Eurovision Semi-Finals Part 1: Armenia, Russia, Georgia, Greece And More Move On To The Grand Final

Ten countries qualified to compete in the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest at Tuesday night’s First Semi-Final, and another ten will join them after Thursday’s Second Semi-Final.

2015 Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals Part 1

Albania, Armenia, Russia, Romania, Hungary, Greece, Estonia, Georgia, Serbia and Belgium will be competing in this year’s Grand Final, alongside pre-qualified countries, Spain, Austria, France, Australia, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom and Australia. Unfortunately, Moldova, The Netherlands, Finland, FYR Macedonia, Belarus, Denmark and Romania were all disqualified in the First Semi-Final.

Albania – “I’m Alive”

Albania’s Eurovision entry, “I’m Alive,” a soft guitar ballad, was written and composed by Arber Elshani, Kristijan Lekaj and Sokol Marsi and is performed by Elhaida Dani. Dani was born in Albania, but got her big break when she won The Voice Italy in 2013.

Armenia – “Face the Shadow”

Genealogy, a six person group, is performing “Face the Shadow” for Armenia, written and composed by Inna Mkrtchyan and Armen Martirosyan. The six singers were selected by the Public Television of Armenia to form Genealogy – each member is of Armenian descent, but they all come from different countries: Essaï Altounian (Europe), Tamar Kaprelian (America), Stephanie Topalian (Asia), Vahe Tilbian (Africa), Mary-Jean O’Doherty Vasmatzian (Austalia) and Inga Arshakyan (Armenia).

Russia – “A Million Voices”

Russia is competing with the anthem “A Million Voices,” written and composed by Gabriel Alares, Joakim Björnberg, Katrina Noorbergen, Leonid Gutkin and Vladimir Matetsky. Performer Polina Gargarina is an established Russian singer who is currently working on her third album.

Hungary – “Wars For Nothing”

Performer, Boggie, won the privilege of representing Hungary in Eurovision Song Contest with “Wars for Nothing,” a statement song written and composed by Áron Sebestyén, Boglárka Csemer and Sára Hélène Bori. Boggie said she hopes the song will help bring awareness to those affected by the violence of war.

Greece – “One Last Breath”

Co-writer and performer, Maria Elena Kyriakou, hopes Greece’s heartbreaking ballad, “One Last Breath,” will make it all the way to the end, but she’s also enjoying the ride. “Being a part of the Eurovision Song Contest family was always a dream for me. I think it is exciting to have a contest in which there’s always a little room for everyone, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for people from different countries and cultures to meet, exchange ideas and bond,” she said.

Estonia – “Goodbye To Yesterday”

Writer-composer Stig Rästa is joined by singer Elina Born on Estonia’s duet entry. Rästa, a well known Estonian songwriter, discovered Born on YouTube and the duo was chosen to represent Estonia in Eurovision with an astounding 79% of the vote.

Georgia – “Warrior”

Nina Sublatti was chosen to represent Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest with her song, “Warrior.” Sublatti co-wrote the empowering song with Thomas G:oson and says it’s about “Feminism, Georgian woman history and honesty.”

Serbia – “Beauty Never Lies”

Serbia’s Eurovision entry, “Beauty Never Lies,” was written and composed by Vladimir Graic and Charlie Mason. Performed by Bojana Stamenov, “Beauty Never Lies” is a feel-good song about finding self-acceptance and beauty.

Belgium – “Rhythm Inside”

Belgium’s entry, “Rhythm Inside” s a pop track comparable to some of Justin Bieber’s past hits. The song was written and composed by Beverly Jo Scott and Loïc Notter, a former finalist on The Voice Belgique who is also performing the song in competition.

Lithuania, Ireland, San Marino, Montenegro, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Czech Republic, Israel, Latvia, Azerbaijan, Iceland, Sweden, Switzerland, Cyprus, Slovenia and Poland will compete in Part 2 of the Semi-Finals on Thursday, May 21.

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