Eurovision 2023 semi-finals: How it works, how many…

Eurovision 2023 semi-finals: How it works, how many acts go through and what is the running order?

Eurovision fever has well and truly swept the United Kingdom with the grand final taking place on Saturday, May 13. This year’s Eurovision Song Contest is being held at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool and will be aired on the BBC.

Ukraine was victorious at the Eurovision Song Contest last year. This usually means that their country hosts the following competition but due to the ongoing war, the UK will do it on their behalf in 2023.

Singer-songwriter Mae Muller represents the UK in the competition this year with her track I Wrote A Song. What do you think of the song? Let us know in the comments.

Ahead of the grand final, there will be some Eurovision semi-finals but how do they work, how many acts go through and what’s the running order? Here’s everything you need to know.

How do the Eurovision semi-finals work?

The first semi-final begins at 8pm on Tuesday, May 9 and, after all 15 acts perform, voting lines open. It will be hosted by Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina. The second airs at the same time with the same presenters on Thursday, May 11.

In a change to the rules this year, the decision rests entirely with the public. Votes from the national juries only come into play during the grand final on Saturday, May 13. Viewers in the UK will not be able to vote in Tuesday's semi-final. They will have to wait until the second semi-final on Thursday to have their say.

This year a 'rest of the world' vote has been introduced so countries not participating can have their say. Those votes will be added up to come from one extra country. And added to those from participating countries.

How many acts go through?

The 10 highest-scoring acts from the countries competing in the first semi-final will go on to the grand final, along with 10 more finalists from the second semi final on Thursday, May 11.

Running order

Eurovision semi-final 1

1. Alessandra - Queen of Kings - Norway

2. The Busker - Dance (Our Own Party) - Malta

3. Luke Black - Samo Mi Se Spava - Serbia

4. Sudden Lights - Aijā - Latvia

5. Mimicat - Ai Coração - Portugal

6. Wild Youth - We Are One - Ireland

7. Let 3 - Mama ŠČ! - Croatia

8. Remo Forrer - Watergun - Switzerland

9. Noa Kirel - Unicorn - Israel

10. Pasha Parfeni - Soarele şi Luna - Moldova

11. Loreen - Tattoo - Sweden

12. TuralTuranX - Tell Me More - Azerbaijan

13. Vesna - My Sister's Crown - Czechia

14. Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper - Burning Daylight - Netherlands

15. Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha - Finland

Eurovision semi final 2

1. Reiley - Breaking My Heart - Denmark

2. . Brunette - Future Lover - Armenia

3. Theodor Andrei - D.G.T. (Off and On) - Romania

4. Alika - Bridges - Estonia

5. Gustaph - Because Of You - Belgium

6. Andrew Lambrou - Break A Broken Heart - Cyprus

7. Diljá - Power - Iceland

8. Victor Vernicos - What They Say - Greece

9. Blanka - Solo - Poland

10. Joker Out - Carpe Diem - Slovenia

11. Iru - Echo - Georgia

12.. Piqued Jacks - Like An Animal - San Marino

13. Teya & Salena - Who The Hell Is Edgar? - Austria

14. Albina & Familja Kelmendi - Duje - Albania

15. Monika Linkytė - Stay - Lithuania

Pre-recorded footage of performances from France, Germany and Italy - who are among the 'Big Five' acts that automatically qualify for the finals each year, along with the previous year's winner - will also be played to the audience in the arena and at home. For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter here.

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