In the downbeat to this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm, the first 18 candidates presented their songs. Most of the popular favorites will go on to the final round on Saturday.
Image: Reuters/TT News Agency/M. Suslin
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"He could go straight to Las Vegas," was the wry remark by German Eurovision TV host Peter Urban, referring to Sergey Lazarev from Russia.
One of the country's major pop stars had an unremarkable Swedish-composed song ("You Are the Only One") backed up by breathtaking video effects that had him seemingly climbing up a staircase made of blocks of light and suspended in the air over the stage in Stockholm's Globe Arena. He is now considered a major contender at the final on Saturday.
Along with Russia, fellow contenders Hungary, Croatia, the Netherlands, Armenia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Cyprus, Azerbaijan and Malta qualified through TV voting in member countries to proceed to the ESC final.
Besides some remarkable stage effects, the show had much same-sounding Eurovision-style fare. A clear standout among the entries was ZOË from Austria, whose beguiling smile and catchy French-language chanson "Loin d'ici" proved irresistible.
Cyprus sent the rock band Minus One into the fray and passed the hurdle, as did Freddie from Hungary: a big, brown-eyed jeans model with a straight-beat song: "Pioneer."
The Netherlands dispatched an acoustic country music act to Sweden. Douwe Bob's song "Slow Down" has a message: take it a bit slower in today's fast-paced world. The point is underscored in the middle of the performance by 10 very long seconds of silence.
Azerbaijan, a predictable ESC favorite, lived up to its reputation with dark-haired Samra singing an energy-laden ditty called "Miracle" in front of spectacular videos. That country's qualification for the final came as no surprise, but the Czech Republic's did. Gabriela Guncikova sang "I Stand," a conventional Eurovision-style piece that audiences don't seem to get enough of. Another minor sensation was Malta's qualification. The tiny country opted for a pop-dance number titled "Walk on Water" and sung by Ira Losco.
Nina Kraljic with her unusual - uh - dressImage: Reuters/TT News Agency/M. Suslin
Nina Kraljic from Croatia was put in a monstrously wide contraption that looked like an inflated dress and would honor Lady Gaga. Viewers will have another chance to enjoy her attire - and her song "Lighthouse" - at the final.
Iveta Mukuchyan sang "Love Wave" for Armenia in the customary Eurovision pop ballad sound, complete with flowing hair, very short dress and a strong voice. Viewers were apparently pleased.
Many fans were surely disappointed by Greece having fallen through the cracks. Their mix of ethnic folk, rap, a soaring refrain and an upbeat message in times of crisis seemed calculated to please everyone, but apparently it wasn't enough. Estonia's superstar Jüri Pootsmann - blonde, cool and having recently signed a contract with Universal Records - fell by the wayside as well.
DW's correspondents will be in Stockholm to report on location from the second semifinal on Thursday and the final on Saturday.
Eurovision is on! Our editors' top 10 picks
Kitschy, flashy, over-the-top: Eurovision has a reputation to uphold. DW's music editors Rick Fulker and Silke Wünsch have listened to the songs from all 42 countries and picked their personal favorites.
Image: Universal
Russia: Sergei Lazarev
A Russian colleague is 100% certain his homeland will take the crown - and he's not just being patriotic. I think he may be on to something! There's a lot to unpack in "You are the Only One" by Sergei Lazarev; his video suggests we can expect an extravagant stage show with computer animation recalling last year's winner, Måns Zelmerlöw, with his song, "Heroes," but is even more spectacular. - Rick
Image: Imago/Russian Look
Georgia: Lolitaz
"Midnight Gold," the pure indie rock contribution by Young Georgian Lolitaz, provides a welcome fresh break from the usual female solo acts with fluttering hair from that country. Another charming exception to this rule came in 2014 with the ethnic fusion jazz collective The Shin and Mariko, which unfortunately failed to qualify in the finals. I dearly hope Lolitaz does. - Silke
Image: EBU/Andres Putting
France: Amir
Born to a Moroccan father and a Tunisian-Spanish mother, Amir was born in France, lived in Israel and was an oral surgeon before he traded in his tools to become a singer. Truly multi-cultural and diverse, Amir's song entry, "J'ai cherché" is even one sung in two languages. The song has a nice beat, a solid composition and the refrain is one that sticks in your brain for hours afterward. - Rick
Image: Renaud Corlouër
Montenegro: Highway
A hit! The band Highway really delivers with their song "The Real Thing." Combining heavy sounds and rock with electro-dubstep elements, it will definitely not meet the tastes of the majority, yet these guys have created something that truly stands out from what we usually hear from southern European countries. - Silke
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/P. Lundahl
Greece: Argo
Argo combines world beat, folk, pop and rap. "Utopian land" gives the impression they want to please everyone, but that doesn't hurt the song. All elements fit well together: rapped verses are spoken in a rarely used Greek dialect, accompanied by traditional instruments. Granted, the utopian chorus lyrics in English aren't that subtle, but idealism can't harm Greece and Europe these days. - Silke
Image: EBU/Thomas Hanses
Austria: Zoë
Zoë is the daughter of Christof Straub, the founder of Papermoon, and the art of French chanson singing runs through her veins. She has a magical smile and her chanson, "Loin d'ici," evokes images of a paradise filled with flowers. The song is one-of-a-kind, simultaneously fantastic and powerful. - Rick
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/G. Hochmuth
Ukraine: Jamala
Jamala gives us goose bumps with "1944," a very strong song with unusual vocals. It's against the cruelty of war, pleading for more humanity. She sings in English and Ukrainian, her voice is highlighted by arrangements and is often left standing alone. There are no frills, no effects to distract us from the song: To a peaceful future! -Silke
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/S. Jamaladynova
Sweden: Frans
The land of the Eurovision Song Contest champions. This year's entry, 17-year-old Frans sings "If I were Sorry," a story of a love betrayed - and he does it with striking wisdom. Already at the age of seven, Frans was remarkable as a pop singer. Serious and believable, the song speaks to its listeners; as soon as it's over, it will leave you wanting more… -Rick
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Ekstromer
Germany: Jamie-Lee
Am I giving my adopted homeland preferential treatment when I say I like this year's entry? Jamie-Lee Kriewitz has everything needed to pull ahead of the pack -- and she's just 17! A mature, nuanced voice combined with unusual Manga-inspired outfits; while her outfit appears artificial, the young singer does not. Her song "Ghost" makes sense. And don't forget: the strong backdrop. - Rick
Image: Universal Music
Germany: Jamie-Lee
What's left to say about Jamie-Lee? Too bad we can only enjoy the young talent in the final. She makes the most of her appearance and her voice when she performs "Ghost." Personally, I find a more challenging song could have been written for Jamie-Lee, but it will certainly convince the Eurovision audience for her to finish this time - I swear! - among the top 15 or even in the top 10. - Silke
