The second semi-final began with presenters Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski attempting to enter the Eurovision stage in a pre-recorded segment involving last year's winner JJ's "Wasted Love" boat. But of course, everything went wrong.
"Good evening Europe! How are you tonight?" Swarovski called out.
It continued with the usual mix of wild performances from the former Eastern Bloc and serious acts inspired by classical music, such as France's entry. In addition, host Victoria Swarovski gave a history lesson on Eurovision's LGBTQ history.
There could be a Nordic showdown in Eurovision, as both Sweden's Felicia and Finland's Linda Lampenius have already advanced from the first semi-final, while Denmark and Norway compete tonight.
For Denmark, things look promising. Shooting star Søren Torpegaard Lund has previously told TT that he feels a certain weight resting on his shoulders, as Denmark has been doing poorly in recent years.
"Un-Danish" number
Last year was the first time in six years that the country made it to the final - however, they only finished in 23rd place. This year, however, it could be different. "Før vi går hjem" is a modern number that "feels un-Danish," according to the artist himself.
When it comes to the odds, Denmark is the top contender in tonight's semi-final; only Australia's Delta Goodrem is also tipped as a favorite.
Delta Goodrem is a superstar back home in Australia and has had a role in the TV soap opera "Neighbours." The song "Eclipse" was written by Swede Jonas Myrin, among others, and the number requires both a gold-glittered grand piano and a dress.
France favorites
In addition to the competition, France is also in the starting field during the evening - as they are one of the "big four" countries (originally "big five", but Spain is boycotting the competition this year in protest against Israel being allowed to participate).
Singer Monroe was raised in the US with a French-Congolese mother. She is classically trained and the number is in 18th-century style with dancers in black and lots of smoke. In the final, "Regarde!" is tipped fourth by the bookmakers.
Last out in semi-final two was Norway's Jonas Lovv. He is expected to advance to the final, but unlike the other Nordic countries he is not expected to finish in the top ten; bookmakers predict around 20th place. He has been told by Eurovision's EBU to tone down the sexiness on stage, but there was a lot of movement in the performance anyway.
1. Bulgaria: Dara – “Bangaranga”
2. Azerbaijan: Jiva – “Just Go”
3. Romania: Alexandra Capitanescu – “Choke Me”
4. Luxembourg: Eva Marija – "Mother Nature"
5. Czech Republic: Daniel Zizka – “Crossroads”
(France: Monroe – “Regarde!”)
6. Armenia: Simón – “Paloma Rumba”
7. Switzerland: Veronica Fusaro – “Alice”
8. Cyprus: Antigoni - "Jalla"
(Austria: Cosmó – "Tanzschein")
9. Latvia: Atvara – “Ena”
10. Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund – "Before We Go Home"
11. Australia: Delta Goodrem – “Eclipse”
12. Ukraine: Leléka – “Ridnym”
(UK: Look Mum No Computer – “Eins, zwei, drei”)
13. Albania: Alis – “Nan”
14. Malta: Aidan – “Bella”
15. Norway: Jonas Lovv – "Ya Ya Ya"
Footnote: France, Austria and Great Britain are already qualified for the final.
