The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is now within touching distance and following two spectacular semi-finals, we now have our 2023 finalists. Twenty-six (26) different artists and bands will take to the stage on Saturday night (May 13) for a dazzling night of entertainment to be watched by millions around the world.
And for the first time in 25 years, the contest is going to be held right here in the UK. Last year's winners Ukraine would have traditionally hosted this year's event after Kalush Orchestra stormed to victory in both emotional and joyful scenes in Turin back in May 2022.
But the ongoing Russian invasion resulted in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) deciding it was not a 'viable option' for the country to host the contest. And with the UK's entry Sam Ryder coming second at last year's event, the broadcaster decided we would be the best fit to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on Ukraine's behalf.
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And after months of planning, which included, a tight bidding process with the likes of Glasgow and Manchester vying to be the host city of the massive annual event, the final of Eurovision 2023 will take place in Liverpool, specifically at the M&S Bank Arena, this weekend.
On Tuesday evening (May 9) during the first semi-final, the first ten countries to join the "big five" - France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK - in the grand final were revealed after 15 countries battled it out for a place. A further 16 countries then took to the stage in Liverpool on Thursday night (May 11) as the final entries for the 2023 contest were confirmed.
The full list of countries taking part in the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, as well as their acts and songs, are:
- United Kingdom: Mae Muller - I Wrote A Song
- France: La Zarra - Évidemment
- Germany: Lord Of The Lost - Blood & Glitter
- Spain: Blanca Paloma - Ea Ea
- Italy: Marco Mengoni - Due Vite
- Ukraine: Tvorchi - Heart Of Steel
- Croatia: Let 3 – Mama ŠČ!
- Moldova: Pasha Parfeni - Soarele și Luna
- Switzerland: Remo Forrer - Watergun
- Finland: Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha
- Czechia: Vesna - Tell Me More
- Israel: Noa Kirel - Unicorn
- Portugal: Mimicat - Ai Coração
- Sweden: Loreen - Tattoo
- Serbia: Luke Black - Samo Mi Se Spava
- Norway: Alessandra - Queen of Kings
- Albania: Alba & Familja Kelmendi
- Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou - Break a Broken Heart
- Estonia: Alika - Bridges
- Belgium: Gustaph - Because of You
- Austria: Teya & Salena - Who The Hell Is Edgar?
- Lithuania: Monika Linkyte - Stay
- Poland: Blanka - Solo
- Australia: Voyager - Promise
- Armenia: Brunette - Future Lover
- Slovenia: Joker Out - Carpe Diem
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