Eurovision continues tonight with Semi Final 2, where UK entry, Look Mum No Computer, will perform for the first time - despite already having a guaranteed spot in the final. The star, whose real name is Sam Battle, will perform his song 'Eins, Zwei, Drei' in a non-competitive slot, as will France's Monroe. Both the UK and France are members of the Big Five - countries who get a pass to the Grand Final due to how much they spend. The other countries are Germany, Italy and Spain, though Spain are boycotting this year due to Israel's involvement. Austria's Cosmo will perform tonight as well, but as the host country, Austria is also guaranteed a spot in the final.
Also taking to the stage tonight are some familiar faces - Delta Goodrem for Australia and Antigoni Buxton for Cyprus. The Australian star has been in the spotlight for more than two decades after she exploded onto the music scene with her 2003 album Innocent Eyes. Meanwhile, Antigoni first made a name for herself when she appeared on the eighth series of Love Island.
Why are Australia allowed to compete?
Delta Goodrem is performing for Australia - but why is the country able to compete, despite not being in Europe? Australia has graced the Eurovision Song Contest stage 10 times since making its debut in 2015. This is because Australia's Special Broadcasting Service, widely referred to as SBS, holds associate membership status with the European Broadcasting Union. The broadcaster first transmitted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1983 and has screened the competition every year since. Eurovision has cultivated a dedicated and substantial following in Australia, with early transmissions featuring either no commentary whatsoever or utilising the BBC's coverage. The spectacle consistently delivers impressive viewing figures for the Special Broadcasting Service and has cultivated a devoted and passionate fanbase throughout Australia. Australia's Eurovision debut in 2015 was initially planned as a one-off appearance, with the understanding they'd only return if they clinched victory. Yet in November 2015, SVT announced that Australia would be back for the 2016 contest, and the nation has been a fixture ever since.
UK entry - who is he and what are his odds?
The UK entry is called Look Mum No Computer, whose real name is Sam Battle. He is performing 'Eins, Zwei, Drei', the UK's first entry to not be completely in English. The bookies have so far placed our act Look Mum No Computer way down in 18th place, with odds of 250-1 to triumph. The current favourite to triumph on Saturday is Finland, with Greece, Denmark, France and Australia also looking strong. YouTube star Sam Battle, better known as LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER, will represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision.
Who is performing tonight?
15 acts will compete tonight for 10 spots, along with three countries who are already in the final. The line up is:
- Bulgaria - Dara with 'Bangaranga'
- Azerbaijan - Jiva with 'Just Go'
- Romania - Alexandra Căpitănescu with 'Choke Me'
- Luxembourg - Eva Marija with 'Mother Nature'
- Czech Republic - Daniel Zizka with 'Crossroads'
- France (non competitive) - Monroe with 'Regarde!'
- Armenia - Simon with 'Paloma Rumba'
- Switzerland - Veronica Fusaro with 'Alice'
- Cyprus - Antigoni with 'Jalla'
- Austria (non competitive) - Cosmo with 'Tanzschein'
- Latvia - Atvara with 'Ena'
- Denmark - Søren Torpegaard Lund with 'Før Vi Går Hjem'
- Ukraine - Leleka with 'Ridnym'
- UK (non competitive) - Look Mum No Computer with 'Eins, Zwei, Drei'
- Albania - Alis with 'Nan'
- Malta - Aidan with 'Bella'
- Norway - Jonas Lovv with 'Ya Ya Ya'
