Sweden, Ukraine and the Netherlands among qualifiers for Eurovision final
Dutch act Claude Kiambe, 21, performed C'est La Vie, a blend of English and French that promotes a message of dealing with life as it is, while current favourites KAJ performed Swedish song Bara Bada Bastu, about Nordic sauna culture.
The first semi-final of the contest, taking place in Basel, Switzerland, this year, also saw Estonia's Tommy Cash and Poland's Justyna Steczkowska qualify for Saturday's final, alongside Icelandic electronic musician brothers Matthias Davio Matthiasson and Halfdan Helgi Matthiasson, who perform under the name VAEB.
Also making it through were San Marino's Gabry Ponte, Albania's Shkodra Elektronike, Portugal's Napa, Norway's Kyle Alessandro and Ukrainian group Ziferblat.
The five acts that did not qualify were representing Slovenia, Belgium, Azerbaijan, Croatia and Cyprus.
While votes were being counted, Canadian singer Dion, a former winner for Switzerland, delivered a pre-recorded video saying the country has 'always held a special place in my heart' as she spoke in French and English.
She said she would want 'nothing more but to be with you' in Basel as discussions continue with the organisers for her to make a stage comeback during Saturday's final amid her health issues.
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British fans will have to wait for the second semi-final on Thursday, when the UK's Remember Monday will perform What The Hell Just Happened?, to cast their votes for their favourite Eurovision act.
The UK is one of the 'big five' countries alongside Spain, Germany, France and Italy so automatically has a place in the final, with Switzerland also guaranteed a slot due to its host status this year.
The Grand Final on Saturday will see the 10 qualifiers from each semi-final perform alongside the big five and reigning champion Switzerland, whose act Nemo was victorious last year.
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Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Princess Diana asked when I'd play for England - I knew racists didn't want it'
The legendary former cricketer looks back at some of his most remarkable meetings during his heyday, dealing with racism and the words of Viv Richards which still resonate Rocking and rumbling, as David 'Syd' Lawrence used to describe his bustling persona, the promising fast bowler greeted visiting royalty with his customary genial warmth. Voted Young Cricketer of the Year by a jury of learned scribes, Lawrence collected his gong at the most memorable net practice of his life. 'What made that award extra special was that it was presented to me by the patron of Gloucestershire Cricket Club… the Princess of Wales,' said Lawrence. ' Princess Diana visited the club and had a tour of all the facilities, including watching us have a net. I was only jogging in off a few paces but she still thought I bowled extremely fast. 'Naturally I was shocked by her sudden death in 1997 and thought back many times to that day she spent with us at Gloucestershire. As a result of her patronage, three people from the club were invited to her funeral at Westminster Abbey, and I was one of those asked to attend. Jack Russell and Andy Stovold were the other two. 'We were sat directly behind a couple of Americans. One was Dr Henry Kissinger, a former US secretary of state and brilliant political thinker, the other was Ruby Wax, a comedian, actress and writer who often appeared on television throughout the 1980s and 90s. 'She would not shut up! I don't think I've ever heard someone talk as incessantly as she did that day. At one point Jack leaned forward and gently motioned for her to be quiet. She smiled and agreed to do just that, and promptly started talking again. "When I spoke with Diana back in 1986, she did ask me about playing for England and whether it might happen soon. I told her I hoped so, and that if I played at Lord's then I might meet her mother-in-law too. She had a chuckle at that, which I dined out on for a little while.' 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Scottish Sun
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Frederick Forsyth – the reporter who turned his foreign adventures into best-selling thrillers
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Time Out
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A Swedish midsummer festival is coming to Manhattan for the summer solstice
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