After last week’s slick series opener, France’s Destination Eurovision continued tonight with the second semi-final.

Semi 1 gave us some mild controversy when Amir’s jury points sent Louka to the final ahead of Noée. But this evening’s results brought perhaps an even bigger shock with firm fan favourite June The Girl failing to qualify. Even more surprisingly, “Same” finished second to last once the international and in-house jury rankings were combined.

The other non-qualifiers were Lucie, Sarah Caillibot, Sweem, and Jane Constance. Unlike the first show, where two acts received a dreaded nil points, only Lucie failed to receive any points.

That means that the four finalists are: Madame Monsieur (“Mercy”), Max Cinnamon (“Ailleurs”), Igit (“Lisboa Jérusalem”), and Nassi (“Rêve de gamin”).

DESTINATION EUROVISION: SEMI-FINAL 2

The pre-recorded show unfolded in a setting large enough to generate buzz and to induce adrenaline, but intimate enough to create a family feel: France is in this together.

Once again, the in-house judging panel consisted of Francophone luminaries Amir, Isabelle Boulay and Christophe Willem. Sitting opposite the stage and getting plenty of face time, they took their roles very seriously, with Amir mastering innuendo and delivering blows softly, Isabelle providing the sweetness, and Idol winner Christophe keeping it real. Their hilariously honest facial expressions (while at rest) were a highlight of the evening.

Sweden’s Christer Bjorkman and the heads of delegation from Italy and Belarus — Nicola Caligliore and Olga Salmakhe — awarded 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 and 2 points to their favourite six songs of the evening.

Ultimately, the international jury’s top four aligned with the combined result. However, the Francophone panel would have sent Sweem through ahead of Nassi

Belarus

Italy

Sweden

Destination Eurovision Semi-final 2 Results

What do you think of tonight’s results? Did your favourites make it through? Is France on to a good thing with Destination Eurovision? Let us know in the comments box below.

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