Eurovision hopefuls prepare for first semi-final
EUROVISION hopefuls Ireland and Israel will be among the countries competing for a spot in the grand final when they take part in the first semi-final tonight.
Israel’s Netta Barzilai, who will perform her song Toy, is the favourite with bookmakers to win this year’s competition.
Other acts in the first semi-final expected to do well include Estonia’s Elina Nechayeva and Eleni Foureira from Cyprus.
Former Britain’s Got Talent finalist Ryan O’Shaughnessy will represent Ireland with the song Together.
The UK as one of the ‘big five’ countries, along with France, Germany, Italy and Spain, are already assured of a place in the grand final.
Singer-songwriter SuRie is representing the UK this year with the song Storm.
A total of 19 acts will perform in the first semi-final in Lisbon, with only the top 10, as decided by both a jury of experts and the public, qualifying for Saturday’s final line-up of 26 countries.
Viewers in the UK will be able to vote for their favourite song in the first semi-final after the final act has finished performing.
The event will be screened live on BBC Four, with Radio 1’s Scott Mills and This Morning’s Rylan Clark-Neal presenting.
Author: Paul Miles
