Austria in, Ireland out: stage set for Eurovision Final after second semi
- 10 years ago
All 26 of Saturday’s Eurovision finalists are known after the second semi-final in Copenhagen.
Another five countries went by the wayside – among them acclaimed previous winners of the competition such as Iceland and Ireland.
But the roar that greeted the news that Austria will compete in the final suggests that “Rise Like A Phoenix” may be one of the favourites.
Conchita Wurst (real name Tom Neuwirth), whose beard is perhaps better known than her powerful voice, says: “If you want to be a bearded lady then you are allowed to do that because you’re not hurting anybody.”
The entry has drawn some predictable transphobic complaints – and no doubt some parts of eastern Europe will be far more comfortable voting for Belarus.
Teo’s “Cheesecake” is the country’s 11th Eurovision entry, and only the fourth song to make it to the final.
For Romania, Paula Seling and Ovi are through with “Miracle”, making a dramatic return four years after finishing third.
The last time Switzerland qualified for the final it came last. The country will be hoping for a repeat of Celine Dion ‘s 1988 victory – or indeed 1956 when it won the first ever Eurovision, with “Refrain” by Lys Assia.
Another five countries went by the wayside – among them acclaimed previous winners of the competition such as Iceland and Ireland.
But the roar that greeted the news that Austria will compete in the final suggests that “Rise Like A Phoenix” may be one of the favourites.
Conchita Wurst (real name Tom Neuwirth), whose beard is perhaps better known than her powerful voice, says: “If you want to be a bearded lady then you are allowed to do that because you’re not hurting anybody.”
The entry has drawn some predictable transphobic complaints – and no doubt some parts of eastern Europe will be far more comfortable voting for Belarus.
Teo’s “Cheesecake” is the country’s 11th Eurovision entry, and only the fourth song to make it to the final.
For Romania, Paula Seling and Ovi are through with “Miracle”, making a dramatic return four years after finishing third.
The last time Switzerland qualified for the final it came last. The country will be hoping for a repeat of Celine Dion ‘s 1988 victory – or indeed 1956 when it won the first ever Eurovision, with “Refrain” by Lys Assia.