Portugal (Mimicat – “Ai Coração”)
- Sweden (Loreen – “Tattoo”)
- Serbia (Luke Black – “Samo Mi Se Spava”)
- Norway (Alessandra – “Queen of Kings”)
The second semi-finals will feature 16 countries competing for the remaining 10 spots for the grand final. Will Australia qualify one final time before its Eurovision participation come to an end? Will Iceland continue its qualifying streak since 2019? Will Greece and Cyprus make it so the two countries can give each other 12 points during the grand final?
Find out when the second semi-finals of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest air on May 11 at 3pm ET on Peacock.