Eurovision Semi Final 2

Semi-Final 2 feels like the more unpredictable of the two Eurovision semi-finals this year. While there are a handful of songs that look like near-certain qualifiers, much of the line-up sits in that dangerous grey area where staging, live vocals, and running order could make or break a country's chances. From chaotic pop bangers to emotional ballads and a few potential dark horses, this semi-final is packed with variety—and plenty of opportunities for surprises.

Bulgaria – DARA – Bangaranga

A household name in Bulgaria, DARA faced early criticism from sections of the Eurovision community, with some questioning both her vocal ability and whether she had “bought” her way into the competition despite winning through a national final. However, the hypnotic chaos of Bangaranga is undeniably addictive. If this qualifies, it could perform extremely well in the final.


Azerbaijan – JIVA – Just Go

As one of the final entries to be announced, Azerbaijan’s JIVA was initially met with a wave of apathy. However, preview show performances revealed a striking live vocal that could push her into qualification. The issue may be the song itself, which feels slightly too paint-by-numbers to truly stand out.

Romania – Alexandra Căpitănescu – Choke Me

Romania really delivered this year. Controversy surrounding the lyrics generated attention, but the song was ultimately allowed to compete unchanged after its meaning was clarified. Alexandra is a standout vocalist and performer, and this could genuinely win what is shaping up to be a very competitive semi-final.

Luxembourg – Eva Marija – Mother Nature

Luxembourg have quickly re-established themselves as a force since returning to Eurovision. However, comparisons to a Birdy single may work against this entry. It’s prominent on my personal playlist, but despite its charm, it may struggle to secure qualification.

Czechia – Daniel Zizka – CROSSROADS

Czechia teased this entry for a long time, and its eventual reveal proved divisive. Daniel’s talent is widely recognised, but many feel the song is perhaps too artistic to leave an immediate impression. Echoes of previous winner Duncan Laurence could help it perform better than expected.

France – Monroe – Regarde!

As an automatic qualifier, France can enjoy the luxury of reduced pressure. That may work in Monroe’s favour, allowing the late teen talent to fully showcase her abilities. The song leans into the pop-opera format popularised by the previous two winners, which could either propel it to victory or leave it feeling overly familiar.

Armenia – SIMÓN – Paloma Rumba

Armenia kept unusually quiet about their entry until the very last moment. Paloma Rumba is chaotic riot-pop with real intent. If it reaches the final, it could find itself in direct competition with Greece for the crown of chaos-pop supremacy. Qualification feels borderline, but this may land harder live than expected.

Switzerland – Veronica Fusaro – Alice

Indie pop does not have the strongest Eurovision track record, though there are notable exceptions. Alice feels like a genuine dark horse—an atypical entry with heart, atmosphere, and enough uniqueness to potentially surprise.

Cyprus – Antigoni – JALLA

Former Love Island contestant Antigoni has worked the promo circuit hard with this memorable pop track. JALLA has summer anthem energy written all over it, and as long as the live vocal delivers, Cyprus should comfortably cruise into the final.

Austria – COSMÓ – Tanzschein

Austria are automatically through following JJ’s victory, but COSMÓ will still be keen to avoid comparisons with post-win underperformers like The Makemakes. With playful lyrics and an instantly catchy melody, this is likely a safe finalist, though it doesn’t feel like a winner.

Latvia – Atvara – Ēnā

Latvia continue their reputation for sending quality entries, and this year is no exception. Atvara has a stunning vocal, and Ēnā is an emotional ballad with real atmosphere. Unfortunately, in a semi packed with strong ballads, it may struggle to stand out enough to qualify.

Denmark – Søren Torpegaard Lund – Før Vi Går Hjem

Denmark have really impressed fans in the run-up to the contest. Combined with reports of an already strong staging package receiving a revamp, this could easily emerge as one of the semi-final’s surprise standouts—and perhaps even steal some of Finland’s thunder later in the competition.

Australia – Delta Goodrem – Eclipse

A household name in Australia and a proven live performer, Delta Goodrem enters as a serious contender. Eclipse is a dynamic, epic ballad with jury appeal written all over it. Staging will be absolutely crucial, but this could mark Australia’s biggest Eurovision moment yet.


Ukraine – LELÉKA – Ridnym

Ukraine’s recent Eurovision track record is hugely impressive, and LELÉKA earned the ticket after beating Jerry Heil. Ridnym is undeniably pretty, but it lacks momentum and urgency. Perhaps semi-final tweaks can help elevate it.

United Kingdom – LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER – Eins, Zwei, DreI

Already qualified for the final, the UK’s entry remains something of a mystery due to LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER largely skipping the pre-party circuit after recently becoming a parent. This is pure chaos: Madness meets Blur in a high-energy burst of lad-pop. It won’t be for everyone, but it certainly stands out.



Albania – Alis – Nân

Albania are backing an X Factor winner with this vocally driven and atmospheric entry. It has a brooding intensity at points, and overall feels strong enough to do what Albania often does best—quietly secure qualification.

Malta – AIDAN – Bella

After multiple attempts to represent Malta, AIDAN finally gets his chance. Bella is mysterious, engaging, and carries an intriguing energy throughout. If the staging is handled correctly, this could become a genuine contender.

Norway – JONAS LOVV – YA YA YA

JONAS LOVV beat former winner Alexander Rybak for the chance to represent Norway. While this doesn’t quite feel like a natural show closer, he has strong stage presence and benefits significantly from the late running order. Norway should make the final—but perhaps only just.

Semi-Final 2 is shaping up to be a bloodbath. Romania, Cyprus, Denmark, Australia, and Malta feel among the strongest contenders, while Bulgaria, Armenia, Switzerland, and Ukraine all sit in that dangerous borderline territory where live execution could completely change their fortunes.

There are very few obvious non-qualifiers here, which makes this one of the most exciting and unpredictable semi-finals in recent memory. Expect at least two or three genuine shocks on the night.