The final line-up for the Eurovision Song Contest has been confirmed following the second semi-final held on Thursday. A total of 20 countries will compete in the grand finale set to take place in Basel on Saturday evening. Following this latest semi-final, six countries have been eliminated while ten have advanced to the finals.
From the second semi-final, countries including Lithuania, Israel, Armenia, Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Latvia, Malta, and Greece advanced, thanks to public votes. They will join the ten countries that qualified from the first semi-final: Norway, Albania, Sweden, Iceland, Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal, and Ukraine.
Notably, Israel secured a place in the final despite some surrounding controversies. Yuval Raphael performed “New Day Will Rise,” a song infused with Hebrew and French, drawing attention after being a survivor of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. His performance received mixed reactions from the audience during the rehearsals, but he still emerged as a finalist.
The competition also featured standout performances, such as Greek singer Klavdia’s powerful ballad “Asteromáta” and a dazzling tribute by Laura Thorn from Luxembourg, who embraced feminist themes in her song “La poupée monte le son,” inspired by the renowned Serge Gainsbourg and France Gall.
Among the favorites are Austria’s 24-year-old artist JJ and France’s Louane, who sang “Maman,” paying homage to her late mother with an intricate choreography representing the passage of time. In an emotional moment, former Eurovision candidates returned to the stage to perform songs they could have showcased in the 2020 competition, which was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s event is particularly special as Jean-Marc Richard, a long-time Eurovision commentator, mentioned his deep feelings about hosting the contest back in Switzerland. The presenters sported fashion from the young Valais designer Kevin Germanier, adding a contemporary flair to the show.
The competition, known for celebrating diversity and creativity, promises an exciting finale. With its rich history and unique performances, Eurovision continues to be a significant cultural event in Europe.
Overall, the anticipation for the final is high, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will take home the coveted trophy this year.