Eurovision 2016 Semi-Final 1 – Preview & Tips

It’s Eurovision week, so we take a look at everything you need to know!

Where? Stockholm in Sweden, after Sweden won last year with Mans Zelmerlow’s Heroes.

When? Semi-final 1 takes place on Tuesday at 8pm-10.05 RTE2 & BBC4.
Semi-final 2 (when Ireland performs) takes place on Thursday at 8pm-10.05pm RTE2 & BBC4

Semi-final 1
18 countries will perform on Tuesday of which only 10 will qualify for the finals on Saturday.

Ones To Watch

Russia
Russia are tipped not only to win the semi-final, but to win outright with Sergey Lazarev – You Are The Only One. The video alone is worth a watch for the quality acting from the love interest.

2/7 to win the semi-final. 1/150 to qualify.

Iceland
Iceland’s representative Greta Salóme may have stolen her moves from 2012 winner Loreen from Sweden, but the song Hear Them Calling is upbeat and ticks the boxes to qualify.

50/1 to win the semi-final. 1/4 to qualify.

Finland
Finland are outsiders to qualify from the semi-final but have been a song that I have been humming whilst doing my ‘research’.

150/1 to win the semi-final. 4/1 to qualify.

Netherlands
The Netherlands have a delightful song from Douwe Bob called Slow Down. It’s not your usual cheesy Eurovision song and strikes me as something you would listen to on a sunny day. Nice change of pace from the usual in your face overproduced songs we are accustomed to.

22/1 to win the semi-final. 1/6 to qualify.

Cyprus
Cyprus have gone for the Indie/Rock vibe with Minus One and their track Alter Ego. It’s theatrical, solemn and moody; they even enlisted the help of a wolf to add to the dramatic effect. Oh it also has that guitar solo to meet your Eurovision needs.

40/1 to win the semi-final. 1/6 to qualify.

*Prices correct at time of publication