The Eurovision Song Contest officially kicked-off with an electric semi-final on Tuesday night (May 19).

The opening of the contest, which was broadcast on BBC3 live from Vienna, featured 16 acts vying for a place in the final.

It was a fierce contest with every country pulling out the big guns to avoid elimination and make it through.

For ten acts their efforts were rewarded as they advanced through to the next stage.

The biggest names on the list included Russia, Estonia and Georgia.

However, for six others it was far from a joyous occasion as they were sent packing.

This sadly included The Netherlands, Finland and Denmark.

Here are the ten who went through:

  1. Albania - Elhaida Dani with I'm Alive
  2. Armenia - Genealogy with Face the Shadow
  3. Russia - Polina Gagarina with A Million Voices
  4. Romania -Voltaj with All Over Again
  5. Hungary - Boggie Stamenoz with Beauty Never Lies
  6. Greece - Maria-Elena
  7. Estonia - Elina Born & Stig Rasta with Goodbye to Yesterday
  8. Georgia - Nina Sublatti with Warrior
  9. Serbia - Bojana Stamenov with Beauty Never Lies
  10. Belgium - Loic Nottet with Rhythm Inside

What's next?

The second semi-finals are set to resume on Thursday (May 21).

Having seen what the first 16 acts brought to the table, it's expected that the remaining contestants will be pushing the boat out to make an immediate impression.

The ten who go through on Thursday will meet the UK, Spain, Germany, Italy and France, who automatically qualify each year.

Originally published on Mirror Online.