The 68th Eurovision Song Contest, in which 37 countries compete, begins on Tuesday in Malmo, Sweden, with the first semi-final featuring “Grito” by Yolanda, who represents Portugal this year.
There are 37 countries in the draw, but only 26 will take part in the final, scheduled for Saturday, with ten selected today in the first semi-final and another ten 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 will be presented in 14th place, the following will compete in order of performance: Cyprus, Serbia, Lithuania, Ireland, Ukraine, Poland, Croatia, Iceland. , Slovenia, Finland, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Australia and Luxembourg.
According to an average of several bookmakers calculated by competition website eurovisionworld.com, Portugal are favored to reach the final.
However, Portugal is far from being considered a potential winner, having been ranked between 30th and 35th by bookmakers since Yolanda won the Festival da Cansan final in March.
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.
Although they are not competing, today’s semi-final will feature themes from Germany, Great Britain and Sweden. Representatives from Spain, France and Italy will play in the second semi-final.
The semi-finals will take place today and 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.
This Tuesday’s semi-final will be shown live on RTP1, RTP Internacional and RTP Play from 20:00 in Lisbon.
Last year, Portugal finished 23rd in the Eurovision Song Contest with Mimicat and the song “Ai Coração”.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.