The Eurovision Song Contest is held annually and here we take a look at all you need to know about the event.
What is Eurovision?
Organised every year by the European Broadcasting Union, the Eurovision Song Contest, often shortened to just Eurovision, is an international songwriting competition.
It features predominantly nations from Europe, with countries around the continent casting votes for their favourite song to determine the winner of the competition.
Eurovision 2023 key information
| What | Eurovision Song Contest 2023 |
| Where | Liverpool Arena, United Kingdom |
| When | Tuesday 9th May - Saturday 13th May 2023 |
| How to watch | BBC One |
| Outright odds | Sweden 4/7, Finland 7/4, Ukraine 15/2, France 15/2, Israel 12/1 |
When is Eurovision 2023?
The Grand Final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be staged on Saturday 13th May 2023, with the two semi-finals taking place on Tuesday 9th and Thursday 11th.
Who won Eurovision in 2022?
The 2022 Eurovision winners were Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine, who claimed glory with the track 'Stefania'.
Where is Eurovision 2023?
This year's Eurovision will take place in Liverpool, United Kingdom, rather than Ukraine. The UK - who finished second last year - will host the competition for the first time since 1998.
From a shortlist of seven UK cities, Liverpool was eventually selected to host the event at the Liverpool Arena.
Where can I watch Eurovision?
Those in the UK can watch Eurovision on BBC One and on iPlayer.
How many countries compete at Eurovision?
The Grand Final of Eurovision 2023 will feature 26 countries in total, with 20 qualifying qualifying from the semi-finals and the rest of the performers made up of the 'Big Five' and last year's winners Ukraine.
The first semi-final on Tuesday 9th May saw the following 10 countries qualify for the final:
- Czech Republic - My Sister's Crown (Vesna)
- Croatia - Mama SC! (Let 3)
- Finland - Cha Cha Cha (Kaarija)
- Israel - Unicorn (Noa Kirel)
- Moldova - Soarele si Luna (Pasha Parfeni)
- Norway - Queen of Kings (Alessandra)
- Portugal - Al Coracao (Mimicat)
- Serbia - Samo mi se spava (Luke Black)
- Switzerland - Watergun (Remo Forrer)
- Sweden - Tattoo (Loreen)
Who are Eurovision's 'Big Five'?
The 'Big Five' countries in the Eurovision Song Contest are France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
These nations automatically qualify for Eurovision as they are the highest-paying European Broadcast Union members, helping to fund the contest each year.
It had initially been a 'Big Four' back in 1999 before Italy rejoined the competition in 2011.
Which country has won Eurovision the most?
Ireland hold the record for the most Eurovision Song Contest wins with seven titles to their name. Their last triumph, however, came back in 1996.
Second on the list are Sweden with six Eurovision wins.
When did the United Kingdom last win Eurovision?
The United Kingdom have five Eurovision titles to their name with the last coming back in 1997 when Katrina and the Waves won with 'Love Shine a Light'.
Sam Ryder's track 'Space Man' earned the UK second place in the 2022 edition of the competition.
When did Eurovision start?
The inaugural edition of the Eurovision Song Contest took place back in May 1956 and was held in Lugano in Switzerland.
Only 14 countries were involved and hosts Switzerland won with the song 'Refrain' by Lys Assia.
