Night two of the Eurovision semi-finals showcased some major talent, and the votes are now being counted (Picture: Shutterstock)
Eurovision 2023 is finally here and in full swing, and night two of the semi-final performances did not disappoint.
On Thursday evening, thousands descended on the M&S Arena in Liverpool to watch 15 acts give their all on the second night of the semi-finals, all in the hopes of competing in Grand Final.
Interestingly, most of the competition’s favourites competed in night one of the competition, with the likes of Kaarija and Loreen already through to the Grand Final.
There is plenty of talent in night two however – some brilliant underdogs and songs which came into their own for the first time live on stage before an audience.
Voting has now opened, with the public urged to choose their favourites and ensure they get through to the main event on Saturday.
If you’re struggling to decide who deserves your vote, here’s every act as they happened.
Denmark – Reiley – Breaking My Heart
Denmark’s entry kicked off night two of the semi-finals, and as every Eurovision fan knows, starting things off is not an ideal situation even if your song massively stands out.
Breaking My Heart would slot in very easily in the general Hot 100 in the UK, probably right between Lewis Capaldi and the 1975.
It’s a potential radio hit – but would something that slots in so well work in Eurovision?
Armenia – Brunette – Future Lover
Next up is Armenia, with the track which deceptively starts off like a lullaby.
Things quickly kick off however, and Brunette had the crowd going wild with their expert command of the stage.
It’s hypnotic and mesmerising and powerful – not one to be counted out, particularly after that crowd reaction.
Romania -Theodor Andrei – D.G.T. (Off And On)
Romania comes through with one of the few ballads of 2023 – or at least it seems that way in the beginning.
Theodor Andrei starts off gently in their track DGT, but before too long is up belting out vocals before a plume of lava, upsetting the viewer’s expectations in the best way.
It’s still an early slot in the competition, will Theodr’s ballad with a twist be memorable enough to stand up to the competition?
Estonia – Alika – Bridges
Estonia’s offer this year sees Alika take to the stage with her track Bridges.
The seriously impressive track belongs on a blockbuster feature film – and this is the feeling it brings to the M&S Arena.
It’s one that stands out far more live, with the audience getting involved by waving their phone flashlights, than on a Spotify playlist – this is for sure one to look out for as the votes come in.
Belgium – Gustaph – Because Of You
What a strong start.
Maybe I was in a room full of people from Belgium as this aired in the press centre- otherwise Belgium’s track is a hidden gem that could be one to be reckoned with on Saturday night.
Another radio hit with a boppable chorus, a potential summer banger. Meet you in Old Compton Street for after-work drinks and a dance to this!
Cyprus – Andrew Lambrou – Break A Broken Heart
Cyprus comes in strong with Break A Broken Heart – another underdog who comes into its own on the stage.
It is a seriously strong start from Andrew Lambrou, who catches everyone’s attention with a powerful whoop as the song kicks off.
Hypnotic and powerful, you can see Andrew drawing crowds for headline shows far after the lights of Eurovision have gone off.
Iceland – Diljá – Power
Iceland’s entry Power gives another act in the 2023 Eurovision that easily stands up on its own.
Dilijá is someone you can imagine having their own solid fanbase, her fans bearing their face as their Twitter profile photo years from now.
Will these potential future fans come through with the votes on Thursday to get Dilijá through to the Grand Finals?
Greece – Victor Vernicos – What They Say
Greece hopes for glory with Victor Vernicos and their track What They Say.
It has so far struggled to get beyond the power of the likes of Finland and Sweden for this year’s buzz – but it’s a solid song and the crowd reacts positively.
It had a positive reaction on the stage, with the Eurovision crowd getting into the song from the floor and the stalls – but is it enough to qualify?
Poland – Blanka – Solo
Poland’s Blanka sizzles with her track Solo in their hopes to make it to Eurovision Grand Finals 2023.
It’s fun, catchy and gets you moving – something you can imagine being your Holiday Song as you sip cocktails in the sun with nothing ahead of you but a day on the beach.
Blanka is an expert on the stage, too, and her staging gives her that extra bit of oomph – it looks to be a big hit in the arena.
Slovenia – Joker Out – Carpe Diem
Slovenia’s act is straight out of your nostalgic boyband dreams – and by nostalgic, we mean maybe from 2005 or so.
You wouldn’t often think indie would be refreshing, but Joker Out’s track Care Diem somehow manages it.
It might not be a clean-cut Eurovision song, but by its sheer difference to some of the other tracks, it stands out.
Georgia – Iru – Echo
Georgia absolutely bursts its way into audience’s hearts from the beginning of the set.
Iru showcases her sweet vocals in a performance combined with an ominous beat, and it absolutely works.
Echo is another track that was somewhat buried under other more favourable tracks, but it’s not to be ruled out yet.
San Marino – Piqued Jacks – Like An Animal
Another strong start before making way for a melodic verse, San Marino makes you stand up and take notice.
From Piqued Jacks, Like An Animal has the makings of a jumping-up-and-down-in-the-club-just-before-last-orders hit.
But does it translate well enough to the Eurovision stage? That’s for voters to decide.
Austria – Teya & Salena – Who The Hell Is Edgar?
An absolute bop, an anthem, a – how else can we descibe it? – a tune.
Austria’s bizarre-o track Edgar tells the tale of a woman possessed by the spirit of Edgar Allen Poe, who is excited about this because his talent for lyricism is going to make her rich.
It has everything a Eurovision winner needs – and while there were some intial fears the track didn’t translate as well to the stage as it does blasting it on your speakers, the live semi-finals definitely put this fear to bed.
Albania – Albina & Familja Kelmendi – Duje
Now that is how to catch the audience’s attention.
Albania starts out strong and ominous – what better way?
Black and red flashes acros the screen as star Albina acts as the main event in a three-way vocal-off, with some genuine powerful moments.
There’s something special about this – but in a way, every time the audience gets into the rhythm the rhythm changes or stops abruptly.
It’s keeping the crowd on their toes for sure, but is that what’s needed to secure a place in the Grand Final?
Lithuania – Monika Linkytė – Stay
This is a song you belt out in the shower when nobody’s home, and God help you if you’ve recently been through a break up – this song will resonate with a lot of people.
Plus, Monika is France act La Zarra’s celebrity crush, the star revealed to Metro.co.uk – and is also the Eurovision track she sings in the shower.
So that definitely counts for something.
Australia – Voyager – Promise
Australia’s track may have been hidden beneath the clamour for the top artists this year, but they’re not one to be ruled out.
Their staging in particular is an eye-catcher, with frontmanDaniel Estrin sitting in a classic car as he pulls at the audience’s heartstrings in the opening chords.
The band then flips things completely, as within seconds of the crowd getting into the rhythm of sadboy yearning, it’s suddenly transformed into screamo, heavy guitars, and even – seriously – keytar.
Australia is generally ruled out early in the competition, but this is a strong underdog contender.
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And with Voyager performing last … well, watch this space.
The Eurovision night two semi-finals are available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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Here are all the acts as they happened.