From our special correspondent in Malmö (Sweden)
An exorcism, fluorescent kittens and Slavic emotion… The first semi-final of Eurovision held Tuesday evening at the Malmö Arena offered a most iconoclastic program. It also demonstrated that taking risks paid off: the most daring sets and songs came out on top.
The spells cast by Bambie Thug worked and allowed his country, Ireland, to participate in the final, which had not happened since 2018. With a stunning staging, close to a horrific short film, the artist knew how to make an impression by celebrating his non-binary nature while engaging in a sort of exorcism of dark forces.
The Croatian Baby Lasagna, big favorite in the eyes of the bookmakers, has, without much surprise, won his ticket for the final. His mix of pop, rock and Balkan folklore, an explosive cocktail if ever there was one, shaken by chaotic cameras, has found its audience.
Finnish goofs and Luxembourg return
Ukraine’s qualification is not surprising either. Here again, the mixture of song and rap, with an epic and heady chorus, had no difficulty in convincing. Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil with their Teresa & Maria are serious contenders for victory.
It also goes for the Finnish weirdos and their No Rules “No rules”, which remains more memorable for the great nonsense played on stage than for its musical qualities.
Luxembourg undoubtedly benefited from the ghost’s luck because the painting was not the most inventive. The Grand Duchy made its return to a competition it left in 1993. Tali will sing her fighter finally.
Serbian, Portuguese and Slovenian ballads, supported by elaborate staging, found their audience. As well as the all-purpose pop song from Cyprus and the most catchy Luktelk Lithuanian.
On the other hand, Poland, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Australia and Iceland are the big disappointments in this first semi-final. For them, the Eurovision adventure ends there.
