Eurovision 2012: the first semi-final - in pictures

Buranovskiye Babushki of Russia – a girl group of grandmothers – perform. They come hotly tipped for success in the final Photograph: Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA

Eleftheria Eleftheriou of Greece sticks to a traditional Eurovision formula of massive hair, skimpy frock and ill-advised dance moves Photograph: Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA

… A formula also put to good effect by Ivi Adamou of Cyprus Photograph: Rolf Klatt/WireImage

Jedward – poptastic cheese and a waterfeature. Surely victory must be within their grasp Photograph: Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA

Rona Nishliu of Albania's performance bordered on the terrifying Photograph: Rolf Klatt/WireImage

Moldova's 2012 entry doesn't feature the unicycling smurf's of last year, but Pasha Parfeny's backing dancers retain the Eurovision spirit Photograph: Vano Shlamov/AFP/Getty Images

Slightly less bonkers in the dancing department were Denmark's Soluna Samay. (What? No Sarah Lund-style jumpers?) Photograph: Vano Shlamov/AFP/Getty Images

Austria's hip-hop group Trackshittaz sadly failed to make the final, despite holding some decidedly awkward-looking poses Photograph: Vano Shlamov/AFP/Getty Images

Sinplus of Switzerland: not embracing the joy of Eurovision, on the basis of that expression Photograph: Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA

Romania's Mandinga manage to combine moonwalking, bagpipes, white suits, skimpy dress, accordions, drumming and flames. A Eurovision full house? Photograph: Sergey Ponomarev/AP