This year’s is about to get even more exciting with the arrival of the second semi-final tonight, May 11 – which will confirm which of this year’s acts will
Tuesday’s semi-final saw 10 acts progress to the final, although for five of this year’s hopefuls, their dream of Eurovision glory is already at an end.
There’ll be more celebrations and heartache this evening, as well as our first look at the UK’s performance, on Saturday night –to give us a preview of her entry I Wrote A Song.
And as an added bonus, UK viewers can vote in tonight’s final – so if you’ve got a favourite you want to see again on Saturday now’s your chance to make it happen.
But when is the second semi-final, how long does it last – and how can you watch it?
What time is the second Eurovision semi-final?
The second semi-final is due to kick off at 8pm.
It will last for around two hours and 10 minutes, ending at 10.10pm – but of course being a live event it may end later than that.
This semi-final will see the remaining 16 countries competing to make it to the final, with only the top 10 performers making it through to Saturday night.
The other six countries will be eliminated from the competition and miss out on the chance to perform in the final (although they will still be able to vote in it).
While the semi-finals have in recent years been decided through a mix of jury and public voting,
The final on Saturday will see 26 acts take to the stage, among them the six countries who are already pre-qualified for the final and do not have to compete in the semi.
Those countries are France, Germany, Italy, the UK and Spain – aka the ‘Big Five’, who automatically win a place in the final as the biggest financiers of the contest – as well as last year’s winners Ukraine.
How can you watch the second semi-final?
For the first time the semi-finals are being shown in the UK on BBC One, after years of airing on BBC Three and BBC Four.
You’ll be able to tune in from 8pm to watch all the action – and there’ll be commentary from Rylan Clark and Scott Mills too.
If you miss it you’ll be able to catch up via the BBC iPlayer.
The semi-final will also be streamed live on the Eurovision Song Contest channel on YouTube, although you won’t get any commentary.
Alternatively, many venues across the UK are hosting screenings of both semi-finals in addition to the final this year – if you fancy something other than watching it from the comfort of your sofa, check local press to see what’s on in your area.
Who is competing in the second Eurovision semi-final?
Here’s who’ll be battling it out in the second semi-final…
- Denmark – Breaking My Heart, Reiley
- Armenia – Future Lover, Brunette
- Romania – D.G.T (Off and On), Theodor Andrei
- Estonia – Bridges, Alika
- Belgium – Because Of You, Gustaph
- Cyprus – Break A Broken Heart, Andrew Lambrou
- Iceland – Power, Dilja
- Greece – What They Say, Victor Vernicos
- Poland – Solo, Blanka
- Slovenia – Carpe Diem, Joker Out
- Georgia – Echo, IRU
- San Marino – Like An Animal, Piqued Jacks
- Austria – Who The Hell Is Edgar?, Teya and Salena
- Albania – Duje, Albina and Family Kelmendi
- Lithuania – Stay, Monika Linkyte
- Australia – Promise, Voyager
In addition, three of the six pre-qualified finalists – Ukraine’s Tvorchi, Spain’s Blanca Paloma, and the UK’s very own Mae Muller – will perform their entries and those countries will be able to vote.
The Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals are on May 9 and 11 on BBC One at 8pm. The grand final is on Saturday May 13 on BBC One at 8pm.
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