Credits
Special
Kyiv 2005: The semifinal
Thursday 19th May, 21:00 CET. Ukraine is ready to launch the 50th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, consisting of a semifinal and a final two days later. The Eurovision Song Contest takes place in the Palats Sportu of Kyiv, in which 8.500 fans gathered to celebrate the world's biggest song contest. Host broadcaster of the event is Ukrainian broadcaster NTU.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen!
The hosts Maria Efrosinina (aka Masha) and Pavlo Shylko (aka DJ Pasha) open the semifinal of the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest. Both Masha and Pasha are celebrities in Ukraine. Maria Efrosinina replaces last year's Eurovision Song Contest winner Ruslana who was initially appointed as the female host of the contest.
The opening act
Masha and Pasha discuss how the opening act of the Eurovision Song Contest semifinal should look like and show a glimpse of all possibilities: traditional dance by the Song and Dance Company of Ukraine Military Forces, modern dance by A-B Ballet, a typical Ukrainian military choir, and modern rock by Diezel DJ Power.
The hosts Maria Efrosinina (aka Masha) and Pavlo Shylko (aka DJ Pasha) open the semifinal of the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest. Both Masha and Pasha are celebrities in Ukraine. Maria Efrosinina replaces last year's Eurovision Song Contest winner Ruslana who was initially appointed as the female host of the contest.
The opening act
Masha and Pasha discuss how the opening act of the Eurovision Song Contest semifinal should look like and show a glimpse of all possibilities: traditional dance by the Song and Dance Company of Ukraine Military Forces, modern dance by A-B Ballet, a typical Ukrainian military choir, and modern rock by Diezel DJ Power.
Global.Kryner - Y así
The Austrian representatives Global.Kryner have the honour to open the 50th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. Singer Sabine Stieger, dressed in a traditional Alp dress, and the five Global.Kryner musicians present Y así, a mix of Austrian and Cuban sounds.
The Austrian representatives Global.Kryner have the honour to open the 50th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. Singer Sabine Stieger, dressed in a traditional Alp dress, and the five Global.Kryner musicians present Y así, a mix of Austrian and Cuban sounds.
Laura and the Lovers - Little by little
Swedish composers, backing vocalists, stylists and choreographers make this year's Lithuanian entry look and sound more Swedish than the one from Sweden. Laura is dressed in a glittering white, Laura is giving the best of herself, accompanied by her lovers.
Swedish composers, backing vocalists, stylists and choreographers make this year's Lithuanian entry look and sound more Swedish than the one from Sweden. Laura is dressed in a glittering white, Laura is giving the best of herself, accompanied by her lovers.
2B - Amar
One of the female dancers opens the Portuguese act with a series of somersaults. Rui, dressed in black, and Luciana, dressed in red and silver, present a mix of English and Portuguese. Unfortunately for Amar, the song gets partly ruined by sound problems.
One of the female dancers opens the Portuguese act with a series of somersaults. Rui, dressed in black, and Luciana, dressed in red and silver, present a mix of English and Portuguese. Unfortunately for Amar, the song gets partly ruined by sound problems.
Zdob si Zdub - Boonika bate toba
Moldova makes its first appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest. Zdob si Zdub brought Grandma, the one their song is about, with them. Grandma is sitting in her rocking chair but when she starts beating the drum, Grandma reveals herself as the star of the semifinal.
Moldova makes its first appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest. Zdob si Zdub brought Grandma, the one their song is about, with them. Grandma is sitting in her rocking chair but when she starts beating the drum, Grandma reveals herself as the star of the semifinal.
Walters & Kazha - The war is not over
Dressed in white and blue jeans, the Latvian guys Walters and Kazha sing the War is not over, the first ballad of the night. The song is written by Martins Freimanis, one of the singers of F.L.Y., who represented Latvia in 2003. Sign language helps Walers and Kazha to spread their word around the world.
Dressed in white and blue jeans, the Latvian guys Walters and Kazha sing the War is not over, the first ballad of the night. The song is written by Martins Freimanis, one of the singers of F.L.Y., who represented Latvia in 2003. Sign language helps Walers and Kazha to spread their word around the world.
Lise Darly - Tout de moi
Lise Darly brings back the feeling of the good old Eurovision Song Contest years. The music of Tout de moi was recorded by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Monaco. Lise attached a black mourning ribbon to her colourful dress to commemorate Prince Rainier of Monaco who passed away in April.
Lise Darly brings back the feeling of the good old Eurovision Song Contest years. The music of Tout de moi was recorded by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Monaco. Lise attached a black mourning ribbon to her colourful dress to commemorate Prince Rainier of Monaco who passed away in April.
Shiri Maymon - Hasheket shenish'ar
Wearing a long glittering dress, Shiri Maymon represents Israel with the ballad Hasheket shenish'ar. Shiri sings in Hebrew and switches to the English version Time to say goodbye in the middle of the song. A pianist, a guitarist and three backing vocalists accompany Shiri on stage.
Wearing a long glittering dress, Shiri Maymon represents Israel with the ballad Hasheket shenish'ar. Shiri sings in Hebrew and switches to the English version Time to say goodbye in the middle of the song. A pianist, a guitarist and three backing vocalists accompany Shiri on stage.
Angelica Agurbash - Love me tonight
Belarusian diva Angelica Agurbash, known from her limousine, expensive promotion campaign and wealthy friends, sings the disco song Love me tonight. Angelica is accompanied by two backing vocalists and three dancers who whip off her dress twice to reveal a skin-coloured cat suit.
Belarusian diva Angelica Agurbash, known from her limousine, expensive promotion campaign and wealthy friends, sings the disco song Love me tonight. Angelica is accompanied by two backing vocalists and three dancers who whip off her dress twice to reveal a skin-coloured cat suit.
Glennis Grace - My impossible dream
Fighting the big wide world to make it on her own, Glennis Grace represents the Netherlands with the ballad My impossible dream, the shortest song in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Glennis is wearing a long white and sparkling dress and is the first singer to take the stage all alone.
Fighting the big wide world to make it on her own, Glennis Grace represents the Netherlands with the ballad My impossible dream, the shortest song in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Glennis is wearing a long white and sparkling dress and is the first singer to take the stage all alone.
Selma - If I had your love
The runner-up of the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest is back. The same team that was behind All out of luck composed this year's Icelandic entry If I had your love. Selma is wearing a red outfit decorated with gold and gets the support of four dancers and backing vocalists.
The runner-up of the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest is back. The same team that was behind All out of luck composed this year's Icelandic entry If I had your love. Selma is wearing a red outfit decorated with gold and gets the support of four dancers and backing vocalists.
Nuno Resende - Le grand soir
The French speaking community in Belgium selected Nuno Resende with the song Le grand soir. Nuno was born in Portugal but moved to Belgium at the age of 12. Nuno performs a French chanson, dressed in a red shirt and black costume with baroque touch.
The French speaking community in Belgium selected Nuno Resende with the song Le grand soir. Nuno was born in Portugal but moved to Belgium at the age of 12. Nuno performs a French chanson, dressed in a red shirt and black costume with baroque touch.
Suntribe - Let's get loud
Suntribe is the first of two Estonian girl bands in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Suntribe consists of Mari-Leen, Rebecca, Daana, Laura and Jaanika. The girls start the act behind their disc rapper decks but then perform a happy choreography while getting loud.
Suntribe is the first of two Estonian girl bands in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Suntribe consists of Mari-Leen, Rebecca, Daana, Laura and Jaanika. The girls start the act behind their disc rapper decks but then perform a happy choreography while getting loud.
Wig Wam - In my dreams
The most extravagant looks of the night come from Norway. Wig Wam are trying to introduce rock music as the new schlager at the Eurovision Song Contest. The Norwegians didn't forget that they are on stage in Kyiv and brought an orange flag, referring to the Orange Revolution, with them.
The most extravagant looks of the night come from Norway. Wig Wam are trying to introduce rock music as the new schlager at the Eurovision Song Contest. The Norwegians didn't forget that they are on stage in Kyiv and brought an orange flag, referring to the Orange Revolution, with them.
Luminita Anghel & Sistem - Let me try
Singer and television host Luminita Anghel teamed up with percussion band Sistem. The fire brigade of Kyiv did not allow fire in their act but the Romanian representatives do it their way, with barrels and sanders to create sparks. Luminita is wearing a blue jeans and a sparkling top in silver and green.
Singer and television host Luminita Anghel teamed up with percussion band Sistem. The fire brigade of Kyiv did not allow fire in their act but the Romanian representatives do it their way, with barrels and sanders to create sparks. Luminita is wearing a blue jeans and a sparkling top in silver and green.
NOX - Forogj világ
Hungary is back at the Eurovision Song Contest with the band NOX. Singer Szilvi is accompanied by five male dancers performing a choreography reminiscent of Riverdance. All of them are dressed in black. Forogj világ is the first song in the semifinal that is not (partly) in English or French.
Hungary is back at the Eurovision Song Contest with the band NOX. Singer Szilvi is accompanied by five male dancers performing a choreography reminiscent of Riverdance. All of them are dressed in black. Forogj világ is the first song in the semifinal that is not (partly) in English or French.
Geir Rönning - Why
Norwegian singer Geir Rönning is representing Finland with the balled Why. Five backing vocalists are vocally supporting him. Geir is wearing an outfit in the Finnish colours white and bright blue. His two female and three male backing vocalists are completely dressed in white.
Norwegian singer Geir Rönning is representing Finland with the balled Why. Five backing vocalists are vocally supporting him. Geir is wearing an outfit in the Finnish colours white and bright blue. His two female and three male backing vocalists are completely dressed in white.
Martin Vucic - Make my day
Martin Vucic takes the stage in an blue jeans, white shirt and oversized pink jacket. Two backing vocalists and three short-skirted dancers accompany him while performing his song Make my day. Martin shows his drummer's skills during a 20-second drum solo midway the song.
Martin Vucic takes the stage in an blue jeans, white shirt and oversized pink jacket. Two backing vocalists and three short-skirted dancers accompany him while performing his song Make my day. Martin shows his drummer's skills during a 20-second drum solo midway the song.
Marian van de Wal - La mirada interior
The second Dutch singer in this year's semifinal is Marian van de Wal. In perfect Catalan she sings the song La mirada interior. Three female backing vocalists, including Anabel Conde, and two semi naked male dancers accompany Marian van de Wal in a choreography with black feathers.
The second Dutch singer in this year's semifinal is Marian van de Wal. In perfect Catalan she sings the song La mirada interior. Three female backing vocalists, including Anabel Conde, and two semi naked male dancers accompany Marian van de Wal in a choreography with black feathers.
Vanilla Ninja - Cool vibes
Vanilla Ninja are the second girl band from Estonia in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Katrin, Piret, Triinu and Lenna are representing Switzerland. Dressed in white, Vanilla Ninja sing Cool vibes, a song about a tiger. A drummer and guitarist accompany the girls on stage.
Vanilla Ninja are the second girl band from Estonia in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Katrin, Piret, Triinu and Lenna are representing Switzerland. Dressed in white, Vanilla Ninja sing Cool vibes, a song about a tiger. A drummer and guitarist accompany the girls on stage.
Boris Novkovic feat. Lado members - Vukovi umiru sami
The Croatian entry Vukovi umiru sami opens with a bagpipe solo. Boris Novkovic is wearing a black costume while the backing vocalists, three members of Lado, are dressed in white. A crazy drummer doing handstands is the finishing touch to the traditional Croatian performance.
The Croatian entry Vukovi umiru sami opens with a bagpipe solo. Boris Novkovic is wearing a black costume while the backing vocalists, three members of Lado, are dressed in white. A crazy drummer doing handstands is the finishing touch to the traditional Croatian performance.
Kaffe - Lorraine
Bulgaria makes its first appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest with the boy band Kaffe, which won a scandalous Bulgarian national final with the song Lorraine. Kaffe consists of ladsinger Orlin, guitarist Georgi, keayboard player Milen, drummer Valery, trumpetist Martin and bassist Veselin.
Bulgaria makes its first appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest with the boy band Kaffe, which won a scandalous Bulgarian national final with the song Lorraine. Kaffe consists of ladsinger Orlin, guitarist Georgi, keayboard player Milen, drummer Valery, trumpetist Martin and bassist Veselin.
Donna & Joe - Love?
Sister and brother Donna and Joe McCaul won the Irish Eurovision Song Contest selection shows You're a star and represent Ireland with the song Love? Four dancers accompany Donna and Joe on stage and remind us how real Irish Riverdances look like.
Sister and brother Donna and Joe McCaul won the Irish Eurovision Song Contest selection shows You're a star and represent Ireland with the song Love? Four dancers accompany Donna and Joe on stage and remind us how real Irish Riverdances look like.
Omar Naber - Stop
Dressed in white pants, a white shirt labeled Stop and a black jacket, Omar Naber performs his song which starts like a ballad but then turns into rock. Omar is accompanied by a classical singer and finishes his performance by putting his arm around her.
Dressed in white pants, a white shirt labeled Stop and a black jacket, Omar Naber performs his song which starts like a ballad but then turns into rock. Omar is accompanied by a classical singer and finishes his performance by putting his arm around her.
Jakob Sveistrup - Talking to you
With the Danish version of Talking to you Jakob Sveistrup defeated the Olsen Brothers in the Danish national final. Jacob is wearing a black suit, pink shirt and pink trainers. Four backing singers vocally support Jacob while performing an easy choreography.
With the Danish version of Talking to you Jakob Sveistrup defeated the Olsen Brothers in the Danish national final. Jacob is wearing a black suit, pink shirt and pink trainers. Four backing singers vocally support Jacob while performing an easy choreography.
Ivan & Delfin - Czarna dziewczyna
Ivan & Delfin are the last semifinalists to take the stage in the Palats Sportu. Ivan & Delfin perform a traditional gypsy folk song and combine the Polish and Russian language. Ivan and his two female dancers are dressed in white and red silk costumes and give a colourful performance with gypsy dancing.
Ivan & Delfin are the last semifinalists to take the stage in the Palats Sportu. Ivan & Delfin perform a traditional gypsy folk song and combine the Polish and Russian language. Ivan and his two female dancers are dressed in white and red silk costumes and give a colourful performance with gypsy dancing.
After ten minutes of televoting, Masha and Pasha introduce the interval act of the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest. The spectacle Life is a creation of Irina Mazur, whose ballet performs the mixture of traditional and modern dance and music.
The voting lines are closed. Masha and Pasha open the envelopes with the names of the ten countries proceeding to the final:
• Hungary
• Romania
• Norway
• Moldova
• Israel
• Denmark
• FYR Macedonia
• Croatia
• Switzerland
• Latvia
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place on Saturday 21st May.
• Hungary
• Romania
• Norway
• Moldova
• Israel
• Denmark
• FYR Macedonia
• Croatia
• Switzerland
• Latvia
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place on Saturday 21st May.
Related polls
- POLAND: Your favourite song in the national final?
- ARMENIA: Your favourite song in the national final?
- The Netherlands decided: How much do you like Ik be verliefd (Sha la lie)?
- Cyprus decided: How much do you like Life looks better in spring?
- Iceland decided: How much do you like Je ne sais quoi?
- Denmark decided: How much do you like In a moment like this?
- Norway decided: How much do you like My heart is yours?
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