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Virgin Radio
7 Feb 2024, 16:30
Credit: Eurovision / Rex
Eurovision fever has officially set in and we’re counting down the days until the international singing competition lands in Sweden.
Following the incredible win of Loreen and her electro-pop ballad Tattoo in Liverpool last year, the 2024 contest will land at the Malmo Arena in May, with 37 countries participating.
While we await more details on who to expect to see on the big night, here’s what we know so far about Eurovision 2024!
As with every year, the Eurovision Song Contest is broken down into Semi-Finals and of course, the Grand Final.
The first Semi-Final will be broadcast on Tuesday 7th May, with the second one taking place on Thursday 9th May.
The ‘Big Five’- France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom (alongside Sweden this year) are automatically qualified for the Final as they are the broadcasters who make the biggest financial contributions towards the Contest.
26 countries will then participate in the final on Saturday 11th May at 9pm CEST (7pm UK time).
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will have two very familiar faces at the helm as the Semi-Finals and Finals hosts.
Eurovision veteran Petra Mede, who hosted the 2013 and 2016 contests, is back for her third go, and she’ll be joined by Hollywood actress Malin Åkerman.
Malin, best known for her roles in the likes of 27 Dresses and The Watchmen, revealed her excitement about her Eurovision debut in a statement saying: “I can’t really describe my feelings about this. I am very excited and a little nervous, but in a positive way.
“I have always liked Eurovision and to be a part of this fantastic show together with Petra is a dream come true. Additionally, Petra is one of the funniest women I’ve ever met.”
She’s in good company with Eurovision pro Petra, who said: “Imagine getting the chance to host Eurovision once again! It's such an incredible honour. After first hosting it alone and then together with the delightful Måns Zelmerlöw by my side, I am now really looking forward to working with Malin.
“We don't know each other from before, but we have met a couple of times now, and I'm already completely sold. It's going to be a joy to work with her!”
Years and Years singer Olly Alexander was announced as the UK’s Eurovision entrant back in December.
Olly is already known across Europe for his band Years and Years, which produced hits including Desire, King, and If You’re Over Me. He is also a BAFTA-nominated actor after starring in Channel 4’s hit series It’s A Sin.
Olly teased the release of his entry track, titled Dizzy, first with a weather report with BBC’s own Carol Kirkwood and then with a tantalising clip with the first few lines of the chorus.
“Hello ! here’s the first tease of my @eurovision song ‘Dizzy’ !! oh i’m so excited !!!! i love you !!” the artist wrote in the caption of the clip shared to social media.
Eurovision will once again have a home on the BBC, with all three programmes - both Semi Finals and the Grand Final - broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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