The countdown to the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 is officially on. The huge event, which is being hosted in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine this year, will crown its winner on Saturday, May 13.
Prior to the Grand Final, two semi-finals will take place on Tuesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 11. The UK entry this year is Mae Muller. You can read more about the star and her song here.
And while 26 Grand Finalists will take to the stage on May 13, they will be joined by some major guest acts for some magical performances. The Grand Final will open with last year's winners, Kalush Orchestra, and a powerful performance titled Voices of a New Generation, which will include their smash hit-winning song Stefania.
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Kalush Orchestra, who won Eurovision 2022, said: "We've been looking forward to performing in Liverpool ever since it was announced as host last year. The city has a world-renowned musical heritage and we're delighted to finally be able to announce what an honour it will be for us to be there."
Sam Ryder will also be making his triumphant return to the Eurovision stage after leading the UK's biggest success in last year's Contest for over two decades. His appearance will be for the first interval performance, during which voting across Europe and the world takes place.
The Eurovision 2022 runner-up said: "What an honour to be invited back to the Eurovision stage for a second time! I can’t wait to be back amongst the beautiful chaos of it all and to watch the incredible artists perform this time around, while bringing you a special performance of our own. Big love!"
During the Eurovision Flag Parade of all 26 Grand Finalists, viewers will be treated to a unique performance by some iconic past Ukrainian Eurovision contestants. GO_A, Jamala, Tina Karol, and Verka Serduchka will all take to the stage.
The final interval act, The Liverpool Songbook, is a celebration of the host city’s incredible contribution to the world of pop music. The BBC have brought together six iconic past Eurovision acts – Italy's Mahmood, Israel's Netta, Iceland's Daði Freyr, Sweden's Cornelia Jakobs, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands – plus Liverpool's very own Sonia, celebrating 30 years since she came second at Eurovision in 1993.
BBC's Director of Unscripted, Kate Phillips, said: "What a way to bring in the winner of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. These live performances, with their twists on iconic Eurovision moments and countless creative collaborations, will ensure that we’re in for an utterly unforgettable Grand Final!"
The Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live on BBC One & BBC iPlayer. Semi-Final 1 is broadcast Tuesday 9 May at 8pm, Semi-Final 2 is broadcast Thursday 11 May at 8pm, and the Grand Final is broadcast on Saturday 13 May at 8pm.
READ NEXT:
- Mae Muller: Who is the Eurovision 2023 UK entry and what is her song?
- Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Who are new hosts Hannah Waddingham and Julia Sanina?
- Eurovision 2023 draw: Why do the UK, France, Spain, Germany and Italy automatically qualify for the final?
- When was Eurovision last held in the UK?
- Cardiff to host official Eurovision finals event
