TV
ESC was a success for commentator Thorsten Schorn
Windows95man from Finland with the title “No rules”: The largest singing competition in the world begins with the first ESC semi-final under the motto “United By Music”. photo
© Jens Büttner/dpa
That was the debut for Germany’s new ESC commentator: lots of fire, an exorcism, men without pants and the touching appearance of a legend.
“It wouldn’t be the first ESC party where someone went home without his pants. Luckily he found them again,” joked former radio presenter Schorn after Act Windows95man apparently danced “bottomless” in front of the audience for Finland. Schorn received widespread praise on social media for his calm, funny manner.
Eurovision legend Johnny Logan gave the audience a special moment that evening. Schorn described the soon-to-be 70-year-old singer as the “King of the ESC”. Logan was the first performer to win the Eurovision Song Contest twice. As a loving ballad, he sang the ESC winning song from 2012, “Euphoria” by Loreen, who also won the title a second time last year.
Show with a scary factor
What was also new this year was that in the semi-finals, acts from countries that had already made it to the final were also on stage. Among other things, Germany’s ESC hope Isaak performed “Always on the Run” next to a burning barrel on the big stage.
Of the 15 countries without a fixed ticket, this year’s ESC favorite Croatia secured a ticket to the final with an explosive performance and a catchy beat. Ireland also succeeded – also thanks to very extravagant costumes, fangs and an extraordinary show with a scary factor that was reminiscent of an exorcism. Also taking part on Saturday are Ukraine, Serbia, Portugal, Slovenia, Lithuania, Finland, Cyprus and Luxembourg.
The second semi-final is tomorrow: 16 other countries will try to qualify for one of the remaining ten places in the final. This year’s motto, the world’s largest singing competition, is “United by Music”.