Latvia’s search for their Eurovision 2018 representative kicked off this evening with the first semi-final of the competition. Only 2 spots were available in the final of the competition, but which 2 artists managed to grab those places?

The return of Supernova was seen this evening in the Baltic country of Latvia, in which a total of 21 artists will be competing for the right to represent the nation at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest.

With changes seen in this year’s selection, including the removal of the usual heats, this Saturday saw the selection begin with the first semi-final of Supernova 2018, in which the first 7 artists competed in the show.

First 2 acts advance

With the 7 semi-final 1 participants performing onstage this evening, it was down to a combined public and jury vote to determine which 2 artists would advance to the final of the competition on the 24 February.

Voting was open to the public via telephone and SMS, as well as an online vote which took place via the official Supernova website and via Spotify streaming.

Following a combined vote, the 2 acts which managed to earn the highest percentage of the vote this evening were the following:

• Liene Greifane – Walk the talk
• Edgars Kreilis – Younger days

This means that Katrina Gupalo & the Black Birds, Rahu The Fool, DVINES, Agnese Stengrevics and Sudden Lights have all been eliminated from the competition, with their Eurovision 2018 journey ending tonight.

Supernova 2018 resumes next Saturday in which a further 7 acts will compete for a place in the selection final at the end of the month.

Supernova 2018 schedule

• 03/02: Semi-final 1
• 10/02: Semi-final 2
• 17/02: Semi-final 3
• 24/02: Grand final