These are the favorites in the first semi-final – NRK Culture and Entertainment

LATEST: Shortly before the first semi-final, there was a pro-Palestine demonstration in the Euro Village, where the Eurovision fans are gathered.

Swedish artist and former Eurovision participant (2011) Eric Saade started the opening show by twisting a Palestine scarf around his wrist, where he held the microphone.

The EBU tells Expressen:

“The Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV programme. All athletes are made aware of the rules of the competition, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event”.

Show and circus

Gold and glitter, pyro and sequins, colors and party. The loved and hated Eurovision Song Contest is now taking over the continent again, and the first semi-final is on Tuesday night.

And this year there is even more circus than ever, says Eurovision expert for Swedish Aftonbladet, Tobbe Ek.

– If you look at this year’s starting field, 37 songs, there are a lot of these crazy, cool, ko-ko contributions. It feels like a lot of people were inspired by the fact that Finnish Käärijä did so well with ‘Cha-cha-cha’ last year.

Advance favourite: – Deliciously crazy

This year’s biggest favourite, who also takes part in the first semi-final, is Baby Lasagna from Croatia, with circus rock. The Mediterranean country has never before won the competition.

– Baby Lasagna’s Rim Tim Dagi Dim is so deliciously crazy, I just have to love it. The line of lyrics when he sings “Bye cat, please meow back” deserves extra praise. I shouldn’t be disappointed if this song wins, says Ek.

ESC expert Anders Tangen also has nothing against Croatia remaining victorious.

– Croatia is probably the one I hope will win, from what can be defined as a slightly sloppy contribution. It has a funny story, it is about eviction in Croatia. And it’s a decent artist with a catchy song and a catchy beat.

And Tangen adds:

– Croatia will go off the rails if the country were to win, they have had a national dance with this song as well. So if we’re going to have a contribution of this type as a winner, I’m rooting for Croatia.

About Ukraine: – Rich and great

Another big early favorite who is expected to progress well on Tuesday night is Ukraine. The song is a mixture of folk music and rap, with a clear national character.

It’s only been two years since Ukraine won the whole bucket ballet, but this year it could happen again according to both the odds lists and the experts.

– Many believe that Ukraine comes so high because of sympathy votes. We put that discussion to rest. They are very clever, and have placed themselves high long before the war against Russia. And they are doing that this year too. It’s a rich, beautiful ballad. Then we can discuss whether we like the rap part in the song, says Anders Tangen.

Tobbe Ek votes in.

– Ukraine never fails to stage on the Eurovision stage. And musically speaking, this song is something that fits the charts now. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Ukraine does really well, and maybe wins again.

– Survives controversy

Demonstrations against Israel’s participation both here at home and abroad have characterized this year’s competition. But the biggest storm related to that is expected on Thursday, since that is when Israel will field, in the second semi-final. Then Gåte for Norge also participates.

But despite the hubbub and hubbub: Anders Tangen believes that this year will also be a party, and that the competition will pass an extra test.

– Eurovision survives most controversies and has amazing staying power. So yes, there will be a party this year too. And many will watch for various reasons. Some are curious as to how this will play out. Some will screw up for various reasons. It is also perfectly legal, and I understand that very well.

also read: Ingeborg Heldal reveals her ESC favorites here

15 will become 10

Eurovision king Johnny Logan (who has won twice as an artist and once as a songwriter) was supposed to sing a duet with Loreen as the evening’s intermission number, but Aftonbladet writes that Loreen withdrew. Thus, Logan will act alone. Benjamin Ingrosso, who has previously represented Sweden, will also perform.

15 participating countries will become 10 finalists on Tuesday evening. Here are all the countries participating in the first semi-final, in the order in which they will perform: