In the last few days, Liverpool has transformed into a sea of blue and yellow to host this year's Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of reigning champions Ukraine.
The competition is officially underway with semi-final one performers Norway, Malta, Serbia, Latvia, Portugal, Ireland, Croatia, Switzerland, Israel, Moldova, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Czechia, Netherlands and Finland already securing a place in the grand final. The UK, along with Ukraine, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, are automatically through to the grand final on Saturday night.
Tonight, the second semi-final will take place at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena, with the public being given the chance to vote for their favourite. Only ten with make it through to the final for a chance to be crowned 2023 winners.
Read More:
- Eurovision's Rylan Clark blown away by Scouse trait as he's 'never seen anything like it'
- Eurovision Song Contest winners and songs from the last decade
During the first semi-final, the UK were unable to get in on the action and vote for their favourite entry. Out of fairness, you cannot vote for your own country and the 'Big Five' - comprising of the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain - automatically get through to the final as they are the group of countries who via their broadcasters make the biggest financial contribution towards the organisation of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The reigning champions - Ukraine - also get an automatic place in the grand final. But tonight, UK viewers will be eligible to vote and have their say on the second round of semi-finals.
When it comes to the semi-finals, only those countries who take part in that specific show can vote - along with two or three of the 'Big Five' already in the grand final. The UK does not have to compete in the semi-finals, but each of the automatic qualifiers are the chance to vote in one of the semis.
Whereas in the grand final, all the competing countries have a chance to vote. Tonight, Denmark, Armenia, Romania, Estonia, Belgium, Cyprus, Iceland, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, Georgia, San Marino, Austria, Albania, Lithuania and Australia are set to perform.
For the first time in Eurovision history, viewers watching in eligible countries not participating in the 2023 competition will also be able to vote in both semi-finals and the Grand Final. The second semi-final takes place on tonight, May 11, at 8pm, with the grand final taking place on Saturday, May 13, on BBC One at 8pm.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Read Next:
- All the times Ukraine has won Eurovision as Liverpool hosts 2023
- All the UK Eurovision winners and songs as Liverpool hosts for 2023
- Eurovision moments Sonia will 'never forget' from 30 years ago
- Cheryl Baker on how Eurovision win become 'the hero of her life'
- Cilla Black 'approached twice' to represent the UK in Eurovision
