Special Event: Special Event: Live Stream: Semifinal 2 (2023 Eurovision Song Contest)

May 11, 2023 7:14 AM

Good evening, Europe! Good morning, Australia! Semifinal 2 begins Thursday May 11 (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 second round of performances!

HOW TO WATCH LIVE:

Viewers outside of the United States can watch via the official livestream for Semifinal 2 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. Denmark - Reiley - "Breaking My Heart"
2. Armenia - Brunette - "Future Lover"
3. Romania - Theodor Andrei - "D.G.T. (Off and On)"
4. Estonia - Alika - "Bridges"
5. Belgium - Gustaph - "Because of You"
6. Cyprus - Andrew Lambrou - "Break a Broken Heart"
7. Iceland - Diljá - "Power"
8. Greece - Victor Vernicos - "What They Say"
9. Poland - Blanka - "Solo" -
10. Slovenia - Joker Out - "Carpe Diem"
11. Georgia - Iru - "Echo"
12. San Marino - Piqued Jacks - "Like an Animal"
13. Austria - Teya and Salena - "Who the Hell Is Edgar?"
14. Albania - Albina and Familja Kelmendi - "Duje"
15. Lithuania - Monika Linkytė - "Stay"
16. Australia - Voyager - "Promise"

posted by PearlRose (155 comments total)

Forgive my ignorance: do we not get to see Ukraine until Saturday, because they're the 'host'?
posted by meese at 8:31 AM on May 11, 2023

Yes. As the previous winner/technically host, they automatically advance to the Grand Final, like the Big Five of the UK, Spain, France, Germany, and Italy.
posted by Etrigan at 8:32 AM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

I unfortunately have to watch on time delay because of work, but I read everybody's comments live on Tuesday and really enjoyed them as a preview, thanks for setting up these threads!
posted by JanetLand at 8:33 AM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

Today, I'll be watching with my spouse, who is mostly on board with my once a year obsession, and a friend who has never seen Eurovision before. She's curious, but she has no idea about just how intense I can be about this. They've been warned about my superfan tendencies and I think it should be fun. Considering I'm voluntarily watching them both scream at a softball game on TV right now, they'd better get it!
posted by PearlRose at 9:22 AM on May 11, 2023 [6 favorites]

I have to watch late, so just encouraging everyone to cheer for Austria for me and all Baltimoreans with a soft spot for Poe (and Philadelphia and Richmond, VA and every other place with a claim to that itinerant weirdo).
posted by the primroses were over at 9:25 AM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Eurovision Baking is done as of yesterday! Made some mini strawberry tarts with the leftover mince pie pastry for a guest on Saturday who is allergic to raisins.

Thanks as always to PearlRose for these threads. Looking forward to today's show!
posted by May Kasahara at 9:52 AM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

Hihi! So I'm going to subscribe to Peacock real quick. Is it better to get the no-commercials plan for this, or does it matter?
posted by mochapickle at 11:16 AM on May 11, 2023

Okay, all set!
posted by mochapickle at 11:45 AM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

The sound on my peacock stream is all funky... I'm hoping it's just because it's still starting up.
posted by meese at 11:59 AM on May 11, 2023

Awesome! Glad to hear it!

OK. After semifinal 1, I had a sudden urge for pina coladas (I wonder why?), so my spouse made up a whole pitcher of them for later. The friend brought lemon cookies and cheese. We've spent the last 15 minutes getting her up to speed on the first semifinal, and we have SVT on the new TV.

Semifinal 2, we are ready for you.
posted by PearlRose at 12:02 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

That's sounds like some very tasty treats and drinks!
posted by meese at 12:05 PM on May 11, 2023

Aw, Denmark looks adorable.
posted by meese at 12:07 PM on May 11, 2023

Official stream is giving me trouble today...
posted by May Kasahara at 12:07 PM on May 11, 2023

ahh my meeting ended early!!!!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:08 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Okay, Denmark may be adorable, but this song isn't doing it for me. There's something about the vocals that doesn't feel like it lines up with the music, for me?
posted by meese at 12:09 PM on May 11, 2023

Denmark looks adorable but I cannot hear what he's singing. Those notes are kind of awful and oh, I am so distracted by the terrible sound mixing.
posted by PearlRose at 12:09 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Denmark’s contestant, Reiley, is actually from the Faroe Islands, an autonomous archipelago north of the Shetland Isles. This is the first time Denmark has sent someone from the Faroes to Eurovision, and I can’t help but think of him as Faroe Islands’ first contestant in Eurovision. And he’s not bad.
posted by Kattullus at 12:10 PM on May 11, 2023 [5 favorites]

He improved quite a bit by the end. My friend is a k-pop fan and when I mentioned that Denmark had a South Korean following, she totally got the vibe he was going for.
posted by PearlRose at 12:11 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Is it me or are there lots of singers this year that start their performances lying down?
posted by Kattullus at 12:12 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Not just you. Lying down is totally a thing this year. Along with their face in HD on the LED screen in XXL. I don't get either of these trends.
posted by PearlRose at 12:13 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Armenia shoulda stuck with the straitjackety dress from the official video. Dunno what they're going for with this costume.
posted by jackbishop at 12:13 PM on May 11, 2023

When the beat dropped, Armenia GOT me
posted by meese at 12:14 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Not just you, Kattullus. 2021 was silver fringe costumes, 2022 was Sad Boy Ballads, and looks like 2023 is singing while lying down.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:15 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Armenia! I really like this song. Although, I confess, I thought the lyric was "drink smoothies at new cafes" not "drink smoothies at near cafes."

The lighting effects are neat! She sings very well live.

Dance breaks are totally a thing this year too, aren't they? I like hers much better than the one yesterday.

Can this please qualify from the #2 death slot? Please? It's so pretty.
posted by PearlRose at 12:15 PM on May 11, 2023

Yeah, that Armenia song was beautiful.
posted by mochapickle at 12:15 PM on May 11, 2023

Oh look, the Romanian staging is pictures of people lying down.
posted by Kattullus at 12:16 PM on May 11, 2023 [4 favorites]

The acoustic arrangement from Romania is neat. But it's also a little boring. Not terrible, but boring.

Well, there's the LED face I mentioned earlier!
posted by PearlRose at 12:18 PM on May 11, 2023

I'm so distracted by the Twin Guardians of the Lava. Is that long underwear?
posted by mochapickle at 12:18 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

....And now I am more distracted by the... chocolate syrup?
posted by mochapickle at 12:19 PM on May 11, 2023

Also, as an Icelander I feel honor bound to point out that the only active volcanoes in Romania are mud volcanoes.
posted by Kattullus at 12:20 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

Estonia’s song is nice in a I-bet-she-listens-to-a-lot-of-Tori-Amos kinda way.
posted by Kattullus at 12:22 PM on May 11, 2023 [4 favorites]

This Estonia song isn't at all what I come to Eurovision for, but it is pretty.
posted by meese at 12:22 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Estonia. I hate to say it, but I am going to forget this one five minutes after it's done. What's with the piano fixation? That was a camera angle choice.

Such a pretty song that is fine? Absolutely fine? I want to like it, but I've had such a difficult time remembering it all season.
posted by PearlRose at 12:22 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

HAUNTED PIANO!

Pretty, pretty, pretty. I love the cascading parts and the rise up to the chorus.
posted by mochapickle at 12:23 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

I wouldn't give a slow orchestral work much of a chance, but Estonia is doing alright and it's been a pretty weak field thus far.
posted by jackbishop at 12:23 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

BELGIUM. I love you.

I hated this song at first, but Gustaph is such a bloody cinnamon roll of a human being. I adore it now, thanks to the power of his Nice Hats. And charisma for days, but mostly the hats.
posted by PearlRose at 12:25 PM on May 11, 2023 [4 favorites]

Wait, Belgium sent a banger? Did no one submit an ironic pastiche of a decades old musical style to the national song contest?
posted by Kattullus at 12:26 PM on May 11, 2023 [4 favorites]

I am here for Belgium's club banger and Gustaph's scout uniform!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:27 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Mostly I want Belgium to qualify because the singer is a genuinely good person and I feel like that needs to be rewarded. The song is a little dated, but the staging is great and it doesn't feel dated in a bad way.
posted by PearlRose at 12:27 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Finally got the video problems sorted out. Missed most of Estonia, unfortunately, and a chunk of Romania and Belgium.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:27 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

GRAHAM!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:28 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Yeah, Belgium's song is good on it's own, but it's the first real banger so far too. I have high hopes!
posted by Garm at 12:28 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

I'm surprised how few people were in Belgium's, given how well it'd lend itself to wild choreography. It would have been better with like 15 people vogueing to that, instead of just one dancer near the end.
posted by jackbishop at 12:29 PM on May 11, 2023

I think they're capped at 6 people on stage at once :(
posted by Garm at 12:30 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

OK, 2 dancers then, onstage the whole time.
posted by jackbishop at 12:32 PM on May 11, 2023

Does it count as a sad boy ballad if there's pyrotechnics?
posted by May Kasahara at 12:35 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

"Thank you, Australia?"
posted by jackbishop at 12:36 PM on May 11, 2023

Cyprus's ringer this year is from Australia. (And another runner-up from Australia Decides from what I can understand of the Swedish commentary.)

He can sing? What the heck? I wasn't expecting this. This is really good. The staging is excellent, his costume is fantastic, and overall, it's extremely well-presented.

Why did all the ballads have to draw this semifinal? I desperately want some genre diversity.
posted by PearlRose at 12:36 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

If you want to wow your guests, Diljá is pronounced DIL-yow (as in the herb, and yowza)
posted by Kattullus at 12:36 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

So now I want jiffypop pants!
posted by mochapickle at 12:37 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

...and Iceland's down!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:37 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Iceland is so strong. She looks like she could kick my ass while singing her (very lovely) power ballad.
posted by PearlRose at 12:39 PM on May 11, 2023

Y’know, I like the Icelandic song, but we could’ve sent a trio of aging rockabillies, and the contrast would’ve absolutely popped tonight.
posted by Kattullus at 12:39 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Was there a really cool performance laying on the floor last year that everyone is trying to emulate?
posted by Garm at 12:40 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Iceland sent a great singer this year, but the song itself isn't doing anything for me.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:40 PM on May 11, 2023

Please do tell me more about these aging rockabillies.
posted by meese at 12:40 PM on May 11, 2023

PearlRose: Iceland is so strong.

If I remember correctly, she’s a CrossFit competitor, so she could probably bench the rest of the singers combined.
posted by Kattullus at 12:40 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

Apparently singing while lying on the ground is really difficult? Azerbaijan did it last year and probably got a lot of jury points for it, but there are no juries in the semis this year. I'm genuinely confused.
posted by PearlRose at 12:41 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

The Greek singer lies on the floor, and the light show is someone else lying on the floor. Points for really going for it.
posted by Kattullus at 12:41 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

Oh Greece, honey, you should've stayed on the floor.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:42 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Kattullus: I was trying to remember what sporty competition she also did! I thought she was going to casually go run a marathon after, which both of my viewing companions thought plausible.
posted by PearlRose at 12:42 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Love his little jumpy dance.
posted by meese at 12:43 PM on May 11, 2023

The Greek song even has a line about lying on the floor. So that should count double.

He sounds a little nervous maybe?
posted by mochapickle at 12:43 PM on May 11, 2023 [4 favorites]

Oh, Greece. You're sixteen and look so damn nervous. I can hear it in your voice. The Steve Irwin costume is also doing you no favors.

Oh, god! HIS WHOLE BODY IS ON THE LED SCREEN.
posted by PearlRose at 12:43 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

This is uncomfortable to watch, honestly. Sorry, Victor.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:44 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Hey, I like the Steve Irwin costume! Sadly, that was probably the best part of the performance.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:45 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

How much will Britney Spears get in royalties for that vocalization of “baby”?
posted by Kattullus at 12:46 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

So, Poland had a very controversial National Final and I will leave it at that.

Anyway, this is my least favorite of the pop-dance songs this year -- her vocals are very terrible. The backing vocals are carrying a lot and her live vocals are rough.

Friend: "Can we go back to Greece? He was nervous but at least his vocals were more sincere and less autotuned."

But the staging is bonkers, and it's not a ballad. I'm kind of tired of the dance breaks, though.
posted by PearlRose at 12:48 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Also, that singer needs to send Piper Perabo royalties for her face.
posted by mochapickle at 12:49 PM on May 11, 2023

Slovenia is making me feel very drunk and being hit on.
posted by Kattullus at 12:50 PM on May 11, 2023 [4 favorites]

I've been enjoying how they shoehorned the performer's hobbies into the interstitial scenes. Rooftop pinball machines! Why not!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:50 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

Slovenia is decent. Reminds me of Urge Overkill.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:51 PM on May 11, 2023

The costumes look like they raided another band's dressing room.
posted by mochapickle at 12:52 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

So, the three of us spent so much time dissecting how terrible Poland was that we missed Slovenia's postcard.

All of us agree that this one is solid breath of fresh air after the last two. Competent musicians who aren't a bundle of nerves and backing vocals? Yes, please. They're also very, very pretty.
posted by PearlRose at 12:52 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Slovenia looked like they were having fun, and there was something just so endearing about how they all came together at the end.
posted by meese at 12:53 PM on May 11, 2023 [5 favorites]

Yeah, after all the sad boys a straightforward rocker is a breath of fresh air.
posted by jackbishop at 12:53 PM on May 11, 2023

Georgia! Your lyrics are a disaster, but it has wormed itself into my head for weeks now. She is such a good singer. I love the wind machine! I love her costume. She doesn't sound like she's about to faint on stage. It's professional, or at least experienced, and I am all in. Total word salad, but who cares? It's bringing so much energy.
posted by PearlRose at 12:56 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

There’s too much going in the Georgian song, which is a shame, because the rhythm patterns of the beat are quite interesting, but the rest of the music kinda buries the interesting bit.
posted by Kattullus at 12:56 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Oh, I love her! She's terrific.
posted by mochapickle at 12:56 PM on May 11, 2023

Relieved Georgia's long scarf didn't get caught in the hamster wheel!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:57 PM on May 11, 2023 [5 favorites]

Georgia showing how to make the most of the big screens there.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:59 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Just another day of soccer and jean jackets at the castle!
posted by mochapickle at 1:01 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

San Marino's down!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:02 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

San Marino looks like they're having such a great time but their song is still pretty terrible.

Spouse: "Still infinitely better than Poland."
posted by PearlRose at 1:02 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Lying! Down! Doesn't! Make! Sense! With! Rock!
posted by meese at 1:03 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Although I'm gonna say the singer's ruby and onyx jacket is AMAZING. There's a cutout back, I would totally wear that. Such an upgrade!
posted by mochapickle at 1:03 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Ooh, a backless blazer.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:04 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

San Marino has been described as "the world's best wedding singer. Charismatic in a way that is going to make someone's grandmother swoon. In any other context, it would be too much, but tonight, someone's grandma is gonna be happy."
posted by PearlRose at 1:04 PM on May 11, 2023 [5 favorites]

Yeah, San Marino does not have a good song and are straight up less fun than Slovenia was on the rock front.
posted by jackbishop at 1:04 PM on May 11, 2023

About time for the batshit insanity that is Austria's contribution.
posted by jackbishop at 1:05 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

OH AUSTRIA. Don't let me down! I want to have a beer with you two so badly, you are so cute and lovely and I LOVE YOUR SONG.
posted by PearlRose at 1:05 PM on May 11, 2023 [4 favorites]

Here’s a song for literature nerds… which is not a phrase I’ve ever had cause to say about a Eurovision song.
posted by Kattullus at 1:06 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Oh hell yeah, I think we all need Edgar after the last several.
posted by meese at 1:06 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

I LOVE THIS?!
posted by May Kasahara at 1:06 PM on May 11, 2023 [5 favorites]

It takes confidence to project "ugh" in 30-foot-high letters behind yourself while singing.
posted by jackbishop at 1:09 PM on May 11, 2023 [7 favorites]

That was actually good, not just Eurovision good.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:09 PM on May 11, 2023 [5 favorites]

Austria, you did not let me down. I am crying and screaming and you have saved us from terrible ballads this semi. Friend loved it, Spouse thought they nailed it, we are all here for these two brilliant ladies.
posted by PearlRose at 1:09 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

YES YES YES ALBANIA YES
posted by meese at 1:09 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

C'mon Albania, six people lying down on the floor, you can do it!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:10 PM on May 11, 2023 [7 favorites]

I'm catching up here. Belgium is giving real Sam Smith vibes, which is totally appropriate given the costume and song. They should really start writing Eurovision songs.
posted by fiercekitten at 1:11 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Thank goodness we have Austria and Albania saving us from an otherwise middling Semi-Final.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:11 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

Also loving Albania.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:11 PM on May 11, 2023

Albania singer has outer-thigh cutouts, omg, it's fantastic! They're great.
posted by mochapickle at 1:12 PM on May 11, 2023

Now THAT is how you use pyrotechnics
posted by meese at 1:13 PM on May 11, 2023

That is a hell of an outfit.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:13 PM on May 11, 2023

We all got a collective chuckle at the Keeping up with the Klemendis joke.

Spouse: "They got the stoic sister to smile! Way to go!" (Sister stage left, shoulder lengh hair.)

We think they're lovely and just sound so comfortable singing in their native language.

Friend: "Can we just have the lead singer? She has more charisma than the rest of the family."
posted by PearlRose at 1:13 PM on May 11, 2023

PearlRose, I am sure your friend has many wonderful qualities, but they are so wrong about everyone in Albania's group. The family aspect absolutely MADE it
posted by meese at 1:15 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

I like the Lithuanian song, with its finalist-at-a-countywide-high-school-song-contest vibes
posted by Kattullus at 1:15 PM on May 11, 2023

Lithuania is probably the strongest ballad of the night. She is a solid professional, and we all love the little Čiūto tūto flourishes. This is one I actually bothered to learn the lyrics for, which means I really like it!
posted by PearlRose at 1:15 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

STRAYA!!!!!!!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:16 PM on May 11, 2023

meese: I love love love the family group aspect. It's her first Eurovision so we'll forgive her for being wrong. ;)
posted by PearlRose at 1:17 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Every year I have the same thought at this point in the night:

“Oh yeah, Australia are in this now”.
posted by Kattullus at 1:17 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Australia has been my spouse's favorite all season. We are so excited about this one.
posted by PearlRose at 1:18 PM on May 11, 2023

Is that a shiny loincloth over shiny pants, with shiny jacket?
posted by meese at 1:19 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Spouse: "These guys are here to win it. They want to be invited back next year."

Fun fact: The lead singer has a day job as an immigration attorney.
posted by PearlRose at 1:20 PM on May 11, 2023 [6 favorites]

ALL THIS AND BEARD GLITTER, FOLKS!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:20 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

They bought that whole bolt of sequinned houndstooth.
posted by mochapickle at 1:20 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

No jetlag on that stage! Good job, Aussies.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:21 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Australia going for the Blind Channel vote
posted by Kattullus at 1:21 PM on May 11, 2023

Australia sees no need to lie on the floor or put their face on the LED screen. They don't follow the trends. They are the trends.

Friend officially has them as her favorite. Okay, her taste is redeemed.
posted by PearlRose at 1:22 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

It's really unfair that Malta isn't competing against this group. They'd be a shoe in, today.
posted by meese at 1:22 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Top four: Austria, Austria, Austria, Austria

Runners-up: Albania, Australia

Honorable mentions: Poland, Slovenia, Georgia, Lithuania
posted by May Kasahara at 1:23 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Still catching up: Albania is bringing the INTENSITY! The family aspect pushes it way past 100%. Can you have more than 100%?
Yes.
600% INTENSITY!
posted by fiercekitten at 1:24 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

HANDSTAND FOR ICELAND!
posted by mochapickle at 1:25 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

So many of these "highlight" clips sound exactly the same
posted by meese at 1:27 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Okay, the three of us voted. Most of our votes went to Austria and Australia, and then we spread the love around to a lot of other people in the hopes of squeezing out the acts we really absolutely hated and do not want to see in the final (Poland).
posted by PearlRose at 1:30 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Too bad for you PearlRose, I threw a vote to Poland! (I really did like them enough to do so.)
posted by May Kasahara at 1:31 PM on May 11, 2023

Holy shit Australia. Lyrics are sort of weak, thus not intense nor epic but the presentation is maximum INTENSITY. The band really rocking out goes past the lyrical weakness.
posted by fiercekitten at 1:31 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Would anyone be able to explain a bit about the imagery in this tribute to Ukraine?
posted by meese at 1:32 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

There were a few standouts tonight, but, yeah, it feels like the competition was a lot tougher in the first semi.
posted by jackbishop at 1:32 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

The first semifinal was called the semi of death this year for a reason.
posted by PearlRose at 1:39 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

May Kasahara: It's all good. I am not crazy about Poland but I wasn't expecting both my viewing companions to have such strong opinions about it.
posted by PearlRose at 1:40 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

As a fat woman, it's hard for me to describe how it feels to see a fat woman in an amazing sparkley body suit and absolutely killing it.

Which is exactly the point.
posted by meese at 1:43 PM on May 11, 2023 [10 favorites]

The interval acts this year have been really great and I am so not used to that.
posted by PearlRose at 1:46 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

And of course, Tumblr is a treasure trove of Eurovision content. Like this!
posted by meese at 1:49 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

I want to note that Mae Muller co-wrote “I Wrote a Song”, while Barry Manilow didn’t write “I Write the Songs”.
posted by Kattullus at 2:00 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

It's results time! I am so not ready for this. Why do I always get so nervous? It's not like I competed!
posted by PearlRose at 2:02 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

GUSTAPH!!!!!!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:04 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Yay for the lovely Belgium cinnamon bun!
posted by meese at 2:04 PM on May 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

Gustaph totally made me cry!
posted by mochapickle at 2:04 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Hell yeah AUSTRIA!
posted by May Kasahara at 2:05 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

The “Edgar Allan Poe” Wikipedia pages in various European languages are going to get a big bump in page visits on Saturday night
posted by Kattullus at 2:05 PM on May 11, 2023 [4 favorites]

AUSTRALIA!!!!!!!!!!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:06 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

Aw, I really liked Georgia and Iceland too.
posted by mochapickle at 2:08 PM on May 11, 2023 [4 favorites]

QUALIFIED FOR THE FINAL:
Albania
Cyprus
Estonia
Belgium
Austria
Lithuania
Poland
Australia
Armenia
Slovenia
posted by PearlRose at 2:09 PM on May 11, 2023

Surprised neither Iceland nor Romania made it.
posted by jackbishop at 2:09 PM on May 11, 2023

Not bitter or anything, but the rockabilly trio would’ve gone through to the final.
posted by Kattullus at 2:10 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

I'm really sad about Georgia and Iceland? Like, the first semifinal was definitely stronger but there were so many good entries left on the floor in this semi.
posted by PearlRose at 2:11 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

I was kinda pulling for Georgia, but otherwise, no real complaints with the qualifiers.
posted by May Kasahara at 2:11 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Thanks for the party, PearlRose! Can't wait for Saturday. Stay glittery, everyone!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:17 PM on May 11, 2023 [4 favorites]

Yes, thank you PearlRose and everyone for the fun!
posted by mochapickle at 2:22 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

I wonder if the poor performance of sad boys means the long shadow of Kristian Kostov has finally lifted from Eurovision. No shade on Kristian, Beautiful Mess is a fine song.
posted by Kattullus at 2:25 PM on May 11, 2023 [2 favorites]

The mix absolutely killed a lot of these songs, especially for solo performers.
posted by Etrigan at 7:25 PM on May 11, 2023 [1 favorite]

Sooo....

Those were all kinda boring, right?

Generic ballads and standard pop songs, nothing outlandish or really memorable.

First semi-final was much stronger.
posted by madajb at 7:40 PM on May 12, 2023 [1 favorite]

Yessss, happy that Austria's performance was so good (loved the giant typewriter bit at the start!). Australia really won me over with their enthusiasm, sparkly houndstooth and random on stage car as well. And Estonia and her player piano, heh.

Disappointed Iceland didn't make the grand final; maybe needed to work that handstand into the performance.

The first semi was definitely the stronger group though.

Did not know about the Ukrainian origins of carol of the bells, and generally appreciated the Ukrainian medley.

Grand Final Running Order:
1. 🇦🇹 Austria | Teya & Salena - Who The Hell Is Edgar?
2. 🇵🇹 Portugal | Mimicat - Ai Coração
3. 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Remo Forrer - Watergun
4. 🇵🇱 Poland | Blanka - Solo
5. 🇷🇸 Serbia | Luke Black - Samo Mi Se Spava
6. 🇫🇷 France: La Zarra - Évidemment
7. 🇨🇾 Cyprus | Andrew Lambrou - Break A Broken Heart
8. 🇪🇸 Spain: Blanca Paloma - Eaea
9. 🇸🇪 Sweden | Loreen - Tattoo
10. 🇦🇱 Albania | Albina & Familja Kelmendi - Duje
11. 🇮🇹 Italy: Marco Mengoni - Due Vite
12. 🇪🇪 Estonia | Alika - Bridges
13. 🇫🇮 Finland | Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha
14. 🇨🇿 Czechia | Vesna - My Sister's Crown
15. 🇦🇺 Australia | Voyager - Promise
16. 🇧🇪 Belgium | Gustaph - Because Of You
17. 🇦🇲 Armenia | Brunette - Future Lover
18. 🇲🇩 Moldova | Pasha Parfeni - Soarele şi Luna
19. 🇺🇦 Ukraine: TVORCHI - Heart of Steel
20. 🇳🇴 Norway | Alessandra - Queen of Kings
21. 🇩🇪 Germany: Lord of the Lost - Blood & Glitter
22. 🇱🇹 Lithuania | Monika Linkytė - Stay
23. 🇮🇱 Israel | Noa Kirel - Unicorn
24. 🇸🇮 Slovenia | Joker Out - Carpe Diem
25. 🇭🇷 Croatia | Let 3 - Mama ŠČ!
26. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Mae Muller - I Wrote A Song
posted by the primroses were over at 8:07 PM on May 12, 2023 [3 favorites]