The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 kicked off with a dazzling first semifinal in Malmö, Sweden. The results were filled with exciting moments, including Luxembourg’s triumphant return to the Grand Final after a 31-year hiatus and Ireland’s breakthrough with a nonbinary artist.
Luxembourg’s Grand Return
Talia, an Israeli-born singer living in Luxembourg, made history as the first person from this small European country to sing in Eurovision since Modern Times placed 20th with “Donne-Moi Une Chance” in 1993. Luxembourg, the only remaining grand duchy in the world, captivated viewers with Talia’s performance.
Ireland Breaks the Spell
Bambie Thug, representing Ireland, shattered the curse of non-qualification. Their entry, “Doomsday Blue,” described as an “electro-metal breakdown,” showcased their unique style. Bambie Ray Robinson, the first nonbinary artist to represent Ireland in Eurovision, is set to make a significant impact in the grand final rankings. If they secure a top-five position, it will be Ireland’s most significant Eurovision success since 1997.
Other Qualifying Countries
Joining Luxembourg and Ireland in the grand final are Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. These countries impressed the audience and secured their spots with memorable performances.
Countries Relegated Out
Unfortunately, Australia, Azerbaijan, Iceland, Moldova, and Poland did not make the cut. The public vote during the live broadcast determined their fate.
Croatia’s Odds
Oddsmakers favor Croatia to win, which would mark their first victory in 30 attempts. Croatia previously triumphed in 1990 when their band Riva won with “Rock Me” while the country was still part of Yugoslavia.
Stay tuned for the second semifinal, where 16 more countries will compete for a spot in the grand final. The host country (Sweden) and the “Big Five” (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) are pre-qualified and will skip the semifinals.
The Eurovision magic continues, and fans eagerly await the grand final on Saturday, May 11th!