WHEN?
Semi-Finals: May 9 & 11
Grand Final: May 13
WHERE?
Liverpool Arena
Liverpool, England
WHO?
37 countries will compete, with 26 progressing to the Grand Final
Hello Europe, this is Liverpool calling!
The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Liverpool, England on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine amid ongoing conflict in the country.
Following Kalush Orchestra’s victory in Turin last May, the decision was made to seek alternative hosting arrangements due to “security and operational” concerns, with the BBC taking on the responsibility.
Following a selection process that narrowed the hosting options down to Glasgow and Liverpool, Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl said: “Liverpool is the ideal place to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine.
“The city is synonymous with music and Liverpool Arena exceeds all the requirements needed to stage a global event of this scale.
“We have been very impressed with the passion the city has shown in embracing the Contest and their inclusive ideas for placing last year’s winners, Ukraine, front and centre when thousands of fans visit next May. ”
He added: “This will be the first Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the UK in 25 years and, as we work with our Host Broadcaster, the BBC, to celebrate Ukraine’s victory, this unique production promises to be a very special one indeed.”
Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of UA:PBC, Ukraine’s public broadcaster, added: “It is symbolic that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Liverpool, a twin city of Odesa.
“The organisation of a contest of this level sets super demanding requirements. I am confident that the city recognised as the capital of pop music will meet them in the best way and will deliver the celebration of music that will amaze both delegations and fans of Eurovision.”
The theme for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest is encompassed by the slogan ‘United By Music’; celebrating the power of music to bring communities together and the origins of the Contest, which was developed to bring Europe closer together with a shared viewing experience.
How It Works
Launching on May 9 with the first of two Semi-Finals, the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will see a total of 31 countries take to the stage during the preliminary rounds, with 10 acts from each heat progressing to the Grand Final.
Fifteen acts will participate in the first Semi-Final with their respective countries, plus France, Germany and Italy, as well as non-participating countries under an aggregated vote as ‘Rest of the World’, allowed to vote, sending home five acts in the process.
For the second Semi-Final, the remaining 16 acts will participate to win the votes of their countries along with Spain, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, along with non-participating countries, and progress to the main event.
The Grand Final will see the 20 successful Semi-Finalists return to compete for the prize, alongside reigning champions Ukraine and acts from the ‘Big Five’ countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Semi-Final 1 – May 9
Norway
Malta
Serbia
Latvia
Portugal
Ireland
Croatia
Switzerland
Israel
Moldova
Sweden
Azerbaijan
Czechia
Netherlands
Finland
Semi-Final 2 – May 11
Denmark
Armenia
Romania
Estonia
Belgium
Cyprus
Iceland
Greece
Poland
Slovenia
Georgia
San Marino
Austria
Albania
Lithuania
Australia
Your Hosts
With a line-up representing Ukraine and the United Kingdom, the Grand Final will be presented by Eurovision legend Graham Norton, singer and The HARDKISS frontwoman Julia Sanina, Emmy Award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham, and Mis-Teeq star Alesha Dixon.
While securing a spot centre stage during the proceedings, regular commentator Graham will take turns sharing his thoughts on the unfolding action with Mel Giedroyc, while Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko will be giving live insights from Ukraine’s commentary box in the Liverpool Arena.
It’s not just about the Grand Final either; first time in UK’s Eurovision history, both Semi-Finals will be live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Scott Mills and Rylan on board to commentate.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, says: “The BBC is thrilled to have such a talented line-up bringing the Eurovision Song Contest from Liverpool – on behalf of Ukraine – to the world.
“One thing that truly unites us all is music, and we’re proud to have a team – who are well accustomed to the worlds of music, performing and live broadcasting – as part of our Eurovision presenting family.”
READ MORE: Meet The Contestants: Here are the 37 entries competing in Eurovision 2023
