Live Stream: Semifinal 1 (2022 Eurovision Song Contest)

May 10, 2022 9:15 AM

Good evening, Europe! Good morning, Australia! Semifinal 1 begins Tuesday May 10th (today!), at 2100 CEST / 3:00pm EDT. Come on in to chat about the first round of performances and conjecture about who's good, bad, and so-bad-it's-good.

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 finally watch it live via Peacock, NPC’s online streaming channel, but unlike last year, this year it requires a paid subscription (and will include commentary).

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RUNNING ORDER:
===============
01. Albania - Ronela Hajati - "Sekret"
02. Latvia - Citi Zēni - "Eat Your Salad"
03. Lithuania - Monika Liu - "Sentimentai"
04. Switzerland - Marius Bear - "Boys Do Cry"
05. Slovenia - LPS - "Disko"
06. Ukraine - Kalush Orchestra - "Stefania"
07. Bulgaria - Intelligent Music Project - "Intention"
08. Netherlands - S10 - "De diepte"
09. Moldova - Zdob și Zdub and Advahov Brothers - "Trenulețul"
10. Portugal - Maro - "Saudade, saudade"
11. Croatia - Mia Dimšić - "Guilty Pleasure"
12. Denmark - Reddi - "The Show"
13. Austria - Lumix feat. Pia Maria - "Halo"
14. Iceland - Systur - "Með hækkandi sól"
15. Greece - Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord - "Die Together"
16. Norway - Subwoolfer - "Give That Wolf a Banana"
17. Armenia - Rosa Linn - "Snap"

Official Semi-Final 1 Playlist

BONUS CONTENT: Eurovision Backstage, hosted by Samya Hafsaoui, who is just as charming and witty as she was last year.

posted by PearlRose (112 comments total)

Can't wait! Haven't been sleeping well this week, but did catch up a little last night, so we'll see how it goes. At the very least, I'm loving the titles of two of today's tracks. Might not be able to watch all of the second Semifinal, but again, we'll see.

Going to pick up my Eurovision baking again for the Grand Final after not doing any last year, and have decided to make anginetti.
posted by May Kasahara at 10:27 AM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

I will have to start this late, but will be chiming in belatedly once I get to catch up!

I'll be watching via Peacock, mainly for laziness/ time delay reasons but I admit I am interested in Johnny Weir's commentary. Good to have the link to the Swedish stream if Peacock ends up being terrible though. Bummed they restricted it to Premium this year, but I'm still catching up on Girls5Eva at the moment, so they already have my $5 this month.
posted by the primroses were over at 11:11 AM on May 10, 2022

Beverage: check. Charged batteries: check. Cat companion: check.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:00 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

This is around the time I realize I really like more than 10 songs from this semi. It's going to be one heck of a show.
posted by PearlRose at 12:09 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

And we have an eagle scream!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:14 PM on May 10, 2022

Albania. Can definitely sing. She sells the song and is a great performer. I just don't care for the staging, I think.
posted by PearlRose at 12:16 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

SALAD BOYS! They are very charming and friendly buuuuuut I wish they'd sent a better song.
posted by PearlRose at 12:17 PM on May 10, 2022

Albania was out of breath halfway through the song. Don't sing and dance people... it doesn't sound good.
posted by Pendragon at 12:18 PM on May 10, 2022

A new Epic Sax Guy appears?!
posted by May Kasahara at 12:19 PM on May 10, 2022 [3 favorites]

I had completely forgotten about the Latvian song. It’s like it was written by the fun guys in accounting during a corporate retreat at a music camp … but good?
posted by Kattullus at 12:19 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

Latvia sells the song and I enjoy it because they are clearly enjoying themselves.
posted by PearlRose at 12:20 PM on May 10, 2022

Lithuania! I love this song so much. I however, fear it is too good for Eurovision.

Monika is so lovely and charismatic. I desperately want this one to make it to the final.
posted by PearlRose at 12:24 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]

Yay for Lithuania singing a song in Lithuanian. I always have a soft spot for performers from relatively non-populous nations who sing in their native language.
posted by Kattullus at 12:26 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]

Lithuania's song was lovely. I don't think it's quite a winner, but I wish it well in the rankings.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:27 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Switzerland: Sad boy ballad, but in English this time. And also not as good.

Slovenia: They are adorable and clearly out past curfew.
posted by PearlRose at 12:31 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

And Slovenia too! And it’s a decent disco song as well!
posted by Kattullus at 12:32 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Slovenia is cute but I feel like I’m in the bar of a small town Howard Johnson’s circa 1975.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:32 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Slovenia: love, love, love the song. The band is great, too. The singer, unfortunately, is a little bland overall.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:32 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Disco song ? What was disco about it ?
posted by Pendragon at 12:33 PM on May 10, 2022

Ukraine..... It's probably going to win but .... I just don't like the song ?
posted by Pendragon at 12:34 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Ukraine: the MC in the pink hat is hype. Who knew Ukrainian hip hop was this good?
posted by May Kasahara at 12:35 PM on May 10, 2022

Ukraine always sends good music. However, I feel like they've sent stronger stuff in the past. I also feel like there are stronger songs from other nations this year.

I like it, and want it to do well. But not win.
posted by PearlRose at 12:36 PM on May 10, 2022

I don’t dislike Ukraine’s song this year, but it is essentially a not as good version of last year’s brilliant Shum by Go_A.
posted by Kattullus at 12:38 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Ukraine's definitely sent better songs in the recent past, but this was still a strong entry. The best one so far (as early as that is).
posted by May Kasahara at 12:40 PM on May 10, 2022

Moldova is always a candidate for Nuttiest Song, or, if they have a normal song, Most Bonkers Performance.

Can't wait. Just catching up now.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 12:40 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Ooooof. Bulgaria is so far off key they locked themselves out.
posted by PearlRose at 12:42 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

I forgot this was today! I'm here now--just in time for rock, apparently, thank you Bulgaria.
posted by mixedmetaphors at 12:42 PM on May 10, 2022

Bulgaria's not bad. Getting slight Guns N' Roses crossed with 80's era Rush vibes.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:43 PM on May 10, 2022

Bulgaria sound like a Def Leppard cover band, but look like a Nickelback cover band. Very confusing.
posted by Kattullus at 12:43 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]

What exactly is "the sound of beauty"?
posted by DirtyOldTown at 12:46 PM on May 10, 2022

Netherlands reminded me that I have an open bottle of red wine in the kitchen from last night. I’ve already forgotten the song.
posted by Kattullus at 12:47 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

I feel like the Netherlands is going to get lost in the shuffle. It's just... fine, I guess?
posted by PearlRose at 12:47 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

I think the Netherlands song is beautiful but wish she was in better tune.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:47 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

The Netherlands song is very nice.
posted by mixedmetaphors at 12:49 PM on May 10, 2022

I'm a native Dutch speaker. It's a sweet little song if you can understand the lyrics, not sure how it's going to come across if you can't
posted by rjs at 12:49 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Yeah, come through, Moldova!
posted by mixedmetaphors at 12:49 PM on May 10, 2022

Moldova go home..... you're drunk.
posted by Pendragon at 12:49 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

What exactly is "the sound of beauty"?

Cymatics!
posted by PearlRose at 12:50 PM on May 10, 2022

OK, Moldova's fun.
posted by rjs at 12:50 PM on May 10, 2022

Latvia has been out-Eurovisioned by Moldova (also Joey Ramone is turning in his grave).
posted by May Kasahara at 12:50 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]

I will absolutely be voting for Moldova. This is everything I want from Eurovision. No, this is everything I want from life.
posted by Kattullus at 12:50 PM on May 10, 2022 [3 favorites]

I liked Moldova before they revamped it. But they're clearly having a great time.
posted by PearlRose at 12:51 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

The accordionist and the violinist in a band should always wear matching suits. That is a belief I've long held. Thank you, Moldova!
posted by mixedmetaphors at 12:52 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]

Legit got chills watching Portugal's performance. Incredible song. Far and away my favorite thus far.
posted by May Kasahara at 12:56 PM on May 10, 2022

Portugal continues to do their own thing. I continue to enjoy it.

I think they're having sound issues, though. It sounded a bit tinny/scratchy.
posted by PearlRose at 12:56 PM on May 10, 2022

I like the fact that the Italian hosts aren’t trying to be funny. My fellow Nordics are the worst in that regard when they win, it’s always painful.
posted by Kattullus at 12:58 PM on May 10, 2022

I would put that Portugal song on regular rotation. I liked it a lot!
posted by mixedmetaphors at 12:58 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Croatia has been a... guilty pleasure of mine all season. I don't think it will qualify, but it's a catchy little tune.
posted by PearlRose at 1:00 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

I really liked Croatia's staging with the dancers! That was pretty to watch.
posted by mixedmetaphors at 1:02 PM on May 10, 2022

Yes, it was growing on my as I listened.
posted by rjs at 1:02 PM on May 10, 2022

Ooh, I like Denmark.
posted by rjs at 1:03 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

I liked the Croatian song, but I’ll admit I was distracted by the weirdness of the singer’s dress. It moved like it was in a course project by a first year computer animation student.
posted by Kattullus at 1:04 PM on May 10, 2022

OK, I didn't see that coming. Still fun, though.
posted by rjs at 1:04 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Denmark is super fun.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:05 PM on May 10, 2022

Denmark! That was fun!
posted by mixedmetaphors at 1:06 PM on May 10, 2022

I quite like Denmark for doing something different with the rockers. It's fun!
posted by PearlRose at 1:06 PM on May 10, 2022

Denmark went: "Oh, the way to win is to send Danish female bass players to Eurovision? How do you like this? It's four Danish female bass players! Okay, only one of them plays bass, but you get the point, eh? Eh? Europe? Eh?"
posted by Kattullus at 1:10 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

No, Austria. No.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:10 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

There needs to be more energy here, Austria. It should be fun. This is... not good.
posted by PearlRose at 1:12 PM on May 10, 2022

Austria's song needs a bit more work. There's a hint of something good in there. As it is, though... no.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:12 PM on May 10, 2022

Austria's not my thing, but...good for them! That hair color is great on her!
posted by mixedmetaphors at 1:13 PM on May 10, 2022

You'd think that Austria was here for the 90s revival, but I'd like just to point out that Haddaway lives in Austria. Austria is where the cheese dream of the 90s is alive.
posted by Kattullus at 1:13 PM on May 10, 2022

Iceland is good retro.
posted by PearlRose at 1:15 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

I'm still pretty far behind y'all and am just getting to Moldova, which did not disappoint.

Siri, show me what Gogol Bordello mixed with LMFAO would look like.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:16 PM on May 10, 2022 [5 favorites]

The stupidest controversy in Iceland before Eurovision was that some mens got upset online that the sibling band was named "Systur", which means sisters, because there was also a brother in the band. The drummer said that he was perfectly happy to be his sisters' sister, and that was that. At least that inspired the band to make a point of supporting trans rights.

The controversy should've been that hat, because no Icelander has ever looked good in a cowboy hat.
posted by Kattullus at 1:17 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]

Iceland was very good! I hope they make it to the Grand Final.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:17 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Is Greece's song about the pandemic?
posted by May Kasahara at 1:20 PM on May 10, 2022 [3 favorites]

Croatia is the early leader for "song that won't win but I might actually listen to it later" award.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:20 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

The song is too melodramatic for me, but Greece is leaning into it 110%. It is very technically sound and she sings it well.
posted by PearlRose at 1:20 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

The Greek song didn't make me want to stab ice picks in my ear drums? Are there no certainties in this world anymore? Is this what it's like to grow old?
posted by Kattullus at 1:21 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

SOMEONE GIVE THAT WOLF A BANANA
posted by May Kasahara at 1:23 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]

Denmark is fun. it always blows my mind how many Eurovision entries have up-to-date fashions, but still perform a song that seems to have been written between 1982-1989. I did like it though.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:24 PM on May 10, 2022

Norway is trying hard to rise above all the other quirky entries this year. (I think it's working.)
posted by PearlRose at 1:24 PM on May 10, 2022 [3 favorites]

BA-NA-NA!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 1:24 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Norway isn't just bonkers, it's also a pretty catchy song.
posted by rjs at 1:25 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]

Norway isn't just bonkers, it's bananas.
posted by May Kasahara at 1:27 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

I kinda want to like the Norwegian song, but it's a minimalist's version of Eurovision weirdness, which doesn't quite do it for me.
posted by Kattullus at 1:28 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

"Not sure you have a name, so I will call you 'Keith.'"

"If you don't like the name 'Keith,' I'ma call you 'Jim.'"
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:29 PM on May 10, 2022

I didn't much like Armenia's song much at first. Then I heard her sing live, and I changed my tune.

They're doing something different with the staging too, which I can respect.
posted by PearlRose at 1:30 PM on May 10, 2022

My top six, in order (roughly):
Portugal
Denmark
Norway
Iceland
Bulgaria
Ukraine
posted by May Kasahara at 1:31 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Armenia's song sounds like contemporary pop radio.<sup>*

*</sup>For context, I am a 46 year-old aging indie rock fan and this is a devastating insult. It's devastating. You're devastated, Armenia.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:34 PM on May 10, 2022 [7 favorites]

There were a lot of suits this year!

I caught up on the entries I missed, and I think Portugal's still the song I most actually want to listen to, but I also really liked Lithuania's song and performance. And I always appreciate when Moldova sends their most fun entry possible. Denmark was delightful, too, especially since I wasn't expecting what it actually was.
posted by mixedmetaphors at 1:41 PM on May 10, 2022

I want Lithuania to make it to the final.

I would like Ukraine, Croatia, Portugal, Iceland, Moldova, Latvia, and Norway to make it.

I can see how Greece, Armenia, Denmark, Slovenia, and Albania could qualify.

Everything else is... fine? This is really difficult to choose!
posted by PearlRose at 1:42 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

Was that actually Eiffel 65 murdering "Blue" onstage? And now there's… something else happening?

I've watched student films by 22 year olds who think they're the next David Lynch, and nothing I watch is ever as confusing as Eurovision interstitial numbers.
posted by Kattullus at 1:43 PM on May 10, 2022 [3 favorites]

I find that most interval acts are a good excuse for a snack break. This years' has not convinced me otherwise.
posted by PearlRose at 1:45 PM on May 10, 2022 [3 favorites]

Italy are sending a proper San Remo ballad this year. If they hadn't won last year, it would be a fairly strong contender. It's not my thing, but give me a couple glasses more of this lovely Italian red wine, and I'll be singing along.
posted by Kattullus at 1:55 PM on May 10, 2022

This is a strange way recap Eurovision history.
posted by PearlRose at 1:56 PM on May 10, 2022

The Armenian Jr. Eurovision song seems super catchy. I should look it up.
posted by PearlRose at 1:59 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Ah, Big Five interviews! I feel very weird having 3/5's of them in my favorites this year. Have I gone through the looking glass?
posted by PearlRose at 2:01 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Oh wait, that was the Italian song from 2020, the main contender to beat the unofficial winner that year.
posted by Kattullus at 2:03 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

Good to go. So stressful.
posted by PearlRose at 2:05 PM on May 10, 2022

Where have you gone, Jon Ola Sand? A continent turns its lonely eyes to you.
posted by Kattullus at 2:06 PM on May 10, 2022

JEI ÍSLAND!
posted by Kattullus at 2:06 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

LITHUANIA!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by PearlRose at 2:07 PM on May 10, 2022 [3 favorites]

I accidentally poured vodka into my Cuba Libre. I forgot how stressful the results reveal could be.
posted by PearlRose at 2:08 PM on May 10, 2022 [6 favorites]

Bananas!
posted by rjs at 2:08 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

OH THANK EUROGOD MOLDOVA
posted by Kattullus at 2:09 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

Whoa, the Netherlands and not Denmark? Didn't see that coming.
posted by rjs at 2:11 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

Bah on Denmark not getting in. Ah well, see you all again on Thursday.
posted by May Kasahara at 2:13 PM on May 10, 2022 [1 favorite]

QUALIFIERS FOR THE GRAND FINAL:
Switzerland
Armenia
Iceland
Lithuania
Portugal
Norway
Greece
Ukraine
Moldova
Netherlands
posted by PearlRose at 2:13 PM on May 10, 2022 [4 favorites]

Mod note: Just as a little note: you should be able to post the next ESC posts as Special Events and have them appear on the front page of FanFare. That wasn’t available at the time this post went up, but is an option now.
posted by frimble (staff) at 2:15 PM on May 10, 2022 [7 favorites]

Awesome!
posted by rjs at 2:23 PM on May 10, 2022

I tried to watch the replay on Peacock but their obnoxious network bug drove me batty.

I just can't deal with that sort of thing after so many years of streaming services.

Is the official youtube stream unblemished?

And hopefully without this dude that keeps popping up in the corner.
posted by madajb at 5:29 PM on May 10, 2022

Finally got to catch up. Will be happier on Saturday when I can watch the grand final live.

I am mostly content with the songs that made it through, although Denmark was robbed. I am on the Moldova train for sure, though there are some other catchy tunes from this half.

Liked the hosts, fun to be reminded that Mika exists. (That joke is mocking my memory, not Mika, to be clear.)

As far as the Peacock broadcast goes, eh. I like Johnny Weir, and his outfit was fabulous but I don't think NBC handled having their own host with the livestream well. He could have used a co-host to chat with - in the beginning, he referred to the Turin hosts as his co-hosts, and it made me sad that he was stuck in his green room by himself occasionally desperately trying to engage with the crew. They did at least refrain from having him talk over the performances, so could have been worse.
posted by the primroses were over at 6:20 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

Moldova has all my (non-existent, Canadian) votes.
posted by jb at 7:10 PM on May 10, 2022 [2 favorites]

What I really love about Moldova's song isn't just that it has a great, trad-folk element, but it's also a song about being Moldovan and travelling to Romania, and feeling a bit torn about the countries being separated. It's fun, but also has a message.
posted by jb at 7:37 PM on May 10, 2022 [3 favorites]

I am absolutely all-in for Norway.
posted by dnash at 10:41 AM on May 11, 2022

Semifinal 2 Live Thread has been posted.
posted by PearlRose at 6:48 AM on May 12, 2022 [1 favorite]

This was possibly the best semi I've ever seen, top to bottom. Only a couple of clunkers, and several that I've already put in my actual playlist and am enjoying beyond the semi-ironic IT'S EUROVISION BAYBAY spectacle of it all.

I want a six-hour Netflix documentary on that instrument the Ukrainian singer was playing.
posted by Etrigan at 8:03 AM on May 12, 2022 [4 favorites]

I want a six-hour Netflix documentary on that instrument the Ukrainian singer was playing.

That is the telenka. It's apparently very hard to play.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:45 AM on May 12, 2022 [3 favorites]

Okay, 12 hours then.
posted by Etrigan at 9:43 AM on May 12, 2022

I am here for your Eastern European folk instrument questions.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 10:18 AM on May 12, 2022