🚨🗞️ Moldova🇲🇩 Withdraw! Puppy Disqualified! Eurovision News Chaos 🌋!!!

[@JudeCarruthers-Tracey]

Never ask a woman her age, a man his salary or a Eurovision fan what happened on May 10th and January 22nd

[@in_wino_veritas]

I'm a woman and you can ask me my age. I don't think that's true.

[@florenna]

Oh I wish people respected the 1st rule ;) But officials ask it all the time...

[@jason256-8]

I don’t mind if you ask me my salary, I’m currently working as an intern rn until the end of February. You know… I wanted Bulgaria in 2025, I wanted Romania in 2025, I wanted North Macedonia in 2025,… What happened to these three countries!?! At least Montenegro is back so…

[@in_wino_veritas]

@jason256-8 Yes, probably money, high fees, lack of actually talented artists that wanna participate, etc. But at least Montenegro is back. Kosovo wants to participate, but the EBU doesn't allow them to. Hopefully, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Türkiye, Romania, and Moldova are gonna return next year.

[@Rash23215]

Incels stop making cringe overdone misogynistic jokes challenge

[@harrietamidala1691]

Today is so crazy without party.

[@patrickuotinen]

Puppy didn't appeal to my personal musical taste, but I'm still not happy about this calamity. I think it added variety to the UMK, and it is a pity, that there isn't the traditional seven entries in this year's UMK. I'm also sorry for the other band members, who were completely innocent to whatever possibly had happened.

[@tanjanikola9489]

Exactly, I was looking forward to seeing it live. It would have been a blast! No way did I want it to win though, but this is really sad, not just for the fans, for the diversity of the entries, but obviously for the band and all those who worked on the song and the performance. My heart goes out to the rest of the band members, as they have had the rug pulled from underneath them. (A fun song, but I did get tired of it quickly... not fan of too much screamo myself).

[@ely03cassandra]

Thanks for clarifying. I’ve been a ESC fan since my childhood. But this year it’s my first time following the national selections and not just waiting for the winner to be announced. I was so confused if this much drama was normal. 😅

[@ESCTom]

its not 😭

[@EscAndysw]

Today has truly been cursed

[@ricardini1710]

WOW TOM YOU ARE FAST!!!!

[@zwelfbungt]

Team Rocket might blasted-off with the speed of light but ESC Tom is even faster than that.

[@ESCTom]

😂

[@daveclayt85]

He was VERY prepared for trouble ®️

[@kuvattelija]

im so overwhelmed😭😭😭

[@leendertjanw7540]

Fingers crossed that the sponsorship deal for Moldova works out; they've never dropped out so far and it would be great to keep them in! Btw I thought that national income was already taken into account in calculating the Eurovision participation fee? Not sure, but I read that Moldova's participation fee was something like €22,000.

[@leenahai]

Thanks Tom, great update! Boy, it has been a busy day 😅

[@FeeESC]

thank you so much for this episode😭😭😭🚨

[@gothiclight8048]

Thank you for getting an update out so early!

[@-the-taylorjames]

when you said there's so much grey here about two minutes in, why did I think you were talking about this weather😭

[@Bakellsoni]

Thanks for fast action and providing trustforthy news! ❤

[@SarahMcNabb16]

Thanks for all the insightful updates

[@kaiknlast]

the fact that the rest of the band was so quick to break OML up and dissolve the company suggests to me that there is at least some evidence that Mika has done something. the rumours floating about are bad, someone mentioned he had approached them when they were 14 years old. obviously proper evidence is not floating about the internet, but if any of it is true, i feel so bad for the children and women who were groomed/assaulted.

[@ladyfreyj4]

Indeed. A music video from 2011 is one "proof" (open to interpretation) of the singer's tendencies. Young girls dancing around the group, dirty gestures and expressions. Really horrible. I believe the other 4 members of OML had not joined the band by then.

[@elvinam888]

What's so bad about messaging with someone in IRC, whose age you obviously cannot know?! And it all happened decades ago, so very odd that it was just brought up now, when they were in UMK...

[@kriseliana]

I also feel that the band members know more than what they said in their statement. They could have said something like "We will have serious discussions and make decisions about the band's future later" and let the dust settle, but they immediately disbanded and dissolved the company. Why would they throw away years of hard work if they didn't believe that there was at least some truth in the allegations?

[@kriseliana]

​@elvinam888 It apparently happened at IRC-Galleria, the Finnish social media that was very popular in Finland before Facebook came. There people had profiles with pictures, you should have been at least somewhat aware of a person's age if you were chatting with them. Yes, the events that have been mentioned in media and the band's statement took place about 15 years ago. Doesn't make it acceptable.

[@duckeh1952]

@@kriseliana I agree with, there has to be more than just one old accusation. (I saw people talking about IG account and questionable posts or something) but we really don't know what has been going in the band. Looks something like this was the last hit to shatter it all.

[@paikio]

I'm sick and slept all day and this is what I woke up to. What is happening

[@casperix3741]

Don't worry, if something too bad happens, I'll intervene, so you can keep resting. Hope you feel better soon

[@MorkyMuffin]

I really hope things can get better. In every aspect

[@DarkFlareGC]

Thanks for rounding everything up Tom it was a crazy day! I was watching the drama unfold on the patreon chat between meetings today 🤣

[@ESCTom]

it kicked off like crazy 😭

[@EpicPeruna69]

As a Finn im shocked about this One Morning Left situation. I liked their song the most and I was going to vote for them in UMK. Guess I now have to think again who I am going to vote for. Thats going to be a though decision as all 6 songs are pretty good

[@florenna]

Well I had two faves, Puppy and Goldielocks, so now I at least don't have to share my votes, one small positive side in this ;)

[@Sinivalkoseepra-yz1ke]

@florenna Yeah, I was thinking the same. As much as I loved Puppy and this situation feels like absolute crap, I also found the one positive side which is exactly that. Now I don't have to try to decide which one to vote for, now my favourite in the contest is going to be Goldielocks.

[@konfuzion4276]

today was so hectic i cant

[@greygust3936]

9:55 don't jinx Australia leaving lol

[@in_wino_veritas]

I was thinking the same thing, lol.

[@Saturinus]

Bah, now I saw someone already commented the same thing after posting myself. 😐

[@rinjoo3]

Sad news today, but maybe there is still hope for Moldova this year. And the One Morning Left case has been around in finnish eurovision fan community since the artists were revaled and so this was not a massive surprise to some, but i guess the band/Yle might have found something more than just anonymous rumours since even the whole band disbanded. Also as a happier "btw", VIIVI released a short live version of Aina in her youtube channel, and it sounds almost mindblowingly amazing considering its not very high quality video or big production show. Some Nemo moment in UMK coming?

[@IanSowers]

Ooh thanks for the heads-up!

[@MalenaCPH]

Agree so much about what you say with GDP

[@eurovision.dancer]

Nooooo! I hope, Moldova can still make it to the contest! I need Moldova in Eurovision either for their incredible songs in 2015/2016/2012/2023... - or just for their craziness like in 2021.

[@aselyak2873]

Btw thanks for covering these news, I hardly follow X / Telegram channels, you’re my main source of info!

[@IanSowers]

I hope it works out with Bacho. If not, I watched the entire Etapa națională audition for no reason. (Bacho was my #2 btw) And yes, there is only a public viewing in Arena Plus (aka St. Jakob-Park, the home of FC Basel) on May 17. Also Baby Lasagna (among others) will be performing there

[@Tollkirschenkind]

I had to watch the 2021 contest today as a palate cleanser. I wish I could go back to being a casual fan 😂

[@JimmyAndersonBowlingGenius]

The 2023 entry from Moldova will always be my favourite of theirs... so gutted they aren't taking part this year 😢

[@ThaGamingMisfit]

So sad that it's all a financial issue, would be so great if we had literally every European nation in the ESC. I'm also sad for Bacho & Carnival Brain, they obviously went in deep to deliver a quality song and video... and I loved that song, it was the first Moldovan sing I ever added to my playlist. I hope that hail Mary will work and they can still go !

[@onidii]

I was hoping esc 2025 would at least help fixing the mess that esc 2024 caused, but it's sadly looking like quite the opposite.

[@MatthewEade-hj6tf]

I went to sleep after fi ding out Moldova withdrew and woke up to a puppy disqualification 😂

[@TheSallainen]

I feel fooled. Puppy was my last pick as Umk winner but I got mentally invested and was happy the band was among the the 7 and had nothing against them. Now I feel betrayed by the band and also confused because we've got so little information.

[@gabrielaanampaguzman328]

It'a my second time follwoing the finals ( basically, 2023 left me with wanting more and as soon as I knew I could follow the NF..well I did) This year people took the "wait for next year,darling" seriously 😢

[@mariograce5486]

Hi, Tom. I would like to clear some things up, as I'm from Moldova and I'm aware of the situation. Firstly, nobody guaranteed that Bacho would be selected either internally or even if the final took place. I think it's the best choice this year, but again Bacho is a fan favorite among abroad listeners and not necessarily among moldovan public or jury. Secondly, Bacho's team announced that they were ready to represent Moldova, even if they were not sponsored by TRM. They made a statement and said that they've found a sponsor and have the concept of the show already, but because we withdraw they didn't even have a chance to show it in the national final, which they think it's completely unfair and I must agree. They addressed this to TRM and said they're waiting for a reaction from the broadcaster, but I don't think TRM will suddenly change their mind and send them.

[@lillecathrine]

Crazy. I thought 2024 was bad, but 2025 is STARTING bad. Really hope this snowball effect does not continue!

[@harrietamidala1691]

Or it’s only contained to the national final season and the actual Eurovision can go on smoothly

[@maslo9427]

I bet Clickbait cursed us!!! Now srsly, this is so sad and crazy, each day is smth new what's going on 😭😭😭 If it's that they're trying to cut down people singing before 1st of September i understand but still, it could've been done before too 😭

[@williamdacic]

9:49 Suddenly I'm scared for Australia!

[@Brankos22]

This never happened before. Wild year, and it kinda started.. who know what‘s gonna happen until May

[@zemonsta-z1e]

I loved your idea of crowdfunding Semafoare to participate in Eurovision.

[@ESCTom]

We can maybe wait a few days and see if his sponsorship works out or not first

[@nocri2067]

It's my first time following national final season, so yeah I was actually wondering if this many withdrawals and DQs are normal! I hope Moldova can still come back with that sponsorship offer, assuming they actually want to. Still, I think their statement about the low quality of songs was kinda disrespectful to the artists

[@lachysims6327]

what a wild day of eurovision news

[@ESC-TJ]

sacre bleu :O

[@Drag_on_king]

The way I understood it in the press conference at the moment Arena plus is intended only for the final (since one of the arena hosts is also commenting on the swiss broadcast)

[@gothiclight8048]

You’re right about Michelle Hunziker. She co-hosted Sanremo 2018.

[@Grazy2266]

I think the funding needs to be looked at, it's such a shame. I'm concerned about the loss of interest.

[@noyou1320]

Eurovision needs to change some things. We don’t need big fancy stages. Plain and simple like 2010 would help cut down financial costs.

[@ElXD_haddad]

I Will miss moldova

[@ar50000]

I hope nobody else gets disqualified/withdrawn AFTER they have won their national final, becos what is the point in investing our time watching (and vloggers' hard work) , if they replace the winner?

[@ZakhadWOW]

St. Jakob's Park is Switzerland's largest stadium, so that should be the same crazy atmosphere as at Freinds, err. Strawberry Arena after new naming rights.

[@adamgreen9583]

I couldn’t believe it when I first noticed the news that Moldova 🇲🇩 has withdrawn for the first time ever , definitely wasn’t expecting that at all this late on 😢, I really hope they will return in 2026 much stronger.

[@petitepastequeuwu7876]

To be far honest, Switzerland is really to expensive for them, really TOO

[@Mensenklomp]

​@petitepastequeuwu7876 But they had already payed up their participation fee... so now they wasted that money

[@petitepastequeuwu7876]

@@Mensenklomp maybe they're gonna participate

[@trildi]

But on the day of the selection the TV channel confirmed that for the first time ever the national television company would actually support the winner financially, a positive development that was welcome by all.

[@ziemniakmaster9520]

Will you react to the current 8 polish songs or will u wait for the two that have not come out yet. One of them is going to be relesed this friday(let it burn) by Daria and probably od saturday jadusz (in cosmic mist)

[@ESCTom]

id rather wait for all 10 to be out, but if ther are taking AGES, ill just do the 8. do you know when the other 2 are out?

[@ziemniakmaster9520]

@ESCTom Both songs will be released on the 24h so this friday.

[@chris_1103]

While I'm not sad about the song Puppy not going to Eurovision, I'm kind of devastated that this year is turning out to be as messy as last year. I just want everything to be peaceful, but peaceful and Eurovision in one sentence doesn't really work these days 😕 Music wise, im kind of bummed too, because OMLs disqualification minimises Viivis (already slim) chance of winning UMK. I think there is no way now that Erika won't win, but I would be happy with that too

[@AmaanStorm]

I saw something that showed that some of the entrants in Moldova's finals were a car crash. The elderly man couldn't remember the lyrics. One of the guys performed his song whilst looking at his mobile phone, and then the quality of the songs overall was horrendously bad. How did we go from Zdob Si Zdub's top 10 placing in 2022 to this in 2025? Its been too quick a decline. As for OML, I'm shocked and saddened that it had to happen like this. Couldn't have been any worse. Although that said, I'm not upset at losing the song as I didn't have any feelings for it. This now opens up the race for all the others.

[@bejbaitskajnakrejza]

Tudor Bumbac's been auditioning for Moldova like every other year since 2015. And to be fair, neither he nor Y-Gaga Band (the dude reading his lyrics off his phone) made it to the final. But yeah, the overall quality was pretty bad on average

[@Youknowme-qq3zw]

The govermeant off Moldova Said that they are palnning to be back next year with a internal selection

[@facciadiblu]

Why is this year already such a mess and we only have 2 songs released 😭

[@Sinivalkoseepra-yz1ke]

Today is giving me serious flashbacks from last year's esc. The OML disqualification incident feels so bad on so many levels. It makes me so pissed and sorry for so many people for different reasons. I was so excited to party hard to that song in the live show, now I feel like absolute crap.

[@jtb357]

I think Eurovision has grown too big, if so many countries cannot participate because it us so expensive lats get an alternative. It should not be about the money. As I see it, I wouldn't mind a "more affordable r" version.

[@sandrogigi5666]

Apparently bacho posted he found a sponsor, and asked TRM if its ok if he still goes, apparently he got internally selected but couldnt go as he has to fund it himself so they withdrew but now he found a sponsor which can fund everything so what if theres a plot twist and moldova still goes? Fingers crossed

[@adrianhorn8832]

I am a litte late to comment for the Moldovan Withdraw even there is small chances that bacho could represent his country in Basel, but I am concerned about the fact that many eastern European countries have withdrawn in the last three years. We actually dont know whats the reason behind the quit of Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova or North Macedonia but we all believe that N. Macedonia and Moldova struggle how to funding the Contest, bc at least these are the two broadcasters who shared their issues with the (fan) media and said it is not easy to participate because of recent high costs (Moldovan artist had to pay in the past for the trip to the ESC like Natalia Barbu last year while N. Macedonia only participates in JESC). At least i seems to be that these two broadcasters want to be a part of the ESC family, but when it comes to bulgaria, hungary, slovakia or most current example romania their didnt do a single serious statement (BNT on X isnt serious XD) regarding to their absence and thats why I am thinking it is very difficult that anyone of these will be returning in the next couple of years unfortunately. :( Imagine Netherlands or some nordic country threatens the EBU to quit Eurovision, they are immediately alarmed by that, but when moldova or romania actually withdrawn they doesnt really care. This is a really sad fact and its time to do something against this trend. I am very concerned also when it comes to Czechia particitpation (this year was also very unclear) or i want you to remember that the latvia discussed this year participation in the parliament. I also know that the EBU doing everything that türkiye comeback to the contest (they even invite Sertab Erener last year), but their better manage to solve the financial struggle of the broadcasters who are absent since couple of years or could also invite Poli Genova or Sunstroke Project as an Interval act to show them that they are welcome any time, even they cant pay the bills. I think the EBU didnt even recognize that romania or N Macedonia cannot finance their participation, and at this point I am very disappointed. :( Even we get some good news regarding to returning countries (Montenegro or Luxembourg) i think richer countries like Germany, UK or some others wealthy countries could helping moldova or N. Macedonia out to participate consistently. Before that happens, the EBU will be lost other countries unfortunately bc as i mentioned their doesnt really care about that sadly. :(

[@chantalvandenadel-gi9xu]

Bacho has found a sponsor. There’s still a chance he can go ❤

[@ESCOscar]

Today was so crazy, weird how it's happening same day Israel chooses their artist 🤔

[@ESCMichi]

Israel participates and Moldova not☠️☠️☠️☠️😡😡😡

[@satumaarit4296]

Blame the jews for literally everything now

[@satumaarit4296]

Ok since you Tom delete my comment criticizing the antisemitism in your comment section but leave the antisemitism here I assume that’s where you stand. Good to know!

[@ESCMichi]

@@satumaarit4296 I am not antisemitismo, i don't want a country who has done terrible things in war to partecipate at the "UNITED BY MUSIC" ESC

[@satumaarit4296]

@ESCMichi yeah like ukraine right now and pretty much everyone else before

[@jason256-8]

Sxxx… I wanted Moldova to stay in. Moldova had some amazing songs in their Eurovision catalogue… Sunstroke Project? Zdob Si Zdub? Pasha Perfeni? Well. Thought we’re going to have 38 countries in a Eurovision event for the first time, huh… Eurovision 2006 tried to have 38 countries competing, only to lose one in the process.

[@greygust3936]

So sad about Moldova 😢

[@thesnesgeek]

Today Aftonbladet revealed that the voting sequence will be removed from the semifinals since place 1 and 3 will move on with the most votes, thus mean finalist 2 will be chosen by age groups.

[@ESCTom]

huh i dont get it

[@thesnesgeek]

@ There was live voting during semis, something that will not happen this year. You said Lasse Stefanz got a 12 from the televoters last year.

[@lucabrown7470]

Also grisana didn’t qualify to the final of vidbir 2025 which I was gagged at like how did the best song not qualify I’m shocked 😮

[@annemarienordby4326]

I hope that this is somehow a reaction to last year, where we called for action, and called for EBU to DQ certain countries/country (we all know which one), and now the broadcasters are now trying to uphold a standard for EBU. I hope, but I don't believe in it, sadly:(

[@sarahenchanted]

I think Moldova may come back in 2026 (I really do think they value the soft power Eurovision brings them and they really wanna get into the EU and all that) but it might be an uphill battle. Moldova is one of my favorite countries in the competition so I'm kind of devastated and wanna be hopeful. I wanna suggest Pasha Parfeni be their HoD in the future (just don't pick artists that buy sketchy televote points from random countries)

[@lillepersille722]

When it comes to Lavrans withdrawal the statement made is that he didn’t feel ready for a potential Eurovision stage and MGP has no interest to push artists follow through. Hopefully he’ll come back another year when he feels ready. Angelina Jordan’s case is more complicated and MGP will come back with a statement later on.

[@lachland944]

Wouldn’t it be in Moldova’s best interest to send Bacho avoiding the financial penalty from the EBU

[@ESCTom]

theres no financial penalty, you just lose your particpation fee

[@nevillevector]

Serbian broadcaster disqualified two PZE contestants.

[@IulianYT]

Well, in Moldova you can buy a decent apartment in the capital city, with 70 000 euro. Not any, there are above 100k, but still.

[@elvinam888]

While as a Finn I'm really sad about One Morning Left disqualification, people here just need to stop overreacting and saying things like "what utter chaos", "Eurovision is cursed" and "its worse than last year", etc. etc.! It's so childish. This disqualification is an isolated incident, and Moldova is just one small country who has no money to take part, so understandable. Don't remember anyone complaining this much when Romania withdrew...

[@harrietamidala1691]

Or worse, have a scapegoat to blame for everything going wrong.

[@ESCMichi]

@elvinam888 It's because Moldova has always tried to give and bring happiness to the contest, it won't be the same without a funny entry from them (and in their national selection there weren't)

[@saskiamckenna2925]

@elvinam888 the difference between Moldova and Romania withdrawing is that Romania didn’t do it half way through their national final

[@harrietamidala1691]

@@saskiamckenna2925 another factor is that I kind of expected Romania to withdraw whereas Moldova withdrawal just felt out of nowhere.

[@Villll.l]

There are still SMALL hopes for Moldova, apparently Bacho got some funding for esc 2025?

[@Ben-Immnl]

Please that would be awesome I love Semafoare 🙏

[@BinaBausi-xf9vv]

“What’s next - are we gonna lose a continent?” 🇦🇺: DON’T JINX IT!

[@garryd7748]

Let’s hope it’s Asia: (🇮🇱)

[@gothiclight8048]

Portugal had 4 female hosts

[@j.a.r2248]

9:55 well there's always Australia can withdraw 😅

[@willardprenfrew4303]

I loved Bacho's professional statement. The song is nothing groundbreaking, but I hope that sponsorship comes through and he gets the chance to execute his vision in Basel 🎤

[@florenna]

I've been so upset tonight about One Morning Left being disqualified like that! :( It was one of my faves in UMK, too. (And I fear this only gives Erika too big a lead, uhh no...) And YLE didn't say much about what had happened. But anyway, this is the very first time there's ever been such drama in UMK, while there's often been drama in many other countries' NF's (disQ'ings, withdrawals etc.), so the first time for Finland to shine in that questionable "spotlight" ;) Moldova withdrawing OTOH doesn't surprise me the slightest, the country hasn't had much money to invest in ESC for the past few years, anyway.

[@blobfish1112]

Why not just replace the guy in the band. I mean they have come this far, so they have a lot of responsibility to carry it through. Now there are even less participants in UMK. Sucks.

[@helenhanninen5644]

Because it was that guys' band, I guess. He was the only original member and the founder of OML. The other members probably did not want to risk their own futures as musicians in other bands and therefore left quickly. But it does feel weird that one man gets humiliated just based on something that some random anonymous person said somewhere on the social media. With no evidence nobody can know if it's even true. It might be, or it might not be true. 🤷‍♀️

[@user-zm5tt9bq5u]

I don't think you can replace a singer at this stage of competition according to the rules.

[@adamtideman4953]

Yeah Moldovas withdrawal is worrying because it feels like the contest is slowly slipping away from Eastern Europe for various reasons. Hopefully we'll get a Eastern European win soon to show everyone that Eastern European countries, not just Ukraine, can still win and make the contest more popular over there.

[@sandrogigi5666]

Croatia shouldve won, but juries rigged💀

[@aselyak2873]

Crazy day, this year is starting with even more drama

[@Gimlo_Goblin]

Gimlo hates to be a petty goblin, but should Lidia Isac really be bad-mouthing the quality of the artists at Etapa Națională when she came 17th in her semi-final in 2016? (More like Lidia I-suck) Sorry, that just really bugs Gimlo 😤 Maybe somebody should learn to stay in their lane, Lidia

[@ESCTom]

☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️

[@elainelouve]

100% agree on Eastern Europe and the participation fees.

[@gothiclight8048]

I think ArenaPlus is only for the Grand Final

[@Miikagoat]

Small grammar error in the title!

[@ESCTom]

fixed it, thanks

[@SHROOMISH123]

Help this month alone is more chaotic than eurovision 2024

[@Zakarias89]

Not to be mean, but Moldova didn't have anything good going for them this year songwise by the looks of it. Maybe they collectively just gave up looking at their material this year

[@ESC-Lux]

The Year of DQs and Withdraws, yikes...

[@sandrogigi5666]

If moldova returns moldova is definitely being very moldovan (like whats going on its so funny strange but yea thats why we love moldova)

[@florentynakrupa5713]

Oh we just can't leave the mess behind in 2024, can we? I'm very sorry about Moldova, I hope the sponsor thing comes through, or at the very least that they return next year. I can't imagine the contest without them.

[@Saturinus]

9:54 "What are we gonna lose next? Are we gonna lose a continent?" Shhh, don't jinx anything! 😒🇦🇺

[@Legion.6397]

Slow news week, huh?

[@MatthewEade-hj6tf]

Just remembered that Moldova have never missed a contest so it’s sad seeing this is their first missed contest

[@in_wino_veritas]

Why do they disqualify artists who arrive 20 minutes too late? What about letting her perform without make-up and in her regular clothes? Plus, maybe they just should have canceled the national final (yes, a whole lotta amateurish performers with bad songs, Linda Isaac is correct about it) and selected Valleria instead, even though she got disqualified. Hopefully, they're gonna come back next year with a better song quality.

[@nolbol1754]

I'm very sad about Moldova withdrawing but since next week there is the semi final draw what will happen if they accept Bacho going to Eurovision what will happen if the semi final draw is done will they just immediately put them in Semi Final 1?

[@nolbol1754]

I'm saying Semi Final 1 because 2023 and 2024 there where 15 countries

[@ESCTom]

yea since its only 1 country, its extremely easy to know where they would have gone

[@RebeccaEd]

YLE is not said like the letters Y.L.E., it's said as a word, it's from the word Yleisradio - public radio.

[@ESCTom]

thats quite hard to say in English, is it pronounced like "while" or "aisle"?

[@hoplax-gf4st]

@@ESCTom more like "you-leh"

[@RebeccaEd]

@@ESCTom The Y sound like in Cha Cha Cha when he sings "mä jatkan kunnes en enää pYsY tuolissa niinku", it's like if you try to say "eeeee" (like the e in "eve") but instead of shaping your mouth like this :0 you shape it like this :o All the letters are pronounced quickly so not YLÉ like a Spanish "OLÉ". But the LE part is otherwise the same sounds. Maybe not a great way to explain it, but I tried :D

[@martinpavlak7052]

Damn and I thought last year was cursed :/ So many problems this year already

[@diekommentarekommentiererin]

I'm so sad, when it was announced that we'd have 38 countries I was so excited since I hoped for it, and now this 😭 Unequal semi finals yet again... I don't know if it's possible for a country to un-withdraw though...

[@ESCTom]

Yeah, the unequal semifinals is really annoying. I think 40 is the realistic ideal number.