Finland’s Kaarija is among the favourites for this year’s Eurovision trophy (Picture: Getty Images)
It’s time to hang out the flag bunting, put up the decorations and get those score cards at the ready – as the Eurovision Song Contest is finally getting underway after months of anticipation.
Over the next few days we’ll see 37 acts take to the stage at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool – who is hosting the show on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine – with one of them eventually crowned winner on Saturday, May 13.
While the UK’s hopes are resting on Mae Muller with her track I Wrote A Song, current favourites for the crown include Sweden’s Loreen – aiming for a second win after taking top honours in 2012 – Finnish rapper Kaarija, Ukraine’s electronic duo Tvorchi and Spain’s flamenco number from Blanca Paloma.
But before anyone gets the chance to duke it out in the final, we have two semi-finals to get through – the first of which takes place today, May 9.
When is it on, how long does it last – and how can you watch it?
What time is the first Eurovision semi-final?
The semi-final is due to kick off at 8pm.
It will last for around two hours and 10 minutes, ending at 10.10pm – but of course being a live event it could run for longer.
The semi-final will see 15 countries competing to make it to the final, with only the top 10 performers making it through to Saturday night.
Loreen is bringing her Tattoo to Liverpool in the hopes of a second victory (Picture: Getty Images)
The other five countries will be eliminated from the competition and will not perform again in the final (although they will still be able to vote in it).
While the semi-finals have in recent years been decided through a mix of jury and public voting, this year the results will be entirely down to the public vote.
The second semi-final, which takes place on Thursday night, will determine the remaining 10 acts who will perform in the grand final.
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Six other countries who are taking part are already pre-qualified for the final and do not have to compete in a semi-final – although they will all have the chance to vote in one of the semis, as well as perform their song non-competitively.
Those countries are France, Germany, Italy, the UK and Spain – aka the ‘Big Five’, who automatically win a place in the final as the biggest financiers of the contest – as well as last year’s winners Ukraine.
How can you watch the first semi-final?
For the first time the semi-finals are being shown in the UK on BBC One, after years of airing on BBC Three and BBC Four. Y
ou’ll be able to tune in from 8pm to watch all the action, as well as hear commentary from Rylan Clark and Scott Mills.
If you miss it you’ll be able to catch up via the BBC iPlayer.
Rylan will be commentating on the semi-finals along with Scott Mills (Picture: Getty Images)
The semi-final will also be streamed live on the Eurovision Song Contest channel on YouTube, although you won’t get any commentary.
Alternatively, many venues across the UK are hosting screenings of both semi-finals in addition to the final this year. – if you fancy venturing out and watching it elsewhere it’s worth checking local press to see what’s on in your area.
Who is competing in the first Eurovision semi-final?
Here’s who you can expect to see in the first semi-final and what they’ll be singing…
Norway – Queen Of Kings, Alessandra
Malta – Dance (Our Own Party), The Busker
Serbia – Samo Mi Se Spava, Luke Black
Latvia – Aija, Sudden Lights
Portugal – Ai Coracao, Mimicat
Ireland – We Are One, Wild Youth
Croatia – Mama SC! – Let3
Switzerland – Watergun, Remo Forrer
Israel – Unicorn, Noa Kirel
Moldova – Soarele si Luna, Pasha Parfeni
Sweden – Tattoo, Loreen,
Azerbaijan – Tell Me More, TuralTuranX
Czechia – My Sister’s Crown, Vesna
Netherlands – Burning Daylight, Dion Cooper and Mia Nicolai
Finland – Cha Cha Cha, Kaarija
In addition, three of the six pre-qualified finalists – France’s La Zarra, Germany’s Lord of The Lost, and Marco Mengoni from Italy – will perform their entries and will be able to vote.
Viewers in the UK will have the chance to vote in Thursday night’s show.
The Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals are on May 9 and 11 on BBC One at 8pm. The grand final is on Saturday May 13 on BBC One at 8pm.
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