The Eurovision Song Contest is an internationally televised songwriting competition, organised by the European Broadcasting Union and featuring participants chosen by EBU member broadcasters representing their countries from across Europe and beyond.
Participants then compete at the Eurovision Song Contest, traditionally held in May.
The Contest format comprises three live shows: the First Semi-Final (Tuesday evening), the Second Semi-Final (Thursday evening), and the Grand Final (a Saturday night spectacular).
Eurovision History
The first Eurovision Song Contest was held on May 24, 1956, and saw seven nations compete: the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Italy. Austria and Denmark wanted to take part but missed the deadline, and the United Kingdom sent their apologies as they were busy with their own contest that year.
Where is Eurovision being held?
This year Eurovision will take place in Malmo, Sweden.
Loreen is the winner of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest with her song 'Tattoo'. You can learn more about her here, including the winning song.
How does the Eurovision Song Contest Work?
There is a comprehensive set of rules concerning participation that has evolved over the decades, but the main ones relating to competing songs and artists are:
In each show, after all songs have been performed, each country will give two sets of points (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12) to their favourite songs; one set is given by a jury of five music industry professionals from that country, and one set given by viewers watching the show in country. Viewers can vote by telephone, SMS and through the official app.
Out of fairness, you cannot vote for your own country.
In the Semi-Finals, only those countries who took part in that specific show, and those in non-participating countries - the "Rest of the World" - can vote (along with 2 or 3 of the ‘Big Five’ who are already in the Grand Final), whereas in the Grand Final, all competing countries and the "Rest of the World" can vote.
At the end of the Grand Final, the song that has received the most points wins the iconic trophy, and is performed once more.