…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media. The UK will host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine, which won the competition last year but is unable to host due to the ongoing war.
This year’s contest is being held at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool and will be broadcast on the BBC.
Singer-songwriter Mae Muller represents the UK this year with her track I Wrote A Song.
Semi-finals will take place on Tuesday 9 May and Thursday 11 May, with the grand final taking place on Saturday 13 May.
How do the Eurovision semi-finals work?
The first semi-final, which is hosted by Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, begins at 8pm on Tuesday 9 May.
The second airs at the same time, also with the same presenters, on Thursday 11 May.
In a change to the rules this year, the decision rests entirely with the public.
National juries will only come into play during the grand final on Saturday 13 May.
UK viewers will not be able to vote in Tuesday’s semi-final, but will be able to vote in Thursday’s.
A ‘rest of the world’ vote has been introduced so countries not participating can have their say.
The 10 highest-scoring acts from the countries competing in each semi-final will go through to the grand final.
What is the running order for the semi-finals?
The first semi-final includes acts from Norway, Malta, Serbia, Latvia, Portugal, Ireland, Croatia, Switzerland, Israel, Moldova, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Czechia, the Netherlands and Finland.
The second features acts from Denmark, Armenia, Romania, Estonia, Belgium, Cyprus, Iceland, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, Georgia, San Marino, Austria, Albania and Lithuania.
Pre-recorded footage of performances from France, Germany and Italy will also be played during the semi-finals, although they automatically qualify for the finals along with the previous year’s winner.
Analysis and commentaries
Eurovision is an annual singing contest that has taken place since 1956.
It has become famous for its flamboyant performances, bizarre costumes and political voting patterns.
While it is watched by millions across Europe and beyond, it is not always taken seriously by music critics
However, it has launched the careers of some successful artists, including Abba and Celine Dion.
The UK has a mixed record in the competition, having won it five times but also finishing last on a record-equalling eight occasions.
The event is expected to generate a significant amount of revenue for the UK, including from tourism and advertising.
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