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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Kieran Isgin

The acts performing during Eurovision 2023 semi-final 1 intervals

It's not too long now until we will get to watch the Eurovision Song Contest grand final.

However, before that point, we will get to watch a handful of acts battle out in the semi-finals. The contest consists of two semi-final events which will decide who makes it to the grand final.

The first is taking place tonight (May 9) while the second will take place on Thursday, May 11. While the main attraction for these events is the competing acts representing their countries, there will be additional entertainment for all audiences via the intervals.

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Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, says: “There won’t be a moment to miss during these very entertaining and very tense Semi-Finals. Good luck to all the countries involved as they compete for a place in what’s going to be an unforgettable Grand Final.”

These interval performances will be made up of some familiar faces including Rita Ora and Rebecca Ferguson. Viewers are being urged to keep an eye on their small screens so they don't miss the performances during the intervals.

Who will be performing in the first semi-finals intervals?

The first semi-final will kick off with host Julia Sanina performing with her band The Hardkiss. The band will open with part of the song ‘Маяк’ and will symbolise in many ways how the UK is ‘United by Music’ with Ukraine through hosting the 2023 Contest on behalf of the 2022 winners.

The Hardkiss, who are one of the biggest bands in Ukraine, represented the country in the 2016 contest and narrowly missed out on winning.

During the first interview pop star Rita Ora will deliver a performance of some of her biggest hits including the world exclusive of her brand-new single Praising You. Meanwhile, Ukrainian singer Alyosha, who represented Ukraine in Eurovision in 2010, will perform alongside Liverpool artist Rebecca Ferguson.

It is understood that Alyosha will share her story of being forced to leave Ukraine following Russia's invasion through a rendition of Duran Duran's Ordinary World.

Ukranian singer Alyosha (Andy Von Pip/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)

This year's Eurovision Song Contest festivities kicked off on Sunday when the 37 competing acts took to a turquoise carpet welcome ceremony.

Mae Muller, 25, will compete for the UK with her track I Wrote A Song.

The Eurovision semi-finals will be broadcast on BBC One on Tuesday and Thursday, with the grand final taking place on Saturday from 8pm.

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