Eurovision Song Contest 2017 • Semi Final 2

I think performing first is what did her in. Had she performed in the second half, there was a chance of her qualifying considering the diaspora and neighbors she's got. Unfortunately, her performance was forgettable and the performance didn't help make it any more worth remembering (maybe apart from the shirtless guy, but Greece did that last semi). I predicted this as my 10th place of the semi, so it wasn't that big of a loss.

I'm very happy this qualified. I was so nervous. During the results, this was the first time I see Nathan NOT be his happy self. It was one of the simpler songs of the semi, but with Nathan's positive stage presence and eye-catching staging, I was pulling for him to qualify. Thank goodness he did. It was a joy to watch. And he's adorable.

This was Jana's best performance, so I'm glad she peaked at the right time. However, I thought the stage looked empty with just her in it, and I get that she's executing the meaning of the song. It just didn't come together as I expected. This is certainly a step forward for FYROM, and I hope they can keep sending contemporary and attention-grabbing entries like this one. Also, congratulations on the engagement and the baby! At least she has that.

I knew from the get-go this was not going to qualify. I love that Claudia is pouring her heart out during the live performance, but the slow pacing of the song got lost among the more upbeat songs before and after it.

It's silly, but not Montenegro's level of silly. Plus, it's an innovative combination of music genres (rap + yodel, like WTF?). The performance was organized and fun at the same time. It didn't go way out of control, and the song was catchy. I knew this would qualify. Romania has yet to fail to qualify from the semis.

How could this NOT qualify? In addition to their flawless vocals, they had a relatable, powerful, and modern song. I liked the simple staging because it really put the focus on just them. I'm very please they qualified. I hope they reach the top 10.

Yet another modern song, but with an ethnic twist. I think the pyro was a bit overkill, but even without it, he still deserved to qualify. The emotion he exuded with a language I don't understand is so powerful and endearing. I do think putting the violinist on the little island disjoints the performance, but it's one of the best songs of the night, so I'm not mad.

A generic, "X Factor"-type song compensated with strong vocals. Had it been another singer, this would be at risk of non-qualification, but the song was made for Anja to sing, so I had no doubts. I like that we're making a big deal about her dress.

Initially, I thought it had a chance. It's an improvement from last year, but there were other songs that had a stronger impact on me. He definitely nailed it vocally, but despite having a high note two-thirds of the way through, I was left unsatisfied considering Netherlands and Denmark performed before him.

Hell no. I'm glad it's staying in the semis. They look like parents who want to be "cool" and "hip" with those outfits which are better suited for younger people. They have great chemistry, but it's overall cringe-worthy. A withdrawal is imminent, unfortunately. RIP

Their song is so awful and cringe-worthy, but then the performance is so hilarious and over-the-top cheesy that I find myself liking it. I think the performance won some people over, contributing to their qualification. Also, Croatia will be the only ex-Yugoslav country in the Grand Final, which is a first. He'll certainly get support from their neighbors.

This song was stuck in my head for many days because it was so catchy. I liked this song a lot. This is the song that I would most likely hear on American radio. The performance was a little strange, but since the song is essentially EDM, the visuals made sense. They need to tone down on the static. Regardless, I'm pleased it qualified.

They had such a good song going only to be ruined by questionable staging. It went from romantic to childish. The bright pinks and yellows ruined the mood of the song for me. I wish they had kept the staging from their NS, but oh well, too late. Better luck next time.

YAS! This song is a breath of fresh air, especially since it's sang in Belorussian and has a very upbeat folk sound, which makes it stand out. It's also catchy and the "Hey! Hey! Hi-ya-ya-ya-oh!" can get stuck in people's heads, so I had no doubt people would vote for it. They both connected with the audience and to each other, which makes it a lot more endearing. The song makes me happy and it made me happy that they qualified.

It was obvious, and I'm really happy about it. The staging was nothing special, but Kristian has strong and powerful vocals especially for his age. I'm sure he won the semi. I'm ready for another top 5 finish by Bulgaria. Winner? Maybe, but I won't mind. It would be cool to see a country win for the first time (same goes to Portugal).

I enjoyed her sass while performing. This actually grew on me. Unfortunately, it was too late for me to root for it. The song had no chance of qualification as great as the performance was. So yeah... yeah yeah. RIP Baltics' hopes of being in the final.

Koit's dramatic stares and head turns make me laugh. It's attractive actually. For the performance itself, the microphone fail at the beginning was unfortunate and a little unfair. However, even if that didn't happen, I don't think they still would've qualified. Having them not interact with each other for most of the performance was a mistake, and when they did interact, they still didn't connect. It was slightly awkward. If San Marino looked like the "cool" parents, Koit and Laura looked like those rich parents that never have time for each other because they're focused on their careers. Still obsessing over Koit's stares and head turns.

He closed the show very successfully. The audience was cheering for him, and it was a proper club song, so everyone was awake. Vocally, this was Imri's best. He also had the charisma to attract a fair amount of viewers. The qualification was deserved.

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I fear this will be underwhelming when it's time to perform in the Grand Final. As much as I love the Parisian background, why did they still resort to minimal staging, where it's just Alma and just Alma. I want her to be in the top 10, but I think a mid-table finish is more realistic.

Flop. It would suck if they finished last for the third year in a row though, but even if they didn't, it will still flop.

Like France, a mid-table finish would be respectable for the host country. I don't think Ukraine is looking to win again.

- The opening act was amazing. It was true to Eurovision and also true to Ukraine's culture.
- Verka Serduchka!
- The interval act was nothing special, but it was artistic.