Fan fury follows Eurovision’s first semi-final
 |
|
Shock elimination … Finland’s Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät were strong contenders at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest but failed to secure a spot in Saturday’s final. Picture: AFP Photo
Source: AFP
THE wind machines have barely whirred to life and already there’s a storm of controversy raining down on this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
And it’s all to do with an eclectic punk group from Finland called Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät and made up of four blokes with developmental disabilities who met in a charity workshop.
Twitter outcry … when Finald was knocked out of the first semi-final, viewers were quick to express their shock on social media. Picture: AFP Photo
Source: AFP
Much to many fans’ shock, the four-piece group failed to make it through this morning’s first semi-final, despite plenty of buzz and optimism.
In recent days, bookies had increasingly favoured the four-piece band after positive reviews during rehearsals. But they failed to secure a spot in Saturday’s Eurovision final.
Fuming that the Finland entry for #Eurovision didn’t get through. 4 guys with learning difficulties giving it their all to rock. Screw it.
— Matt (@matt_gills84) May 19, 2015
My dad started crying when Finland didn’t qualify. So did I. It would have been important for us, and for the disabled people. #eurovision
— Nanecchio (@V1KAIE) May 19, 2015
My chosen country #Finland has been robbed of their place in the #eurovision finals?!? WHO CAN I KICK IN THE NUTS? 
— Paula McBear (@scotpaulabear) May 19, 2015
Another shock was the semi-final crowd’s warm reaction to Russia’s entry, Polina Gagarina. While she definitely has a good set of chops, talent doesn’t always count in the often political arena of Eurovision.
New favourite … Russia’s Polina Gagarina performs the song ‘A Million Voices’ during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest. Picture: AP Photo
Source: AP
For the past few years, the performer representing the world’s bully was almost guaranteed to be greeted with boos from the audience.
Eurovision glitz and glam so far
But it seems Polina has turned the tide and is now a strong favourite to sweep the voting board on Saturday.
Crowd favourite … Bojana Stamenov from Serbia is through to Saturday’s Eurovision final. Picture: AFP Photo
Source: AFP
Boy band … Denmark entry Anti Social Media. Picture: AFP Photo
Source: AFP
The semi-final was jam-packed with standard Eurovision fare — glittering costumes, camp choreography, a chaotic mix of smoke and lasers, cheesy lyrics and often overdone vocals.
So far, audience buzz seems to be centred on acts from Moldova, Serbia and Russia.
Vienna spectacular … contestants gather on stage at the first semi in the Austrian capital. Picture: AP Photo
Source: AP
A total of 16 countries took place in this morning’s battle, vying for just 10 spots. The first qualifiers are: Albania, Armenia, Russia, Romania, Hungary, Greece, Estonia, Georgia, Serbia and Belgium.
The result was determined via a 50-50 split between national expert juries and public votes.
Saturday’s final in Vienna will see Australia take part as a wildcard entry, represented by pop star Guy Sebastian.
Aussie hope … Guy Sebastian poses with Ann Sophie Duermeyer of Germany. Picture: Getty Images
Source: Supplied
Hey Entertainment fans! We have 10 double passes to the hilarious new movie Spy up for grabs! To win, like our news.com.au Entertainment page, comment below in 25 words or less and tell us, if you were a spy, which celeb would you spy on and why?
Winners announced at 4pm on 21.5.15 and will be notified by private message. Click here for T&C’s.
