Eurovision season is officially on after the official handover of the contest to Liverpool and the draw for this year's semi finals.
It's hard to believe, but it's already been nine months since the eyes of the world were on Turin as Italy hosted last year's event, following Maneskin's victory in 2021. The Eurovision 2022 title went the way of Ukraine as they received the firm backing of viewers across the world in the country and leapfrogged United Kingdom's Sam Ryder to win.
After the conflict in Ukraine, brought about by the Russian invasion at the start of last year, the European Broadcasting Union decided that it wouldn't be possible for the winning nation to host this year's competition, with it being decided between the EBU and BBC that the UK would take it on, honouring Ukraine with their staging of the event.
READ MORE: When is Eurovision 2023? Liverpool gears up to host contest for UK and Ukraine
After they beat the likes of runner up Glasgow and other contenders like Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, there now there are just a few months until Liverpool welcomes delegations from across Europe for Eurovision 2023.
This week, the theme for this year - United in Music - was unveiled as banners went up across the city, before the official handover. And the other big business to take care of on Tuesday was the semi final draw.
The big five: United Kingdom, France, Germany Spain and Italy automatically go through to the final, along with reigning champions Ukraine.
Germany , Italy and France will vote in the semi final and Ukraine, Spain and United Kingdom will vote in the second semi final.
Eurovision 2023 semi final draw
Eurovision semi final 1
The countries competing on Tuesday, May 9 are:
First half
Serbia
Latvia
Ireland
Norway
Portugal
Croatia
Malta
Second half
Sweden
Moldova
Switzerland
Israel
Netherlands
Finland
Azerbaijan
Czech Republic
Eurovision semi final 2
The countries competing on Thursday, May 11 are:
First half
Armenia
Cyprus
Romania
Denmark
Belgium
Iceland
Greece
Estonia
Second half
Albania
Australia
Austria
Lithuania
San Marino
Slovenia
Georgia
Poland
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