Who’s in and Who’s Out? A Recap of the First Semi-Final of Eurovision 2023

The Liverpool Arena hosted last Tuesday the start of the long-awaited Eurovision 2023. Although tradition has always marked that the event should be held in the previous year’s winning country (in this case Ukraine), the war against Russia has forced to move the celebration to the United Kingdom, runner-up in the last edition.

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The first semi-final has already given a glimpse of some of the possible winners of the contest, which this year looks very close. Sweden leads the predictions of all Eurofans and bookmakers, with Loreen as the clear favorite. After her victory with Euphoria at the 2012 festival, the Swede defends her country with the powerful Tattoo. Here, Loreen makes a quite impressive vocal and visual display, accompanied by two large platforms on stage.

Who have made it through to the Eurovision 2023 final?

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After the celebration, we were able to know the first 10 songs that will be heard in the grand final of Eurovision 2023. The qualified countries have been the following:

• Norway – Queen of Kings, by Alessandra

• Serbia – Samo mí se spava, by Luke Black

• Croatia – Let 3 by Mama ŠČ
• Switzerland – Watergun, by Remo Forrer
• Portugal – Ay coraçao, by Mimicat
• Israel – Unicorn, by Noa Kirel

• Moldova – Soarale şi Luna, by Pasha Parfeny
• Sweden – Tattoo, by Loreen

• Czech Republic – My sister’s crown, by Vesna
• Finland – Cha cha cha, by Käärijä

The countries that have been left out are Latvia, Ireland, Azarbaiyan, the Netherlands and Malta. The previous qualifiers will meet the Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom and Spain) on May 13, the date of the Eurovision 2023 final. Ukraine, last year’s winning country, will also be there.

Who are the favorites to win this year? The truth is that Finland and its Cha Cha Cha has managed to gain many followers during this time and is considered the main rival of Sweden. Other great competitors with Norway and its Queen of Kings, a song that comes ready to give war and with epic dyes. Israel is also looking for its fifth victory in the contest with Noa Kirel and her song Unicorn.

The first semi-final of Eurovision 2023 was presented by an exceptional trio. On stage we had the presence of Richmond FC president Hannah Waddingham, singer Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian Julia Sanina. In the second semi-final we will see them again, while in the final they will be joined by British journalist Graham Norton.

If you have not been able to watch the gala live, do not worry: you will be able to see it on RTVE Play.

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