Five moments from the first Eurovision semi-final we can’t stop talking about
Johnny Logan and Bambie Thug performed during the first Eurovision 2024 semi-final in Malmo
We’ll get the big news out of the way first: Ireland has made it to the final for the first time since 2018. It was a nail-biting moment as the qualifying countries were named, and as the end of the list neared on Tuesday night tensions were high with hopes — and fears — for Ireland’s chances.
However, when Bambie Thug was confirmed for the final, none embodied the nation’s relief better than RTÉ commentator Marty Whelan: “AT LAST!”
Eurovision Final Here We Come! ☘️🇮🇪#CrownTheWitch #Eurovision2024 #TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/rB5PtQGbjw
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) May 7, 2024
Bambie will perform during the first half of Saturday night’s final in Malmo.
The semi-final success has fuelled hopes of Ireland’s first Eurovision win since Eimear Quinn’s success with The Voice in 1996.
Bookmakers have slashed the odds of the Cork performer clinching an overall victory that would nudge Ireland ahead of Sweden as the most successful Eurovision country of all time.
When Bambie Thug appeared on stage for their dramatic performance of Doomsday Blue, an Ogham symbol was visible on their face and another on their leg. After the show, Bambie confirmed the European Broadcasting Union asked them to change the markings before their performance as it originally translated to a pro-Palestinian message.
Written in Ogham - an ancient Irish alphabet - the markings on their body translated to “Ceasefire” and “Saoirse Don Phalistin”.
Speaking at the semi-final winner's press conference, they said: “Unfortunately, I had to change those messages today to ‘crown the witch’ only (which was an) order from the EBU.” When asked why they included those "hidden" messages in their performance, they said it was important to them as they are “pro-justice” and “pro-peace”.
A spokeswoman for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “The writing seen on Bambie Thug’s body during dress rehearsals contravened contest rules that are designed to protect the non-political nature of the event.
“After discussions with the Irish delegation, they agreed to change the text for the live show.”
Bambie wasn’t the only person on stage last night attempting to send a message for peace in Palestine last night. The European Broadcasting Union has said it “regrets” Swedish singer Eric Saade wearing a keffiyeh on his arm during the opening act of the semi-final in Malmo.
The former Swedish entrant was not competing and had the symbol, commonly used by people who want to show they are pro-Palestinian, on his arm.
A spokesperson said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV show. All performers are made aware of the rules of the contest, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event.” Saade had earlier seemed to hit out at the boycott around flags from the country.
He wrote on Instagram questioning if freedom is “controversial” and why people keep asking if it is “political”.
Irish Eurovision superstar Johnny Logan, who now shares his record double-win at the contest with Sweden’s Loreen, took to the stage at Malmo Arena to belt out her hit Euphoria.
Loreen, who was crowned for a second time in Liverpool with Tattoo, first won the competition in 2012 for Sweden with Euphoria.
Irish winner Logan, 69, had a full orchestra as he made the lyrics more emotional and was greeted by applause from the audience.
Finland’s Windows95man has appeared not to wear underwear on stage as he competes in Eurovision.
The DJ and artist, whose real name is Teemu Keisteri, used clever camera angles to make it look like he was in the nude at Malmo Arena during Tuesday’s semi-final.
Performing his track No Rules!, Windows95man first emerged from an egg-shaped patchwork blue jean enclosure before later in the song being given short cut-off denims that were attached to ropes that had sparks coming out of them.
- Additional reporting by PA
