Eurovision semi final 1: Odds, how to watch and five countries to look out for
Only ten of the eighteen countries doing vocal battle on Tuesday will make it through to Saturday's grand final
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Your support makes all the difference.Eighteen countries are preparing to do battle in the first Eurovision semi-final of 2016.
The UK’s entry Joe and Jake has a straight pass through to Saturday’s final as one of the five biggest economic contributors, but there are plenty of other acts competing for a shot at glory.
Only ten of Tuesday night’s performers can score a place in the final. Professional juries from each of the country’s, as well as those from Sweden, France and Spain, voted on the dress rehearsals yesterday and will account for 50 per cent of the total votes. The other half will be decided by the public televote from the same countries.
Below is the running order for the first semi-final, decided by producers to make sure that each song stands out and makes the most exciting show possible. The best odds at the time of publication (to win, taken from oddschecker.com) have also been included for anyone planning on placing a cheeky bet:
Finland: “Sing It Away” by Sandhja, 300/1
Greece: “Utopian Land” by Argo, 200/1
Moldova: “Falling Stars” by Lidia Isac, 250/1
Hungary: “Pioneer” by Freddie, 50/1
Croatia: “Lighthouse” by Nina Kraljić, 50/1
Netherlands: “Slow Down” by Douwe Bob, 25/1
Armenia: “LoveWave” by Iveta Mukuchyan, 31/5
San Marino: “I Didn't Know” by Serhat, 500/1
Russia: “You Are The Only One” by Sergey Lazarev, 3/10
Czech Republic: “I Stand” by Gabriela Gunčíková, 25/1
Cyprus: “Alter Ego” by Minus One, 50/1
Austria: “Loin d’ici” by ZOË, 125/1
Estonia: “Play” by Jüri Pootsmann, 125/1
Azerbaijan: “Miracle” by Samra, 66/1
Montenegro: “The Real Thing” by Highway, 300/1
Iceland: “Hear Them Calling” by Greta Salóme, 50/1
Bosnia & Herzegovina: “Ljubav Je” by Dalal, Deen, Ana & Jala, 200/1
Malta: “Walk on Water” by Ira Losco, 18/1
Russia is the clear favourite, with Armenia expected to mount a strong challenge for semi-final triumph. Malta, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic are also hotly-tipped based on the odds, while fans of Taylor Swift chart-topper “Shake It Off” might enjoy “Sing It Away” by Sandjha for Finland, an outsider at 300/1. Have a listen to their songs here:
Russia
Armenia
Malta
The Netherlands
Czech Republic
Unfortunately for the solo female vocalists, there are simply too many of them this year to make an impact. It’s hard to see this song going far.
The first semi-final will be broadcast live from the Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden at 9pm CET (8pm here) on Eurovision.tv. It will air on BBC Four at the same time, with commentary from The Great British Bake Off’s Mel Giedroyc and BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills.
Thursday will see the other 18 countries, including Westlife’s Nicky Byrne for Ireland, compete for a spot in the final.
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