Live blog first semi-final Eurovision Song Contest: top favorite Croatia qualifies for the grand final, our Nicole and Hugo receive tribute

The first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest has brought few surprises, says VRT NWS journalist Gianni Paelinck from Malmö. “Croatia, the top favorite in particular, set the press room on fire. Ireland’s dark act drew big eyes.” Exactly how well each country scored in the semi-finals will only be announced after Saturday’s grand final.

Also few surprises in terms of political statements, despite the tensions in the run-up to the song competition due to Israel’s participation. “There was a lot of police presence in the streets, but I saw little in the arena itself, apart from one Palestinian flag. The audience mainly wanted to make a party of it,” said Paelinck.

“In the opening act there was a symbolic protest action by the Swedish artist Eric Saade. He has a Palestinian father and wore a Palestinian scarf around his wrist. That was not agreed, and it was not visible at the rehearsal.”

A surprise for Hugo Sigal, who received a tribute from the EBU without his knowledge. The images of the legendary act of ‘Baby Baby’ from 1973 were shown again, with a dancing Nicole and Hugo in their purple suits. “Hugo was not informed. It was very nice how he and Nicole were called trendsetters, despite their last place at the time.”