Eurovision: How to catch the semi-finals ahead of the main event
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For the first time since 1998, the United Kingdom will play host to the 2023 contest and will do so on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine who are unable to host due to the ongoing war.
This year marks the 67th edition of the competition as 37 countries compete for the coveted, life changing trophy
All three live Eurovision shows will deliver emotive, exciting and unforgettable moments that underline this year’s contest slogan; United by Music.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Semi-Finals and how to watch and listen to them on the BBC-
The first Eurovision Semi-Final will be broadcast live on Tuesday, May 9 at 8pm (BST) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The second Semi-Final will be broadcast live on Thursday, May 11 at 8pm (BST) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
BBC Radio 2 will also be broadcasting both Eurovision Semi-Finals for the first time this year, on Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm.
Presenting the two live Semi-Finals from Liverpool will be the trio of musical superstars Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Julia Sanina. Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko will be popping up in the live shows, while bringing his expert commentary to Ukrainian audiences from his commentary box in the Liverpool Arena.
Both Semi-Finals will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for the first time, with radio DJs and Eurovision experts, Scott Mills and Rylan bringing UK audiences their colourful and insightful commentary.
Audiences in the UK will not be able to vote in the first Semi-Final but they can vote in the second Semi-Final.
More details regarding the voting procedure can be found at bbc.co.uk/eurovision
The first group of countries who will compete for a place in Saturday’s Grand Final are: Azerbaijan, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland.
The first Semi-Final will open with a film celebrating host city Liverpool and the welcome given to Ukraine. Audiences will witness a young Liverpudlian boy travel across the city telling his family, friends, neighbours (and some special guests!) that the world’s greatest music competition is arriving in his hometown. The film ends live in the arena with host Julia Sanina performing Маяк by her band The Hardkiss. Translating from the Ukrainian for ‘Lighthouse’, the performance – forming part of an incredibly powerful opening act – will symbolise in many ways how the UK is ‘United by Music’ with Ukraine through the hosting the 2023 Contest on behalf of the 2022 winners.
For Semi-Final 1’s interval – during which voting is open (but not for audiences in the UK) – global superstar Rita Ora takes to the stage to deliver a show-stopping medley of some of her biggest hits. Holding the record for the most top 10 singles in the Official Charts by a British female artist and having accumulated 10 billion streams, Rita will also perform the world exclusive of her brand-new single Praising You to millions watching across the globe.
In addition, Ukrainian singer Alyosha – who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2010 – will perform alongside Liverpool’s very own critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter, Rebecca Ferguson. Like many Ukrainian women in 2022, Alyosha was forced to leave her country and loved ones behind to seek refuge; Alyosha will share her personal journey through a new, haunting arrangement of British musical heavyweights Duran Duran’s ‘Ordinary World’. Creatively led and produced by Freckled Sky and TRI.Direction, in partnership with BBC Studios and UA:PBC, Alyosha and Rebecca will tell a story of hope, courage, and support for the people of Ukraine from across the world.
The show also sees Ukrainian Timur Myroshnychenko bring audiences highlights from Sunday’s Turquoise Carpet opening ceremony, plus there will be a fun VT featuring former Eurovision hosts Måns Zelmerlöw and Filomena Cautela going head to head in a game testing their Eurovision knowledge.
The Second Semi-Final sees the remaining 16 countries taking to the stage in the hope of securing a place in Saturday’s Grand Final will be: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, San Marino and Slovenia.
The second Semi-Final will open with a recap of the events of the first Semi-Final, before audiences are treated to an impassioned spoken word piece which powerfully takes everyone through the history of the song contest.
The interval will include a performance titled Music Unites Generations, exploring the connection between generations of Ukrainians and the music they love. Mariya Yaremchuk, who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2014, will lead a contemporary montage of some of the most well-known pieces of music from the country. As the performance travels through time, the piece ends with a stunning collaborative performance from rapper OTOY, 14-year-old Ukrainian Junior Eurovision representative Zlata Dziunka, and Mariya. Together, they show that for generations of Ukrainians, music is the light that overcomes darkness.
Also in the interval, a performance called Be Who You Wanna Be celebrates how Eurovision is a place for everyone – no matter who you are. Three extraordinary drag performers lead into a jaw-dropping routine of high-end pop performances along with a troupe of eclectic dancers.
They represent the huge spectrum of fans – regardless of age, nationality, or background – who revel in being a part of Eurovision every year.
With a medley of fabulous songs and incredible staging, it will prove to be a performance that everyone remembers.
