In the semi-finals, which was watched by more than 1.8 million people, the candidates had to lead not only an orchestra, but also a choir. Rapper Sur scored high points with the jury and received rave reviews. In total, Sur earned 52 points for performing two classical musicals and was the first to count as one of the finalists.

Until the last moment, tension remained between Simon and Blaine. In two rounds, the two actresses scored 43 points. After that, the maestro’s orchestra was allowed to vote on who would become the second finalist. Simon emerged as the winner.

Several viewers expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision on Twitter. They gave Blaine a place in the final. One wrote: “Don’t pass by, I haven’t seen that coming for a while.” Another: “Totally wrong, Balian was the best.” No one else could keep it dry with Van Benikom’s work. “She hits the musicians with her club and comes close to floating above the orchestra.” But, as another viewer concluded, “We could find a better Plien, but playing under Simone is clearly more fun.”

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The finale of AVROTROS can be seen on NPO 1 next Sunday, after which it will be clear who will follow in the footsteps of previous winners Lucas Hamming, Lynette van Dongen, Spike, Leona Philippo and Marty van de Wittinger.

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