BBC Eurovision viewers fume after countries 'robbed' as finalists announced: 'Totally unfair!'

Millions of viewers tuned in to watch 15 countries compete for a coveted spot in the grand final, on Saturday, May 17.

As always, the “Big Five” countries - France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom - have automatically secured their place in the final due to their significant financial contributions to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Joining them are the 10 countries that successfully qualified from last night’s semi-final: Norway, Albania, Sweden, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal, and Ukraine.

Sadly, this means the end of the road for Slovenia, Belgium, Azerbaijan, Croatia, and Cyprus who failed to advance to the next stage.

The competition isn’t over yet, though. On Thursday night, the remaining semi-finalists will perform and face the public vote.

Still in the running for a spot in the final are: Australia, Montenegro, Ireland, Latvia, Armenia, Austria, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Georgia, Denmark, Czechia, Luxembourg, Israel, Serbia, and Finland.

Thursday will also give viewers their first glimpse of the UK’s entry, Remember Monday, performing their song What The Hell Just Happened.

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Disappointed Eurovision fans flocked to social media after the semi-final results to vent their frustration over the selection of finalists.

Many were particularly upset that Belgium and Cyprus failed to make it through.

One viewer fumed: “That might be the worst misses of all time… Belgium missed AGAIN. Last 2 years an amazing song from Belgium gets robbed by Portugal with a s**t song… #eurovision.”

Another added: “The fact we got Portugal, Iceland AND San Marino as well as Poland from the death slot over Belgium is CRAAAZZZZZYYYYYYYYYYY #Eurovision.”

A third wrote: “#Belgium out of the Grand Final?? Totally unfair and unexpected! He deserved to qualify after that outstanding performance. #Eurovision #Basel2025 #BeardedEurofan #Eurofans.”

One fan expressed sympathy for Cyprus, saying: “I’m so sorry Cyprus. ROBBED. #eurovisiongr #Eurovisión #Eurovisión2025 #esc2025.”

Another echoed the sentiment: “Where is Cyprus???!! #Eurovision #EurovisionGR #Eurovision2025.”

A further post read: “PORTUGAL AND ICELAND QUALYFING OVER CYPRUS AND BELGIUM OMFG #EUROVISION #EUROVISION2025.”

One viewer was particularly dismayed by Croatia’s exit, writing: “Oh f**k you #Eurovisión Croatia I’m so so sorry.”

Currently, Sweden’s entry Kaj is a fan favourite, with bookies giving them a 41 per cent chance of taking the win.

If they do come out on top, it would mark a departure from tradition - unlike previous Swedish winners such as Euphoria and Tattoo by Loreen and Heroes by Måns Zelmerlöw, all performed in English, Kaj’s song Bara Bada Bastu will be performed entirely in Swedish.

Austria and France follow, with a respective 19 per cent and 6 per cent change of winning.

Eurovision viewers were also treated to a nostalgic moment last night as Canadian singer Celine Dion appeared in a pre-recorded video message, recalling her 1988 win for Switzerland.

The My Heart Will Go On star addressed the audience in both French and English, expressing that the country “has always held a special place in [her] heart.”