Summary

  • Latvia, Austria, The Netherlands, Norway, Israel, Greece, Estonia, Switzerland, Georgia and Armenia go through to the Eurovision Final

  • Sixteen countries performed tonight in a bid to qualify for Saturday's grand final

  • Fifteen countries competed in the first semi-final on Tuesday, with Ireland, Croatia and Ukraine among the 10 going through

  • The UK automatically qualifies for the final, but singer Olly Alexander showcased Britain's entry Dizzy on Tuesday

  • The theme this year is "united by music" and it's the seventh time Sweden has staged the contest, after Loreen won last year

Live Reporting

  1. Israel sails through, and a surprise for Latvia

    Mark Savage
    BBC Music correspondent

    Eden GolanSarah Louise-Bennett / EBU

    It's an understatement to say that Israel's presence at Eurovision has been a source of controversy this year.

    Feelings are running high as the Israel-Gaza war enters its seventh month, with a huge humanitarian cost.

    Last night, Israel's representative - 20-year-old Eden Golan - was booed during the dress rehearsal; and today there was a large pro-Palestinian rally near the Malmö Arena, where the contest is being held, as well as a smaller, pro-Israeli march.

    But it's a long-standing truism of Eurovision that you cannot vote against a country... And Israel picked up enough votes for their brooding ballad, Hurricane, to make it through to the final.

    That result was widely anticipated before the semi-final.

    More surprising was Latvia's progression to the next stage of the contest.

    Their song, Hollow, was at the bottom of the bookmakers' odds and received a fairly muted reception in the arena. Viewers at home, however, disagreed - and the brooding, intense singer Dons will compete again on Saturday.

    He faces tough competition, though. The top two favourites - Croatia's Baby Lasagna and Switzerland's Nemo - have both qualified. According to the odds, they have a combined 66% chance of winning.

    We'll find out if that's accurate before too long.

    But for now, thanks for joining this live stream. Happy Eurovision week to all who celebrate.

  2. A Eurovision classic closes the show

    Mark Savage
    BBC Music correspondent

    The Herrey'sReuters

    So that's it for tonight... Only 45 hours to go until the grand final.

    Sweden closes the show with another celebration of their Eurovision record. It's the return of the Herrey brothers and their stupidly enjoyable hit Diggy-Lou Diggy-Ley, which won Eurovision exactly 40 years ago.

    For the uninitiated, the song tells the story of a man who finds a golden pair of shoes, which transport him to a "magical world" where he feels like dancing all day.

    And if that's not a metaphor for Eurovision, what is?

    See you on Saturday.

  3. The 10 qualifying acts are...

    We now know which countries are going through to the final on Sunday. In the order of announcement they are:

    1. Latvia
    2. Austria
    3. The Netherlands
    4. Norway
    5. Israel
    6. Greece
    7. Estonia
    8. Switzerland
    9. Georgia
    10. Armenia

    Which means the six countries eliminated tonight are Malta, Albania, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark and San Marino.

  4. Don't go cha-cha-changing the channel

    KaarijaReuters

    The second half of the interval is a lot of fun.

    Sweden has put together a delightfully tongue-in-cheek big band number about its overwhelming success at Eurovision - with seven victories in all.

    "This competition gave us the idea," sings Petra Mede, "to show we’re about more than depression and Ikea."

    But the show tune is interrupted by the man who nearly dethroned Sweden's Loreen at last year's contest: Finland's Käärijä, who resurrects his iconic neon-green bolero sleeves for a reprise of his bonkers techno anthem Cha Cha Cha.

    Plus, there are Moomins.

  5. How does the voting work?

    Mark Savage
    BBC Music correspondent

    The voting lines have just closed.... So what happens now?

    Every country who performed in tonight's show gets a say, with fans choosing their favourites online or by phone.

    The 10 most popular songs in each participating country are then allocated points: The top choice gets 12, the second choice gets 10, then eight to one points for the rest.

    At the end of the night, the scores are totalled up, and 10 countries qualify for Saturday's grand final.

  6. Images from the second half of the semi-finals

    If you've just tuned in, where have you been? All 19 acts have performed. Here's a recap of the second half of the show:

    ZorroCorinne Cumming / EBU

    Spain’s Zorro are formed by real-life married couple María "Mery" Bas and Mark Dasous, from the village Ondara in Allicante. Their 80s-inspired pop anthem Zorra triggered an impromptu dance party in the Eurovision press room.

    MegaraSarah Louise Bennett / EBU

    Elaborately tattooed singer Kenzy Loevett thrashed her way through San Marino’s defiant rock anthem 11:11 - a two-finger salute to critics who said her band, Megara, would never amount to anything.

    NutsaSarah Louise Bennett / EBU

    Of course a song called Firefighter was going to go heavy on the pyrotechnics. Georgia’s Nutsa Buzaladze put one of the night’s more energetic dance routines, giving double meaning to her lyric: “It’s getting harder to breathe.”

    MustiiAlma Bengtsson / EBU

    Another intense, slow-building performance from Belgian singer Mustii. Fun fact: His backing track includes a choir formed of Eurovision fans.

    5MIINUST and PuuluupSarah Louise Bennett / EBU

    Estonia combined two bands for their riotous folk-punk anthem (Nendest) Narkootikumidest Ei Tea Me (Küll) Midagi. 5MIINUST are a well-known pop/rap group while Puuluup describe themselves as “a zombie folk duo”.

    Angelina MangoReuters

    Italy’s Angelina Mango was full of sass on her cumbria-inspired dance number La Noia. Her lyrics tackled the trap of gender stereotypes: “They call you princess, so stop doing the dishes.”

    Eden GolanSarah Louise Bennett / EBU

    Despite the protests that greeted Israel’s arrival in Sweden this week, Eden Golan received a fair response in the Malmö Arena. Judging by the official audio feed, there were muted boos as she finished her song, Hurricane, but they were drowned out by cheers. She thanked the crowd as she left the stage.

    GateAlma Bengtsson / EBU

    Norwegian band Gåte brought a dark and stormy energy to the stage, with a bloody tale of a naïve maiden who was abandoned by her evil step-mother, and later sought revenge.

    Joost KleinCorinne Cumming / EBU

    Shoulderpads ahoy! No matter what happens tonight, Joost Klein, from The Netherlands, has a major hit on his hands. His throwback gabber house anthem, Europapa, already has 43 million streams, topping the charts in The Netherlands and Belgium.

  7. The world's biggest singalong

    Greece's Helena Paparizou, Turkey's Sertab Erener and Sweden's Charlotte PerrelliReuters

    L-R: Greece's Helena Paparizou, Turkey's Sertab Erener and Sweden's Charlotte Perrelli

    As the votes pour in, hosts Malin Åkerman and Petra Mede are trying something a little different: A mass singalong.

    It's a nod to the popular Swedish show Allsång på Skansen, which started in 1935 and invites the audience to sing along with the country's biggest music stars.

    Malin and Petra get the audience started with a snippet of Lordi's Hard Rock Hallelujah, before three Eurovision queens take over.

    Up first is 2005 winner Helena Paparizou, with the romping-stomping pop juggernaut My Number One. Next is Sweden's very own Charlotte Perelli, singing her 1999 Eurovision winner Take Me To Your Heaven. Last, but not least, is Turkey's Sertab Erener, with Everyway That I Can.

    In rehearsals, the audience have been word perfect every step of the way.

  8. Voting lines are open!

    Get your voting fingers ready, it's time to chose your favourites!

    As Petra and Malin have explained, you can place up to 20 votes for your favourite act(s), but you can't vote for your own country, so don't even think about it.

    The vote is only open to viewers in the countries performing in tonight's semi-final. That means the UK is out... but we'll get to have our say on Saturday.

  9. Excuse me, but what's that you're fiddling with?

    Mark Savage
    BBC Music correspondent

    Puuluup perform at the Eurovision Song ContestSarah Louise Bennett / EBU

    Compared to the first semi-final, tonight's performers lean more heavily on the traditional music of their homelands.

    That means you'll see a few unfamiliar instruments onstage.

    Estonia's Puuluup (pictured) play a traditional bowed lyre called the Talharpas, while Norway's Gåte brandish the Nyckelharpa - another bowed instrument, originally built and played by farmers in the 17th Century.

    Other artists, notably Armenia and Italy, fuse their country's folklore with modern sub-bass and Latin rhythms.

    it's an eclectic and welcome reflection of Europe's musical heritage.

  10. Images from the first half of the show

    We've passed the half way-point now. Here's a quick recap of the most memorable moments so far:

    Sarah BonniciReuters

    In the first of several breath-taking dance breakdowns, Malta's Sarah Bonnici was flipped upside down while blindfolded. Sadly the photographers only captured the moment where she was carried aloft by four removal men, like a very musical sofa.

    BesaReuters

    Albania’s Besa served serious attitude in a verse that took inspiration from Destiny’s Child’s Survivor: “You thought that I would crumble, but I won’t.”

    Marina SattiReuters

    Marina Satti was battling pharyngitis in the run-up to tonight’s show, but you wouldn’t have known it. She scaled the octaves like a squirrel scampering up and down an oak tree.

    NemoReuters

    Spinning around on a silver turntable, it’s astonishing that Nemo could control his vocals - but his song The Code was note-perfect. Fans have called it a modern-day Bohemian Rhapsody.

    AikoReuters

    Czechia brought pop-punk to Eurovision with the foot-stomping anthem Pedestal. They’ve never won the contest, but Aiko gave it her very best Avril Lavigne, in the hopes of progressing to the finals.

    SlimaneReuters

    Sometimes, you don’t need fancy staging to make an impression. French star Slimane, standing alone in a sea of dry ice, brought the Malmö arena to a standstill with the sheer power of his voice.

    KaleenReuters

    A shift in style, as the contest went from French chanson to Austrian techno. Kaleen’s song, We Will Rave, was created with Swedish writer Jimmy "Joker" Thörnfeldt , who co-wrote last year’s Eurovision winner, Tattoo by Loreen.

    SabaReuters

    In an impressively literal move, Danish singer Saba illustrated lyrics about a relationship “built out of sand” by magically producing sand out of thin air and sprinkling it over the stage. The song’s pounding drum track received a rapturous reception in the Arena.

    LadanivaReuters

    A recorder solo? Why not! The insanely bouncy Ladaniva brought traditional Armenian sounds - and a sense of unbridled joy - to the Eurovision stage.

    DonsReuters

    Latvian singer Dons - pictured here in a giant hamster wheel - gave one of the night’s most intense performances. His ominous, stormy ballad Hollow is all about confronting your demons.

  11. As the music begins: Five acts to look out for

    Mark Savage
    BBC Music correspondent

    Armenia's LadanivaSarah Louise Bennett / EBU

    Apologies if you were hoping for a full running commentary tonight. We're saving that treat for the final on Saturday,

    But here's a guide to the upcoming highlights - and when it's safe to pop to the (Water)loo.

    1) Switzerland's incredible high note

    Proving that opera training goes a long way, Swiss singer Nemo shows off an astonishing falsetto on their song, The Code. The track details their experience of coming to terms with their non-binary identity, a struggle that's dramatically brought to life with some simple-but-effective choreography.

    2) France goes a capella

    Slimane is a huge star in France, notching up more than 2 million album sales since he won The Voice eight years ago. He puts that experience to use tonight, singing the climactic chorus of his «chant de la torche», Mon Amour.

    3) Partying with Armenia (pictured above)

    All too often, Eurovision songs are pulled from a box marked "portentous melodrama". Armenia is having none of that, with a infectiously upbeat folk track called Jako. It's performed by Ladaniva (pictured) who recently sold out Paris's Bataclan concert hall, and light up the stage with festive energy.

    4) An anthem to boredom

    The title of Italy's song, La Noia, translates as "boredom" but it's anything but dull. Fusing traditional melodies with the Latin sounds of cumbia and reggaeton it finds singer Angelina Mango dreaming of escape from the drudgery (and sexism) of her daily life.

    5) Europapa, Europapa

    Saving the best 'til last, Joost Klein from the Netherlands delivers a kooky techno anthem about travelling around Europe ("fortunately you don't need a visa") and revelling in its cities (except Paris, which is too expensive). The song has a darker story behind it, however, as Joost's journeys were inspired by his parents, who died tragically young.

    ---

    There's plenty more to enjoy along the way. And if you're desperate for a cup of tea / coffee / Glögg, the music pauses after act nine (Armenia) for a commercial break.

  12. The show opens in Euphoric style

    Malin Åckerman and Petra MedeReuters

    The second semi-final opens with hosts Malin Åckerman and Petra Mede singing a parody of last year's Eurovision winner, Euphoria by Loreen.

    It's over quickly, though. With 19 performances to get through in the next 90 minutes, organisers are keen to get the ball rolling.

    Before you know it, we'll be into the opening number. Stay alert, look sharp.

  13. How to watch and listen

    Scott Mills and Rylan Clark

    The show is about to begin!

    We're streaming the second semi-final here (press Play at the top of the page) for viewers in the UK, but if you want expert commentary, tune in to BBC One for Scott Mills and Rylan Clark; or to BBC Radio 2, where Richie Anderson is presenting the coverage.

  14. Protests in Malmo over Israel's appearance

    Mark Savage
    BBC Music correspondent, in Malmö

    Pro-Palestinian protestors in Malmö's central square.Reuters

    Pro-Palestinian protestors in Malmö's central square.

    Pro-Palestinian protests have taken place in Malmö ahead of tonight's semi-final, where Israeli singer Eden Golan will make her debut.

    Israel's participation has been a source of controversy amid rising civilian deaths and a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.

    Smoke canisters in the colours of the Palestinian flag were set off in Malmö’s central square on Thursday afternoon, along with chants of "Free Palestine".

    A demonstration in support of Israel has also taken place.

    Although the protests were largely peaceful, there are armed police outside the hotel where Golan is staying, and she has reportedly been confined to her room when she is not on stage.

    During last night's dress rehearsal, she was booed by some members of the audience, while others walked out during her performance.

    In a statement, the 21-year-old said "nothing will deter" her from performing tonight.

    The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation has also complained to organisers over the incident.

  15. A quick recap of the first semi-final

    Mark Savage
    BBC Music correspondent, in Malmö

    Olly Alexander performs at EurovisionSarah Louise Bennett

    Olly Alexander performed inside a futuristic locker room

    The first semi-final took place on Tuesday and saw some of this year's craziest performers take the stage.

    Finland's Windows95Man forgot his trousers, Ireland's Bambie Thug performed a satanic ballet, and the UK's Olly Alexander suffered a wardrobe malfunction, when the battery pack for his microphone fell off his costume.

    The following 10 acts qualified for Saturday's final.

    1. Serbia
    2. Portugal
    3. Slovenia
    4. Ukraine
    5. Lithuania
    6. Finland
    7. Cyprus
    8. Croatia
    9. Ireland
    10. Luxembourg

    Here are some images from the night:

    Bambie ThugCorinne Cumming / EBU

    Bambie Thug celebrated qualification in the green room. It's the first time Ireland has made the final since 2018.

    Electric FieldsReuters

    Australia's Electric Fields were the first act to play a didgeridoo at Eurovision, but they failed to proceed to the final.

    Windows95ManReuters

    Finnish performance artist Windows95Man risked his life with a skipping rope of pyrotechnics

    Baby LasagnaReuters

    Croatia's Baby Lasagna, who are one of this year's favourites, sailed through to the final

    Alyona Alyona and Jerry HeilCorinne Cumming / EBU

    Another hotly-tipped act is Ukraine's Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil, whose song is a plea for protection to the catholic saints Mother Theresa and the Virgin Mary.

  16. Tonight's running order

    Here's the line-up for tonight's show.

    We'll see 19 acts in total, including France, Spain and Italy - who automatically qualify for the final as part of the "big five" group of nations, who provide extra financial support to Eurovision.

    1. Malta: Sarah Bonnici - Loop
    2. Albania: Besa - Titan
    3. Greece: Marina Satti - Zari
    4. Switzerland: Nemo - The Code
    5. Czechia: Aiko - Pedestal
    6. France: Slimane - Mon Amour (already qualified)
    7. Austria: Kaleen - We Will Rave
    8. Denmark: Saba - Sand
    9. Armenia: Ladaniva - Jako
    10. Latvia: Dons - Hollow
    11. Spain: Nebulossa – Zorra (already qualified)
    12. San Marino: Megara - 11:11
    13. Georgia: Nutsa Buzaladze - Firefighter
    14. Belgium: Mustii - Before The Party's Over
    15. Estonia: 5Miinust x Puuluup - (nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
    16. Italy: Angelina Mango - La Noia (already qualified)
    17. Israel: Eden Golan - Hurricane
    18. Norway: Gåte - Ulveham
    19. Netherlands: Joost Klein - Europapa

  17. Welcome to the second-semi final

    Mark Savage
    BBC Music correspondent, in Malmö

    Marina SattiSarah Louise Bennett / EBU

    Here we go again! Eurovision's second semi-final starts at 20:00 BST / 21:00 CET, with 16 acts hoping to win their passage to the grand final this weekend.

    Only 10 will qualify - with hotly-tipped entries from Switzerland, the Netherlands and Norway in the mix.

    Israel's Eden Golan will also make her debut at Sweden's Malmö Arena, hours after thousands of pro-Palestinan marched through the city's streets.

    And there's jeopardy for Greek singer Marina Satti (pictured), who is battling a throat infection and a fever, according to the country's media.

    With appearances from several generations of Eurovision royalty along the way, there won't be a dull moment.