The 1st Semi-Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest took place with complete success from the impressive stage of the Malmö Arena in Sweden.

The ten countries that got the ticket to the final of the event (in random order) are Cyprus, Ukraine, Serbia, Lithuania, Ireland, Croatia, Slovenia, Finland, Portugal and Luxembourg.

This year’s competition started with Eleni Foureira dressed in a golden creation by Selia Krithariotis performing “Fuego”, reminding the whole world of the wonderful song that took 2nd place in 2018 and for the first time Cyprus was so close to the top.

Eric Saade then took over, singing ‘Popular’ which gave Sweden third place in 2011, and Spain’s Chanel re-presenting ‘SloMo’ which also secured third place in 2022. This year’s competition is hosted by singer-comedian Petra Mede and actress Malin Åkerman dressed in shades of pink and orange welcomed the millions of fans of the great celebration.

Cyprus opened the competition with 17-year-old Silia Capsis impressing to the tune of “Liar” by Dimitris Kontopoulos and Elke Tiel. Accompanied by four dancers, she took to the Malmö Arena stage dressed in white by Stelios Koudounaris.

The second semi-final will be held on Thursday 9 May. Greece is represented by the acclaimed performer and creator Marina Satti who, from the 3rd place, will present the much-discussed “ZARI”.

The grand final is expected on Saturday, May 11, with Thanasis Alevras and Jerome Kalouta commentating, as in the two semi-finals, for Greek television on the great celebration of music.