Eurovision 2020: Semi-Final 1 Qualifiers Prediction 

I really appreciate that William is able to view things from multiple perspectives and grounds his opinions in ESC history and not just his gut reactions. Thank you for reminding everyone that Fuego was NOT a favorite until the rehearsals. Neither was Conchita Wurst. Sometimes there is collective amnesia about how important the stage show is. I'm sure 2020 would have provided a surprise or two if the show had actually happened.

I don't see how Norway was even a question. Juries would have lapped it up. Good voice, great song, radio friendly and orchestral. I struggle to see juries not putting this top 3 in this semi. AND Norway has one of the strongest televoting records. I don't see a world where this isn't top 5 or 3 in this semi.

Ok, I am prepared to hear that Ukraine is a sure non-qualifier for Deban. Still sad we will never find out how many people loved this entry so much to grab their phone and vote

My Prediction : 1. 🇱🇹 Lithuania 2. 🇸🇪 Sweden 3. 🇲🇹 Malta 4. 🇷🇺 Russia 5. 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan 6. 🇷🇴 Romania 7. 🇮🇱 Israel 8. 🇺🇦 Ukraine 9. 🇳🇴 Norway 10. 🇮🇪 Ireland/ 🇦🇺 Australia

For me from Brazil: 1. Russia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Lithuania 4. Romania 5. Malta 6. Israel 7. Norway 8. Sweden 9. Ukraine 10. Australia

1-Ukraine 2-Norway 3-Lithuania 4-Sweden 5-Romania 6-Israel 7-Azerbaijan 8-Malta 9-Australia 10-Russia

100% - Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Malta 90% - Azerbaijan, Norway 70% - Ukraine 60% - Romania, Australia 50% - Belgium, Israel 30% - Croatia 20% - Ireland, Slovenia 10% - Cyprus, North Macedonia 0% - Belarus

How did Deban disqualify Ukraine?! My favourite

This semifinal is an easy one to predict: 🇸🇯🇷🇴🇱🇹🇷🇺🇸🇪🇮🇱🇦🇺🇦🇿🇺🇦🇲🇹 Potential surprise qualifier would be 🇮🇪 with a flawless staging/performance.

I often agree with Deban, but saying Ukraine had no chance at all? Please give me what he's having, because girl, he's out of his damn mind. Everyone compares it to Poland 2019, but Ukraine 2020 is leagues ahead of Poland 2019. And they only barely missed out on the final by two points. Ukraine wouldn't have won, but damn sure they would've qualified. I hope they bring something similar next year just to show people like Deban that Europe will love them!

My prediction: Azerbaijan, Malta, Lithuania, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Israel, Australia, Romania and Ukraine What I want: Azerbaijan, Malta, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Israel, Australia, Romania, Belgium and Ireland

If I had to guess, in a random order: - Australia - Lithuania - Russia - Sweden - Azerbaijan - Israel - Malta - Romania - Norway - Ukraine If I were to choose my 10 favs, I'd swap Russia with Belgium. I really like Release Me, actually, and to be honest, I think Uno is one of the (if not THE) most overhyped songs this year.

My predictions: 1. Lithuania 2. Russia 3. Malta 4. Romania 5. Sweden 6. Azerbaijan 7. Norway 8. Ukraine 9. Israel 10. Australia

My predictions 1. Malta 2. Sweden 3. Israel 4. Azerbaijan 5. Norway 6. Ukraine 7. Russia 8. Australia 9. Lithuania 10. Romania

Dear Deban, Ukraine is definitely not out. t would have qualified, or AT LEAST be borderline. It's not because you don't like it, that it wouldn't qualify. And Ireland is also not definitely out, it's really borderline. I can't say it's out. Probably, not, but definitely not certain My qualifiers: -Lithuania -Ukraine -Ireland -Romania -Azerbaijan -Malta -Israel -Belgium -Norway -Sweden Borderlines: Cyprus, Croatia My prediction -Lithuania -Ukraine -Romania -Azerbaijan -Malta -Israel -Norway -Sweden -Australia (not because of the song it's not one of the 10 best, but because it's Australia) -Russia (everyone loves this for a reason which I don't understand at all. Winner of the televote? please.probably yes but I would never get it) Borderlines: Croatia, Ireland

Is Deban OK? 🥺 He seems so negative this year.

1) Norway 🇳🇴 2) Belgium 🇧🇪 3) Malta 🇲🇹 4) Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 5) Australia 🇦🇺 6) Russia 🇷🇺 7) Romania 🇷🇴 8) Israel 🇮🇱 9) Sweden 🇸🇪 10) Lithuania 🇱🇹

Ukraine would have made it. I am confident that the qualifiers would have been: 1. Australia 2.Lithuania 3. Russia 4. Israel 5. Malta 6. Ukraine 7.Sweden 8. Romania 9. Norway 10. Azerbaijan

My prediction is that Lithuania, Sweden, Australia, Russia, Norway, Azerbaijan, Malta, Israel, Ukraine and Romania will qualify. I'd also love to see Belarus, Ireland and Cyprus qualify, but I don't think they will.

Locks (hot response from fans): - Lithuania - Sweden - Russia - Israel - Ukraine - Romania Unsure (popular yet polarising) - Azerbaijan - Malta - Belgium Borderlines (even more polarising, not enough majority love) - Australia - Ireland

1. Norway 2. Azerbaijan 3. Ukraine 4. Russia 5. Lithuania 6. Cyprus 7. Sweden 8. Malta 9. Romania 10. Israel

My prediction (Please don’t attack me). 1. Lithuania 2. Russia 3. Norway 4. Sweden 5. Azerbaijan 6. Malta 7. Israel 8. Ukraine 9. Australia 10. Romania Who I like the most💙 1. Azerbaijan 2. Australia 3. Norway 4. Russia 5. Israel 6. Ukraine 7. Ireland 8. Sweden 9. Lithuania 10. Malta

My qualifiers in random order : 🇮🇱 🇦🇿 🇺🇦 🇱🇹 🇷🇺 🇷🇴 🇲🇹 🇦🇺 🇸🇪 🇳🇴

norway isn't even a question! deban I... just like... BELGIUM?!?! REALLY BELGIUM?!?! nope just no

We all know that THIS would happen: 1) Sweden (jury favourite) 2) Russia (televote favourite) 3) Lithuania 4) Romania 5) Malta 6) Norway 7) Azerbaijan 8) Israel 9) Australia 10)Ukraine ______________________________ 11) Belgium 12) Cyprus 13) Belarus 14) Croatia 15) North Macedonia 16) Slovenia 17) Ireland

I agreed with 8 out of your 9 certain qualifiers. I’d replace Croatia with Norway as a sure qualifier and between Croatia and Belgium I think Croatia would have made it through

Deban is more savage this year then he ever was 😂

My predictions: 1: ukraine 2: sweden 3: russia 4: azerbaijan 5: malta 6: israel 7: romania 8: norway 9: ireland 10: lithuania (love australia, belgium, croatia and cyprus too)

Ukraine would've 100% made the final.

Qualifiers: 1. Russia 2. Ukraine 3. Sweden 4. Norway 5. Lithuania 6. Azerbaijan 7. Romania Probely qualifying: . Australia Malta Israel Borderline: Croatia, Belgium, North Macedonia Not qualifying: Ireland, Slovenia, Belarus

Norway would have qualified NO DOUBT

My prediction: Lithuania, Sweden, Australia, Russia, Malta, Ukraine, Romania, Azerbaijan for sure, the other two would have probably gone to Norway and Israel, but my wish list has Ireland and Croatia instead.

I still beleive Ukraine can qualifiers,they have fan base and jury will not easy give up this song. Lithuania ,Russia, Norway,Sweden,Azerbaijan ,Malta, Israel,Ukraine,Australia,Romania,this 10 country I mean I can't see any one will disqualifier,even not all the song is my taste but they have huge fanbase(televote) or jury will love them.

Jury favs: Malta, Sweden, Norway Televote favs: Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine Dark horses/Surprise qualifiers: Belgium, Croatia 50/50 Chance: Australia, Cyprus, Ireland Unlikely: North Macedonia, Belarus, Slovenia

William: It's a borderline... Deban: Oooouuuuutttt!😂😂😂 I love Lithuania ♥️♥️♥️

I can’t understand how you could even consider that Norway might not make it! Norway would have definitely been in the top ten this year - it gives me complete “Undo” vibes ❤️

Who I want to Qualify: Azerbaijan Israel Norway Ukraine Australia Lithuania Russia Malta Sweden Romania Who I predicted to have qualified: Sweden Lithuania Norway Russia Azerbaijan Malta Israel Ukraine Australia Slovenia

Norway? I don't even think it's a question. That's a qualifier.

My prediction: Definite Qualifiers: Russia, Sweden, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Azerbaijan Probable Qualifiers: Australia, Romania Borderline: Ukraine, Croatia, Israel, Cyprus, Belgium Probable Non-Qualifiers: Ireland Definite Non-Qualifiers: Slovenia, North Macedonia, Belarus My personal qualifiers: Cyprus, Croatia, Romania, Sweden, Malta, Norway, Australia, Belgium, Ireland

I think this would’ve been one of the easiest semifinals where the 10 finalists would’ve been 99% certain. I think Lithuania,Romania,Malta,Azerbaijan,Ukraine,Australia,Israel,Norway,Sweden and Russia would’ve been certain to make it through

OMG you guys, thanks for putting Croatia as a certain qualifier, greetings from Croatia ❤️❤️🇭🇷

I think guaranteed qualifiers (in no order) were: Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Romania, Norway, Sweden, Malta ... it was a battle for the last 2 spots.

Why are y'all doing Ireland and Ukraine dirty? I-- You break my heart, guys :'(

Ukraine and Norway would have made it to the final (100% sure). However, Croatia and Belgium... hmmm... I'm not that sure 🤪 On the other hand, I really like Slovenia and Belarus, but it would have been almost impossible 😔

William: “Golden ‘pyro’ shower” Immediately I’m wondering what kind of filth Norway are sending this year 😂😂 I have to say I completely agree with you guys this year on your qualifiers, although I’m sad to see some of my favourites go out. I think Croatia were DEFINITELY going to qualify as I’m going to reference Damir’s conversation from yesterday’s live chat when he gave a glimpse in to the dramatic staging that would have really added the visual drama to go with the vocal drama and completely elevated the song to another level. I’d like to think Ukraine would have snuck through because it was so unique and the Original staging and costuming was beautiful which provided a spectacle to a rather stationary performance that was all about the vocals and the beat of the song. I’m with William on Norway qualifying. It was a fan favourite and I could see the juries loving this too. With epic staging, this was walking it.

OMG I'm literally done. Ukraine was a sure qualifier. FULL STOP. Tulia was just worse and its unfair to compare them. Juries would've respected it and so many fans placed it in their finals.

UKRAINE OUT??????? It would be in the top 3 of the Semi for sure. Such a stand out, instantly gripping and memorable, ethnic vibes mixed with a modern twist, PERFECTION. I don’t get why people sleep on it.

That Croatia love made me so happy. I love the song it’s my favourite of this year

My prediction: Lithuania Sweden Australia Norway Azerbaijan Malta Israel Romania Belgium Russia

Ukraine would have 100% made it to the final

We're all entitled to our own opinions so nobody get mad at me please 😂. But I don't really like Belgium, Russia or Ireland at all. And Ukraine was probably my favourite this year. Go_A are genuinely amazing though 🤷‍♂️

My Predictions (Random Order) 1. Lithuania 🇱🇹 2. Sweden 🇸🇪 3. Australia 🇦🇺 4. Russia 🇷🇺 5. Norway 🇳🇴 6. Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 7. Malta 🇲🇹 8. Israel 🇮🇱 9. Ukraine 🇺🇦 10. Romania 🇷🇴

No order 1 lithuania 2 sweden 3 russia 4 norway 5 azerbaijan 6 malta 7 Israel 8 Romania 9 Cyprus 10 Australia

My predictions: 1 LITHUANIA 100% 2 RUSSIA 100% 3 NORWAY 100% 4 AZERBAIJAN 100% 5 ISRAEL 100% 6 UKRAINE 85% just a little doubt for being divisive 7 AUSTRALIA 85% little doubt for the live vocals 8 SWEDEN 60% the song is boring but i think the performers would be appreciated 9 CROATIA 55% i think the balkan charm would be rewarded 10 SLOVENIA 50% great performer, probably good staging, many balkans voting 11 BELGIUM 50% quality song, depends on the staging 12 MALTA 45% good but maybe not good enough 13 IRELAND 30% needs a great staging 14 ROMANIA 30% i think a terrible live presentation would kill the hype 15 NORTH MACEDONIA 5% only a miracle could save this 16 CYPRUS 5% same 17 BELARUS 0% nothing could ever save this

certain: Russia, Sweden, Norway, Azerbaijan and Ukraine. Ukraine is deffo a no brainer with Russia ánd Belarus in the same semi. It's a banging song too! Then: Australia, Israel, Lithuania, Romania and Malta most likely, altho I would love to see Belgium making it.

Let me stop you right there... UKRAINE OUT??! Are you maaaaad? One of the best if not THE BEST Ukrainian ESC song everrrr. Oh I'm mad now.

I would predict Certain: Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Malta, Russia, Sweden, Lithuania, Norway, Romania and Israel Between: Croatia, Cyprus, Australia and Belgium. No: Slovenia, North Macedonia, Belarus and sadly Ireland.

Ukraine would have gotten though end of conversation

I disagree Sweden would not have made it to the final, BUT! Ukraine would have been top 5 on the final 12 points from Israel to Ukraine

Glad you had Croatia as a certain qualifier. Like many on here, I think you have underestimated Norway. Traditional, slightly old fashioned songs can often attract a lot of surprise televote support. think Poland 2016. Belgium is weak for all reasons William points out. Norway would have been a comfortable qualifier and 7th to 10th in the Grand final.

My qualifiers would be (random order) 1.Ukraine 2.Lithuania 3.Sweden 4.Malta 5.Azerbaijan 6.Australia 7.Romania 8.Russia 9.Belgium/Israel 10.Norway

My predictions in random order: 1. Lithuania 2. Russia 3. Malta 4. Romania 5. Sweden 6. Azerbaijan 7. Norway 8. Cyprus 9. Israel 10. Australia

Deban and William are the best duo!

Deban has lost it! Norway is clearly a qualifier!

Wait? I agree with William over Deban??? That’s new.

Why wouldn’t Ukraine qualify it’s a massive fan favourite lots of people like it just because you don’t get it don’t write it off as a NO WAY just respect that your not Europe and you probably got that one wrong

I love both Norway and Belgium

yes finally Croatia is appreciated

LMAOO Deban is so funny in this one. Love it

My qualifierd in order: 🇮🇱 🇦🇿 🇲🇰 🇲🇹 🇺🇦 🇱🇹 🇷🇺 🇳🇴 🇧🇪 🇦🇺 Wish I could pick Romania and Croatia too but the semi was just too strong and also this was the first ever year since I started Eurovision that I loved Ukraine and seeing it be the song that would break Ukraine's qualification record would have hurt me.

My predictions in no particular order: 1. Lithuania 2. Romania 3. Azerbaijan 4. Israel 5. Ukraine 6. Australia 7. Norway 8. Sweden 9. Malta 10. Russia

I am sure that Ukraine would have made it to the final, but maybe its just me because I like their song... Guess we will never figure out

100% Ukraine would have qualified

Finally someone who thinks Croatia will make it!! ♥

1. Lithuania 2. Russia (televoter's choice for sure) 3. Australia 4. Norway (potential jury's choice) 5. Azerbaijan 6. Sweden (another potential jury's choice) 7. Romania 8. Malta 9. Croatia 10. Israel (hoping for fans and juries to be open minded to vote for this and not having the same case as Norway 2011). For the one's that potentially fail to make it. Ukraine - it is a divisive entry. Just like Portugal 2019. But with a support from the Eastern bloc (except Russia) this might sneak in to be a qualifier. Cyprus - the saving grace of this entry would be a great staging. Otherwise, this is a worry for not being a qualifier. Belgium - Deban, remember Belgium 2018 and Latvia 2018 with the James Bond-esque songs? Yeah, this will not going to qualify. It's repetitive and boring. Ireland - yeah nah, it's a tad outdated but I am sure Lesley will have fun. North Macedonia - this song gives me a Montenegro 2017 vibe but less eccentric. This will not gonna make it unfortunately. Belarus - The musical elements are great. The vocal range to match with slow house music however is too weak. Slovenia - it's just boring. Maybe last on overall voting. That's what I think! 😄

in random order: 01. Lithuania favorite 02. Ireland 03. Russia 04. Azerbaijan 05. Israel 06. Ukraine 07. Malta 08. Norway 09. Croatia 10. Australia

The Gia Gunn realness with the "Absolutelyyyy" just killed me xD

I can't understand why they are saying that UA is clearly out when it is one of favs. I'd rater have UA over SE this year anyday

My Predictions: Australia, Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Israel, Malta, Norway, Romania, Ukraine.

Gratitude to you two, and to the rest of the wiwistaff, for keeping on with these assessments; it helps give a sense that order persists under the chaos. Stay healthy and safe, and ThanksForPosting!

My predictions: ukraine, lithuania, romania, sweden, malta, russia, azerbaijan, israel, norway, australia

100% sure qualifiers : sweden - ukraine - russia - australia - lithuania - norway Borderline qualifiers : malta - Israël - Belgium - azerbaijan Any chances : belarus - slovenia - north macedonia - ireland

I agree with you but the only one I REALLY don't like is Uno. Love you two for beliving in Croatia so much, he is so good and I love the song!

Totally agree with William that Norway is a Top 5 contender. Absolutely no doubt whatsoever that it would qualify.

Norway were winning eurovision this year, never mind not getting to the final, seriously guys

I notice you called the era of the orchestra the golden age... Do you think it should be brought back in 2021. Thoughts?

My prediction: 1. Norway 2. Azerbaijan 3. Romania 4. Israel 5. Malta 6. Sweden 7. Australia 8. Ukraine 9. Russia 10. Lithuania

Predictions: 1) Lithuania 2) Russia 3) Malta 4) Sweden 5) Norway 6) Azerbaijan 7) Romania 8) Australia 9)Ukraine 10) Belgium

My predicted qualifiers in random order: Romania Lithuania Australia Russia Israel Sweden Norway Azerbaijan Ukraine Malta

NORWAY could have won the Jury votes in this semi no question.

Ukraine a borderline?! are you kidding me? It would be in top 5

I wouldn't give up on Ukraine and Ireland so fast. They are definitively divisive, but in Eurovision this is not necessarily a bad thing (Netta's Toy was very divisive).

My qualifiers in random order 1. Australia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Israel 4. Lithuania 5. Malta 6. Norway 7. Romania 8. Russia 9. Sweden 10. Ukraine

Don't think they're forgetting to include Lithuania like they did last year

My qualifiers: 1. Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 2. Australia 🇦🇺 3. Romania 🇷🇴 4. Sweden 🇸🇪 5. Malta 🇲🇹 6. Norway 🇳🇴 7. Russia 🇷🇺 8. Israel 🇮🇱 9. Ukraine 🇺🇦 10. Cyprus 🇨🇾 Sorry I know Lithuania is popular and will qualify but I don’t like it 😬

Ukraine will go to the finals without any problems!

so sad to miss Azerbaijani staging this year.. I am soooo curios what was the plan for staging :) Heard it was something epic that hasn't been done at ESC so far...!

Really would have loved if Belarus made it through.

Ukraine would have qualified surely, it's a dark horse.

*QUALIFIED TO THE FINAL* (PREDICTION in random order) Norway Azerbaijan Lithuania Sweden Russia Ukraine Israel Australia Cyprus Malta