Eurovision Song Celebration Semi-final 1: What happened?
The Eurovision fans gathered together on the Eurovision Song Contest's official YouTube channel to watch the entries that would be part of the the contest's first semi-final. Other surprises were reserved for them
If the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 hadn't been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak in the world, the first semi-final would've had happened today, 12 May.
To keep the spirit alive, the contestant's organisation announced a few weeks ago it'd be hosting an alternative show, the Eurovision Song Celebration replacing the idea of a contest for the one of a celebration in order to pay homage to the entries.
There were surprises, emotional moments and even a running order. Janouk Kelderman was the host of the special event.
Eurovision Song Celebration, Semi-Final 1 – Running Order
- Sweden: The Mamas – Move
- Belarus: VAL – Da Vidna
- Australia: Montaigne – Don't Break Me
- North Macedonia: Vasil – You
- Slovenia: Ana Soklič – Voda
- Lithuania: The Roop – On Fire
- Ireland: Lesley Roy – Story Of My Life
- Russia: Little Big – Uno
- Belgium: Hooverphonic – Release Me
- Malta: Destiny – All Of My Love
- Croatia: Damir Kedžo – Divlji vjetre
- Azerbaijan: Efendi – Cleopatra
- Cyprus: Sandro Nicolas – Running
- Norway: Ulrikke – Attention
- Israel: Eden Alene – Feker Libi
- Romania: Roxen – Alcohol You
- Ukraine: Go_A – Solovey
After the 17 entries were presented, three other - already in the final - were also introduced:
- Italy: Diodato – Fai Rumore
- Germany: Ben Dolic – Violent Thing
- The Netherlands: Jeangu Macrooy – Grow
Eurovision Song Celebration, Semi-Final 1– The show
Simulating the first live show in Rotterdam, the semi-final kicked off at 21:00 CEST. After a short introduction by Janouk Kelderman, the songs presentation started.
Once the first five songs were seen, some contestants played the famous "Switch Your Genre" challenge. While Montaigne (Australia 2020) turned "Don't Break Me" into an Opera song, Damir Kedžo (Croatia 2020) switched his ballad into a Pop Dance track.
Other acts such as Ulrikke (Norway 2020), The Mamas (Sweden 2020) or Go_A (Ukraine 2020) unveiled their favorite Eurovision songs of all time.
Famous YouTubers also got to be part of the show and reacted to a few of the Eurovision 2020 songs including Jeangu Macrooy (the Netherlands 2020).
Another highlight was the first ever fan recap that featured fans from all over the world dancing, singing and lipsyncing to the songs presented tonight.