Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Everything you need to know
The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the biggest international entertainment competitions, and this year the renowned show is making its way to UK shores.
Last year, Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra stormed the competition with Stefania. However, the EBU confirmed that the country wouldn’t be able to host the contest due to the ongoing war with Russia.
The runner-up act of 2022 was the UK, and as such the country will host on behalf of Ukraine, creating a unique collaborative event.
We’ve rounded up all the information on the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, including when the show airs, what we know about tickets, how to tune in from the UK and abroad, who is taking part and more.
When is Eurovision 2023?
The Eurovision Grand Final will take place on Saturday 13 May 2023, with exact timings to be confirmed.
Before the big night, there will also be the semi-finals, which will air on Tuesday 9 May 2023 and Thursday 11 May 2023 respectively.
You can watch the winning performance from 2022 below:
Who is the host of Eurovision 2023?
The UK has caught Eurovision fever, as none other than Liverpool will be hosting the competition. It is the fifth UK city to host the competition, narrowly beating Glasgow in the bidding contest.
Though the show will be based in the UK, the focus will very much be on Ukraine, as the contest would have been held there had it not been for the invasion by Russia.
You can take a look at the stage design below:
How to get tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023
It’s not often that Eurovision comes to the UK, and as such there is likely to be a massive demand for tickets.
Tickets are not yet on sale for the event, but news about them will be dropping tomorrow, 2 March 2023.
The best way to keep in the know is to sign up for the Eurovision newsletter.
The Eurovision website claims that more information will be released at the end of February. Last year, tickets went on sale on 7 April.
There will be nine shows that people can watch. There are the televised events, as well as the Jury shows (which will take place the day before each live event), and the family shows (which will take place the afternoon of the live events).
The Jury and family shows are likely to be in less demand, and may have cheaper tickets available. The Grand Final is almost certain to be the most expensive, and the most popular.
Prices haven’t yet been revealed. However, last year they ranged from €20 all the way up to €350.
How to watch the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK
As per previous years, you should be able to tune in to the Grand Final of Eurovision 2023 on BBC One. Graham Norton will be returning for his usual hilarious commentary.
You’ll also be able to watch the show live on BBC One via iPlayer, and stream it shortly after the broadcast on the BBC iPlayer website or app on your tablet or smartphone.
Both semi-finals will now air on BBC One, rather than BBC Two.
How to watch the Eurovision Song Contest from the US
We don’t yet know which American channel has the rights to Eurovision this year.
Last year, US viewers could tune in via Peacock. An ad-supported plan costs $5.99 per month, whilst an ad-free one costs $9.99 per month. However, new users can get a seven-day free trial.
YouTube also livestreamed the whole Grand Final on the official Eurovision channel, as well as both semi-finals.
We’ll likely learn more about international broadcasting plans closer to the event date.
Who is presenting Eurovision 2023?
The presenters for Eurovision 2023 have now been revealed. Graham Norton will be stepping outside the commentary box after all, despite earlier claims that he wouldn’t.
He will be joined by actress Hannah Waddingham (currently best known for Ted Lasso), award-winning Ukrainian singer, Julia Sanina and Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon.
Graham will still be commenting on some of the Final, but will be sharing duties with actress and comedian Mel Giedroyc. Scott Mills and Rylan will be commentating on both semi-finals.
How to vote in the Eurovision Song Contest
In previous years, the easiest way to vote for your favourite act in the Eurovision Song Contest was by downloading the app onto your smartphone or tablet. It is available from Google Play the iOS App Store and the Windows Store, and is free to download.
Once you’ve got the app, you’ll be able to find out more about the participants from the countries taking part, and you’ll also be able to find out the latest Eurovision news.
But more importantly, you can cast your vote using the app simply by clicking on the vote button and choosing your favourite. You can vote multiple times, but you cannot vote for the country you are voting from.
Who are the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 semi-finalists and finalists?
There are 37 countries participating in Eurovision 2023, but only 26 make it through to the Grand Final. Both the UK and Ukraine automatically get slots in the Grand Final as the hosts.
They will be joined by Germany, France, Italy and Spain – members of the Big Five who automatically qualify due to being the biggest contributors to the contest. Bulgaria, Montenegro and North Macedonia will not be entering due to financial reasons, and Russia was expelled from the competition last year.
Not all contestants have been announced, but here is the running order for the semi-finals and Grand Final, along with the confirmed entries so far:
Eurovision 2023 semi-final 1
Croatia: Let 3 – Mama ŠČ!Ireland: Wild Youth – We Are OneLatvia: Sudden Lights – AijāMalta: The Busker – Dance (Our Own Party)Norway: Alessandra – Queen of KingsPortugalSerbiaAzerbaijanCzechia: Vesna – My Sister’s CrownFinlandIsrael: Noa Kirel – UnicornMoldovaNetherlands: Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper – TBCSwitzerland: Remo ForrerSweden
Eurovision 2023 semi-final 2
Armenia: Brunette – TBCBelgium: Gustaph – Because of YouCyprus: Andrew Lambrou – Break a Broken HeartDenmark: Reiley – Breaking My HeartEstonia: Alika – BridgesGreece: Victor Vernicos – What They SayIcelandRomania: Theodor Andrei – D.G.T. (Off and On)Australia: Voyager – PromiseAlbania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi – DujeAustria: Teya & Salena – TBCGeorgia: Iru Khechanovi – TBCLithuania: Monika Linkytė – StayPolandSlovenia: Joker Out – Carpe DiemSan Marino
Eurovision 2023 finalists
France: La Zarra – ÉvidemmentGermanyItaly: Marco Mengoni – Due viteSpain: Blanca Paloma – EaeaUkraine: Tvorchi – Heart of SteelUK
Who is the UK entry for Eurovision?
The UK entry has not yet been confirmed, but we expect them to be revealed soon, as many other countries have put forward their entries.
They have big steps to follow, as last year’s entry from Sam Ryder, Space Man, got the highest Jury vote and finished second overall. You can watch this below: