Portugal with Yolanda’s song “Grito” reached the final of this music competition. The first semi-final of the competition took place on Tuesday in Malmo, Sweden.
In addition to Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Finland, Cyprus, Croatia, Ireland and Luxembourg reached the final.
Thirty-seven countries took part in this edition, but only 26 will take part in the final, scheduled for Saturday: ten will be selected on Tuesday, in the first semi-final, and another ten will be selected on Thursday, in the second semi-final.
In addition, there are six countries, the so-called “Big Five” (France, Germany, Spain, Great Britain and Italy) and the host country, which have direct access to the final.
In the first semi-final of the competition, in addition to Portugal, whose theme was presented in 14th place, the following countries participated in the competition in order of performance: Cyprus, Serbia, Lithuania, Ireland, Ukraine, Poland, Croatia, Iceland, Slovenia, Finland, Moldova, Azerbaijan , Australia and Luxembourg.
Second semi-final
The following participants will compete in the second semi-final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest (in order of appearance): Malta, Albania, Greece, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Austria, Denmark, Armenia, Latvia, San Marino, Georgia, Belgium, Estonia. Israel, Norway and the countries of minimums.
Israel’s participation has been controversial, with political representatives and European artists asking the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) several times to veto the country’s participation due to the war in the Gaza Strip.
In late March, representatives from nine countries, including Portugal, signed a letter calling for an “immediate and lasting ceasefire” in Israel’s war in Palestine and the return of all Israeli hostages.
In the letter, the artists began by stating that they recognize the “privilege of participating in Eurovision” but that they are “uncomfortable in remaining silent” given the “current situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in particular Gaza and Israel.” “.
In addition to the representative of Portugal, this letter was signed by translators from Ireland, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Great Britain, Denmark, Lithuania and Finland.
At that time, the EBU reminded that the festival was an “apolitical” event. However, in 2022, a decision was made to exclude Russia from the competition following the invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Yolanda appeared on the “turquoise catwalk” (where representatives of all countries parade, marking the start of the pageant’s live performances) in Malmo wearing a dress from a Palestinian brand and with painted nails. “Keffiyeh” – a scarf that is a symbol of Palestinian resistance.
Israel was the first non-European country to take part in the music competition in 1973, and has won four times, including with transgender singer Dana International in 1998.
The semi-finals will take place on Thursday and the final on Saturday, but the festival has been going on for several days, with participants taking part in rehearsals, press conferences and a number of side events.
Last year, Portugal finished 23rd in the Eurovision Song Contest with Mimicat and the song “Ai Coração”.
Author: Lusa This morning Post
Source: CM Jornal
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