Spectacular Semifinal 19 May 2006 00:18:00 (Latest Update: 19 May 2006 12:02:44)
Suspense came to an end for the 23 artists that competed for 10 places in Saturday’s main event, since the ten countries that qualified for the big final were announced shortly after midnight. The lucky ones are the following: Russia, FYROM, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lithuania, Finland, Ukraine, Ireland, Sweden, Turkey and Armenia. The winning countries will take up places 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18 and 21 to 24 in the final. Bear in mind that the ten finalists were announced at random order, as the EBU never reveals the standings of the countries competing in the semifinal before the ESC is over. All contestants invariably were warmly cheered on and applauded by the scores of people that had packed the Olympic Stadium’s Indoor Basketball Hall to feel the rhythm of the Athens ESC. The production and all the contestants rewarded the spectators and the millions of viewers that watched the semifinal with a really spectacular show. However, this year’s ESC semifinal had some surprises in store for us. One of the favourites, Kate Ryan of Belgium was knocked out, while the Lithuanian band LT United made it through, although they had all odds against them. As for the Finnish metal band, Lordi, they started off as an outsider, yet the people’s warm response clearly indicated that making it to the final would be a piece of cake. Other hotly tipped performers, included Carola of Sweden and Hari Mata Hari representing Bosnia-Herzegovina, did advance to the final. Andre became the first Armenian singer to qualify for an ESC final. Actually, his entry was the one that kicked off the semifinal and his entry will be the one that will finish off the final. Upon the end of the semifinal, the ten finalists gave a pretty spirited and joyful Press Conference.
Smiles and Thanks
Mr Lordi of Finland thanked all the hard rock fans across Europe and underlined that making it trough a pop contest is but a great success for the band.
Glowing with happiness, Elena Risteska of FYROM congratulated all those who didn’t make it and said that from now on 11 will be her lucky number, as this is her running order in the final.
Uttering a cry of joy, Russian singer Dima Bilan thanked everyone and Greece above all for supporting him.
Ukraine’s entrant Tina Karol was so ecstatic for qualifying that she sang "I Feel Good" and argued that she picked the ESC to show the people her love.
Strikingly honest, the head of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s delegation claimed they expected to make it through, while Hari Mata Hari thanked everyone, singing the chorus of "Lejla."
Sibel Tüzün of Turkey kept thanking all those who supported her and voted for her song. She particularly thanked ERT, the host broadcaster, and the entire production and concluded, "You are all my superstars". She even went on to mark that great artists with really good songs were knocked out and didn’t miss congratulating them.
"We are all winners, yet Europe is the biggest winner of this night", argued LT United representing Lithuania.
A great "thank you" in Greek echoed the Press room by Swede entrant Carola, who said she can’t wait for Saturday’s main event to meet Anna Vissi. She further added that all she cares about is to get ready and give her best shot.
Armenia’s singer Andre thanked God for making his dream come true, saying that he hoped to compete last at the final. He also thanked those who voted for him, congratulated the entrants that were eliminated and sang an Armenian folk song for them.
Irish Brian Kennedy assured everyone at the Press conference that he couldn’t feel happier and added, "I’m very proud not only to be Irish, but to be European at this very moment. See you in the Finals!"
The ten finalists will only have little time at their disposal to get some rest and unwind, since the final rehearsal starts Friday at 14:00.
Final Running Order
Following the semifinal, the running order of the countries that will compete in the final is as follows:
01 Switzerland
02 Moldova
03 Israel
04 Latvia
05 Norway
06 Spain
07 Malta
08 Germany
09 Denmark
10 Russia
11 FYR Macedonia
12 Romania
13 Bosnia & Herzegovina
14 Lithuania
15 United Kingdom
16 Greece
17 Finland
18 Ukraine
19 France
20 Croatia
21 Ireland
22 Sweden
23 Turkey
24 Armenia
http://www.eurovisionathens.gr/en/news.asp?id=17960
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