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Second Semi-Finalists share nerves and excitement before the Grand Final

17 May 2019 at 00:48 CEST
Press Conference Second Semi-Final 2019 Thomas Hanses
After another exciting live show, tonight's ten qualifiers from the second Semi-Final gathered for a press conference at Expo Tel Aviv to talk about their experience on stage and what they look forward to the most. The contestants also drew a first or second half starting position for the Grand Final on Saturday 18 May.

North Macedonia: Tamara Todevska with Proud

"Be Proud and don't hide your greatness"

Tamara said she was very ‘Proud’ to have North Macedonia back in the Grand Final after 7 years, “And I’m also very proud of my team and the people of my country”. She added that through her performance “the message is spread in a good way and that’s what I’m most happy about.”

Tamara drew to perform in the FIRST HALF in Saturday's Grand Final.

The Netherlands: Duncan Laurence with Arcade

"I was really nervous for this moment"

Duncan may sing about a losing game, but the press were quick to remind him that, according to polls, he is in a winning game. When asked what it means to him personally, Duncan told the press: "Before this started, I was a songwriter just writing from my bedroom. This chance means that I can show myself as an artist, show I stand for things. I am more than a songwriter, I am bisexual, I am a musician".

Duncan drew to perform in the FIRST HALF in Saturday's Grand Final.

Albania: Jonida Maliqi with Ktheju tokës

"I’m so happy to be here among such good artists"

Jonida Maliqi stated: “I’m an artist and I love what I do. I [give] everything when I sing. I’m in another dimension when I sing this song and I love that people could feel it”. Jonida feels that a dream comes true: "I can’t believe it, I hoped for it and now that I’m in the Grand Final I’m so happy to be here among such good artists”.

Jonida drew to perform in the FIRST HALF in Saturday's Grand Final.

Sweden: John Lundvik with Too Late For Love

"The sky is the limit"

Sweden has six victories in Eurovision, so is John aiming for a seventh? "I think everyone here will aim for the win, but this is a dream come true for me. So if I end up last I will be the happiest man alive." Taking every opportunity to centre his backing quartet, John confirmed that if he wins, he will 'time share' the trophy with his background vocalists The Mamas.

John drew to perform in the FIRST HALF in Saturday's Grand Final.

Russia: Sergey Lazarev with Scream

"Now I only hope for the best"

Sergey Lazarev confessed that he missed being in the Eurovision Song Contest: “I’m so happy to be back here and feel all these great emotions that I missed so much”. Was he still nervous to perform in the Eurovision stage? “Of course I was nervous in 2016, I was nervous tonight, but the feeling I got was so amazing, and the crowd and the audience support was incredible, so thanks for that. Now I only hope for the best!”

Sergey drew to perform in the FIRST HALF in Saturday's Grand Final.

Azerbaijan: Chingiz with Truth

"I believe in myself and my team"

When asked if there will be any surprises in his Grand Final performance, Chingiz replied: "Im not sure about the surprises, but it will be better than in the Semi-Final".

Chingiz drew to perform in the SECOND HALF in Saturday's Grand Final.

Denmark: Leonora with Love Is Forever

"If my makeup is a little messy, it is because I started crying"

Leonora started her turn at the press conference with a clear simple statement: “I feel very good”. Did she think her performance was perfect? “I think it’s hard to say if it was perfect. Every rehearsal went a little notch up, so let’s see what happens in the Grand Final! I never expect too much, but I hope for a lot. I really hoped to be here and I think the song deserved it”.

Leonora drew to perform in the FIRST HALF in Saturday's Grand Final.

Norway: KEiiNO with Spirit In The Sky

"We stand for love"

What is it about their relationship that makes the group's collaboration so special? "We share the same values; we stand for love and acceptance. And we have all been told that we are different - being gay, not fitting the typical 'pop mold', being Sámi - and with the help of you guys, we are in the finals!"

KEiiNO drew to perform in the SECOND HALF in Saturday's Grand Final.

Switzerland: Luca Hänni with She Got Me

"It was just WOW"

For the Swiss artist Luca Hänni the feeling of bringing his country back into the Grand Final “was a lot of pressure, it was quite a long time ago that Switzerland hit the Grand Final… I wanted to do it, that was my main wish, and now that we did it all I can say is thank you all very much for the support!” So what were his feelings during the announcement of the qualifiers? “I was [on] that couch seeing all the others going through and the cameras coming in, then going away… that was definitely the hardest part. And when they finally said Switzerland! It was just WOW.

Luca drew to perform in the SECOND HALF in Saturday's Grand Final.

Malta: Michela with Chameleon

"It is one of my dreams, I can't believe it is coming true"

In the lyrics of her song Chameleon, Michela sings "When they try to hold me down, inside a box I'll find my way out." How does Michela find her way out of that box? "When people tell you you are not good enough or you need to change to do great at something, you have to adapt, make it by yourself, challenge yourself and most importantly, believe in yourself. That is how you get out".

The press were quick to mention the changes to the dancing and staging throughout the rehearsals. It turns out that that was a plan all along: "We came with two plans, we tried both of the plans and we went with the one we thought was the best - you saw it tonight".

Michela drew to perform in the FIRST HALF in Saturday's Grand Final.

Who's your favourite qualifier of tonight? Let us know in the comments!