Eurovision 2018: Dust off your hamster wheel and dig out your pink pleather leotard

[OublietteBravo]

I couldn't see a 2018 Eurovision thread. But surely I can't be the only one who has been checking out this year's songs.

Semi final 1 is looking tough - my money is on the winner coming through this one.

Meanwhile semi final 2 seems wide open. Pretty much anyone could make it through.

Plus there are some reasonable songs from the 6 guaranteed finalists.

Oh looking at the bbc Eurovision twitter account I stand corrected, it was that Rylan bloke. Still rather have Mel though.

for anyone catching up like me go to 1:40:40

Sorry mes amies I was well into Money Heist on Netflix (DD is trying to learn Spanish so we were translating subtitles like you do. It's bloody good and I have the hots for Pedro Alonso).
Loved your thread and summing up though. Think the better ones got through. A little surprised Belgium and Greece didn't.
Despite one line reminding me of New Age, I liked Austria best and Czech republic from tonight's (but Steven Perkins' backpack gif from Dora the explorer can never be unseen).

Also camel-boy needs to have a word with the dancer on the left of the stage who started wiggling the wrong butt cheek - they need to have their tushes in sync by Saturday!

Watched on catch up. Disappointed that Switzerland didn't get through.

Me neither , JaneJeffer. I have listened to the song a few times and tried really hard to recall the tune immediately afterwards - nothing, and I can remember Eurovision entries from the 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s and this decade.

Yes the madabaka was definitely in place of something else!

Thought the verse sounded familiar!!

Am I the only one who liked Ireland? Ok the dancers were making a point but I like their willingness to go where it will surely have many more conservative countries running for the off button.

Liked the opera singer lady too

I liked Ireland - I'm just surprised it made it through such a tough semi. I expected Switzerland, Greece or Belgium to grab the last slot.

I thought Belgium was crap this year but I loved the Greek entry and would prefer it over Ireland any day.

I listened back to some of the performances from last night.

Albania totally deserve their place in the final - Eugent's vocals are just amazing. It's the stand out performance of semi 1 for me (and yet the bookies think it is less likely to win than the UK ).

As an Irish passport holder I'm delighted for Ryan!

I've been listening to the songs on cd for the last week or 2, so it was interesting to see the so-called staging. Isn't it very odd this year? Funny 2 tier stage, and lots of close up video overlays.

Love Cyprus, find Israel annoying, don't care much for the opera-in-a-special-effects-skirt, what is in the backpack!

Dh is pretty good at predicting winners, and he says Austria. I wanted there to be a full gospel choir revealed behind ole Cesar salad.

I liked the Irish song and I've seen Ryan perform it a few times in recent months but thought his performance wasn't as good as those I've seen in the past. It was like he was nervous or something.

A full gospel choir would be difficult as they're only allowed a maximum of 6 people on stage. The backing singers were visible under the stage during Austria's song. I don't think the harmonies work during the chorus, so I can't see it winning.

Is everyone all set for semi 2? I've just had a quick look at the odds. Netherlands, Russia and Latvia look to be falling, whilst Malta and Serbia are rising.

I have no idea who will qualify. Presumably Ukraine, Australia, Norway, Sweden and Moldova. But the other 5 spots are wide open. Although I seriously doubt that San Marino will make it through.

Personally I'm looking forward to Denmark and their stompy emo Vikings singing a sea shanty in the style of a west end musical. I hope they make it through.

Oubliette Denmark sounds right up my street. .

I have had a funny day- fell over walking the dog and ended up feeling really dizzy and headachey.

Fortunately it's going now- so bring it on.

I'm ready for tonight

Yay Serbia! I like their song this year.

I like the Vikings too. Like Austria as well but it doesn't stand out and I think the Gospel chorus is a bit of a cliche with a black singer.

Raaah - maybe too late for today, but I would go and get looked at. Take it very easy.

I loves the vikings, they've already made it ti my Eurovision faves playlist.

Yay - lots of Viking love. I'm obviously hanging out with the right people

math thanks. I checked my blood pressure when I got back (dh even went out and replaced the batteries for the monitor ) and I took it easy all morning. It was quite strange though.

I'm back. Name change in honour ^^

Got wine, but still meant to be on blood glucose diet. I have eaten a field of vegetables in the last month.

I´m here and pretending to root for Norway (I live there)!

My people!! I've found you. Bring it on!

Tonight I'm starting with a non-alcoholic drink. Still a pretty colour.