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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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The long-awaited first Eurovision semi-final will hit our screens tonight, with Ireland's Bambie Thug ready to set the stage alight with their song 'Doomsday Blue'.
Fifteen countries will participate in tonight's (May 7) show after being determined by a draw, with the ten best countries qualifying for the Grand Final.
These include Cyprus, Serbia, Lithuania, Ireland, Ukraine, Poland Croatia, Iceland, Slovenia, Finland, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Australia, Portugal, and Luxembourg.
Cyprus is the very first country to perform tonight, followed by Serbia, Lithuania and Ireland, while five-times winner Luxembourg will perform last.
Serbia won the contest once in 2007, while Ukraine has won three times in 2004, 2016 and 2022, Finland once in 2006, Portugal once in 2017, and Azerbaijan once in 2011.
Ireland has the most wins of any country in tonight's semi-final with seven wins in 1970, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1996.
It has been 28 years since Ireland's last win.
That can change this year by voting for Bambie Thug and ensuring they qualify for the Grand Final on Saturday May 11.
According to Eurovision News, Ireland is the favourite to win tonight, followed by Ukraine, Croatia, Portugal and Lithuania.
Viewers will be able to cast a vote via phone, text message (SMS), the Eurovision app or esc.vote alongside three of the countries pre-qualified for the Grand Final - Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Audience votes are converted into points and awarded to the ten most popular songs, starting from 1-8 points at the lower ends, then 10 points and a maximum 12 points for the favourites.
Viewers from Ireland may vote for Bambie Thug or any other act in the first semi-final tonight, but cannot vote in the second semi-final on May 9.
Irish phone voters can call 1513 7172 01 up to 1513 7172 15 tonight to cast a vote, and call 1513 7172 01 up to 1513 7172 26 on the night of the Grand Final.
Alternatively, you can text 53125 with the number of the act you'd like to vote for.
Tonight's show kicks off at 8pm and will be available to watch on RTÉ One.
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