Everything you need to know about the Eurovision Song Contest – air time to celeb hosts

Fans are eagerly awaiting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, as the global music event gets underway in UK host city Liverpool this week.

There are 31 entries who will compete in the Semi-Finals, with 10 countries from each Semi-Final joining last year’s winner’s Ukraine and the “Big Five” (UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy) in the Grand Final.

So how can you watch Eurovision and what can viewers expect?

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As the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 begins, Daily Star has your lowdown on everything we known about the competition – from the celebrity hosts, how to watch and special performances to expect during the competition.

Where is the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 being held?

For the first time since 1998, the United Kingdom will play host to the 2023 contest and will do so on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine who are unable to host due to the ongoing war.

Liverpool were announced as the UK host city last year, with the Semi-Finals and Grand Final being held at the city’s M&S Bank Arena.

The Semi-Finals will be held on May 9 and 11, 2023 with the Grand Final taking place on Saturday May 13, 2023.

Speaking about the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, Kate Phillips, BBC Director of Unscripted said: “It’s an honour for the BBC to host the show on behalf of Ukraine, and we’re committed to do them proud. The level of collaboration and coordination across so much of the output is truly amazing. Let the Eurovision Song Contest begin!”

What time is the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final and how can I watch?

The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final will be broadcast live from Liverpool on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm on Saturday May 13, 2023.

Viewers can also listen along on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

That’s not all, as Eurovision icons Rylan and Scott Mills will take to the airwaves to provide commentary on the network for the grand final too.

Speaking ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest, Rylan said: “Eurovision is my favourite time of the year, I cannot wait! And I’m so excited and absolutely buzzing to be hosting the Eurovision Grand Final on Radio 2, the biggest and best music event in the world, with my partner-in-crime Scott Mills.

“We can’t wait to bring listeners closer to the action than ever before, with all the fun, excitement and backstage gossip from what promises to be an unforgettable night.”

Can I watch the Semi-Finals too?

Yes, fans can watch the Semi-Finals when they are broadcast live from Liverpool on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm on May 9 and 11, 2023.

In a Eurovision first, BBC Radio 2 will also be broadcasting the semi-finals for the first time ever on air, so listeners can tune in wherever they are.

Viewers can watch each Semi-Final and see which countries make it through to the Grand Final, with the UK eligible to vote in the second Semi-Final on Thursday May 11, 2023.

Who is hosting the contest?

Alesha Dixon, Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham, Ukranian singer-songwriter Julia Sanina and Graham Norton will take on hosting duties for the Semi-Finals and Grand-Finals.

Speaking to the BBC about helping to host the competition, Hannah Waddingham said: “It’s one of the world’s greatest music festivals.

“But this year, perhaps more than ever, it is such a great honour to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, a country which has carried itself with such strength and unity.”

Will Graham Norton still be providing the commentary?

An iconic part of the Eurovision Song Contest is the commentary provided by Graham Norton, who took over in the role from the late, great Sir Terry Wogan.

Although Graham has been announced as a host for the Grand Final, he will still be providing commentary on the night too – much to the delight of viewers.

He and TV legend Mel Giedroyc will step into the commentary box for the grand final, with Graham popping up during the Semi-Finals too.

Graham and Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko will also feature in a segment during Semi-Final Two, which will see them check in with the hosts live and discuss the build up to the Grand Final.

Timur will also be popping up during the live shows, as he brings his expert commentary to Ukrainian audiences from his commentary box in the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool.

Who is performing during the Grand Final?

The grand final will feature a performance by last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra, who will deliver a powerful performance titled ‘Voices of a New Generation,’ including their Eurovision Song Contest 2023 winning song Stefania.

Past Ukranian Eurovision contestants will also perform on the stage including Jamala, GO_A, Tina Karol and Verka Serducha, along with a set by the UK’s Sam Ryder who landed huge success at the contest last year with his hit record Spaceman.

The final interval act, called “The Liverpool Song Book” will also bring together iconic Eurovision acts including Israel’s Netta, Italy’s Mahmood, Iceland’s Daði Freyr, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands, Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs and Liverpool’s very own Sonia, to celebrate the host city’s incredible contribution to the world of music.

Who is performing during the Semi-Finals?

There’s lots going on during the Semi-Finals, with the first event opening with film celebrating host city Liverpool and last year’s winner’s Ukraine.

As part of the film, audiences will see a young Liverpudlian boy travel across the city telling his family, friends, neighbours (and some special guests) that the world’s greatest music competition is arriving in his hometown.

The film ends live in the arena with host Julia Sanina performing Маяк by her band The Hardkiss.

Translating from the Ukrainian for “Lighthouse”, the performance – forming part of an incredibly powerful opening act – will symbolise in many ways how the UK is “United by Music” with Ukraine through the hosting the 2023 Contest on behalf of the 2022 winners.

As part of Semi-Final One, Ukranian singer Aloysha – who represented Ukraine in 2010 – will collaborate with X-Factor star and Liverpool born Rebecca Ferguson.

Their performance will tell a story of hope, courage and support for the people of Ukraine from across the world.

The interval performance will also feature music superstar Rita Ora, who will perform a medley of some of her biggest hits, as well as delivering a world exclusive of her brand-new single Praising You.

Semi-Final Two will include a spoken word piece that powerfully takes everyone through the history of the Eurovision Song Contest.

There will also be a performance called “Music Unites Generations” during the interval, which explores the connection between generations of Ukranians and the music they love.

Further interval performances include ‘Be Who You Wanna Be’, which celebrates how Eurovision is a place for everyone.

The performance will include three drag performers who will deliver a jaw-dropping routine of high-end pop performances and a medley of songs with a troupe of dancers.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be broadcast live from Liverpool on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Semi-Final 1 is broadcast Tuesday 9 May at 8pm, Semi-Final 2 is broadcast Thursday 11 May at 8pm, and the Grand Final is broadcast on Saturday 13 May at 8pm.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk