Everything You Need To Know About Eurovision 2023
Eurovision is only a few weeks away, and while the European singing extravaganza is always reason to get excited, this year this contest is coming to UK shores and being hosted in Liverpool– making the hype over here even stronger. It’s the first time Eurovision has been hosted in the UK in 25 years, and is doing so on behalf of Ukraine, last year’s winners. The final will be on 13th May, with the UK represented by singer Mae Muller.
Here’s everything you need to know about Eurovision 2023 aka the biggest night in European TV
Where is Eurovision being hosted?
The song contest is coming to Britain for the first time in 25 years: the UK lasted hosted after winning back in 1997, riding on the wave of Cool Britannia and Britpop power. Katrina and the Waves won that year with “Shine a Light”, and the contest in 1998 was held in Birmingham. This year the UK was chosen to host on behalf of Ukraine, and Liverpool was chosen as host city. With a strong cultural scene and music heritage (being home of The Beatles and much more), Liverpool and the Liverpool Arena is a natural fit for the occasion.
What happened last year?
Ukraine’s entry scored a thumping win last year with 631 points in the final, as rap group Kalush Orchestra performed Stefania, sung entirely in Ukrainian, to rapturous acclaim. The group did very well in the popular vote to secure victory, while the UK’s Sam Ryder came a solid second with his song Space Man.
Ukraine and its government initially hoped they’d be able to host the contest, but due to the ongoing Russian invasion, it was decided by Eurovision organisers that they would be unable to.
As runner up and a firm supporter of the country in the war, the UK was chosen to host the ceremony on their behalf, making sure that the contest would honour and celebrate Ukrainian culture.
Who’s the UK entry?
English singer-songwriter Mae Muller is stepping up to the plate to represent the UK at the contest, having been chosen earlier this year. She gained mainstream recognition for her single Better Days in 2021, and is entering with the dance-pop “I Wrote A Song”, which is about relationships and heartbreak. She’s scheduled to be the 26th performer on the night of the final. Watch Mae Muller’s music video here.
Who’s the Ukrainian entry?
As the winning country, Ukraine automatically qualified to appear this year, and will be represented by electronic music duo Tvorchi. Andrii Hutsuliak and Jimoh Augustus Kehinde have been on the Ukrainian music scene for several years, and won this year’s Vidbir, the country’s competition to find their Eurovision representative. They’ll be performing Heart of Steel, which sombrely and presciently warns against the dangers of nuclear war, as well as championing strength in the face of adversity. Watch the Tvorchi music video here.
Who else is entering?
As always, “the Big Five” of Eurovision, which in addition to the UK includes France, Germany, Italy and Spain will be represented. As to who else will be in the final, that’s still to be decided! The two semi-finals will take place on 9th and 11th May respectively, whittling down 31 countries to 26.
Who’s presenting?
The contest will be presented by singer Alisha Dixon and Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham, as well as the Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina. The three of them will host the live shows (both semi-finals and the grand final), and will be joined by longtime BBC Eurovision commentator Graham Norton in the final.
Where can I watch?
Unsurprisingly, general sale tickets to the live shows for Eurovision have sold out, other than VIP suites that cost several thousand pounds. Luckily, there’s few options to be close to the action. Info on official peripheral Eurovision events in Liverpool, like Eurovision Village and EuroClub are available on Eurovison’s website, as well as live screenings. There’s also set to plenty of places around the UK throwing Eurovision events, most prominently live screenings of the grand final in 500 cinemas like Odeon and Vue. Otherwise, you can tune in on BBC One from 8pm.
Eurovision 2023 runs 09.05.2023 – 13.05.2023
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