Semi-Final 1 Eurovision Song Contest

This programme contains scenes of Repetitive Flashing Images.

God Kvall, and valkommen to Stockholm in Sweden and welcome

to our new home on BBC4, for the 1st Semi Final

Tonight you're in for a cracking show as the first 18 countries

Plus the UK entry, Joe and Jake, will be right here

Settle down and enjoy. Let the Eurovision Song Contest commence!

12 points go to... The winner is Sweden!

There's nothing like a sweeping aerial shot to kick things off.

Here is last year's winner with Heros.

# I can't undo what has been done # Let's run for cover

# And live your life like there is no tomorrow son

# But we're dancing with the demons in our minds

# But we're dancing with the demons in our minds

# Don't say a word, don't make a sound

# Wake up and turn this world around.

# When you were lost I followed right behind

# But we're dancing with the demons in our minds

# But we're dancing with the demons in our minds

# But we're dancing with the demons in our minds

A good way to star. Saying buy to a small Swedish child there. Never see

him again. Bye child. What you are watching here

represents, and I quote, seeds from all over Europe, watch out hay fever

sufferers, starting to rise and travel to the host country. Marking

the beginning of the 61st Eurovision Song Contest. Seeds being spread

everywhere. Lovely! This venue is the Globe Arena, the world's largest

spherical building and for all fans of arenas, it's where the contest

took place back in 2000. # Take me to your heaven... Stop me here,

Scott. Of course, Sweden, they're the giants of Eurovision. They've

won six times. They're just one win away from matching Ireland who hold

the title for the most wins with seven. Strong facts. Good work, Mel.

Did you know the venue we are in today is normally an ice skating

rink. Is it really? Yeah and since Eurovision moved in a couple of

weeks ago the venue has sunk 35 milimetres. I am worried about it.

The Swedes are relaxed. I didn't know that! I am worried about that.

Never mind. A lot of seed there spreading its way through. The

Swedes love Eurovision, they're good at it. Over half the country watched

the process to find the singer every year. It's a big deal here. A lot of

the songs are written by Swedish songwriters this evening.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the hosts of Eurovision...

This is normally the bit where I give you the lowdown

on the presenters, but I think you're all very familiar

The last time Petra hosted Eurovision was back

She was brilliant. Irremember her outfits. She's toned it down tonight

for the first one. Let's have a look.

Welcome to the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

but finally we're back in Sweden again!

Welcome to our capital Stockholm, and let's begin

with saying; Thank you Vienna, for a beautiful show last year!

"Vielen Dank, Wien fur eine wunderbare show und fur mich

This is, of course, Mans Zelmerlow, who WON the entire contest last

I might not be a Eurovision-winning international sex symbol,

but at least I'm still, you know, Petra Mede!

Petra is, of course, hosting this contest

Tell us what have you been doing these last three years?

I've been sitting on my sofa, alone, hoping and praying for Sweden

And what an honor to meet you once again.

here from all over the world, and all of you watching at home.

It's a privilege for us to be part of a show that salutes

all the things that keep us together, rather than focus

Tonight is all about music, friendship and love

And that's why it gives us so much pleasure to finally get

In the opening number you saw Mans perform his winning song

"Heroes" - together with 44 children from a dance school here in Sweden.

And all those 44 kids have one thing in common.

Yes, but apart from that, they all dream of one day competing

in the Eurovision Song Contest - tonight that dream will come

true for 18 performers from all corners of the world.

Tonight is the first of two semifinals, where 18 countries

will fight for 10 places in the grand final on Saturday.

And you and the juries have the power!

Your vote is crucial in deciding which ten countries that will be.

Now, the big thing to remember is that UK viewers

You will be able to vote in the second semi final on Thursday.

That's because they split the voting of the Big 5 countries plus last

year's winner, Sweden, over the two semifinals.

And the reason the UK doesn't compete in the semifinals

is because we are part of 'The Big 5' - the countries that make

the biggest financial contribution to Eurovision,

so we are guaranteed a place in the final along with Sweden.

MEL: We want you to get in touch and tell us what you think

And send us your questions for Joe and Jake.

You can contact us via bbc.co.uk/eurovision OR

facebook.com/bbceurovision OR tweet @bbceurovision

Were you listening Scott? This is the perfect show to tweet along to.

It really is. He is talking about an app, there is

none for UK, despite what Mans is saying. Remember there is flashing

images and strobe effects. Perfect - grab your towels,

it's time to come together! Let the Eurovision

Song Contest begin! APPLAUSE AND

CHEERING Do you think people watching... They

love Eurovision. This is our first act in semifinal one. It's Finland.

She's wearing an actual reindeer tonight. Are you sure? She's wearing

a suede... That's what she told me. Dressed as a suewe Reindeer? The

track is called Sing It Away. It's a girl power anthem and she's a

registered nurse, if you need to be resuscitated.

# There's nothing harder than the strife

# When heavy waters try to break you you will be singing for life

# When you feel like your world is falling down

# There's no need to be carrying a frown

# So if you're focused you can make it

# You'll feel like nothing can steer you off your course

# When fear will try to make you cave in

# When you feel like your dreams are beaten down

# There's no need to be carrying a frown

# When all of the walls come crashing down

# When you try to scream but can't make a sound

# Don't you worry about it Don't you worry about it

I tell you what, I had a cracking night with the backing dancers at

the EuroClub, the club which plays Eurovision music. You will find out

more about that later in the week. Was that reindeers wait or

towelling, I wonder? Listen up, you are going to really enjoy this

clutch of young people. There's so much to say, here. A bit of a

warning comes with this song, there is a Greek wrap in this performance

and I like a Greek wrap as long it is filled with feta and that the

key. Nice baked on that bread. Do you always say that when you see

bread? It's my job. This band are called Argo, they are a melding of

hip-hop and folklore. The song is called Utopian Land. This is Argo

for Greece. # Peram' apsimon ke achpastame

sin Utopian # Pame chalanoume

ekes s' enan merean # Bgalo ta stipa ke o Kotson

pa ebgalen to boukal # Pinoume votkas ki i giagia

m' gavourevi chapsia # St' aeroplano esevame me

t' achpaston # Ada nichton

ki aki pou pame ksimeron # Ada nichton ki aki pou pame

ksimeron # Ada nichton ki aki pou pame

ksimeron Well, I hope you enjoyed those MC

Hammer trousers. You were a bit distracted at the end and then you

are suddenly focused. Oh, look who's here! Its mulled over. Stephen on

Twitter says about Finland's outfit, he saw a camel, not a reindeer. Some

people are having a Eurovision party tonight. Of course they are. In

Brighton. You can tweet us or get in touch on Facebook. This is Lady is

sacked. It starts off as a standard Eurasian song, pretty girl sings

about stars falling but won't beat specular onstage guest. I'm looking

forward to it, and look, more good biking, lovely rise. She was part of

a duo until last you but ditched the other one. That's show business and

now she is here. Lidia Isac with Falling Stars.

# The dark surrounds me when you're gone

# It's coming down Coming down

# The wildest fire is burning out, out

# And when our fall tore us to pieces

# I let the sunlight comfort me when all that's left are memories

# We could be the brightest falling stars

# And when our fall tore us to pieces

# The wildest fire is burning out, out

# And when our fall tore us to pieces

# We're the brightest falling stars. #

Oh, it's good to be back, isn't it? I bet he has built up a proper sweat

in that silver foil outfit. The whole thing was so shiny! Amazing!

When I think of Eurovision, I think of big, are bright drums on a high

dress all, being beaten, live, usually by someone in robes and

that, my friends, is exactly what you can look forward to. This is

Freddie, singing for Hungary and his song is called Pioneer. I don't want

to be smug or boast or anything but I spent some time with him

yesterday. We shared meatballs mascot! I know, we will see it late

double there are also three blokes behind him which have been flown

first-class from Hungary to Sweden just a whistle, probably. Think

about that when you watch it. Lets hope they don't have dry mouths

because it is hard to whistle when you have a dry mouth. Maybe just

ignore the song and enjoy looking at Freddie. And here he is.

# In a world where the poems sound fake

# And the love is replaced by the fame

# A million hearts of a million people

# Be proud, you were born to be real, oh-oh

# A million lies in a million temples

# It's only fear Become a pioneer, oh-oh

# They don't know how to value uniqueness

# When there ain't no products to sell

# A million hearts of a million people

# Be proud, you were born to be real, oh-oh

# A million lies in a million temples

# It's only fear Become a pioneer, oh-oh

# A million hearts of a million people

# Be proud, you were born to be real, oh-oh

# A mllion lies in a million temples

# It's only fear Become a pioneer, oh-oh

# You should know, You should know #.

Well done, Freddie, and the whistlers. It is hard to whistle on

demand. It was well worth getting them over. It is hard!

SHE WHISTLES. People are saying he's a bit Zayn Malik. Who's that? One

direction! That didn't happen, viewers. This is Nina Kraljic and if

she looks in pain in this performance, she's carrying the

weight of an eight-year-old child in her dress. There is an excellent

costume reveal in this and I want you to look out for it. It's

extraordinary, one of the best I have ever seen on Eurovision. If you

think that the dress she is wearing when you first see her is out there,

which you see the second. It is strong. This is a potential dark

horse, the bookies think it should do well. I love Zayn Malik!

# Your lighthouse Your lighthouse

# Harbours near No more fear

# Your lighthouse Your lighthouse

# Your lighthouse Your lighthouse

# Your lighthouse Your lighthouse

# Your lighthouse Your lighthouse

So that was the first five entries and just a reminder that UK

Your chance will come in the second semifinal on Thursday.

Hvala Nina Kraljic, and welcome Croatia.

You are watching the Eurovision Song Contest,

or as most people call me after winning the Eurovision;

Well, not so much? But maybe you could??

city for what must be the biggest and best party in Europe.

Over the past two weeks, Eurovision fans have arrived

Mans and I decided to greet the fans with a little surprise.

We pretended to be taxi drivers, and picked them up, to see

Are you in? There is one more. I love the invisible cameras. Are you

here for the Eurovision? Yes. You wouldn't be able to help me with

tickets? Sadly, no. That's too bad. The first Eurovision was in 2013.

That was in Sweden as well. Yeah. Were you there? Yeah, yeah, I was

there. I don't know too much about it. Who is hosting the show in

Stockholm? Petra and Mans. Many people say that I look like this,

what's her name, Petra? You do. You sound like her too. What? I am

telling you that is Petra. Oh my God! Oh my God! This is where Petra

got her first kiss in 2012. She was a late bloomer. Yeah, very late. In

there Mans actually lost his srir I didn't knowity. -- his virginity.

Who was the lucky guy? I am picking up a friend. Hello!

Arrange a party. You are right I wouldn't have seen

those cameras in the car! Never. They are famous here Mans and Petra.

Now look here, this is Douwe Bob. I hope he is jolly or merry. Don't

want him to be dour. He has a pop-up bar he has opened in Stockholm. A

lot of the acts have been going there to duet with him. He could be

in Poldark. He could be the Dutch one. He has a large tattoo you can

just see creeping out of his shirt there. A rose. Like Cheryl. This is

Slow Down with Douwe Bob for the Netherlands.

# I'm going nowhere and I'm going fast

# I should find a place to go and rest

# I should find a place to lay my head tonight

# Every morning there's another start

# Guess I'm running scared Guess I'm running on empty

# I keep searching for an answer, for a way

# Now all I ever do don't seem to free me

# I keep searching for an answer today

Open your eyes! That was Douwe Bob. Rachel having a party in Glasgow

tonight, that's their favourite so far. Really? Yeah. Who is here? Bob

is hoping to get Holland through to the final. They didn't qualify last

year. Next we are off to Armenia. This is the sexiest woman in Armenia

2012. She has a classic Eurovision look. This is well over the top.

With all the flashing images and strobe effects, flames... She makes

a lovely flat bread, as well. Much drama in this. Apparently she helped

co-write the lyrics. What does that mean? She was in the room. This is

Armenia and Iveta Mukuchyan and Lovewave.

but suddenly I'm not the same I used to be.

It's like I've stepped out of space and time and come alive.

Guess this is what it's all about, cos...

# When it touched me the world went silent

# The ground in motion set off all sirens

# You took over my heartbeat... beat...beat...beat...

# Gave me faith now I can break every single wall

# Prove we can do it all when all is out of love

# Spread a lovewave and my heart goes ba-ba-da-bu-who-oh-oh

# I would give up and lose all trials

# Shook my life like an earthquake Now I'm waking up

# Gave me faith now I can break every single wall

# Prove we can do it all when all is out of love

# Spread a lovewave and my heart goes ba-ba-da-bu-who-oh-oh. #

What's the deniere on those tights? I don't know what that means? It's

the thickness. First time we have seen this and not flash her pants.

She didn't in rehearsal. Bless her. This is absolutely marvellous. This

is San Marino. This is Serhat. Hang on to your hats for this... Thanks

for your support, Scott! He is the sort of Chris Rea of San Marino. An

amazing gravelly voice. He is going sockless, that is the Eurovision

law. Nobody from San Marino involved with this at all. It's a small

country. They've officially run out of popstars. The backing singers go

through the cupboards of Blake Seven. Look at this.

# Far from every sight and every fear

# Come along and live with my emotions

Someone on Twitter says it reminds them of Benidorm, the TV show. I'm

addicted to that! Thank you to San Marino, you might be Eurovision's

smallest country but size does not matter in this competition. Now, all

you viewers at home and all you wonderful boys and girls in the

audience, it is time for song number nine, it's Russia!

I love Petra and that girl in the audience. I have just read that

Serhat drinks mint tea and has a short prayer before every

performance. I love him. I want that to be known. He needs to go through.

Russia have thrown absolutely everything at this. They came second

last year. You can smell how much they want it. Slight desperation in

the air. It looks like Russia have been watching the winner, Mans's

performance very closely. Interesting. He loves his dog, look!

Quite a convex routine comment here, some convex moves. It is busy. He

slipped over in rows. Thunder and lightning, it's getting exciting, it

is Russia and Sergey! # We can never let

the word be unspoken # We will never let our loving

go come undone # Everything we had

is staying unbroken, now # Nothin' or no-one's

gonna keep us apart # Breakin' it down

but I'm still gettin' nowhere # Thunder and lightning

It's gettin' excitin' # Lights up the skyline

to show where you are # My love is rising

The story's unwindin' # Together we'll make it

and reach for the stars # You're the only one

You're my only one # You're my life

Every breath that I take # You're the only one

My only one # I could have told you

to slow down and stay down # I could have told you a secret

Won't you keep it now? # Thinking of making a showdown

when love is found # Thinking of waiting

till you're around # Nothin' or no-one's

gonna keep us apart # Breakin' it down

but I'm still gettin' nowhere # Thunder and lightning

It's gettin' excitin' # Lights up the skyline

to show where you are # My love is rising

The story's unwindin' # Together we'll make it

and reach for the stars # You're the only one

You're my only one # You're my life

Every breath that I take # You're the only one

My only one # Thunder and lightning

It's gettin'excitin' # Lights up the skyline

to show where you are # You're the only one

You're my only one # You're my life

Every breath that I take # You're the only one, My

only one. That is how you do it. I feel sorry

for the lady at the end. She flew all the way to Eurovision and she

had two seconds and she had to do was hold up some fire. Gary and

crystal watching in London love that one. I will tell you something in a

second. This is Gabriela Guncikova, a mouthful. She is singing for the

Czech Republic. Again, in lycra. All these lady singers are so fit! She

is mounting a climbing wall, there, super stuff. Apparently she has done

a duet with iron maiden. Gabriella, I shall phone Bruce Dickinson right

away. -- her dream is a duet. I will ask Bruce Dickinson if he feels the

same. This is Gabriella for the Czech Republic with I Stand.

# I've played my heart # When I played the part

# I have felt the strain # I've made mistakes

# But in the end # You're standing there

# I'm standing tall # I can hold it all

# The choice I made # Helped me understand

I'm so sorry, I've just put an enormous piece of switch cracker

bread in my mouth. Sorry. It's got a lovely baked, it's super. Turn your

microphone off because no one wants to year that. Ryan on Twitter says,

"No wonder Russia is the favourite, it won 12 months ago!" Yes, it was

raising led to Sweden last year. Next, it is Cyprus. This lot, Minus

One are generally a covers band but this is new material but it sounds

like Somebody Told Me by the Killers. They said their

preparations before going on stage where they like to hang out at the

bar and I can confirm that at the London Eurovision party a few weeks

ago, that was true, they like to hang out at the bar, especially the

drama. Flashing images and strobe effects in this one. This was

written by one of the writers on Gabby May Q Fourie, the Swedish

winner in 2012. Who knows what can happen? This is Minus One with Alter

Ego. # Waking up alone

like a man that failed # Trapped into the mist

of our fairytale # And you know, you know

You know I'm still inside # I knew it all along

but I couldn't tell # This kind of love

would lock my heart in jail # You know, you know, you know

it's doing time # Caught in the middle

of the dawn and the sunrise # Life is a miracle

I saw it in your eyes # Under the spotlight

I howl in the moonlight # Take it on

and get me through the night # Take it on

and get me through the night # Take it on

# I've heard it all before People always say

# Time can take the sorrow and the pain away

# You know, you know This love will never die

# Caught in the middle of the dawn and the sunrise

# Life is a miracle I saw it in your eyes

# Under the spotlight I howl in the moonlight

# Caught in the middle of the dawn and the sunrise

# Life is a miracle I saw it in your eyes

# Under the spotlight I howl in the moonlight

# Take it on and get me through the night

# Take it on Take it on until the morning light

# Take it on and get me through the night

# Take it on Take it on

# I cross the oceans I fly on the skyline

# Drive any road that will bring me by your side

# Take it on and get me through the night

# Take it on Take it on until the morning light

# Take it on and get me through the night

# Take it on Take it on

# Caught in the middle of the dawn and the sunrise

# Life is a miracle I saw it in your eyes. #

That is the first rocker I have ever seen in a multilayered cardigan.

They did well. Guyliner lawyers well. I'm loving the Sandhja. This

one is Ray Winstone. She is a Leigh, singing for Austria but in French.

Her song is called Loin D'Ici which I think translates as far from here.

She's wiggling her skirt about in front of the net you found in

Vienna. Oh, Vienna! It means nothing... No, it means everything

to me and to is a Leigh as well. Look out for her lovely peach sort

of bridesmaid's ensemble. It is a lovely strapless dress she is going

for. Will we go to Austria next year? Listen up, who knows? Let's

find out, is a Leigh is singing for Austria. Good luck. -- ZOE.

# Et quand tu chantes oui moi je chante aussi

# Et quand tu voles oui moi je vole aussi

# Et quand la route nous semble sans issue

# Sans aucun doute meme si on s'ra perdu

# On s'elance, reuni, enivre, dans l'imprudence

# On chante, on chante On danse, on danse

# On chante, on chante On danse, on danse

She's looking emotional. Two years since Austria won. Can Zoe do the

same? Louise watching and Rachel and Angus. They're having parties. Thank

you for getting in touch. This is Estonia and a man with a deep voice.

He appears very serious. But he was a right lol on the red carpet the

other day at the opening ceremony. Was he? There is a whiff of the

young Michael Gove about him. You are about to see more of him than

the other contestants because he is in the sauna. There he is. Lads,

lads! He is a favourite with a lot of the Eurovision bloggers. Look out

for the amazing card trick halfway through that I think works in a

massive arena. It was in the rehearsal and I reckon it will be in

the main show. Estonia and this is Play.

# It's getting late and be that as it may

# I turn to you I turn to you

# But not to you Not to you

# We ain't got all night to find out what is right

# The only way to go is let your feelings show

# See all your walls come down and just hit

# Cos that's the only way to find out if it's love

# That we're fallin' We're fallin' into

# I didn't know what to do but now I'm good as new

# Cos I'm stronger Much stronger with you

# Some might say it's an ordinary day

# We ain't got all night to find out what is right

# It's the only way to see if we were meant to be

# Let all your walls come down and just hit

# Cos that's the only way to find out if it's love

# That we're fallin' We're fallin' into

# I didn't know what to do but now I'm good as new

# Cos I'm stronger Much stronger with you

# Some might say it's an ordinary day

# I didn't know what to do but now I'm good as new

# Cos I'm stronger Much stronger with you. #

Distracting hips and scary eyes. Estonia there.

Hello. I am standing in the green room and this is where all the

artists end up after their performances. This is where the

eagerly await their verdict. We are going to talk to Mans for a little

while. I will get back to you very soon.

I wanted to say that - I wanted to thank Juri and Estonia with a song

written by the artist who sang for Estonia last year and ended up in

the final. Five songs to go and then it's up to remember. Remember, you

cannot vote tonight. While they take a break. Let's see who Mel is

chatting to. Thank you, Scott. I am here to get

some chat with our main man from Latvia. Nice to see you. How are you

doing? It's great to be here, with that view, you know. I have to

confess something, I am suffering slightly from vertigo up here with

this glass barrier. Will you cling on to me? What! Cling on to me, hold

me. All right. Thank you very much. I just would like to mother you. How

old are you? 21. 21. Look at this. All of this huge arena lies before

you. You are going to sing on Thursday. How are the rehearsals

going? It's been great. In second rehearsal they really did a lot of

changes that we asked and they've done a really great work there.

They're so professional and I am happy. No worries, you know. Are you

going to be wearing leathers on Thursday evening? Yeah. This is a

lovely jacket you are wearing. Yeah, I am going to wear leathers.

Trousers and jacket? We will see. Good. I have heard on the grapevine

that you are good at maths. Is that right? Yeah, you can say. What is 78

times three minus four plus five times ten? Oh my God... I don't know

either. I thought you would. Do you not know? Not that fast, you know. I

am more about formulas and hard questions, you know, in maths. What

is the formula for winning Eurovision, do you think? You are

good at formulaings? I am thinking a great song, of course, great singer.

Great performance. It's been really lovely to meet you. Good luck on

Thursday. Well done. Back to you, Scott.

Hi, Tash having a party with her friend Lauren. She's not doing uni

work until the end of the show. Next Azebbaijan and Samra. This is a

typical big Euro banger. You are waiting for a moment that doesn't

really arrive. She's hoping to get through tonight and bring the

contest back to Baku next year. I came through the door on Euro

banger, what's going on? It's Samra and Miracle is the name of the

track. Enjoy. # You got in my head, boy

Like a song? # But the radio stopped to play us

long ago, long ago # Guess I've had enough, boy

Guess I'm done # I made a mistake

There's nothing to say # Gonna take a miracle

to heal this love # This time I say goodbye

I'm letting you go # It was a one way road

for you and I # Yeah, we built this castle

based on lies # And now we have hit

the point of no return # We crash and we burn

You live and you learn # Gonna take a miracle

to heal this love # This time I say goodbye

I'm letting you go # Gonna take a miracle

to save us now? # And I won't pretend

to be all right # My heart is on the line

Our end is my start # Gonna take a miracle

to save us now # Gonna take a miracle

to save us now. # I agree with Jessica on Facebook.

She does have a really good nose. A great nose. It takes a girl with

guts to wear the full tan tights ensemble and she did it. Didn't warn

but the backing dancers either, sorry about that. The blonde guy

wasn't pulling focus. It's all about me! On to this lovely, lovely bunch

of lads. It's Montenegro and they're called Highway. Enjoying basketball

there in the capital of Montenegro there. Wrapped up against the stiff

wind there on the hillside. The breeze is coming in. I should

say that the next performance contains flashing images and strobe

effects and possibly some sort of student moshing. Enjoy. Good luck!

# Real thing, real thing Real thing, yeah

# Cos you got spinning shadows on the walls

# Feel it I'm the real thing, yeah

I'll never get those three minutes back! I think that is a grower. Come

on! It's growing on me. Since when? About ten minutes ago. UK, you can't

vote in night and I wouldn't be. Hang on, she is running in full side

ashes. Lots of fitness in these postcards and horses. That is what

all of the acts are into this year. Hello, Iceland, this is Greta

Salome. She has been in the contest before in 2012 with Jonzi but she

wrote and produced this one has. For the last year and a half, she has

been on a really long cruise. -- this one herself. She was doing a

show, obviously, not just having a holiday. She's been watching the

winning performances lots on her holiday, as you will see. Hear Them

Calling for Iceland. # We shiver as we step into

the cold, cold night # Then we're running

We are running now # I hear them calling me

I hear them whispering # They're singing

Now we are coming home? # I hear them calling me

I hear them howling # We shiver as we step into

the cold, cold night # Then we're running

We are running now # I hear them calling me

I hear them whispering # They're singing

?Now we are coming home? # I hear them calling me

I hear them howling # Can you hear them?

I hear them calling me, oh # I hear them calling me

I hear them whispering # I hear them calling me

We're coming home # I hear them calling me

I hear them whispering # I hear them calling me

Now we're coming home # I hear them calling me

I hear them whispering # They're singing

?Now we are coming home? # I hear them calling me

I hear them howling # Singing

?Now we are coming home?. # Well, gone are the days of

high-kicking and dancing with stools, it is all about the shadow

play on the back of the screen, they love the shadow play. That is

greater, she's 29 and from Iceland. Oh, now, gang, get close, this a

treat, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the band are called Dallara and Dean,

featuring Ana Rucner and Jala, with a song called Ljubav Je. Oh, this

one. It is strong. Your's supplies of silver foil have been seriously

depleted after the arrival on the scene of this band. Look out for the

cellist's Kate. It is like an emergency blanket, isn't it? Yes,

like when you have run a marathon and you get one, there's a bit of

that going on and they are singing in Bosnian. Enjoy this.

Bosnia-Herzegovina. # Trebace mi tvoje

tijelo kad oci zatvorim # Oko mene sve je bijelo

cak i sivi zidovi # Nemam kome da se vratim

samo tebi vjerujem # Dugove cu sve da platim

na ljubav se zaklinjem # Ljubav je zacarani krug

svako dode na svoj red # Ljubav je, sve sto imamo

svako bira svoj grijeh, # Tako trebam tvoje

tijelo kad oci zatvorim # Srce se u tebe klelo

kako da ti oprostim # Nemam kome da se vratim

samo tebi vjerujem # Dugove cu sve da platim

na ljubav se zaklinjem # 'mjesto kapetan dabudem

bir'o sam da budem pirat # 'mjesto sretan da budem

bir'o sam tugu u inat # Moja prica je rulet

ulaem, ne znam kasirat # Njenim ocima uklet

vise se ne znam nasmijat # Zna me mamit'oblinama

nakon case dv'je vina # Ona nije ta sto ce

mi sutra roditi sina # Opet nijedna ne zna me

tako magicno dirat' # Opet tragicno biram

jer davo ne da mi mira # Ljubav je zacarani krug

svako dode na svoj red # Ljubav je, sve sto imamo

svako bira svoj grijeh Oh there is something for everyone,

isn't there? Barbed wire... I was worried you was going to try to

climb through the barbed wire in the dress. The fish tail would not have

stood it. And the cellist lady with a cello between her legs, or is she

OK? I think so. She was shaking around. Someone said it look like

she had finished a marathon and she did with the bit odd. Some nice

baked goods there. I thought you would notice that. This is Ira

Losco, a big star in Malta, in 2002, she was douze points away from

winning the entire Eurasian Song Contest, coming second. She went

away for a while. They change their injury, Malta, they decided on this

one. -- changed their entry. I hope it's the beginning of an era and not

the end of an error. This track is called Walk On Water.

She's expecting a baby! I like the lady with a bump. She's great! What

a great dancer as well, not that I can really talk about dancing.

We are done, I can't believe it. It's gone really quick.

And there you have them, the competing songs in Semi-Final 1.

Anyway, it's time to start the voting as the power shifts

from the artists to the national juries in every country

Remember, there's no voting for UK viewers tonight,

despite what our Petra and Mans are saying.

So please don't try, as your vote won't count

UK viewers will be able to vote in the next semifinal on Thursday.

It's here on BBC Four. Soon, Scott is going to be chatting to our Joe

and Jake and I'm going to be doing some bonding with more of this

year's acts, so don't go anywhere. You do that every year now, don't

you? And if you can't get enough Eurovision come you can watch the

full, an interrupted semifinal on the Eurovision website, obviously

after we have finished. Europe, start voting now! You can't vote in

the UK tonight. Some of the performances in this

recap contain flashing Ah, Greece, remember them.

Joe says I don't think Greece are going to the final on Saturday. Oh!

You are a good man, Jamie. A nice pun on Argo there.

Now, remember her? . Extraordinary stuff. Calum says Tim

Peake gets everywhere these days. I thought it was the Stig actually

when he first came on. I thought what's going on here?

There he is! Still working those moves.

Now we got a lot of chat about Hungary. This is Freddie, of course.

Hazel said somebody get that man a throat sweet. Fred is - it's

Freddie, my love, you are not intimate with him yet. Fred can make

me dinner any day of the week, he said. This was a cracking reveal,

wasn't it? Remember this? She looked like one of those dolls

around a toilet roll holder. She's lovely, though.

It's a bold hairdo. Having lots of fun on the

make-believe clock there. That's a grower that song. Yeah, it is.

Taking it easy there. Now a lot of social media traffic

coming in for Armenia. Chris said Kardashian wind in the

hair realness. Keith said call the Fire Brigade. She's bold. Yeah,

let's just stand up and salute San Marino. The man in the burgundy

trilby. Carl says classic Eurovision. Next, I must have bad

taste in music because I love it. I am with you, Carl.

Oh! # Thunder and lightning. # Yes, it's getting exciting!

Man behind is very strong. You know the one I am talking about.

I like this Miss Jones. Oh, but you are beautiful Miss Jones when she

released her hairdo. That's a fine necklace around her neck, it's come

out of the seabed or some such. Good luck to them. Cyprus. My new best

friends. I spent a good hour with them yesterday morning and they were

an absolute delight. I asked the man with the blue beard if he had five

wives in his cellar. He didn't get the reference. Zoe.

This is the dynamo of Estonia. He pulled out a little magic trick from

the narrow-legged blue suit. I prefer him in Glasgow. I love him

in Glasgow. -- I prefer him in glasses.

Jonathan said dressed like Brit knee, arranged like Sia. That will

do me. Is that Amal Clooney? That's a lookalike. I think Amal is very

strong. Now what did we think of this?

Sticky floor and a pint of snakebite anyone?

I think she was short-changed. There she is.

Now, Iceland. Naomi says blooming love this song.

Extreme fringing! That would be a nightmare to pack in your case,

Naomi. Oh, comedy teeth! Lovely stuff.

Gary said very Game of Thrones. Extraordinary stuff.

I think he looks like the actor Neil Stuke.

Sorry! That tickled me. Like Cat Deeley this lady. When I was

pregnant I was literally lying down and eating cheese like it was going

out of fashion. She's representing her country. She's singing for Malta

and I respect her. Lovely crystalware in the green room. Let's

see what Scott is up to out there. Oh, here is Petra first.

Thank you very much. Over the years on this show it's become traditional

on the semifinals to give you a guided tour of the host city.

This year we have someone from the EBU.

Some of the information is inaccurate and most scenes have been

created for entertainment purposes. Hey, here it is. Here is the bus.

Flag it down. Let's do it.

All right, mate. Hello. Wow! What a great turnout we

have this time. My name is Linda and I am the official spokesperson for

the European Broadcasting Union. So, welcome to the official EBU tour of

Sweden! Verb very excited. Who have we got

here? I am Joe. And I am Jake. We are Joe and Jake. Jackie and John.

Joe and Josie. Lovely, welcome. Thank you. Driver, put a foot on it!

Let's go. And we are off. This is the town.

After months... Selmo... Won last year for Sweden, basically the

contest came here. So, lads, if you look to the left you can see the

Royal Palace. This is the largest Palace in Europe. It's the official

residence of the Swedish monarch. Are you sure it's not the Palace

building on the right? No, I think that's the library. It's this one on

the right with Carl the King and the Queen. They live there. They must

have got it wrong in the book. You know how things look bigger on the

telly than real life. That's a statue. Of a person. This is a

bridge. Over there somewhere, right, is the building that was designed to

architecturally house artefacts of the founding fathers of Sweden,

right. Wow. Bjorn, Benny, and... Isn't that Abba? No, it's the

founding fathers of Sweden. Say hello to the Swedish people. Hello

Swedish people! Hello. Hey, hey. This is Joe-Joe and Jackie. Vote for

them in the Eurovision. Singing You Are Alone. It's Linda and Josie and

Jackie like a group. What we would be called? Le Joackie. Which harp

honey would -- harmony would I get? Even higher. I couldn't hit that.

Nailed it. You are in the band. She can do the whistle. You are in the

band. Right, lads, time to stretch those legs. Follow me. Up we go!

Let's do it. What we need to do, if you want votes this is the street

you sing at. We are going to join this girl here and we are going to

get votes, right. Let's do it. # You are not alone

# We are in this together. # All that you want is here forever

# They don't need to know # They don't need to know

# I, I, I feel like I am dancing # In the sky

# I come alive when I am with you # I come alive when I am with you

# Vote for England! Well, they've just about

recovered from an afternoon with Lynda Woodruff

and they're here. How was that afternoon on the bus?

Interesting. It was lovely. It was a great day. Got to meet some people

and experience Swedish culture. Incredible. You found her a bit

weird? No, you can't get much weeder than us, can you really? Well --

much weirder. You have had a few days to soak up the Stockholm

experience. When you are in here how do you feel? It's pretty surreal.

Obviously knowing that we are going to be performing here on Saturday in

front of 200 million people, it's crazy. We are really excited. It's

an amazing feeling being here. Looking at your face, you are look

um! It's crazy out there. Not going to lie. It's pretty intimidating

actually. I was going to say you have watched the show tonight. What

have you been thinking? It's an amazing show. It's put on well. We

can't wait to perform now. How are rehearsals going? You have been

locked in rehearsals for a while? Going great. We were excited to get

on the stage and see everything. You know, we can't wait to do it now. In

front of the crowd, we are really excited. A lot of people obviously

don't take Eurovision seriously in the UK, unlike they do in Sweden,

where it's a serious matter. How seriously are you taking it?

Massively seriously. We are working so hard to make sure we put on the

best performance possible. And make the UK proud. We have Sony involved,

one of the biggest labels involved, we can't wait to show everyone how

hard we have been working and make everyone proud. We have some

questions from Facebook and Twitter. What have you learned from the

Eurovision experience so far, that's from Ross. What we have learned how

Royal fans are, fans are massively loyal. Did you get mobbed earlier? A

couple of times, yeah. But it was great. We loved it. This is from

Grace. How did it feel to get a positive response after the

rehearsals? Obviously a lot of bloggers report on every single move

you make at Eurovision. It's been going down really well with them,

with the fans. It's been going down well with the bloggers and fans and

that feels incredible. We started on this journey, we wanted to change

the perception of the Eurovision in the UK and with those receptions we

have genuinely feel we are doing that. That's amazing. Quick one,

Philip, what other acts do you get on with? We get on within a lot of

other acts. We have a good laugh with France. He is a lad, similar

sort of guy to us. We get on with him well. Back to you later and good

luck for Saturday. Right, last year if you remember Conchita let Mel

help her out. She was busy and Mel helped her in a cake shop. This year

she's helping another busy Eurovision presenter, look at this.

SHE SNORES PHONE RINGS. Is that the winner of Eurovision 2015 in Vienna?

Yes, I have just woken up and it was very convincing. You want me to

cover your shift at the meatball restaurant? Honestly, you and

meatballs! Morning! Take a seat, I will be

right with you. Heh. How are you? As they say in Sweden, heh, heh. Heh,

heh, heh. Heh, heh, heh! LAUGHTER Can I get you some meatballs? That

is what we serve here. I have got mousse, venison, reindeer, Turkey

and Rooster. What do you fancy? The Venezuelan? Have not got that on the

menu today. What did you say? Venison! LAUGHTER

It looks amazing. Is the look is important to you for your original.

Yes, of course, which is why my outfit for Eurovision itself cost

more than 20,000 euros. Stop it! My shirt, Erin, microphone, shoes,

microphone stand, everything is covered in Swarovski crystals and

onstage, I look like I am wet because I chose like the very small

ones. When you die your beard, do you have do go like that? Not

really, I can just take it and put it on. Ever since even the band,

everyone used to ask me about the colour of my hair. I'm sorry, man!

I'm so sorry. The wolf is a theme. Tell me about it. It came about by

accident. We win this studio. What is your technique for a good towel?

There we go. THEY ALL HOW ALL. Do you have things that you do to stop

yourself getting to Nevis? Before going on stage, I do some strange

exercises for my voice. Show me. Somebody told me that you like to

talk to your piano. Yes, I miss it a lot so I call it on based on

everyday. -- face time. And I talked to him. OK, we need to get the

paramedics! I think so! We really do. Tell me about your song this

year. Like you, you are my. We are doing meatballs here, not doner, to

make that clear. I did not know that everybody spoke about doner kebab.

Yes but I think like we are about to have a seance. It feels very

spiritual. Is anybody there? Oh, hello, she is singing, nice. I

notice that you are on your own. Do you want some company. Yes? Can I

share this if it is not to forward? Rod no, come on. Dig in. You are

from Hungary. Are you hungry? Actually, I am. That was a bit of an

icebreaker, did not go that well, let's just dig in. One. We might go

for two. No! I have got two, slightly Marlon Brown though in the

Godfather. Come on, Freddie! No! Sorry. Freddie, I'm so sorry. I

don't know what came over me. I was trying to show off and impress you.

It was amazing. I will definitely come back. We will? Second state?

All right, sure. I'm free most nights. Yeah. Not committing, but

never mind. Sorry, we are just doing a bit of

this up here on the balcony. I don't know what that move is but we are

doing it. We are going to be dissecting some at night's

performances very shortly. I'm the luckiest woman in your vision

because I'm joined to night by Nicky Byrne, formerly of Westlife... Oh,

yeah! How are you? Extreme you well, great to see you, and I've also got

the lady that all of you know as the amazing Lynda Woodruff, it is of

course, Sarah Finer. Hello! Hallowed darling. Do you speak like that in

real life? I don't, not at all. You have got a great accent, slightly

Swedish, slightly American. Yes, my mother is from New York and my dad

is from Bethnal Green in London and I'm from Stockholm. Great

combination. Nikki, you are representing Ireland

to have one Eurovision seven times. Sarah, you have the Swedish

connection and using tremendously in Sweden a lot. Sweden have won six

times, what is it about your countries that make you such

consistent winners? How many times have the UK won it? Five. Not far

behind. I think all countries, including the UK, have a huge music

pedigree, we love Eurovision, we love our party and its 20 years

since Ireland have wind it -- Ireland have won it. Sweden have won

it twice then. I think the UK, Ireland and Sweden are songwriting

countries and the songs are, well, they are very abroad and for the

contest, that they have a quality that goes abroad, in every genre and

in every country. We are all from countries that really respect

musical tradition and melodies. Absolutely. Nicky as a former member

of Westlife, I feel I have to give you a stool. Let's bring one in four

Nicky. Please sit down. You know how long it's been? Do I get to have

one? You can only get off the stool when you hear the words, key change,

then you can stand up! All night? That's comfortable. Absolutely. What

did you guys make often night's performances? We have seen all of

the first semifinal. What are your feelings? I feel like we have better

stuff to come but it's a good beginning with a lot of beautiful

show numbers. A few good songs. What about the outfits? Any standouts for

you? Like Croatia, with that extraordinary reveal out of the cake

and into the storm trooper? Yes, there's been some crazy ones come

all right but in terms of the songs, I really like the Czech Republic

which is good because it is written by an Irish guy. I really liked it.

Austria was triggered. I stand, to me, that was my favourite, very

good, great screens and great graphics. I was not paying too much

attention to the outfits, I'm not going to lie but some of the songs

were very strong, Russia as well. Russia had an extraordinary key

chains in it... You can step up from the stool, Nicky, there we go! Now,

the gap that the Dutch guy left in his song, Douwe Bob, has been the

talk of your vision so far. Was it quite a bold move? Ten second gap in

the song. What did you think? I think he may be would have wanted to

fill it with something else rather than saying, "I love you, too", like

a silent sora message. I think it was effective. It made people talk.

-- silence or a message. I was a bit worried because I thought he forgot

his word. You are not going to do that on Thursday now, are you? Don't

curse me now! But it is going to be memorable, with the outfits and the

staging. For the UK and Ireland and Sweden, we always try to have a

great song. You are back on the stool? Did I allow you to sit back

down? I don't know, I thought you only had to stand up when you said

key change. Use it on it so well. Do you want a go sitting on the stool?

I'm all right, I'm a bit younger, so I'm OK. You can have half, share it.

So who is your money on four to night's clutch of performance? Let's

wrap this up. To me, Austria and Iceland. And Russia because these

screens were regrettable. Azerbaijan Armenia, and the Netherlands and

Russia. Thank you so much to Sarah and Nicky. Lovely having you here

and very good luck on Thursday. Let's find out who has won!

I'm here in the Green Room together with three of the six

artists already qualified for Saturday's final.

We are going to see who's going to go through to the final soon.

We'll present these three tonight, and the other three on Thursday.

Now, for the first time ever since the Big Five was created,

instead of watching music videos, we'll get to see them on our stage!

Give it up for Spain, France and Frans!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE These are three of the Big Five

countries that contribute financially the most towards the

contest so they get a free pass, straight through to the final. This

is the French entry. # You are the one that is making me

strong # I've been looking, looking for

# Write a melody of my song # Write a melody of my song

# You're the one that's making me strong

# RBE looking, looking for you # Like the melody of my song

# You're the one that's making me strong

# I'll be looking, looking for you # Like the melody of my song

# Like the melody of my song. # This is Spain!

# I feel like I want to fight # Won't fix by running

# Know, won't fix by running # You are the one who never dies

# You keep on climbing over heels # Right now, you are racing. #

Sing it! # You've got to say it

# Hooray # You have got to sing it. #

And the host country, which means they go straight through to the

final as well, Sweden. # Shouted from the top

# Swim underwater until my lungs exploded

# Walk into the fire # If I was sorry

# I'd won 1000 miles # Wouldn't stop until I dropped

# Wouldn't take a breast a breeze until I got close enough

# And I'd do it all again # If I really had the chance

# But I know deep insight # For you it's just another dance

# If I was sorry # I'd give you all the glory

# If I was sorry # If I was sorry

# It would be a different story # If I was sorry. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE In a few moments, we will

reveal the ten finalists from this semifinal,

but to make sure everything went as planned, and that all the votes

from the juries and viewers were counted properly,

let's turn to the most powerful man the executive supervisor

of the EBU, Mr Jon Ola Sand! Thank you for your humble

introduction, Petra. We have received all the phone votes and the

jury votes from the 18 participating countries to night. We have a valid

result that I will send over to you so you can reel which acts we will

see again in the Grand Final on Saturday. -- reveal which. Mans and

Petra, take it away. He always smashes it! And barely blinks as

well, skills. We've now reached the moment we've

all been waiting for. It's time to find out how

all of you and your national juries have voted, and which ten countries

have qualified for the final. The countries will be

revealed in a random order. The first finalist is... Azerbaijan!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE Five years since they last won. They

have always qualified since they have been in a contest and they are

through to Saturday. The second finalist is... I've popped in a

licorice, sorry. Russia! Once again, they always get through.

Congratulations to Russia. They came second in the final and they really

want to win it. The next finalist is... I like the music, they should

put it forward for your region next year. The Netherlands! Douwe Bob,

use no longer do come he's very happy. They did not qualify last

year, but they came second before. The fourth finalist is... Jeopardy,

tension. Hungary! Freddie! They have qualified every year since 2011.

They are happy with that. Well done, Freddie. Let's move onto fifth

finalist, who is... , one, San Marino. Croatia! The lady with the

extraordinary garments. Congratulations, Croatia. They have

not been the competition for two years. They took a break in the last

two. The next finalist is... Some people said because they failed to

qualify in previous years so they threw their toys out of the pram.

Austria! Yes, Austria! Last year, after winning the before, they came

totally last, nul points. Who's it going to be? Lovely pausing

there from Mans. Armenia. They're through, the lady in the leotard.

They've failed to qualify for one final and that was in 2011. They'll

be happy with that. However, there are 11 artists left but only three

tickets to the final remain. Oh, come on! Come on, San Marino. Show

us Serhat, please. Where is he? My burgundy young man. Estonia want to

get through badly. The 8th finalist is...

Czech Republic! They've never qualified for a Eurovision final,

ever. I feel moved. I am moved for them. That's really lovely.

She did well, didn't she? A first for them. The 9th finalist is...

Cyprus! My boys.

That is tremendous news. The blue beard goes up in the air with

excitement. There is only one space left. Only

one left. Who's it going to be? I can't call this actually. Don't

know. San Marino? This is so exciting. I don't know what to do!

Down it, no, don't. The 10th finalist from tonight is...

Bad luck. Serhat will rise again, I feel sure. Estonia... There we go,

gang. You will see them again. Iceland didn't get through. Those

are our qualifiers for Saturday night's final which you can see on

BBC One. You can enjoy their performances once again on Saturday.

Lovely stuff. Well done - you have

chosen your first 10 finalists. They will join the Big Five

and Sweden in the final on Saturday. One of these artists,

on stage right now, could be the new winner

of the Eurovision Song Contest. On Thursday, we return with 18

more competing artists, all longing for a spot

in the grand finale! Also, Mans and I will be here,

and all these beautiful We hope you have a good

and peaceful night! We will, thanks. Hello again. I am

here with Sarah, aka Linda. Those are the ten countries going through

to Saturday, what do you make of that? There were a lot of our

favourites there. Some didn't make it but most of our favourites made

it. I am happy. Do you think there are any surprises? Well, Iceland

didn't make it, that's a surprise. They didn't make it last year

either. Nicky Byrne will be upset about that. I am sad San Marino

didn't get through. Yeah, Leonard Cohen in a Eurovision vibe. Congrats

to Swedish television, they did a fantastic job tonight, as did you.

Thank you very much. Thank you so much for being on our show. Thank

you to the BBC for finally having me on your show. Absolutely lovely to

see you. Of course Scott and I will be back on Thursday evening here on

BBC Four at 8.00pm for the second round of the semifinals. Remember,

that's when you can vote. See you then. It's been great to be here.

Bye, see you Thursday!