David Farnor | On 10, May 2018

Get your costume changes, drinks and lots of glitter ready, because it’s that time of year again: Eurovision is back.

The Eurovision Song Contest final screens around the world on Saturday 12th May, bringing the joy of music, extravagant lighting and improbable performance art to the delighted masses – or, in the UK, the mostly sarcastic and bitter masses. The final runs from 8pm on BBC One all the way through to 11.35pm, with 43 countries competing to follow last year’s winner, Portugal, and take home the top prize.

However, only 20 of those will qualify, after two semi-finals (the top 10 from Tuesday 8th May, and the top 10 on Thursday 10th May), joining France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and Portugal That means that if you only tune in to Saturday’s big event, you’re missing out on a whole host of potential Eurovision brilliance. Luckily, both of them are available on BBC iPlayer following their broadcast – and, even luckier, we’re here to bring you the highlights from each, so you can get your Eurovision fix.

Counting down the hours until Saturday? Here are seven Eurovision Semi-Final entries you have to see. All aboard!

Israel – Toy (Netta)

Singer and looping artist Netta is all set to steal the entire show this weekend, with a song that combines a thumping beat, a topical #MeToo message and (to seal the deal) a chicken dance.

Status: Qualified for the final

Estonia – La Force (Elina Nechayeva)

An opera singer doing a pop ballad in front of a live crowd? It’s a risky move from Estonia, but Elina’s won’t be at risk at putting anyone to sleep once they get a look at her magic digital dress.

Status: Qualified for the final

Cyprus – Fuego (Eleni Foureira)

Cyprus goes all Beyonce with this hugely infectious, fiery number, which is full of flipping hair and flipping brilliant dance moves. Expect this one to give Israel a run for its money. Fuego, indeed.

Status: Qualified for the final

Ireland – Together (Ryan O’Shaughnessy)

Ryan O’Shaughnessy keeps it simple with this year’s entry, which is a disarming little number that tells a low-key love story that will hit you right in the heart. The singing’s gorgeous too.

Status: Qualified for the final

Belarus – Forever (Alekseev)

Archery! Roses! Dance! An open shirt! Alekseev’s stylish, steamy number has everything you could want and more. Did we mention the archery?

Status: Knocked out

Armenia – Qami (Sevak Khanagyan)

Prepare to be impressed by Sevak’s brilliant vocals – and every better beard.

Status: Knocked out

Czech Republic – Lie to Me (Mikoas Josef)

Doctor Who meets hip hop in this wonderfully weird number, which combines breakdance, bow ties and braces like they were always meant to be together.

Status: Qualified for the final

 

Eurovision Semi-Final 2 is available on BBC iPlayer until 7th June.

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