Latvia, Austria, Netherlands, Norway, Israel, Greece, Estonia, Switzerland, Georgia and Armenia. The countries that will advance to the final were announced in that order on Saturday. So no Belgium there. It seems like a curse. Our country has never managed to advance to the grand final four times in a row since the semi-final system was introduced in 2004. The Dutch delegation is celebrating: Joost Klein will therefore continue.
Before the show, nerves were already on edge in and around the Malmö Arena. Not only the artists, but also the security services were on their guard. An hour and a half before the show, the first pro-Palestinian protest appeared at the stadium. Next to the line where the public had to go through the security check, a banner appeared with ‘Genocide song contest’ and silent protest until finally a chanting march of dozens of demonstrators arrived.
The police initially let things go, but when the friendly request to resign was not heeded, they took serious action. Protesters are grabbed and diverted to a nearby park.
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The live show itself proceeds without incident. Before and after her performance of Hurricane, Eden Golan received not only cheering, but also boos from the audience. You may not have noticed much of this at home. The organization filters out that noise. Earlier in the day, news also emerged that the country filed a complaint with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) organization over the booing.
‘Peace’ by Mustii
In addition, it was very clear that this was the strongest semi-final of the two. With a strong opener like Malta, a convinced top favorite from Switzerland and an impressive Slimane who silenced the entire room with his impressive a cappella piece, to name just a few.
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Israel will advance to the grand final. — © REUTERS
Belgium also took office. Mustii did not start his performance completely convincingly Before the party’s over. At the beginning he sounded slightly nervous. Although he did recover towards the end. During the repetitive delivery of the title in the end, he sounded powerful and still captivated the audience. Also notable: PEACE was written in black letters on his left shoulder. A clear message from Mustii, one that was not yet present during rehearsals.
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‘Peace’ was painted on his shoulder. — © AP
It was certainly not easy in this tough field of participants. The hall was also filled with Dutch people: for Joost Klein it was half a home game. With his Europapa, happyhardcore and gabbergehak he really brought the party to the room. With his clear tribute to his deceased father, he also managed to move the same audience at the end. Mission accomplished for the northern neighbors.
