Eurovision fans wowed as Alesha Dixon does surprise rap in semi-final
Alesha Dixon drove Eurovision fans wild as she harked back to her Mis-Teeq days by performing a rap about the contest.
Presenting from Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, the 44-year-old judge on Britain’s Got Talent was labeled an ‘icon’ by viewers – who were equally impressed by the sign language interpreter who held her.
Alesha hosted the first semi-final alongside Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham in which five acts will be sent home at the end of the show.
The singer looked fabulous in her red crop top with a bow that teased a glimpse of her toned stomach and voluminous hot pink pants.
As the host rapped while hosting a segment, viewers took to Twitter to comment on the surprise performance.
She is back! Alesha Dixon sent Eurovision fans wild as she harked back to her Mis-Teeq days by performing a rap about the contest
Alesha Dixon raps at lightning speed and Woman 3 keeps track of every word. She is an icon,” one person wrote.
Another added: ‘Honestly the first semi-final has been going on for 30 minutes and it’s already iconic and so beautifully done. Hannah Waddingham speaks French: sexy Alesha Dixon raps: iconic Paul O’Grady in the intro: sobbing.’
While a third viewer exclaimed, “Oh, Alesha still has it.” I forgot her rapping in Mis-Teeq.”
“Rapping Alesha Dixon is the greatest Eurovision madness,” said another. “I’m so confused why Alesha Dixon is rapping,” another fan wrote.
Elsewhere in the show, viewers were in tears when they saw the late Paul O’Grady make a surprise cameo in the semi-final credits.
Paul, who rose to fame as pioneering comedy drag act Lily Savage before becoming one of the country’s most beloved presenters and DJs, tragically passed away in March at the age of 67.
But the TV favorite was remembered when he appeared with his beloved dog in a segment celebrating Liverpool, where this year’s competition takes place.
Paul starred in the video alongside Paul Hollywood, Ukrainian Strictly dancer Nikita Kuzmin and King Charles and the Queen Consort.
Impressed: As the host rapped while presenting a segment, viewers took to Twitter to comment on the surprise performance
Hosts: Alesha hosted the first semi-final alongside Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham, who will see five acts go home at the end of the show
‘I’m crying!’: Elsewhere in the show, viewers were in tears as they saw the late Paul O’Grady make a surprise cameo in the semi-finals closing credits
Beloved: Paul, who rose to fame as pioneering comedy drag act Lily Savage before becoming one of the country’s most beloved presenters and DJs, tragically passed away in March at the age of 67
Viewers at home became emotional when they saw Paul again smiling broadly on their TV screens as he mopped the floor with his dog in the other arm.
One of them wrote: ‘A wonderful little nod to the wonderful and utterly fantastic Paul O’Grady in the opening titles of the Eurovision Song Contest.’
So nice to see Paul O’Grady in that opening and what an opening trailer that was. Great to see the King and Queen in it too and of course Ukraine the most important part of it all,” added another fan.
“It was very moving to see Paul O’Grady,” another viewer agreed, while others said they were “sobbing already.”
Paul O’Grady and kids in tracksuits holding hands. Already sobbing,” one wrote.
“Paul O’Grady in the opening scene I’m cry,” another viewer added.
The semifinals of the Eurovision Song Contest take place over two days and feature a range of performances, including from Eurovision legends and Ukrainian and British stars.
For the first time in the history of the British Eurovision Song Contest, both semifinals will be presented live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Radio DJs Scott Mills and Rylan will provide the UK audience with their colorful commentary, while Alesha, Julia and Hannah host.
Crying: Viewers watching at home got emotional when they saw Paul on their TV screens again, smiling broadly as he mopped the floor with his dog in the other arm
Special: But the TV favorite was remembered on Tuesday night when he appeared with his beloved dog in a segment celebrating Liverpool, where this year’s competition takes place
Talent: Paul Hollywood of Bake Off, a native of Cheshire, iced a cake
Gripping: Ukrainian dancer Nikita Kuzmin, who is a favorite on Strictly, also appeared in the credits
Performance: Norwegian Alessandra sings Queen of Kings during the Eurovision Song Contest
There is also a dedicated commentary team on BBC Radio Merseyside, including Claire Sweeney and the winner of The Voice of Eurovision talent show, who are currently on the lookout for new Liverpool talent.
This year’s grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest has the royal seal of approval. On a visit to the venue, the Liverpool Arena, the King told British contestant Mae Muller that he would “watch with great interest” and “would urge her on”. ‘Thank you. No pressure,” she joked.
At last year’s contest, held in Italy, the UK had their strongest entry in years with Sam Ryder’s Space Man, but no one begrudged the Ukrainians their victory with Kalush Orchestra’s exuberant Stefania.
For the grand final commentary on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, Graham and comedian Mel Giedroyc will take turns in the commentary box to give those watching at home their unique and expert take on the acts of 2023.