Special Event: Live Stream: Semifinal 1 (2023 Eurovision Song Contest)
May 9, 2023 9:40 AM - Subscribe
Good evening, Europe! Good morning, Australia! Semifinal 1 begins Tuesday May 9th (today!), at 2100 CEST / 3:00pm EDT. Who will make it qualify for the Grand Final on Saturday? Who will be good, bad, or so bad they're good? Come on in to chat about the first round of performances!
HOW TO WATCH LIVE:
Viewers outside of the United States can watch via the official livestream for Semifinal 1 from the Eurovision YouTube Channel.
For those of us unlucky enough to be geoblocked, and without an official national broadcaster, you can watch it via the Swedish National Broadcaster (SVT)’s official stream. American viewers can watch live with a subscription to Peacock, NBC's streaming service.
===============
RUNNING ORDER:
===============
1. Norway - Alessandra - "Queen of Kings"
2. Malta - The Busker - "Dance (Our Own Party)"
3. Serbia - Luke Black - "Samo mi se spava" (Само ми се спава)
4. Latvia - Sudden Lights - "Aijā"
5. Portugal - Mimicat - "Ai coração"
6. Ireland - Wild Youth - "We Are One"
7. Croatia - Let 3 - "Mama ŠČ!"
8. Switzerland - Remo Forrer - "Watergun"
9. Israel - Noa Kirel - "Unicorn"
10. Moldova - Pasha Parfeni - "Soarele și luna"
11. Sweden - Loreen - "Tattoo"
12. Azerbaijan - TuralTuranX - "Tell Me More"
13. Czech Republic - Vesna - "My Sister's Crown"
14. Netherlands - Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper - "Burning Daylight"
15. Finland - Käärijä - "Cha Cha Cha"
HOW TO WATCH LIVE:
Viewers outside of the United States can watch via the official livestream for Semifinal 1 from the Eurovision YouTube Channel.
For those of us unlucky enough to be geoblocked, and without an official national broadcaster, you can watch it via the Swedish National Broadcaster (SVT)’s official stream. American viewers can watch live with a subscription to Peacock, NBC's streaming service.
===============
RUNNING ORDER:
===============
1. Norway - Alessandra - "Queen of Kings"
2. Malta - The Busker - "Dance (Our Own Party)"
3. Serbia - Luke Black - "Samo mi se spava" (Само ми се спава)
4. Latvia - Sudden Lights - "Aijā"
5. Portugal - Mimicat - "Ai coração"
6. Ireland - Wild Youth - "We Are One"
7. Croatia - Let 3 - "Mama ŠČ!"
8. Switzerland - Remo Forrer - "Watergun"
9. Israel - Noa Kirel - "Unicorn"
10. Moldova - Pasha Parfeni - "Soarele și luna"
11. Sweden - Loreen - "Tattoo"
12. Azerbaijan - TuralTuranX - "Tell Me More"
13. Czech Republic - Vesna - "My Sister's Crown"
14. Netherlands - Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper - "Burning Daylight"
15. Finland - Käärijä - "Cha Cha Cha"
Over the weekend, I jokingly complained to my spouse that we needed a new TV. I'm getting old, and lately, I've had to sit practially right in front of the television in order to actually read any amount of text on the screen. Yesterday, he came home from work with the largest TV he could find that would fit into our cabinet. When I asked why he felt the need to buy a 43-inch television to replace our 11-year old dinosaur, he said "semi-finals tomorrow, right?" and I could've married him all over again.
This year has been a little tough, so I haven't made anything special for the today. I'm watching alone, which is how I like it sometimes! I have the thread here to dictate all my random commentary, and no one to distract me from the entire spectacle.
I did go to World Market and spend way too much money on weird international snacks. But I absolutely needed Cadbury, Irish red pepper potato chips, and like six different drink choices. The spouse just nodded his head and said that this week was like my own personal Super Bowl, then asked if he needed to grab red velvet cake. I arbitrarily decided that this was obviously from Belgium, because well, I like red velvet cake and needed its inclusion in the festivities.
This semi-final has many of my favorites in it, and I'm not sure which five will be left behind. I am sure, though, that it will be a song I quite like. There's just too many good songs this year!
posted by PearlRose at 11:38 AM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
This year has been a little tough, so I haven't made anything special for the today. I'm watching alone, which is how I like it sometimes! I have the thread here to dictate all my random commentary, and no one to distract me from the entire spectacle.
I did go to World Market and spend way too much money on weird international snacks. But I absolutely needed Cadbury, Irish red pepper potato chips, and like six different drink choices. The spouse just nodded his head and said that this week was like my own personal Super Bowl, then asked if he needed to grab red velvet cake. I arbitrarily decided that this was obviously from Belgium, because well, I like red velvet cake and needed its inclusion in the festivities.
This semi-final has many of my favorites in it, and I'm not sure which five will be left behind. I am sure, though, that it will be a song I quite like. There's just too many good songs this year!
posted by PearlRose at 11:38 AM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
I have to keep "working" for at least the first hour of the semi-final, but I will have the livestream up to keep me company. Thanks for making the post!
posted by the primroses were over at 11:44 AM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by the primroses were over at 11:44 AM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
YAY!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:03 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:03 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Yes, thanks so much for this post. It’s ridiculous but I’m already teary with the very beginning with the children because it’s been so hard with the war and I have lots of feelings.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by Bella Donna at 12:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
I nearly had a nervous breakdown when my chromecast crashed as I was telling the SVT app to start streaming. Whew, crisis averted. The opening ceremony is kind of lovely? Maybe I've just missed Eurovision too much.
posted by PearlRose at 12:06 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 12:06 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Bella Donna: Same! That was really moving.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:06 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 12:06 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Oh, not just you, Bella Donna. I saw the sunflower on the girl's jacket and started crying.
posted by PearlRose at 12:07 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 12:07 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
So happy to see Hannah Waddington (apologies if her name is misspelled).
posted by Bella Donna at 12:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Bella Donna at 12:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
For some reason I thought there would be a Liverpool-theme in the music, but the first song was a cover of the immortal Together in Electric Dreams, by Giorgio Moroder and Phil Oakey (of the Human League), neither of whom as any particular connection to Merseyside.
posted by Kattullus at 12:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 12:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Bella Donna: It’s ridiculous but I’m already teary with the very beginning with the children because it’s been so hard with the war and I have lots of feelings.
I also teared up when the Ukrainian host was explaining why Ukraine wasn’t hosting this year’s contest.
posted by Kattullus at 12:11 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
I also teared up when the Ukrainian host was explaining why Ukraine wasn’t hosting this year’s contest.
posted by Kattullus at 12:11 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Okay, I need to put the uni-pop-corn away before I eat this whole party-sized bag of it on my own. Buckle in, it's time for EUROVISION 2023!!
posted by PearlRose at 12:11 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by PearlRose at 12:11 PM on May 9, 2023
The postcards are flipping cool. Libraries. You know the way to my heart, Norway.
posted by PearlRose at 12:12 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 12:12 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Ohh, love the three-country concept for the intro videos!
posted by May Kasahara at 12:12 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by May Kasahara at 12:12 PM on May 9, 2023
An out bisexual singer? Go Norway!
posted by Bella Donna at 12:13 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 12:13 PM on May 9, 2023
All right, I think this is kind of silly. But that is Eurovision.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:14 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 12:14 PM on May 9, 2023
Wasn’t Graham Norton supposed to be one of the hosts?
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:15 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:15 PM on May 9, 2023
Norway is... very Norway, in a good way.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 12:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
It’s always amusing when a country that didn’t do so well being too cool for school, like Norway last year, decides to go back to what worked before. In other words, Norway decided to go the full Rybak.
posted by Kattullus at 12:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 12:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Graham is hosting for the finals-only.
posted by PearlRose at 12:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 12:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Oh, Malta. I do want to dance. Alone. Where no one can see my definite lack of rhythm. This is such a fun song!
...RAINBOW LAZER CATS.
posted by PearlRose at 12:18 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
...RAINBOW LAZER CATS.
posted by PearlRose at 12:18 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Am I silly? Because I absolutely adore Norway's song.
posted by meese at 12:18 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by meese at 12:18 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I prefer when my Eurovision saxophonists wear something a bit less sensible than sensible knitwear.
On preview: HOLD ON! YESSS GLITTERKNITWEAR!
posted by Kattullus at 12:18 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
On preview: HOLD ON! YESSS GLITTERKNITWEAR!
posted by Kattullus at 12:18 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Wait, when did the sweaters get all sparkly?
posted by May Kasahara at 12:19 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 12:19 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Malta had so much going on. Maybe too much. My ADHD-addled brain loved all the damn sparkles though. SO MANY SPARKLES. I'm so sad this is in the death slot.
posted by PearlRose at 12:19 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by PearlRose at 12:19 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
The back and forth between England and Ukraine is absolutely a punch in the feels every time.
posted by meese at 12:20 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by meese at 12:20 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
meese you are not silly! I am for making that comment. xoxo
posted by Bella Donna at 12:20 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Bella Donna at 12:20 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
meese: NOT SILLY AT ALL.
If you can't be a yaaaas viking queen of kings at Eurovision, then what is the point?
posted by PearlRose at 12:21 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
If you can't be a yaaaas viking queen of kings at Eurovision, then what is the point?
posted by PearlRose at 12:21 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Serbia continues to serve.
...and god damn it, I just saw the black ribbon on his shirt and now I'm sad again. So many emotions.
posted by PearlRose at 12:22 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
...and god damn it, I just saw the black ribbon on his shirt and now I'm sad again. So many emotions.
posted by PearlRose at 12:22 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
I'm not feeling Serbia's song, personally.
posted by meese at 12:22 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by meese at 12:22 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Being one of the backup dudes for Serbia's song seems like it's be really fun.
posted by meese at 12:23 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by meese at 12:23 PM on May 9, 2023
It’s so weird, I love it so much
posted by Bella Donna at 12:23 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 12:23 PM on May 9, 2023
Yeah, not feeling Serbia's song, either. They're trying to hard to be edgy.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:23 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by May Kasahara at 12:23 PM on May 9, 2023
Somehow Serbia managed to send a song that sounds like something I’d hear while scrolling through radio stations, while also sounding like a song from a nineties musical about a cyberpunk apocalypse.
posted by Kattullus at 12:24 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 12:24 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
Serbia's song still isn't my style, but the staging was very cool.
Latvia with the first ballad-ish song of the night. It's not bad but-- it feels like something I should hear on my indie rock station, not ...Eurovision? If that makes sense?
I just want wind machines and glitter cannons. Can we bring back the Maltese sparkles?
posted by PearlRose at 12:26 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Latvia with the first ballad-ish song of the night. It's not bad but-- it feels like something I should hear on my indie rock station, not ...Eurovision? If that makes sense?
I just want wind machines and glitter cannons. Can we bring back the Maltese sparkles?
posted by PearlRose at 12:26 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I do love how Latvia always seems to think that Eurovision is some kind of battle of the indie bands contest. If nothing else, it reminds me of sneaking into concerts in bars I was too young to enter.
posted by Kattullus at 12:27 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 12:27 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Latvia is really good! Alt rock with a touch of drum and bass. I like it.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:27 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by May Kasahara at 12:27 PM on May 9, 2023
I spontaneously shrieked with horror at that surprise rap from the host--glad I'm not watching in public!
posted by carrienation at 12:31 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by carrienation at 12:31 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
I thought the rap wasn't horrible? The second bit, though? Ah, yes, so much cringe.
posted by PearlRose at 12:32 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 12:32 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Portugal is super fun for me.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:32 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Bella Donna at 12:32 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Portugal is awesome. Simple staging, but it totally works, and the song is excellent.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:34 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 12:34 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I love Portugal's song so much, but the staging seems so simple in comparison. She is clearly having the time of her life, though, and I can respect that.
posted by PearlRose at 12:35 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by PearlRose at 12:35 PM on May 9, 2023
I realize that having a song by a random Swedish songwriter is de rigeur these days in Eurovision, I feel like Ireland’s committing a real crime against their proud Eurovision history by sending a really crappy song by a Swedish songwriter.
posted by Kattullus at 12:37 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Kattullus at 12:37 PM on May 9, 2023
Ireland not wanting to host again next year, I see.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:38 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:38 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Ireland's mix of U2-style arrangement, borderline-whiny 90s alt-rock singer, and, uh, disco is certainly something.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:38 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by May Kasahara at 12:38 PM on May 9, 2023
I really love this Irish number. The Swedish announcer said something about having a different lead singer originally but replacing the original lead singer with someone who was supposedly more appealing. I hope I didn’t miss hear that because that sounds terrible.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:38 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 12:38 PM on May 9, 2023
I know that it's silly to make fun of what people are wearing at Eurovision, but - that golden jumpsuit? Seriously?
posted by rjs at 12:38 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by rjs at 12:38 PM on May 9, 2023
So, I really like the gold jumpsuit. And the gold keyboard!
The song, however, is just dreadful. He also sounds really, really flat. Oh, Ireland, oh my. The pyrotechnics cannot save you.
posted by PearlRose at 12:38 PM on May 9, 2023
The song, however, is just dreadful. He also sounds really, really flat. Oh, Ireland, oh my. The pyrotechnics cannot save you.
posted by PearlRose at 12:38 PM on May 9, 2023
Bella Donna: The original frontman is still thereI I'm so bad with names, but he's the blond dude on guitar, I think? But the other guy singing in the gold jumpsuit wanted to be the lead singer for their Eurovision song. Apparently he used to watch Eurovision with his mom, who passed away. He wanted to sing lead for Eurovision to honor her memory. It's very sweet!
posted by PearlRose at 12:40 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 12:40 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Yeah, Croatia! This is the batshit Eurovision I've been waiting for!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:40 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:40 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Wait this is why I watch Eurovision, so I can make fun of the outfits. Apparently the Croatian group is a bunch of political activists or they’ve been politically active as a band which is awesome.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:40 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 12:40 PM on May 9, 2023
Croatia has true Eurovision spirit
posted by Kattullus at 12:40 PM on May 9, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 12:40 PM on May 9, 2023 [6 favorites]
Thank you for the update, PearlRose! That was totally not explained by the announcer. Oh my God this is Batshit crazy and awesome.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:41 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 12:41 PM on May 9, 2023
So, we're having a couple of friends over on Saturday to watch the Grand Final with us. They have never watched Eurovision before, as far as I know. That said, I hope Croatia gets in if for no other reason than to give them the full Eurovision experience.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:42 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 12:42 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Croatia! This song has been such an earworm. I can't pronunce any of it but TRAKTOR with various trills have been making their way into my brain on loop anyway.
I don't necessarily love the song, but I love the staging. It's bonkers and a little dumb but also very clever. It's perfect.
posted by PearlRose at 12:42 PM on May 9, 2023
I don't necessarily love the song, but I love the staging. It's bonkers and a little dumb but also very clever. It's perfect.
posted by PearlRose at 12:42 PM on May 9, 2023
I will definitely watch that Croatian number again, I couldn’t take in all the beautiful madness at one go
posted by Kattullus at 12:43 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 12:43 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Krokodilski psihopat!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:43 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:43 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
I desperately want to know what the Croatian lyrics actually say.
posted by meese at 12:43 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by meese at 12:43 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
The four dancers on stage with the Swiss guy are Swedish FYI.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:44 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 12:44 PM on May 9, 2023
What is it with the Swiss and sending rejected songs for insurance commercials?
posted by Kattullus at 12:45 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 12:45 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
I didn't understand the Croatian song but loved every second of it!
posted by carrienation at 12:45 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by carrienation at 12:45 PM on May 9, 2023
Croatia is my favorite of this semi, will be devastated if they don't get through.
Based on the frequency Spotify plays songs from the Eurovision playlist on random mode, I assume the algorithm likes Norway and Switzerland from this batch. I agree on Norway but find Switzerland a little too sad boy ballad for my taste (although nice antiwar sentiment).
posted by the primroses were over at 12:46 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Based on the frequency Spotify plays songs from the Eurovision playlist on random mode, I assume the algorithm likes Norway and Switzerland from this batch. I agree on Norway but find Switzerland a little too sad boy ballad for my taste (although nice antiwar sentiment).
posted by the primroses were over at 12:46 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I hate this song. It's so cheesy which is great for a pop song but I prefer my ballads on the more sincere side. The lyrics are so banal.
HOWEVER. The guy can sing. He is selling this terrible song. The singing is so good.
The staging is SUCH A DISCONNECT from the song, though. I am so torn as to how I feel about this.
posted by PearlRose at 12:47 PM on May 9, 2023
HOWEVER. The guy can sing. He is selling this terrible song. The singing is so good.
The staging is SUCH A DISCONNECT from the song, though. I am so torn as to how I feel about this.
posted by PearlRose at 12:47 PM on May 9, 2023
Israel sent an AI version of Dua Lipa
posted by Kattullus at 12:49 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 12:49 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
This song is not phenomena-phenomena-phenomenal.
posted by carrienation at 12:50 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by carrienation at 12:50 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
The way she hyped up her own dancing, I thought she’d be a good dancer.
posted by Kattullus at 12:50 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 12:50 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
I desperately want to know what the Croatian lyrics actually say.
I cannot personally vouch for this translation/explanation, but it matches up with other sources I've seen.
posted by the primroses were over at 12:51 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
I cannot personally vouch for this translation/explanation, but it matches up with other sources I've seen.
posted by the primroses were over at 12:51 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
I bring you Israel as a prime example of good cheese. The song is like three different songs all smashed together but it's fun! I must say, though, that I wanted more glitter and rainbows in the staging. What's with all the black and white? It's a song called UNICORN. Come on, make it sparkle.
posted by PearlRose at 12:51 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 12:51 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
I am still processing the fact that one of the semi finalists has released a song called two dogs fucking.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:52 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 12:52 PM on May 9, 2023
All that aside, Moldova is what I'm here for. All the pagan folk rock, please and thank you. Flutes! Antler hairpieces! Thank you, Moldova, for always following the assignment directions.
posted by PearlRose at 12:52 PM on May 9, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 12:52 PM on May 9, 2023 [6 favorites]
If the Moldovan performance ends with some kind of actual human sacrifice, I can’t say I’ll be surprised.
posted by Kattullus at 12:54 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 12:54 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
Yeah, Moldova's costuming has definitely moved them up my rankings!
posted by the primroses were over at 12:54 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by the primroses were over at 12:54 PM on May 9, 2023
From the great link posted by the primroses were over:
The Croatian five-piece Let 3 are master provocateurs. Known for vulgar lyrics and obscene live performances, the group have, among other things, masturbated in a music video and been fined by police for performing naked at an outdoor concert. In 2008, their appearance on the Nedjeljom u dva talk show was cut short after they dropped a series of expletives and pretended to pop corks out of their rectums.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:55 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
The Croatian five-piece Let 3 are master provocateurs. Known for vulgar lyrics and obscene live performances, the group have, among other things, masturbated in a music video and been fined by police for performing naked at an outdoor concert. In 2008, their appearance on the Nedjeljom u dva talk show was cut short after they dropped a series of expletives and pretended to pop corks out of their rectums.
posted by Bella Donna at 12:55 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
My husband just asked if Loreen was making paninis for everyone during the vote.
posted by PearlRose at 1:00 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 1:00 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Singing on your back seems to be a (low-energy) trend!
posted by carrienation at 1:00 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by carrienation at 1:00 PM on May 9, 2023
I think it’s deeply unfair that Sweden send all their crap songs to other countries, and then keep their good one for Loreen.
posted by Kattullus at 1:00 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 1:00 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Holy shit, can she sing.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:01 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by May Kasahara at 1:01 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
Not sure how I feel about the song, but I love this singer's voice.
posted by rjs at 1:01 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by rjs at 1:01 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Loreen is a stone cold professional. I cannot stop watching her. It is mesmerizing. I am more than a little bit in love with it.
posted by PearlRose at 1:01 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 1:01 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
It's the kind of singing that steals your breath away, wow
posted by meese at 1:01 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by meese at 1:01 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
She really CAN sing but I’m just gonna say I do not understand the whole nail thing.
posted by Bella Donna at 1:02 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Bella Donna at 1:02 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I'm not sure how I feel about being allowed to vote this year, as an American. It's a lot of pressure.
posted by meese at 1:02 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by meese at 1:02 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
During the Swedish contest, a protester came up during the beginning of her performance. So it was interrupted and the judges let her do it again and she just knocked it out of the park. she may not win again but she is absolutely a professional.
posted by Bella Donna at 1:04 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 1:04 PM on May 9, 2023
Big Sugar Ray vibes from Azerbaijan, not a bad thing if I'm being honest.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 1:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Oh, Azerbaijan. I'm so proud of you for sending a song that isn't a Swedish reject, but this isn't it. It's just so plain, especially after the magnificence of Loreen.
posted by PearlRose at 1:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by PearlRose at 1:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
That Azerbaijani song is making me feel like I live in an oil-rich dictatorship
posted by Kattullus at 1:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 1:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Hey meese, I’m an American in Sweden and I’m not voting. I trust you.
posted by Bella Donna at 1:05 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 1:05 PM on May 9, 2023
No, Azerbaijan. No.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:06 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:06 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I don't know if it's just the suits and the haircuts, but Azerbaijan gives me 21st century Monkees vibes.
posted by the primroses were over at 1:07 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by the primroses were over at 1:07 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Which is to say, somebody needs to vote why not you? I may head to bed before the voting happens. So enjoying sharing this event with you all.
posted by Bella Donna at 1:07 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 1:07 PM on May 9, 2023
I also really like Czechia this year, hope the performance is good!
posted by the primroses were over at 1:08 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by the primroses were over at 1:08 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I am loving this Czech number.
posted by Bella Donna at 1:08 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 1:08 PM on May 9, 2023
Czechia is sending chills not down my spine, but my whole body. Wow.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by May Kasahara at 1:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
I am trying to be good and only vote a few times, but I respect that not everyone can spend money for a contest, especially considering how expensive it is in some nations.
posted by PearlRose at 1:09 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by PearlRose at 1:09 PM on May 9, 2023
Czechia! Can I be your sister, too? I want to be a fierce Eastern European goddess.
posted by PearlRose at 1:10 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 1:10 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
I like songs like this, that bring their own cultural take to the music and create something new, rather than, say, rewarmed yacht rock with a sax break.
posted by carrienation at 1:10 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by carrienation at 1:10 PM on May 9, 2023
Czechia were great.
Then I heard 1 bar of the intro of the Netherlands' song and knew this wasn't it
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:12 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Then I heard 1 bar of the intro of the Netherlands' song and knew this wasn't it
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:12 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Doug Henning and Lorene Yarnell!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:13 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:13 PM on May 9, 2023
Oooof. They are both very, very pretty, but this song is not doing it for me. It's acceptable but acceptable does not get you precious votes.
posted by PearlRose at 1:13 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by PearlRose at 1:13 PM on May 9, 2023
I'm getting strong TNG-era Romulan vibes from the Netherlands costumes.
posted by meese at 1:13 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by meese at 1:13 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
I like it. But not for Eurovision. I don’t know what yacht rock is but I love that phrase so much!
posted by Bella Donna at 1:14 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 1:14 PM on May 9, 2023
Netherlands trying to recreate whatever it was that "Arcade" had, I see.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:14 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 1:14 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
FINLAND IS ON IT
posted by meese at 1:15 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by meese at 1:15 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Did the Finns send some random thing that they like, and damn the torpedoes? The Finns always send some random thing that they like, and damn the torpedoes.
posted by Kattullus at 1:15 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 1:15 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
SAVE US FROM BLAND ATTEMPTS AT SAD DUETS FINLAND.
posted by PearlRose at 1:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [10 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 1:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [10 favorites]
If Finland is ever not on it, there's no hope for Eurovision.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by May Kasahara at 1:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [6 favorites]
Incidentally, Käärijä is Finnish for “wrapper”. I felt very clever when I got that pun.
posted by Kattullus at 1:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 1:16 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Yeah, we seem to be firmly in 'damn the torpedoes' territory.
posted by rjs at 1:17 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by rjs at 1:17 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I love that some groups sing in their native languages. I think that’s such a boss move even for the songs that I don’t like.
posted by Bella Donna at 1:17 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Bella Donna at 1:17 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
TIL there is a ferris wheel sauna!
posted by carrienation at 1:17 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by carrienation at 1:17 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
The fun in Finland! Thank you for your sublimely Finnish take on needing to get drunk to enjoy yourself during a night out. The socially anxious introvert in me (so 99.9% of me) is rasing my imaginary pina colada to you.
posted by PearlRose at 1:18 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 1:18 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Love the Incredible Hulk shrug!
posted by carrienation at 1:18 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by carrienation at 1:18 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
Top five for me from this semi are Croatia, Czechia, Norway, Moldova and CHA CHA CHA!
posted by the primroses were over at 1:19 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by the primroses were over at 1:19 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
I loved the song even more once the chorus hit.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:19 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 1:19 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I like Finland's bondage version of the Keebler Elf costume.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:19 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:19 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
The Finnish outfit was unappealing to me but YMMV. I am off to bed, thanks again!
posted by Bella Donna at 1:21 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Bella Donna at 1:21 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I've never been able to vote before. This is way more stressful than I expected.
posted by PearlRose at 1:23 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 1:23 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Top four: Portugal, Sweden, Czechia, Finland
Runners up: Norway, Latvia, Moldova, Croatia
Also, woo, I get to vote this year!
posted by May Kasahara at 1:23 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Runners up: Norway, Latvia, Moldova, Croatia
Also, woo, I get to vote this year!
posted by May Kasahara at 1:23 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
I love Hannah's goddess gown.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:25 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:25 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I will say, that I will never have the kind of self confidence to be seen in public with Käärijä’s haircut, let alone get on stage
posted by Kattullus at 1:26 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 1:26 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Sweden thanks you. Now I am leaving for reals. <3
posted by Bella Donna at 1:27 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Bella Donna at 1:27 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
A cover of Phil Oakey at the beginning of the show, now a Duran Duran cover. Whoever’s directing the music is a big fan of second British Invasion era pop music. Which, you know, fair enough.
posted by Kattullus at 1:29 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 1:29 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Eliminations (I think): Netherlands, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Latvia
Ireland's mediocre song will get a pass for being Irish, and even though Sweden's song isn't great it will get through because Loreen is singing it.
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:31 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Ireland's mediocre song will get a pass for being Irish, and even though Sweden's song isn't great it will get through because Loreen is singing it.
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:31 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Well, never thought I'd cry because of a Duran Duran song.
posted by meese at 1:32 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by meese at 1:32 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Don't the hosts usually change costumes partway through?
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:33 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:33 PM on May 9, 2023
The vampire bride has a great set of pipes.
posted by Bella Donna at 1:35 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 1:35 PM on May 9, 2023
Despite my best efforts to not go overboard, I did in fact vote all 20 times. The sweet thrill of voting for the first time was too hard to say no to.
Czechia, Norway, Malta, Moldova, Portugal, Croatia, Sweden and Finland all got a few votes from me. There are so many good songs in this semi!
posted by PearlRose at 1:36 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Czechia, Norway, Malta, Moldova, Portugal, Croatia, Sweden and Finland all got a few votes from me. There are so many good songs in this semi!
posted by PearlRose at 1:36 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
I guess I need an app to vote as a "Rest of the World"ian? I forgot we could vote this year, maybe I will figure it out before the final, but for now I will put my faith in the rest of the Eurovision viewership to decide wisely.
posted by the primroses were over at 1:36 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by the primroses were over at 1:36 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I voted through the app because it was easier for me, but voting is still open on esc.vote - that's the site, esc.vote.
posted by PearlRose at 1:39 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by PearlRose at 1:39 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Thanks! I did go to the site, but it looks like the payment options still involve downloading apps and scanning QR codes. I'm sure it is uncomplicated but I am still sort of working and don't want to weigh my alipay vs. WeChat vs. Eurovision app options at this time.
posted by the primroses were over at 1:45 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by the primroses were over at 1:45 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Måns!
posted by Kattullus at 1:46 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 1:46 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I guess since I did it on my phone, it already had my Google Pay connected. Good to know! I'm usually very bad at this stuff, so I was surprised at how easy it was.
Dustin the Turkey was before my time, but I do remember Maans. This interval game is kind of cute, actually!
posted by PearlRose at 1:47 PM on May 9, 2023
Dustin the Turkey was before my time, but I do remember Maans. This interval game is kind of cute, actually!
posted by PearlRose at 1:47 PM on May 9, 2023
I did not expect that the Ukrainian presenter would bust out a note-perfect Scott Stapp impression
posted by Kattullus at 1:53 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Kattullus at 1:53 PM on May 9, 2023
France has gone back to being the most Frenchiest of French again, I see. That headpiece is a choice.
posted by PearlRose at 1:54 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by PearlRose at 1:54 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Eagerly awaiting France's performance in the Grand Final. This song is hitting nearly all my buttons just in this little snippet.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:56 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by May Kasahara at 1:56 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Germany, I see you are trying very hard not to be in last place again this year. Good job, Germany!
(I think I may also own that Little Mermaid mug.)
posted by PearlRose at 1:58 PM on May 9, 2023
(I think I may also own that Little Mermaid mug.)
posted by PearlRose at 1:58 PM on May 9, 2023
Dang, Germany is fantastic as well!
posted by May Kasahara at 1:58 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 1:58 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I would the German song a lot more, if it weren't for the hard metal screamy-singing in it. I know that's a style, but it just isn't for me.
posted by meese at 1:59 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by meese at 1:59 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Bona fide metal yelling in Germany's number. The live performance had better be EXTREMELY EXTRA
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:59 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:59 PM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]
that German song will do surprisingly well, and a certain kind of music snob will be deeply annoyed by it, which will be a joy to behold
despite being the puddingest pudding of an event, Eurovision can still freak out the squares in a most delightful way
posted by Kattullus at 1:59 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
despite being the puddingest pudding of an event, Eurovision can still freak out the squares in a most delightful way
posted by Kattullus at 1:59 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Italy is pretty solid as well. I'm in bizaro land, where I like the Big Five quite a lot again this year!
posted by PearlRose at 2:00 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by PearlRose at 2:00 PM on May 9, 2023
Yay Croatia!
posted by the primroses were over at 2:02 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by the primroses were over at 2:02 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
YES CROATIA THROUGH. TRAKTORA
posted by Pallas Athena at 2:03 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Pallas Athena at 2:03 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Martin Österdahl is good at his job, I’m sure, but I miss Jon Ola Sand, the least Eurovision person in the world
posted by Kattullus at 2:03 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 2:03 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
CROATIA!!!!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:03 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:03 PM on May 9, 2023
HURRAY! FINLAND AND CROATIA YAYAYAYAYAYAAAAAAAAAYYYY
posted by Kattullus at 2:04 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 2:04 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
MOLDOVA YAY
Switzerland... meh. I wonder which more-deserving entry will be booted for that
FINLAND CHA CHA CHA MOFOS
posted by Pallas Athena at 2:04 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Switzerland... meh. I wonder which more-deserving entry will be booted for that
FINLAND CHA CHA CHA MOFOS
posted by Pallas Athena at 2:04 PM on May 9, 2023 [4 favorites]
Yesss, Czechia!
posted by May Kasahara at 2:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 2:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I appreciate that they are not keeping me waiting on my favs. Czechia!
posted by the primroses were over at 2:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by the primroses were over at 2:05 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
PORTUGAL!!
posted by May Kasahara at 2:06 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by May Kasahara at 2:06 PM on May 9, 2023
PORTUGAL!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:06 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:06 PM on May 9, 2023
Norway chants getting loud now...
posted by the primroses were over at 2:08 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by the primroses were over at 2:08 PM on May 9, 2023
Yess!!
posted by rjs at 2:08 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by rjs at 2:08 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
and the crowd goes wild, heh
posted by the primroses were over at 2:08 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by the primroses were over at 2:08 PM on May 9, 2023
Qualifiers:
Croatia
Moldova
Switzerland
Finland
Czechia
Isarel
Portugal
Sweden
Serbia
Norway
posted by PearlRose at 2:08 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Croatia
Moldova
Switzerland
Finland
Czechia
Isarel
Portugal
Sweden
Serbia
Norway
posted by PearlRose at 2:08 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
CZECH LADIES RULE ABSOLUTELY YES
Portugal, yes that was a shoo-in and will be a contender
Israel and Sweden... yes, sure, nice voices, fine
Serbia through?!? OK, the final just got a bit more interesting
YESSSS NORWEGIAN OPERATIC PIRATE QUEENS FOR THE ETERNAL WIN
posted by Pallas Athena at 2:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Portugal, yes that was a shoo-in and will be a contender
Israel and Sweden... yes, sure, nice voices, fine
Serbia through?!? OK, the final just got a bit more interesting
YESSSS NORWEGIAN OPERATIC PIRATE QUEENS FOR THE ETERNAL WIN
posted by Pallas Athena at 2:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
All but one of my picks made it through, so I can't complain. I love Eurovision so much.
posted by PearlRose at 2:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by PearlRose at 2:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
All the countries I voted for got in except for Latvia. Not too shabby!
posted by May Kasahara at 2:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by May Kasahara at 2:09 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Some years there’s lots of samey and bland songs in the final, just this crop alone ensures that the final will be fun.
posted by Kattullus at 2:10 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 2:10 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Ah bummer about Malta, they were fun. Really happy about Croatia and Portugal though! Thanks for hosting the party, PearlRose!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:10 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:10 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Yes. DEATH TO THE SAD BOY BALLAD. That is the important takeaway here.
posted by PearlRose at 2:11 PM on May 9, 2023 [11 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 2:11 PM on May 9, 2023 [11 favorites]
Oh, this was so much fun, even though I had to watch on my tiny laptop screen thanks to the porch construction outside. See you all again on Thursday!
posted by May Kasahara at 2:11 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by May Kasahara at 2:11 PM on May 9, 2023
Yes, thank you, PearlRose, and thank you all for your company.
posted by rjs at 2:11 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by rjs at 2:11 PM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Thank you all! It's always such a nice crowd in here. Looking forward to seeing most of you again hopefully on Thursday and Saturday for the rest of the fun.
posted by PearlRose at 2:14 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by PearlRose at 2:14 PM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
Probably will have to watch the 2nd semi on a delay, so will look forward to checking in on reactions after the fact, and then will absolutely watching live Saturday!
posted by the primroses were over at 2:17 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by the primroses were over at 2:17 PM on May 9, 2023
1) Hannah's dress is fire.
2) Croatia is trolling us, aren't they?
3) I'm American and this is my first Eurovision but I am so here for this weirdness!
Although this is my first Eurovision, I have decided upon my own criteria for "best" and it is INTENSITY. Croatia was 100% intensity as was Norway and holy shit Sweden but Ireland had 0% intensity. I think this may be just being Irish?
posted by fiercekitten at 5:34 PM on May 9, 2023
2) Croatia is trolling us, aren't they?
3) I'm American and this is my first Eurovision but I am so here for this weirdness!
Although this is my first Eurovision, I have decided upon my own criteria for "best" and it is INTENSITY. Croatia was 100% intensity as was Norway and holy shit Sweden but Ireland had 0% intensity. I think this may be just being Irish?
posted by fiercekitten at 5:34 PM on May 9, 2023
Ok, additional notes: Ireland 50% INTENSITY, Azerbaijan is now the low bar.
posted by fiercekitten at 6:02 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by fiercekitten at 6:02 PM on May 9, 2023
Once again I am reminded that my tastes are generally not Eurovisiony: all five of the songs I wouldn’t’ve advanced did advance.
posted by Etrigan at 8:11 PM on May 9, 2023
posted by Etrigan at 8:11 PM on May 9, 2023
Disappointing to hear so many songs in English. I much prefer when acts celebrate their culture rather than optimizing to win.
Loved the techno folk song from Vesna (Czech). 3 or 4 different languages all melded together.
Käärijä got into it, which is what I want to see.
Not a fan of the generic boy band acts.
Sweden was just awful, standard song and terrible stage performance.
posted by madajb at 10:08 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Loved the techno folk song from Vesna (Czech). 3 or 4 different languages all melded together.
Käärijä got into it, which is what I want to see.
Not a fan of the generic boy band acts.
Sweden was just awful, standard song and terrible stage performance.
posted by madajb at 10:08 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
Also of note, I am glad we can actually watch it easily in the U.S.
No mucking about with VPNs or Proxies just to see a European broadcast.
I'm impressed that Peacock resisted the urge to shoehorn ads all over the stream.
Knock on wood that they keep it that way even on replay.
posted by madajb at 10:10 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
No mucking about with VPNs or Proxies just to see a European broadcast.
I'm impressed that Peacock resisted the urge to shoehorn ads all over the stream.
Knock on wood that they keep it that way even on replay.
posted by madajb at 10:10 PM on May 9, 2023 [1 favorite]
I'm watching this a day later. I am desperately wanting Hannah's rainbow dress, and the dress on fire on the other hostess is also amazing. (The off-set bow boob dress....not so much.)
I still love the sweater song and unicorn songs best from when I was last watching Eurovision preview videos.
posted by jenfullmoon at 3:08 PM on May 10, 2023
I still love the sweater song and unicorn songs best from when I was last watching Eurovision preview videos.
posted by jenfullmoon at 3:08 PM on May 10, 2023
I'm impressed that Peacock resisted the urge to shoehorn ads all over the stream.
Knock on wood that they keep it that way even on replay.
I watched on replay, and the ads were on the pause screen, which I thought was quite clever. No, they didn't stop the show for ad segments.
posted by desuetude at 8:00 PM on May 10, 2023
Knock on wood that they keep it that way even on replay.
I watched on replay, and the ads were on the pause screen, which I thought was quite clever. No, they didn't stop the show for ad segments.
posted by desuetude at 8:00 PM on May 10, 2023
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Still can't believe this year's installment is happening in Liverpool, only one of my favorite cities in the world. I so, so wish I could be there in person.
For this year's Eurovision Baking, I've already made a couple of loaves of Ukrainian poppy seed cake, which I discovered the last time Ukraine won. It's one of those cakes which tastes better a few days after baking, rather than fresh out of the oven, but it's delicious either way. Please give this recipe a try if you can!
I will also be making mince pies when I'm more awake, because a Eurovision held in my birth country-- in a city I love, no less-- is like Christmas.
Less than an hour left to go. Let's do this thing!
posted by May Kasahara at 11:18 AM on May 9, 2023 [5 favorites]