Eurovision 2023: How To Watch Around The World, Who’s The Favourite, And What Are This Year’s Controversies Ahead Of The Semi-Finals
09.05.2023 - 11:19
/ deadline.com
The Coronation was but the warm-up event. This coming Saturday sees the UK play host to the 67th Eurovision Song Contest and venue city Liverpool is pulling out all the stops.
Sunday evening even saw local chart-toppers – from 40 years ago – Frankie Goes to Hollywood reunite after an acrimonious split in 1987. The band, responsible for huge hits ‘Relax’ and ’Two Tribes’, took to the stage at an outdoor event in Liverpool which signalled the beginning of this special Eurovision week for the city.
Frankie fans were delighted to see the band back together, although they were left bemused by them playing only one song ‘Welcome to the Pleasuredome’ before lead vocalist Holly Johnson told fans, “Bless you. Lovely to see you all,” and the band left the stage.
Ukrainian presence
The UK is playing host in place of last year’s winners Ukraine, who would traditionally host but are prevented this year by war. The UK came second last year with its entry Sam Ryder, and the BBC as broadcaster has made it clear Ukrainian music, culture and artists will be central to the event.
Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina will be one of four main presenters of the Contest throughout the week, joining singer Alesha Dixon, actress Hannah Waddingham and regular UK commentator Graham Norton.
How it works
Prior to the Grand Final on Saturday May 13, there will be two semi-finals on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11th.
37 countries will be competing from the outset. 10 countries from each of the two semi-finals – see list below – will qualify for the Grand Final that will feature a total of 26 countries: 10 from semi-final 1, 10 from semi-final 2, last year’s winners Ukraine, plus ‘the big 5’ countries (those who’ve contributed sufficiently to the European