Eurovision 2021: all acts of the first semifinal on Tuesday

This fun-loving band kicks off the semifinal with a catchy dance number called 'Discotheque.' Whether they will be 'dancing alone,' as their lyrics suggest, depends on how far they go in this first evening of Eurovision fireworks.

(Photo: Paulius Zaborskis via Eurovision.tv. Images in this gallery are from Eurovision / EBU, Getty and Gtres)

After the first entry's disco music, Ana Soklič brings the room back to rest with the gospel ballad 'Amen'. While it gives her a good chance to flex her vocal range, the critics do not have high hopes for this song from the Slovenian contestant.

Manizha sings 'Russian Woman' which is partly in her native language and party in English. As per good Eurovision tradition, her performance involves an impressive wardrobe change for the extra dramatic effect.

Another singer in a red suit, but that's where the comparison with the previous act ends. The song 'Voices' is "an electro-pop song with a slightly dark feel to it," according to the artist's description. Tusse is a former refugee from Congo-Kinshasa who reached fame in the semi-final of Sweden's Got Talent in 2018.

Montaigne will not perform in person on the Rotterdam stage. Instead, her live-tape performance is shown on a big screen. It will be interesting to see how the audience reacts to that and whether it will hurt or help her chances in this edition of the Song Contest.

(Photo: EBU / Thomas Hanses)

Since Vasil Garvanliev has sung at the opera, it's no surprise that his song ('Here I stand') is an orchestral ballad with some impressive vocal achievements. It's also possible, though, that he will be mostly remembered for his radiant costume.

Critics say this song ('Maps') reminds of Taylor Swift. It's catchy and full of uplifting phrases. With a strong Irish beat on top of all that, Lesley Roy may have a shot at a place in the final.

Elena Tsagrinou sings a song ('El Diablo') about falling in love with someone as bad as the devil. Of course, an impressive light show with a lot of red colour is part of her act.

(Photo: EBU / Thomas Hanses)

And after the devil comes... an angel - of course! It's Eurovision. The Norwegian singer-songwriter TIX performs 'Fallen Angel' with a couple of oversized feather angel wings, sunglasses and a mighty quantity of bling to go around his neck.

The up-tempo pop song 'Tick-Tock' by Albina Grčić should wake up any bored viewer from their middle-of-the-evening-dip. The backing dancers will carry Albina across the stage.

(Photo: EBU / Thomas Hanses)

Belgium sends in one of its famous and longstanding indie bands, Hooverphonic, with their song 'The Wrong Place.' It's undoubtedly a bit more artsy and authentic than the average entry in this semifinal.

Eden Alene comes from Israel with the words 'Set Me Free.' Critics are impressed with her voice and believe the song has the potential to reach the final.

Barefoot dancers belong on your Eurovision bingo card, and Roxen from Romania brings them with her to perform 'Amnesia'. Bookmakers consider Romania a top contender.

Efendi brings from Azerbaijan a beautiful decor and lively dancers. She sings about 'Mata Hari,' the (in)famous exotic dancer and World War I spy whose story has inspired women all over the world.

Electro-folk from the Ukraine, always a promising concept. It's no problem at all that Go_A appear as the penultimate act of the evening, because their song 'SHUM' has such a unique sound (and visuals!) that most viewers will clearly remember it.

Malta is one of the favourites this year, and many contestants and critics will anxiously await its performance as the last act of the evening. Destiny Chunkunyere is only 18 years old and sings 'Je Me Casse', which means something like: 'I'm outta here!' Very catchy.