11 May 2023 , 23:39
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The Eurovision grand final will take place on Saturday, with the 26 countries set to take to the stage at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena now confirmed.
It comes after 15 countries competed in the latest semi-final yesterday evening, with Croatia, Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, Czechia, Israel, Portugal, Sweden, Serbia and Norway securing a place in the final following a public vote.
Denmark, Iceland, Greece, Romania and San Marino were eliminated from the contest last night.
In this year’s final, the 26 countries set to perform include Ukraine, who won the competition last year, the UK as the host, and France, Spain, Germany, and Italy of the big five, a group of countries that automatically qualify for the final. The final will also include ten qualifying entries from each semi-final.
The final will take place on Saturday evening (AFP via Getty Images)Qualifying countries from the first semi-final include Albania, Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
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And the qualifying countries from the second semi-final are Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Israel, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Slovenia, the UK and Ukraine.
If you can't see the poll, click here
The bookies initially marked out a frontrunner in the competition, naming Sweden’s Loreen as a potential winner, due to the fact she took home the Eurovision trophy in 2012 for her performance of ‘Euphoria’.
However, her odds have since been slashed to 8/15. Finland has odds of 5/2, and Ukraine 17/2. The UK’s entry, Mae Muller has odds of 33/1.
Mae Muller's odds have been slashed following the semi-final (Sarah Louise Bennett)Jessica O'Reilly of Ladbrokes said: "The results of the first semi-final have left Mae in a much better position and her odds of winning Eurovision have been slashed accordingly."
The UK has taken over hosting duties this year, as last year’s winner, Ukraine, is unable to host the contest in their own country due to the Russian invasion, with Eurovision organisers deeming it unsafe.
After the BBC agreed to host the contest, Liverpool was picked as the host city, beating a shortlist of other UK cities, including Manchester, Glasgow and Sheffield.
The Kalush Orchestra, representing Ukraine, won last year's contest (Getty Images)Speaking about why the city had been chosen, BBC’s Director General, Tim Davie, said: "Congratulations to Liverpool. They will be an amazing host for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Liverpool is such an exciting, warm and vibrant city.
"It's the undisputed capital of pop music and is celebrating the 65th anniversary of its twinning with the Ukrainian city of Odesa.
"I know the people of Liverpool will welcome Europe – and the rest of the world – with open arms, and in partnership we will create something truly special."
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