Israel got an exception to hope for its own semi-final spot.
The spring Eurovision semi-final spots were drawn on Tuesday, January 30.
Finland competes in the second half of the first semi-final.
Hosted by the raffle Pernilla Månsson’s Colt started humming live Wrapper Cha Cha Chatwhen the Finnish flag was raised.
This year, a total of 37 countries are participating in the tournament, of which 31 compete for a place in the final first in the semifinals. The five largest sponsoring countries and the host country Sweden automatically qualify for the finals.
The countries competing in the semifinals were divided into five categories, half of which were drawn to compete in the first semifinal, half in the second. Finland was in the 2nd category with Australia, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland and Norway.
Israel was granted a dispensation in the semi-final draw. In the photo, last year’s representative of Israel, Noa Karan. PDO
15 countries will compete in the first semi-final: Finland, Slovenia, Iceland, Ukraine, Cyprus, Poland, Serbia, Lithuania, Portugal, Luxembourg, Croatia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Ireland and Moldova.
16 countries will compete in the second semi-final: Austria, Israel, Estonia, Georgia, Malta, Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Latvia, Greece, Czech Republic, Albania, Denmark, Armenia, San Marino and Belgium.
Sweden, Great Britain, France, Germany, Spain and Italy will therefore go directly to the final.
Countries competing in the semi-finals can only vote in the semi-final broadcast in which their own country is competing.
Sweden, Great Britain and Germany get to vote in the first semi-final, Spain, Italy and France in the second semi-final.
Finland’s representative will be elected next week. Last year Finland was represented by Käärijä. PDO
The first semi-final will take place on 7 May, the second semi-final on 9 May and the final on 11 May.
Dispensation
One country did not participate in the lottery at all. Israel’s public broadcaster had hoped to appear in the second semi-final due to the country’s Memorial Day. Israel’s request was accepted.
Several countries and parties have recently demanded that the EBU exclude Israel from Eurovision because of the conflict in the Middle East. However, the European Broadcasting Union EBU has announced that it considers that the Israeli broadcasting company KAN meets all the conditions for participation in the competition. The EBU says that it strives to maintain its line that Eurovision is a non-political event.
Moroccanoil, the main partner of Eurovision, is Israeli Carmen Talin founded by the company and its products are manufactured in Israel.
Israel’s participation in Eurovision has caused a lot of opposition. PDO
The visas will be held in Malmö this year.
Finland’s five-piece representative will be chosen on Sunday, February 10, at the final of the New Music Competition.