Hannah Waddingham learns Ukrainian on Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest is finally upon us, with the annual celebration of European music heading into its grand final in Liverpool on Saturday.
Tonight (13 May), the UK will stage its first Eurovision final in 25 years, hosting on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine.
Earlier this week, 31 acts performed for the first time across two semi-finals, competing for 20 spots in the grand final.
The 20 selected acts will join Eurovision’s Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) and Ukraine, all of whom automatically progress to the final.
You can see all the acts who made it through to Saturday night’s final here.
The UK will this year be represented by Mae Muller, a 25-year-old singer from north London, with her track “I Wrote A Song”.
While Muller might not quite reach the same heights as the UK’s 2022 entry Sam Ryder, who finished in second place, the bookies still pin her among the frontrunners. You can read the latest odds here.
The competition is expected to be dominated by former champion Loreen, from Sweden, with her song “Tattoo”. Loreen’s 2012 track “Euphoria” is one of the most successful Eurovision songs of all time.
What do the French lyrics to La Zarra’s song Évidemment mean in English
France’s La Zarra is bringing some Hollywood glamour to Liverpool tonight.
Born in Montreal to Francophone Canadian parents, La Zarra rose to fame in 2021 with the single “Tu t’en iras” (“You Will Leave”), which was certified platinum.
For Eurovision, however, La Zarra will be performing another of her songs titled “Évidement”, which she wrote alongside Benny Adam. Check out the lyrics (and the English translation) below…
Annabel Nugent13 May 2023 15:10
Who is returning champion Loreen?
Fans will, of course, recognise Eurovison royalty Loreen who is returning to the competition with the hopes of securing Sweden another win.
Annabel Nugent13 May 2023 14:50
How to vote tonight!
If you’re planning on casting a vote tonight, you’re going to want to read up on the big change to the rules this year!
Annabel Nugent13 May 2023 14:30
The final 26 countries competing tonight
After two epic semi-finals earlier this week, we now have the 26 countries due to battle it out for a chance at Eurovision glory tonight.
This list is made up of the 20 countries who qualified in the semi-finals, last year’s winners (Ukraine), and the so-called Big Five (the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, France) whose financial contributions to the event mean they automatically qualify for the grand final.
Annabel Nugent13 May 2023 14:10
‘I liked the bit when she stopped the music’
What would Eurovision be without Graham Norton and his signature snarky remarks?
The talk show host is a pivotal part of Eurovision in the UK. Here’s a list of his most brutal (and hilarious) commentary…
Annabel Nugent13 May 2023 13:50
Some suggested viewing ahead of tonight…
What better way to get in the mood for tonight’s competition than watching Will Ferrell’s hilarious Eurovision-based film: The Story of Ice and Fire.
With a star-studded cast including Ferrell as co-writer and co-star opposite Rachel McAdams, the movie follows Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdottir, an Icelandic pop duo determined to win over their small town and represent Iceland at the Eurovision finals.
The film takes inspiration from real-life iconic moments in Eurovision history. Here’s all the call-backs you missed…
Annabel Nugent13 May 2023 13:30
How Abba’s douze-points energy at Eurovision started a pop revolution
While we’ve had some pretty memorable winners in the past, no one has managed to top ABBA.
The Swedish superstars rocketed to international fame after they wowed Europe with “Waterloo” at the 1974 song contest.
Here, we trace the road from Sweden to superstardom for Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid.
Annabel Nugent13 May 2023 13:10
Why are Bulgaria and North Macedonia not competing this year?
There are some notable countries missing from this year’s line-up.
Check out our explainer below to find out how Russia’s ban from Eurovision has had consequences for Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
Annabel Nugent13 May 2023 12:50
From ABBA to Kalush Orchestra, here’s every winner ranked from worst to best
Ahead of tonight’s competition, cast your mind back to the past winners.
Good or bad, they were certainly all… memorable.
From Maneskin to Kalush Orchestra and ABBA to Conchita Wurst, here’s our ranking of every winner ranked from worst to best.
Annabel Nugent13 May 2023 12:30
Latest betting odds and favourites
I’m afraid things aren’t looking too good for the UK, at least according to the bookies.
Here’s the latest betting odds and favourites to win for tonight’s competition…
Annabel Nugent13 May 2023 11:50
