Ira Losco to perform last in Eurovision semi-final

Malta's Ira Losco will be the last singer to perform in the first semi-final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest on May 10.

The running order of the semi finals was unveiled by Swedish host broadcaster SVT earlier this morning.

The show’s producers said that they decided the running order using a format that has been in place since 2013, “to ensure that each song stands out and to create a more exciting televisions show.”

The decision was approved by European Broadcasting Union executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand and the chairman of the reference group Frank Dieter Freiling.

“My goal is to give every song maximum space so it’s surrounded by other songs that make it stand out and shine for three minutes,” contest producer Christer Björkman said. “This also reduces the anxiety surrounding where a country is placed in the running order. Wherever the artist is singing, they have a chance to be noticed.”

Losco – currently ranked sixth favourite by the bookies - is expected to face stiff competition in the semi final, from contestants such as Russia, Croatia and Armenia.

The second semi final will take place on May 12, with the final taking place two days later.

Ira Losco will represent Malta this year, with the powerful and catchy song Walk on Water. The song was controversially selected by a panel of international and Maltese judges, despite the singer having earned her place in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest through her song ‘Chameleon’

Running order of semi final 1

1. Finland

2. Greece

3. Moldova

4. Hungary

5. Croatia

6. The Netherlands

7. Armenia

8. San Marino

9. Russia

10. Czech Republic

11. Cyprus

12. Austria

13. Estonia

14. Azerbaijan

15. Montenegro

16. Iceland

17. Bosnia & Herzegovina

18. Malta