Stockholm, Sweden – The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 has officially begun, with all qualifying countries eagerly anticipating the grand final on Saturday, May 11th. Eurovision is renowned for its festive atmosphere, showcasing diverse musical talents, extravagant staging, and captivating vocal performances.
This year’s competition, however, has sparked controversy as the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) faced criticism for not banning Israel’s participation amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Protests are expected outside the Malmö Arena in Sweden, this year’s host venue, following last year’s winner, Loreen from Sweden.
The first semi-final on May 7th saw standout performances from fan-favorites such as Bambie Thug from Ireland and Baby Lasagna from Croatia, securing spots in the final. Other countries joining them include delegates from Finland, Luxembourg, Serbia, Ukraine, Portugal, Lithuania, and Cyprus.
The UK is guaranteed a spot in the final as one of the “big five” contributors, along with France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. Meanwhile, Sweden holds an automatic spot as the previous year’s winner.
As the competition intensifies, several top contenders have emerged for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Ireland’s Bambie Thug, with their captivating performance of “Doomsday Blue,” has captured the audience’s attention with a unique blend of industrial metal, pop, opera, and techno elements.
Baby Lasagna from Croatia presents a pulsating techno-influenced track, “Rim Tim Tagi Dim,” reminiscent of Finland’s 2023 runner-up. Switzerland’s Nemo explores themes of gender identity with their elaborate anthem “The Code,” while Italy’s Angelina Mango delivers an uplifting and carefree song, “La Noia.”
Tali from Luxembourg offers a French-language, Latin-infused song that charms listeners, and Greece’s Marina Satti infuses reggaeton with Greek bagpipes in her entry “ZARI.” Austria’s Kaleen brings a Noughties-style dance tune, and Ukraine’s duo Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil deliver a powerful anthem inspired by Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary.
Finland’s Windows95Man presents a wild and eccentric performance with “No Rules!” while the Netherlands’ Joost surprises with the Europop banger “Europapa.” The diversity of musical styles and performances promises an exciting and entertaining Eurovision Song Contest 2024.