All 26 finalists for the Eurovision Song Contest have been announced. In the second semifinal, Albania, Bulgaria, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Moldova, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia and Switzerland qualified for the final.
The Greek success has a Dutch flavor: singer Stefania Liberakakis was born in Utrecht and studies at the Herman Brood Academy. Her performance was met with great applause from the largely Dutch audience in Ahoy.
Watch her performance here:
Stefania could also count on many positive reactions online. “A highlight of the second semifinal”, tweeted Maria. And Esther writes: “Over the top, but nice!”
There were more entries with Dutch influences. For example, the Dutch producer Wouter Hardy contributed to the song of Switzerland. The Portuguese band The Black Mamba was inspired by a visit to the Amsterdam Red Light District, where they spoke with an Eastern European sex worker about believing in love.
Finalist San Marino also used talent from another country. In addition to the Italian singer Senhit, they also sent the American hit rapper Flo Rida to Rotterdam.
The Icelandic entry, Daði & Gagnamagnið, was one of the favorites, but had to be dropped due to a corona infection in the delegation. The number 10 years was therefore not played live; a rehearsal was broadcast instead.
Watch the ten songs that advance to the final in just over two minutes:
Last Tuesday, Norway, Israel, Russia, Azerbaijan, Malta, Lithuania, Cyprus, Sweden, Belgium and Ukraine already secured a place in the final. Host country The Netherlands and the five major Eurovision countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) were already qualified for the final next Saturday.
Máxima
In addition to the European entries, there were also Dutch performances. Singer Eefje de Visser and break dancer Redouan Ait Chitt opened the show with a performance about “resilience in times of adversity”. During the interval, ballet dancer Ahmad Joudeh and BMX rider Dez Maarsen performed.
There was also an interview between presenter Nikkie de Jager and Queen Máxima. In it she revealed what kind of music can get her approval: “Anything.”
Watch the opening of the semi-final show here: