Second Semi-Final: Qualifiers' press conference

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest now has its full lineup of 26 songs for the Grand Final on Saturday 11 May.

The Second Semi-Final took place in Malmö, Sweden on Thursday, with 10 songs progressing to the Grand Final from a starting lineup of 16. 

Amongst the qualifiers it was particularly happy news for a certain two countries; neither of whom have participated in a Grand Final since 2016 - Georgia and Latvia.

Straight after hearing the results, our 10 Grand Finalists from the Second Semi-Final headed right to the press conference room, where a host and journalists were ready to get the artists' first reactions upon hearing the news that they'd all been waiting for. 

Marina Satti from Greece gave some insight to attendees on just she had been feeling behind the scenes, waiting to perform and of course anticipating the results:

"Stressed, but excited to see what would happen. But there was a lot of singing and dancing backstage too. So not too much stress."

From Switzerland, Nemo was enthusiastic to tell everyone what was going in their mind while they were performing their song The Code. to millions on Thursday evening.

"Just singing this song in front of a live audience and knowing that so many people are listening, it meant so much to me. It's a very emotional experience, and I'm glad that I can be sharing it."

We Will Rave songstress Kaleen was equally enthralled with her experience of standing up on that prime spot in Malmö Arena.

"I enjoy this feeling so much of just being with myself, knowing I've done everything I can in my life to be on that stage. I really have a feeling that I have achieved my biggest dream in life. I'm so grateful that I got to experience that."

Armenia's LADANIVA were asked what their favourite bit of their Eurovision experience has been so far - and they touched upon the community spirit backstage. 

"It's when we play music with my band, and we meet another artist and we're jamming together. That's been the best part."

Hollow performer Dons, from Latvia, summed up just how important this moment in his career has been. 

"Today was a very special day to me, in my life. It's been very emotional, and very stressful. I kept every good wish and good word I've heard - that just gives me confidence to stay humble and stay human."

Nutsa Buzaladze from Georgia was excited to speak about her qualification to the Grand Final on Saturday night.

"Thank you for making me see that dreams can become a reality. And my dream was that Georgia could make the Grand Final, for the first time in 7 years. When you work that hard, as we did on this number, it always pays off. Dreams can come true. And this was my dream."

Estonian boys 5MIINUST x Puuluup took the time to reflect on the theme of Malmö 2024, and gushed about their fellow artists in the process. 

"United By Music really means something, because we've been united by music with all of these other artists. We've had a great time with them and we will continue now for the next two days. We want to befriend every last one of them."

Norwegian band Gåte were frank about how they were feeling after performing on stage and hearing the result: 

"During the singing of that song, it's always like... it feels like giving birth! That's the intensity. So right now I'm mostly tired."

Dutch dapper chap Joost Klein was asked what his thoughts were at that point in time, and his answer told us precisely how he was feeling:

"I think about orphans, I think about people that others forget. I think about teachers in the classroom, I think about people with no money, people with no house. And I think if we combine all those thoughts, then we're getting somewhere. I believe in progression."

Eden Golan spoke about how she is already looking forward to representing Israel at the Grand Final on Saturday.

"I'm so overwhelmed by emotions. It is truly such an honour to be here, representing us with pride and making it to the Grand Final. Thank you to everyone who voted and who has supported us. I'm so excited to go on stage once more and share my love with everyone."

You can watch the full press conference of the qualifiers of the Second Semi-Final right here: