Swiss Bliss and Eurovision Kiss: Alphorns, Yodels, and Voting Twists Make This Contest One Not to Miss!

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest is now well and truly underway. With Basel proving the consummate hosts, St. Jakobshalle boasts a huge, impressive stage, and the fans in the audience are helping craft a joyous celebration. Hosts Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer have just the right balance of passion and awkwardness that makes Eurovision so watchable, and there is no denying that the two semi-finals have been fuelled by dramatic flair and tense moments. So, as we build towards tomorrow's big final, we are stopping for a moment to reflect on these initial moments.

Opening the show with a Swiss feast with a Eurovision tinge showed that Switzerland were not messing around when it came to hosting the world-famous contest. With Eurovision classics reworked by a troupe of dancers, yodellers, and alphorn players, it was clear that Switzerland had paid attention to Sweden's approach to Eurovision and was easily able to match their striking spectacle.

As the acts launched with Iceland's Væb, who delivered the bouncy Róa, the competition suddenly felt real, and while not giving winner vibes, the Icelandic answer to Jedward more than proved their worth as show openers. As the 15 acts fighting to qualify took to the stage, it was in the addition of full performances from three of the Big 6 that we saw one of the first key changes to the contest running order. A very worthwhile addition, the change saw the Big 6 finally getting the earlier competition exposure that they need to really push forward in the main contest.

Eurovision icon Petra Mede made a surprise guest appearance in the truly brilliant musical interlude Made In Switzerland, which will go down in Eurovision history as one of the greatest interval acts. Despite not being present in the auditorium, Celine's heartfelt message of gratitude resonated deeply, and despite not fully honouring her winning entry, the inclusion of former entrants Marina Satti, Iolanda, Jerry Heil, and Silvester Belt was thoughtfully considered.

However, the twist in the voting results really intensified the tension. With three acts highlighted but only one moving forward, it allowed the audience to really feel that raw tension alongside the performers. With only ten acts moving forward, there were surprising losses, including Slovenia's truly lush How Much Time Do We Have Left and Cyprus' epic Shh; however, it would not be Eurovision without these unexpected twists.

With the bar set high by semi-final one, semi-final 2 had a very fan-driven feel. Looking at the contest through the eyes of some of its most devoted followers really showed the world just how much heart and soul there is within the competition. In a world that is so troubled at the moment, these softer, lighter moments really need to be treasured, and these were key to the success of the show.

While the fashion choices of the hosts were questionable, the performers from the semi-finalists were once again brilliantly delivered, and the audience really showed their love and support for all those on stage. With Austria's Wasted Love and France's Maman giving real winner vibes, it is clear it is far from a one-horse race in Sweden's direction. Equally notable was the sheer joy displayed in Remember Monday's performance, which certainly made the UK proud.

From Princ being dragged along the stage as if he were a mop to Erika Vikman riding high on a microphone, this semi-final had more 'typical' Eurovision moments, but surely that's why everyone watches?

Although the brief dance presentation on Swiss timekeeping was not so memorable, inviting contestants from the Covid-cancelled Eurovision show to finally perform those entries on stage was a touching moment. Although all four of those selected had returned the subsequent year, you could not help but feel for some of the contestants who failed to receive an invitation and as a result are still to see the Eurovision stage in person. However, when the performances are as killer as both Efendi's and Destiny's, it is clear that the world really missed out on some stunning Eurovision moments when it came to a stop half a decade ago.

With the show closing with the tense vote, the format once again showed its strength. With Australia and Ireland having delivered pure cheese brilliance, it was sad to say farewell to the duo, but they made way for the quirky Latvia and a playful Luxembourg, who will now both fare reasonably well in the final.

As the competition ramps up a gear for the final, the semi-finals proved a real treat. Well done, Switzerland!