Yahoo News Croatia's Baby Lasagna wins crowd over at Eurovision semi-final
The bookies favourite to win the song contest had everyone singing along to catchy tune Rim Tim Tagi Dim.
What did you miss?
Croatia stole the show at the first semi-final of Eurovision 2024.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 kicked off with its first semi-final in Malmö, Sweden on Tuesday evening. Croatia's Baby Lasagna had already become the bookmakers favourite to win this year with his catchy rock tune Rim Tim Tagi Dim. And musician Marko Purisic completely ruled the stage with his confident performance that had all the crowd singing along.
Before the votes were even cast many fans were already convinced that Croatia has victory in their sights. But after the viewer votes were in it was confirmed that Baby Lasagna are through to Saturday night's final.
What, how, and why?
Rim Tim Tagi Dim had already gained attention for it's surreal lyrics including, "I'm a big boy now/I'm going away and a sold my cow" and "Bye mum, bye dad/Meow cat, please meow back." The title apparently the name of a folk dance from the small rural village where he is from, and the song tells the story of small town boy, leaving Croatia in search of a better life. Baby Lasagna performed in a take on Croatian national dress including a lace shirt, leather waistcoat and voluminous trousers.
The crowd could be heard singing along to the chorus, shouting out the refrain of "whoa" and the applause was undeniably impressive. Fans on social media were already calling this year's Eurovision winner a done deal.
One wrote on social media platform X: "Oh my god the audience. In case there were any doubts that this wouldn't win the televote, there's confirmation right there #Eurovision" Another said: "Croatia...it's going to win isn't it? I totally get it! Well done! #Eurovision2024"
Another posted: "Okay i’m convinced, he is winning #Eurovision" And another shared: "Croatia - this song is so nuts but catchy as, love it #Eurovision"
Ireland's act Bambie Thug literally danced with the devil during her performance. The self-proclaimed witch appeared to have recovered from the bout of food poisoning which saw them admitted to hospital on Friday 3 May.
Bambie Robinson, 31, blamed their illness on "bad shellfish" saying it was "both ends, gross and horrible". But they drove the crowd wild with their rendition of ouija-pop song Doomsday Blue and fans were sharing #CrownTheWitch on social media.
Former Irish Eurovision act Jedward posted: "Vote @Bambiethug in Eurovision! #CrownTheWitch Ireland." Ireland have been voted through to the final on Saturday. It is the first time Ireland have secured a place in the final since 2018.
Cyprus singer Silia Kapsis was the very first act of the contest to perform. She is the youngest contestant at just 17 but wowed with her confidence as she sang Liar, giving many viewers Britney Spears vibes. She is through to the final.
What else happened in the first Eurovision Semi-Final?
Years and Years singer Olly Alexander gave his first performance in the competition, showcasing the UK song entry Dizzy. The staging saw Alexander appear to dance upside down on the ceiling of a room thanks to the clever staging.
The singer told UK presenters Rylan and Scott Mills that he was excited to perform the song for the first time in "actual Eurovision" but was feeling less pressure in the semi-final as he knew he was guaranteed a place in the final. Alexander said: "I'm just going to enjoy it."
Serbia, Portugal, Slovenia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Finland's Windows 95 Man, Cyprus, Luxembourg Croatia's Baby Lasagna and Ireland's Bambie Thug. They will join the 'big five' nations of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK in the competition on Saturday night.
Australia, Iceland, Poland, Azerbaijan and Moldova are all now out of the competition.
As the UK performed in the first heat, UK viewers have had their chance to vote in the semi-finals, and can not vote on Thursday night. Big five members Spain, Italy and France will have their turn to vote instead.
The next Eurovision 2024 Semi-Final will air on BBC One at 8pm on Thursday 9 May. The Eurovision Grand Final takes place on Saturday 11 May.
Read more: Eurovision
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