Despite a dazzling performance in Serbia tonight, Dustin the Turkey has failed to make it through to Saturday's Eurovision final.
Ireland's official entry for the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest was the 12th of 19 acts to perform tonight in the packed-out 14,000-seat Belgrade Arena. Dustin, who was performing
Irlande Douze Pointswas generally well-received, although, as in Ireland, he did ruffle some feathers .
Boos and jeers were heard from some sections of the arena from purists who were less than impressed with the Eurovision's first puppet performer.
Although bookmakers William Hill and Paddy Power had both tipped Dustin to easily make it through to the final, Dustin will be heading back to Ireland where he's set to face a roasting from dismayed Eurovision fans.
Tonight was the first Eurovision competition to include two semi-finals, to accommodate a record 43 songs. The second semi-final is on Thursday, with the final on Saturday evening.
The countries chosen tonight are: Greece, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Finland, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Poland and Norway.
