So last night was an incredible semi final, where I don’t think anyone could have predicted who would qualify. So let’s look at the stand out events of last night.
Estonia Managing Three Qualifications In A Row
Estonia managed to make it three qualifications from the semi finals in a row. Before this years Estonia had only managed to make it to the final twice in a row. Estonia have seen a rapid turn around in their Eurovision qualification record making it 4/5 in the past 5 years.
Croatia Not Qualifying Again
For a country that had one of the best records of qualification to the final before 2010, has now not qualified for the final for a fourth year running. Croatia have consistently come in around 12th-15th in the semi finals since 2010.
The Netherlands Qualifying
The Netherlands managed to qualify for the first time since 2004. The Netherlands had the worst run of not qualifying for the final of any country in Eurovision history and Anouk managed to make it happen with her song “Birds”
Lithuania Qualifying
Lithuania was a huge shock to many people when it was announced as a qualifier. Going into the contest last night it had been a constant non-qualifier with the betting odds. This means Lithuania have now qualified for the final three times in a row.
Belarus Qualifying
Belarus have managed to qualify for the final for only their third time since joining the contest in 2004. While the song may not have been to everyone’s taste, Belarus will be very happy.
Ireland Qualifying
Ireland have now managed to qualify for the fourth time in a row. The country which before 2010 had missed out of the final on a number of occasions has managed to turn itself around hugely.
Belgium Qualifying
Belgium managed to change its fortunes last night as it qualified for the first time since 2010. This is only their second qualification out of the semi finals since they were introduced back in 2004.
Serbia Not Qualifying
Serbia not qualifying was the biggest shock of last night. Their non-qualification means that none of the Balkans managed to make it out of the first semi final. This is only the second time that Serbia has managed to miss out on the final, the last being in 2009.
If last night was anything to go by semi final 2 is going to be very interesting.
