Ten countries won enough support at Eurovision Song Contest's first semi-final to compete in upcoming final in Sweden.

Swedish artist Frans (C) who will perform the song 'If I Were Sorry' in the Eurovision Song Contest is photographed during a press conference after his first rehearsal in Stockholm, Sweden, on May 03, 2016.
Swedish artist Frans (C) who will perform the song 'If I Were Sorry' in the Eurovision Song Contest is photographed during a press conference after his first rehearsal in Stockholm, Sweden, on May 03, 2016. (TRT World and Agencies)

Ten countries have secured their place in Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest final in Stockholm, joining host Sweden as well as automatic qualifiers France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain and Spain in the last stage of the popular annual competition.

Germany's Jamie-Lee rehearses the song
Germany's Jamie-Lee rehearses the song "Ghost" at the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden, May 8, 2016. (Reuters)

Artists from Azerbaijan, Russia, The Netherlands, Hungary, Croatia, Austria, Armenia, Czech Republic, Cyprus and Malta qualified in Tuesday's semi-final.

Croatia's Nina Kraljic rehearses the song
Croatia's Nina Kraljic rehearses the song "Lighthouse" during the jury show at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, May 9, 2016. (Reuters)

A second semi-final takes place on Thursday. A total of 26 countries will compete at the weekend final at Stockholm's Globe arena. The contest - known for its kitsch pop music and flamboyant costumes - was watched by nearly 200 million people last year.

Russia's Sergey Lazarev rehearses the song
Russia's Sergey Lazarev rehearses the song "You Are The Only One" during the jury show at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, May 9, 2016. (Reuters)
Source: TRT World