We couldn't be more proud and excited to give our audiences such a huge array of world class Eurovision content. It's an honour for the BBC to host the show on behalf of Ukraine, and we're committed to do them proud. The level of collaboration and coordination across so much of the output is truly amazing. Let the Eurovision Song Contest begin!
This year's Eurovision Song Contest promises to be unlike any other for audiences in the UK with an array of captivating content set to air right across the BBC.
For the first time since 1998, the United Kingdom will play host to the 2023 contest and will do so on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine who are unable to host due to the ongoing war. This year marks the 67th edition of the competition as 37 countries compete for the coveted, life changing trophy.
With both Semi-Finals and the Grand Final broadcasting live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for the first time ever, the BBC will also deliver wall to wall entertainment for new and existing fans with a raft of additional programming across TV, BBC iPlayer, radio, BBC Sounds and online to celebrate the world’s biggest music show.
Highlights include The One Show and BBC Breakfast broadcasting live from Liverpool all week; Radio 2 will become the home of Eurovision on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds with programmes building excitement throughout the week. Scott Mills and Rylan bring their sharp witted commentary to the network for the Grand Final with Paddy O’ Connell on duty for the Semi-Finals as Radio 2 broadcast these all important qualifiers for the first time ever. There will be a legendary Eurovision figure making an appearance in Albert Square; scouse commentary courtesy of BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Three takes audiences back to last year’s nail-biting Grand Final in Turin.
Both Semi-Finals broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer will be presented by Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham with Eurovision legend Graham Norton joining the musical trio on stage for the Grand Final. Rylan and Scott Mills will provide commentary for audiences on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for both Semi-Finals, with Mel Giedroyc and Graham stepping into the commentary box for the Grand Final.
The live shows will also feature specially commissioned films and electrifying performances from music icons such as Rita Ora, 2022 Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra, the UK’s out of this world 2022 star Sam Ryder, Liverpool’s very own Rebecca Ferguson, 2010 Ukrainian entry Alyosha, icons of Eurovision and many, many more.
Kate Phillips, BBC Director of Unscripted says: “We couldn't be more proud and excited to give our audiences such a huge array of world class Eurovision content. It's an honour for the BBC to host the show on behalf of Ukraine, and we're committed to do them proud. The level of collaboration and coordination across so much of the output is truly amazing. Let the Eurovision Song Contest begin!”
The Grand Final and both Semi-Finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be produced by BBC Studios. BBC Eurovision coverage is commissioned by Kate Phillips, Director of BBC Unscripted. The Managing Director for the BBC is Martin Green CBE and the Lead Commissioner for the BBC is Rachel Ashdown. For BBC Studios, Andrew Cartmell is Executive Producer and Lee Smithurst is Head of Show. Lead Creative Director is Dan Shipton and Creative Director for UA:PBC is German Nenov.
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Eurovision Live Shows
Presenters and Commentators
On stage to present the Grand Final to a global audience will be Eurovision legend Graham Norton, singer-songwriter and TV presenter, Alesha Dixon, Emmy Award-winning actress, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer-songwriter, and frontwoman of The HARDKISS, Julia Sanina.
Presenting the two live Semi-Finals (Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 May) from Liverpool will be the trio of musical superstars Alesha, Hannah and Julia. Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko will be popping up in the live shows, while bringing his expert commentary to Ukrainian audiences from his commentary box in the Liverpool Arena.
For the Grand Final commentary on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc will take turns in the box to bring audiences their unique and expert views on the 2023 acts.
Both Semi-Finals will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for the first time, with radio DJs and Eurovision experts, Scott Mills and Rylan bringing UK audiences their colourful and insightful commentary.
The Shows
All three live shows will deliver emotive, exciting and unforgettable moments that underline this year’s contest slogan; United by Music.
Eurovision Semi-Final 1
8pm (BST) Tuesday 9th May 2023
The first Semi-Final will be broadcast live on Tuesday 9 May 2023 at 8pm (BST) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and will open with a film celebrating host city Liverpool and the welcome given to Ukraine. Audiences will witness a young Liverpudlian boy travel across the city telling his family, friends, neighbours (and some special guests!) that the world’s greatest music competition is arriving in his hometown. The film ends live in the arena with host Julia Sanina performing Маяк by her band The Hardkiss. Translating from the Ukrainian for Lighthouse, the performance – forming part of an incredibly powerful opening act – will symbolise in many ways how the UK is United by Music with Ukraine through the hosting the 2023 Contest on behalf of the 2022 winners.
For Semi-Final 1’s interval – during which voting is open (but not for audiences in the UK) – global superstar Rita Ora takes to the stage to deliver a show-stopping medley of some of her biggest hits. Holding the record for the most top 10 singles in the Official Charts by a British female artist and having accumulated 10 billion streams, Rita will also perform the world exclusive of her brand-new single Praising You to millions watching across the globe.
In addition, Ukrainian singer Alyosha – who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2010 – will perform alongside Liverpool’s very own critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter, Rebecca Ferguson. Like many Ukrainian women in 2022, Alyosha was forced to leave her country and loved ones behind to seek refuge; Alyosha will share her personal journey through a new, haunting arrangement of British musical heavyweights Duran Duran’s Ordinary World. Creatively led and produced by Freckled Sky and TRI.Direction, in partnership with BBC Studios and UA:PBC, Alyosha and Rebecca will tell a story of hope, courage, and support for the people of Ukraine from across the world.
The show also sees Ukrainian Timur Myroshnychenko bring audiences highlights from Sunday’s Turquoise Carpet opening ceremony, plus there will be a fun VT featuring former Eurovision hosts Måns Zelmerlöw and Filomena Cautela going head to head in a game testing their Eurovision knowledge.
The first group of countries who will compete for a place in Saturday’s Grand Final are: Azerbaijan, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland.
Audiences in the UK will not be able to vote in this Semi-Final.
Eurovision Semi-Final 2
8pm (BST), Thursday 11 May 2023
The second Semi-Final will be broadcast live on Thursday 11 May 2023 at 8pm (BST) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and will open with a recap of the events of the first Semi-Final, before audiences are treated to an impassioned spoken word piece which powerfully takes everyone through the history of the song contest.
The interval will include a performance titled Music Unites Generations, exploring the connection between generations of Ukrainians and the music they love. Mariya Yaremchuk, who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2014, will lead a contemporary montage of some of the most well-known pieces of music from the country. As the performance travels through time, the piece ends with a stunning collaborative performance from rapper OTOY, 14-year-old Ukrainian Junior Eurovision representative Zlata Dziunka, and Mariya. Together, they show that for generations of Ukrainians, music is the light that overcomes darkness.
Also in the interval, a performance called Be Who You Wanna Be celebrates how Eurovision is a place for everyone – no matter who you are. Three extraordinary drag performers lead into a jaw-dropping routine of high-end pop performances along with a troupe of eclectic dancers. They represent the huge spectrum of fans – regardless of age, nationality, or background – who revel in being a part of Eurovision every year. With a medley of fabulous songs and incredible staging, it will prove to be a performance that everyone remembers.
The remaining 16 countries taking to the stage in the hope of securing a place in Saturday’s Grand Final will be: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, San Marino and Slovenia.
The show will also see Timur and Graham Norton, who have nearly 30 years of Eurovision commentating experience between them, check in with the hosts live and discuss the building excitement of Saturday’s Grand Final.
During the show, UK audiences will be able to vote for who they want to see go through to the Grand Final.
Eurovision 2023 Grand Final
8pm (BST), Saturday 13 May 2023
Performing in the Grand Final will be all the acts who successfully made it through their respective Semi-Finals along with the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy who make up the Big Five. Joining them will be last year’s winner Ukraine who also automatically qualify.
The show will open with last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra and a powerful performance titled Voices of a New Generation. Kalush Orchestra captured the hearts of Eurovision audiences around the world last year – they're back to kick off the 2023 Grand Final with a performance that's sure to be unforgettable including their smash hit winning song Stefania.
During the Eurovision Flag Parade of all 26 Grand Finalists, everyone will be treated to a unique performance by some iconic past Ukrainian Eurovision contestants. Get ready for a new twist on their Eurovision entries weaved with British classics when GO_A, Jamala, Tina Karol, and Verka Serducha take to the stage and remind everyone why they became much deserved Eurovision icons.
For the first interval performance, during which voting across Europe and the world takes place, the UK’s very own spaceman Sam Ryder will make his triumphant return to the Eurovision stage after leading the UK’s biggest success in last year’s Contest for over two decades. With his achievements since his stratospheric Eurovision 2022 performance of SPACE MAN including a UK number 1 debut album, a nomination for Best Breakthrough Act at the BRITs, and a spot on the line-up for the Platinum Party at the Palace for last year’s Platinum Jubilee, Grand Final viewers can expect an incredible sight guaranteed to surprise.
The final interval act The Liverpool Songbook, is a celebration of the host city’s incredible contribution to the world of pop music. The BBC have brought together six iconic past Eurovision acts – Israel's Netta, Italy's Mahmood, Iceland's Daði Freyr, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands, Sweden's Cornelia Jakobs and Liverpool's very own Sonia, celebrating 30 years since she came second at Eurovision in 1993.
Liverpool has produced some of the world’s most famous and beloved songs in history: these Eurovision legends will all put their own spin on some classic hits.
Films featured in the Grand Final include a look back to the spectacular Junior Eurovision Song Contest which took place in Armenia last December, while another reinforces what is at stake for this year’s Grand Final contestants, as audiences witness how the contest continues to create the world’s musical mega-stars. Representing the United Kingdom in the 2023 Grand Final will be singer-songwriter Mae Muller with her track ‘I Wrote A Song’. Following a random draw for hosts United Kingdom and Ukraine, Mae will be closing the show in 26th position whilst Ukraine’s entry Tvorchi with their song ‘Heart of Steel’ will perform in 19th position in the Grand Final itself. The remainder of the running order of the Grand Final will be determined once the Semi-Finals are concluded.
The result of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final will be decided by juries and viewers watching at home. Votes will come from a jury of five music professionals in each of the 37 countries taking part as well as from the audience, which for the first time will include non-competing ‘rest of the world’ countries.
BSL translation will be available during the live show via BBC iPlayer.
Eurovison Voting procedure
After audiences have cast their Grand Final votes, each national spokesperson from the 37 participating countries will present the points of their professional jury live to the world.
After the presentation of the scores from the juries, the televoting points from all participating countries, and for the first time the rest of the world, will be combined – providing one score for each song. These televoting results will then be announced by the hosts building towards a dramatic climax as the winner of Eurovision 2023 is announced. More details regarding the voting procedure can be found at bbc.co.uk/eurovision
Additional Programming
Get Your Eurovision On! - BBC iPlayer
BBC Eurovision Commentator for over 10 years Scott Mills loves the annual song contest and in this special compilation he is joined by EastEnders’s star, Natalie Cassidy for a celebration of the pure joy, unity and downright banging tunes that is… Eurovision.
They will delve in to some of the most iconic performances and look back at incredible staging, memorable moments and of course costume.
Between them, Scott and Natalie will celebrate some of the biggest Eurovision moments of the past 20 years, and beyond, while looking forward to this year’s competition in Liverpool.
Whether a diehard Eurovision fan or new to the competition, Get your Eurovision On! will have audiences bopping away to some of the best moments from the greatest show on earth.
Get Your Eurovision On! is produced by Rex TV, part of Zinc Media Group, for BBC iPlayer.
Eurovision Song Contest’s Turquoise Carpet - EBU YouTube, Sunday 7 May
The Turquoise Carpet Opening Ceremony is a highly anticipated event in the lead up to the Eurovision Song Contest, and this year's promises to be no exception.
Hosted at Liverpool's historic St George's Hall, the event will see Liverpool's own Sam Quek and Ukrainian Eurovision legend Timur Miroshnychenko welcome all 37 acts to the city. Exclusive coverage is available on EBU YouTube on Sunday 7 May, and highlights will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer the following evening, Monday 8 May. The event is the perfect introduction to the upcoming week of festivities.
Sam and Timur will be on hand to get to know the performers and share the latest backstage gossip, making this a must-watch event for Eurovision fans around the world.
Eurovision Song Contest’s Turquoise Carpet is a EOne production for the BBC.
Eurovision Welcomes The World - BBC One / BBC iPlayer, Monday 8 May
Join hosts Rylan and Liverpool born actress Sunetra Sarker as they kick off the week of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The pair have an access all areas pass to the Turquoise Carpet Opening Ceremony plus they will bring audiences highlights of The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome – a one of a kind outdoor event to mark the start of Liverpool’s big Eurovision week taking place on Sunday 7 May.
Over this hour long show there will be a chance for audiences to get to know the acts competing to follow in 2022 winners Kalush Orchestra’s footsteps, plus there will be music and jaw-dropping performances as the city kicks off the Eurovision celebrations with the specially curated outdoor spectacular.
Eurovision Welcomes The World is a EOne production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Eurovision Calling: Jason and Chelcee’s Ultimate Guide, BBC One / BBC iPlayer, Monday 8 May
Comedian Jason Manford and singer-songwriter Chelcee Grimes present Eurovision Calling: Jason and Chelcee’s Ultimate Guide. This entertainment programme will see the pair explore why the Eurovision Song Contest is the greatest show on Earth. Using a mix of fascinating archive footage and revealing interviews with fans, experts and competitors, this one hour film will delve into the story of how the Contest has become the world’s largest live music event, creating global superstars and leaving an impact on the lives of many.
Sharing their own exclusive personal experiences of the Eurovision Song Contest with Jason will be Sam Ryder who came second in 2022’s contest and Katrina Leskanich from Katrina and the Waves, the UK’s last Eurovision Song Contest winner from 1997, plus Jason meets Mae Muller who is representing the UK in Liverpool.
Liverpudlian singer-songwriter Chelcee will join forces with Jason to provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Eurovision Song Contest preparations, as well as revealing some little-known facts about the event. Chelcee will take audiences to Liverpool to meet the team getting the arena ready for Eurovision 2023 and visit Sweden to find out just how popular the Contest is there. Plus Jason meets a family from Newcastle who tell them just what the contest means to them and a group of LGBTQI fans from Manchester who talk about the impact the contest has had on them.
Eurovision Calling: Jason and Chelcee’s Ultimate Guide is a Little Gem production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Eurovision: Everyone’s A Winner - BBC One / BBC iPlayer, Friday 12 May
From Liverpool's world-famous waterfront, Fleur East presents a special Top 20 Eurovision Countdown - songs that missed out on the big prize but still went on to become monster hits.
Compiled by combining worldwide online streaming and viewing figures, Fleur reveals the Eurovision entries watched and listened to in their millions.
Sam Ryder's Space Man came second in the 2022 Contest but will it make our countdown? All is revealed to studio guests, UK 2018 entrant SuRie, BBC Radio 1's Dean McCullough and 'Dr Eurovision' Paul Jordan who, incredibly, has a PhD in Eurovision Studies. Plus a host of Eurovision super-fans including Scott Mills, Claire Sweeney and Owain Wyn Evans, join the fun as the hits keep coming.
Featuring sultry pop divas from Cyprus and Spain, a tender tearjerker from Germany, a dancing ape from Italy and a surprise Number 1, it's the show where, thanks to the amazing power of Eurovision, everyone's a winner.
Eurovision: Everyone’s A Winner is a Shearwater Media production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Across the UK
As well as the raft of programming set to be delivered by the BBC, a number of UK cities will also join the Eurovision Song Contest party by staging their own live events.
Offering a fantastic opportunity for thousands of people to come together and be United by Music each city will host large scale official screenings of the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final 2023.
Those confirmed so far to hold official screenings are: Birmingham, Brighton, Cardiff, Darlington, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield. More are set to be confirmed over the coming weeks.
In addition to the live city events, the Grand Final is also set to be shown live in over 500 cinema screens across the UK.
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 is the home of Eurovision 2023 on UK radio, with programmes across the network covering the news and building up to the excitement of the live Eurovision Grand Final which will be hosted this year on Radio 2 by Rylan and Scott Mills.
Continuing what has become a touching annual tradition, Scott and Rylan will toast broadcasting legend Sir Terry Wogan, former Radio 2 presenter and Eurovision commentator, before contestant number nine’s performance.
Rylan says: “Eurovision is my favourite time of the year, I cannot wait! And I’m so excited and absolutely buzzing to be hosting the Eurovision Grand Final on Radio 2, the biggest and best music event in the world, with my partner-in-crime Scott Mills. We can’t wait to bring listeners closer to the action than ever before, with all the fun, excitement and backstage gossip from what promises to be an unforgettable night.”
Scott says: “I can’t begin to describe how excited I am to be presenting the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Radio 2. I’ve had the great pleasure of being involved with Eurovision in various ways over the years, from commentating alongside Graham Norton to singing karaoke with the contestants, but presenting from the Grand Final in Liverpool is the ultimate childhood dream come true. Rylan and I will be going all out so please come and join the party live on Radio 2!”
Paddy says: “I’m walking on sunshine to join Radio 2 live in Liverpool hosting the Eurovision semi-finals. Sam Ryder broke the UK Eurovision spell last year and I hope it’s magic for Mae in 2023.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be a very special event and who better to host Radio 2’s coverage of the Grand Final than our very own Scott and Rylan. And I’m delighted that for the first time, Radio 2 will be bringing our listeners all the drama and fun from the semi-finals, hosted by Paddy O’Connell. With years of Eurovision experience under his belt, Paddy is the perfect guide for fans and also those who may be discovering Eurovision for the first time.”
In addition to live commentary there are a selection of specials already available exclusively on BBC Sounds as part of the Celebrating Eurovision season.
Laura Busson, Radio 2 Commissioning Executive, says: “As the radio home of Eurovision in the UK, BBC Radio 2 is going to be building up the excitement to the Grand Final with a packed schedule of Eurovision programming across the network and on BBC Sounds. The Radio 2 listeners and Eurovision have such a rich history so we’re delighted to deliver so many Eurovision treats to our audience who have loved listening to and watching the contest for decades. Do tune into Paddy during the Semi-Finals, and Rylan and Scott broadcasting live from the Grand Final in Liverpool.”
The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show
From Tuesday 9 May to Thursday 11 May, The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show celebrates Eurovision, with Zoe in London and Richie Anderson in Liverpool. Richie will be broadcasting from iconic locations across the city, meeting Eurovision legends and local super-fans.
Then on Friday 12 May Zoe and the team will be live from the centre of Liverpool ahead of a huge weekend for the city. Zoe will be joined by a host of special guests including Eurovision legends, super-fans and some of those involved in this year's contest. Richie Anderson will be out and about, meeting people from across the continent and beyond who have travelled to Liverpool to join the party. Whether or not Richie will be dressed in an inflatable spacesuit is yet to be confirmed! A BBC Audio production.
Jeremy Vine
The Jeremy Vine Show will come live from Liverpool on Friday 12 May and look at what the event means to Ukraine and Ukrainians who have fled the war to come here. Jeremy will get the latest from Kyiv and talk to Ukrainian musicians such as Kalush Orchestra, those who have had to settle in the UK to escape the conflict and charities in Liverpool who are helping them. A BBC Audio production.
Scott Mills
Scott Mills will be broadcasting his show live from Liverpool on Wednesday 10 May and Friday 12 May with Richie Anderson in the hot seat presenting the show on Tuesday 9 May and Thursday 11 May (as Scott prepares to host the live Semi-Finals on BBC One and BBC iPlayer with Rylan).
Scott will be bringing all the gossip from the Semi-Finals as well as soaking up the city’s excitement. Expect to hear from contestants, fans and - no doubt - Scott’s Eurovision husband, Rylan! A BBC Audio production
Michelle Visage
Michelle Visage is obsessed with Eurovision; the frocks, the hair, the dancing, the drama! Hear for yourself as this Eurovision-eve (Friday 12 May) Michelle is going all out with the celebrations. For her Handbag Hits in the final half-hour of the show, Michelle will be playing non-stop Eurovision bops, ending with a dramatic Eurovision edition of Lip Sync anthem. As Michelle says every week: wherever you lay your handbag, that is your dance floor! A Mostest Productions production
Eurovision Super Saturday (13 May)
Dermot O’Leary (8am-10am)
In the build up to the Eurovision Grand Final across the day on Radio 2, Dermot - welcomes the United Kingdom’s 1969 Eurovision winner, Lulu, into the studio. She was actually the joint winner that year, with Boom Bang-a-Bang, sharing the honour with three other countries! An Ora et Labora production
Claudia Winkleman (10am-1pm)
Ahead of the big night in Liverpool, Claudia builds up to the Grand Final with the best music and some very special guests. A TBI Media production
Your Ultimate UK Eurovision Song (1-3pm)
It’s the UK Eurovision songs you never got to vote for, because we aren’t allowed to vote for our own entry… until now!
The UK has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest a total of 64 times. In those years, we’ve witnessed iconic performances such as Lulu’s Boom Bang-a-Bang in 1969, Bucks Fizz with Making Your Mind Up in 1981, Katrina and the Waves with Love Shine a Light in 1997 and, most recently, Sam Ryder took second place at the 2022 Contest with his (inter)stellar performance of Space Man.
In March, Radio 2 listeners were asked to cast up to five votes for their favourite songs of all the UK entrants that have competed in the Eurovision final since our first entry back in 1957 (with the exception of the cancelled 2020 contest and the 2023 entry). Today Steve Wright counts down the Top 40 songs as voted for by the public, unveiling Your Ultimate UK Eurovision Song in a programme offering listeners the chance to relive the music, memories and moments from past Eurovision contests.. A BBC Audio Production. This programme will be available on BBC Sounds from Monday 24th April.
Sophie Ellis Bextor’s Eurovision Kitchen Disco (3-6pm)
Eurovision super-fan and Kitchen Disco Queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor brings you three hours of the best music from everyone’s favourite song contest. In the first hour, she’ll be playing wall-to-wall Eurovision winning songs – nothing but the champions! Featuring Månaskin, Netta, Måns Zelmerlöw, Conchita, Lordi, Alexander Rybak and loads more.
In the second hour, Sophie shines a spotlight on the most famous names to compete in the contest, with classic entries from Celine Dion, ABBA, Olivia Newton-John, Jedward, Blue, Bucks Fizz… and Flo Rida!
And in the third hour, Sophie is celebrating the songs that came oh so close to victory, as she plays the very best second place finishers in Eurovision history. Featuring Sam Ryder, Mahmood, Eleni Foureira, The Common Linnets, Barbara Pravi and many more. A Listen production.
All Request Eurovision Party (6-8pm)
Richie Anderson gets the UK ready for the Grand Final live as he plays two hours of Eurovision party requests from listeners. He’ll be hearing from parties, large and small, happening across the country before handing over to Scott Mills and Rylan in Liverpool. A BBC Audio production.
Eurovision Grand Final (8pm until the Grand Final finishes)
Eurovision super-fans, Rylan and Scott Mills, will be live from Liverpool bringing the glitz and glamour of the Grand Final to BBC Radio 2.
Scott Mills has been part of the BBC’s Eurovision team since 2011, when he commentated on the Semi-Finals live from Düsseldorf. Broadcaster Rylan has been involved in the contest since Lisbon 2018 – he also hosted this year’s Allocation Draw live from Liverpool in January. Both are life-long Eurovision fans and even have their own handbook, for tips and tricks behind the scenes at the contest.
It will be the culmination of a week in the city for Scott and Rylan, as they are also hosting both the Semi-Finals live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Meanwhile Scott’s afternoon show on Radio 2 will be broadcast live from Liverpool from Tuesday to Friday (2-4pm) that week. A BBC Audio production.
OJ’s Eurovision After Party (approx. 11.20pm-2am)
The results might be in, but once the Grand Final has finished the Eurovision party continues with O.J. Borg with a show which will be simulcast with BBC Radio Merseyside. OJ will be making the most of this historic event, playing the hits of Eurovision past and present, and speaking to fans at the heart of the action in Liverpool and across the country. A Mostest Productions production.
Across the BBC - TV and BBC iPlayer
BBC One
BBC Breakfast
BBC Breakfast will be live from Liverpool from Tuesday 9 May until Sunday 14 May. There will be reporters live from the waterfront, soaking up the atmosphere at the Eurovision Village and Liverpool Arena ahead of the live shows. The famous red sofa will be on location outside the Liverpool Museum on Friday 12 May and Saturday 13 May , with Charlie Stayt co-presenting from the city. In addition, there will be a special live event planned at a Liverpool music venue with Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg, and weather presenter Carol Kirkwood will be giving the forecast from the Liver Building and the River Mersey.
Morning Live
Morning Live will be helping the audience get in to the Eurovision spirit with a mix of stories, lives on location and a very special Eurovision takeover of Strictly Fitness, headed up by Ukrainian Strictly star Nikita Kuzmin. In addition to teaching Eurovision fitness each morning, Nikita will be presenting filmswhich explore how Eurovision Song Contest is bringing communities together. He’ll be meeting Ukrainians who have settled just down the road from the host city in Stalybridge and he’ll be chatting to fans ahead of each semi-final. Fresh from the Eurovision Turquoise carpet on May 7th, Sam Quek is co-hosting alongside Gethin Jones as we go live to various locations across the UK to see how the nation’s getting ready for the musical extravaganza. Plus we’re also filming with students and staff at a Liverpool school which helped the city in their hosting bid. The pupils there will be treating us to a special performance of “Imagine” and looking at how the deaf community will be enjoying the music event.
The One Show
The One Show will be relocating to Liverpool to become the official opening act for Eurovision!
Every night from Tuesday 9 May through to the Saturday night Grand Final on 13 May. The One Show will have a special week of Eurovision programmes - presented by Alex Jones and Ronan Keating from Tuesday to Thursday titled The One Show at Eurovision, followed by Alex and Rylan on Friday, raising the curtain with a brilliant mix of guests on the sofa, exclusive behind the scenes action, films shot around the UK, and live link ups to fans across the country. In a special one-off, The One Show will be broadcast live on a Saturday evening as Eurovision Countdown with The One Show is broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, Saturday 13 May from 7.30pm.
EastEnders
Cheryl Baker, who rose to fame alongside her fellow members of The Fizz (formerly known as Bucks Fizz) after they were crowned winners of the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1981, is set to arrive in Walford as herself as the residents of Albert Square celebrate the highly-anticipated arrival of the contest in the UK, but why she ends up in Albert Square is yet to be revealed...
Speaking on her guest appearance, Cheryl said: “I was so thrilled to be asked to take part in an episode of EastEnders. It’s a British institution, for goodness sake! As a real-life ‘Eastender’, I have loved the show since day one and I literally can’t wipe the smile from my face.”
Bargain Hunt
On the red team is Cheryl Baker, who shot to stardom in a skirt ripping performance of Making Your Mind Up with Bucks Fizz back in 1981. Cheryl is paired with 2018 entrant SuRie who put in an impressive Eurovision performance with her song Storm.
Battling against them on the blue team are Carrie Grant, who was part of vocal trio ‘Sweet Dreams’ at Eurovision 1983 and has since headed up the UK’s Eurovision jury. She’s joined by The X-Factor finalist and soul singer Andy Abraham, who represented the UK in 2008.
Each team has £300 to spend at Sandown Park Antiques fair in Surrey where, guided by experts Charles Hanson and Thomas Forrester, they must choose three items to sell at auction. Who will make the most profit and win this Eurovision extravaganza?
Saturday Kitchen
Saturday Kitchen Live join the Eurovision celebrations on the morning of the Grand Final with a special show. Host Matt Tebbutt will be joined by an international line-up of chefs from Eurovision Nations. Representing Ukraine is Olia Hercules, Niklas Ekstedt is flying the flag for Sweden and former Eurovision hopeful Donal Skehan is up for Ireland. They are all showcasing their home style delights, with plenty of mouth-watering recipes, perfect for any Eurovision party!
Olly Smith will be on hand with drinks from across Europe and maybe even something (Bucks) Fizzy to really get that party started. It’s a big douze points from us!
Pointless Celebrities: Eurovision Special
This Pointless Celebrities Eurovision Special features a host of Eurovision faces competing not only for a charity prize but to get their hands on that coveted Pointless trophy. The four iconic pairs taking on the Pointless column are Eurovision Handover and Allocation Draw presenter AJ Odudu and Radio 2's travel presenter and Eurovision super-fan Richie Anderson; Icelandic competitor Daði Freyr and Swedish winner Måns Zelmerlöw; Irish winners Linda Martin and Eimear Quinn and Antony Costa from Blue (Eurovision 2011), a longtime friend of the show, with Jay Aston of The Fizz, who, as a member of Bucks Fizz took home the trophy in 1981.
The show is presented by Alexander Armstrong and Eurovision super-fan Richard Osman. Tune in to enjoy some nuggets of impressively obscure Eurovision trivia and see Eurovision royalty, Graham Norton, pop up with some special questions. Join us for this Pointless celebration of all things Eurovision.
The Hit List: Eurovision Special
The Hit List - returns for a very special episode to celebrate all things Eurovision! Marvin and Rochelle Humes host this exciting music quiz which is jam-packed with the biggest Eurovision and chart hits. Three teams will be hoping to avoid nul points, as they take on a range of Eurovision related rounds - from contest winning hits to tangentially themed tracks!
In a first for The Hit List, three celebrities will be teamed with Eurovision super-fans. Returning to The Hit List are former champions Scott Mills and Clara Amfo, who will be joined by fellow DJ Adele Roberts, along with their Eurovision loving teammates Coinneach, Katie and Amy. There’ll be Eurovision hits, trivia, and one epic battle across four nail biting rounds as the teams compete for the chance to win a whopping £10,000 for charity!
BBC Two
Between The Covers
Sara Cox is joined in each episode by a panel of four famous guests to discuss a newly published book which deserves to be put in the spotlight. The books are a carefully selected mix of genres that aims to include something for everyone. Each guest also has a BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) guaranteed to spark a discussion.
This year, as Liverpool and the UK prepare to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on behalf of Ukraine, each episode of the series features a novel set in a Eurovision country. First airing in March, Between The Covers is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
BBC Three
Eurovision Song Contest 2022 - A rewatch of last year’s sensational Turin Grand Final show on Friday 5 May to get everyone into the Eurovision spirit and building anticipation for a big week of Eurovision fun.
Then BBC Three have all you need to get into the Eurovision spirit the eve of the 2023 Grand Final (Friday 12 May) with a flurry of watch again treats.
First broadcast in February, Rylan and AJ Odudu launch 2023's exciting Eurovision journey with Eurovision Song Contest: Handover Ceremony And Draw.
The A-Z of Eurovision, first broadcast in 2020, sees Rylan narrate a guide to all things Eurovision as he takes a sideways look at the greatest singing contest on the planet.
The Big Eurovision Party presented by Eurovision legend Edsilia Rombley, with the UK’s very own Rylan taking everyone back stage. Acts performing include 2022 winners Kalush Orchestra, Norway’s Subwoolfer, Greece’s 2021 entry Stefania and TIX from Norway. Flashing lights and strobing warnings throughout.
Sam Ryder: Road To Eurovision, first broadcast in May 2022. Sam became a viral TikTok star during the pandemic, reaching a huge fanbase of 12 million people. Here, we follow his journey as he represents the UK at the 66th Eurovision Song Contest.
Then closing Eurovision eve on BBC Three is Eurovision 2023: Meet the UK Act, Scott Mills meets Mae Muller, the artist representing the UK at this year’s Contest.
BBC Four
Storyville Live
The BBC’s renowned Storyville strand will be bringing Storyville Live to the Euro Festival taking place in Liverpool in May. Storyville, the BBC’s landmark feature documentary strand, will be showing the very best of international feature documentaries, a curation of new and classic music documentaries as well as films showcasing Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage and stories from the frontline of the war with Russia.
BBC Children’s and Education
Blue Peter and Newsround
Junior Eurovision 2022 UK representative Freya Skye will be reporting for Newsround from Liverpool during Eurovision week. She will also be live in the Blue Peter studio on the 12th May looking ahead to the Grand Final and giving her predictions.
Eurovision Live Lesson
Primary schools across the UK will be invited to take part in a Eurovision-themed Live Lesson providing the perfect warm-up for the Grand Final on Friday 12 May. Following the United by Music theme, MOBO award winning musician and composer YolanDa Brown will help children create their own Eurovision song and big names from the world of Eurovision will drop in to share their top tips.
The programme, available to watch on CBBC, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Teach website, is filmed on location at Liverpool’s iconic St. George’s Hall. Lauren Layfield and Tyler West host, along with the help of a local children’s choir, including sign-language singers.
BBC News
BBC News’ dedicated Eurovision reporter Daniel Rosney will be covering all aspects of the contest, particularly on digital platforms, with a special focus on the international Eurovision fandom and on the acts themselves as they prepare for May.
News programmes will be presenting on location from Liverpool, with BBC Breakfast coming live from the Museum of Liverpool, and Today, Newsnight, the BBC’s news bulletins, and the BBC News channel also presenting from the city.
Live pages on the BBC news website, presented in collaboration with colleagues from Radio Merseyside, will report the build-up inside the arena on the day, and, coming live from the press room, will give an insight into how the world’s media are covering the event. A live stream will showcase the anticipation building throughout the city as the hour approaches.
And BBC News will be reporting live from Ukraine to show how the people of the country are following the competition.
Eurovision Piano Party (w/t)
For the past seven years, award-winning BBC Correspondent Steve Rosenberg has marked Eurovision by taking requests from audiences and playing fan favourites on his piano.
With the UK hosting this year, on behalf of Ukraine, Steve – who knows every winning song from memory on the piano - will be joined by a live audience and some very special guests for his hour-long Eurovision Piano Party special in Liverpool. Airing on the BBC News channel, BBC News website, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
BBC Northwest Tonight
BBC Northwest Tonight will be live in Liverpool for the week leading up to the Eurovision final with a special programme on the eve of Eurovision. As well as covering the spectacle and everything a Scouse Eurovision brings, they will be telling the stories of Ukrainians in the Northwest and sharing the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. In the true spirit of collaboration every film we make will be shared with our colleagues in BBC Ukraine so that the country can what Liverpool is doing to support them.
BBC Ukraine
From the Eurovision Festival in Liverpool through to the all important live semi-finals and the final, BBC News Ukraine will deliver a comprehensive coverage of the Eurovision week from Liverpool – via the service’s website bbc.ua, social-media channels on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok, and the BBC News Ukraine TV news programme rebroadcast by Ukraine’s TV channels Espreso, Priamyj and 5 Kanal. BBC News Ukraine will bring its audiences content that will focus on Ukrainians taking part in Eurovision in Liverpool.
BBC Scotland
A Song For Scotland (w/t)
How do you write a great Eurovision song? How did a made-up band from Glasgow end up on stage in San Marino as part of their official Eurovision selection process? Part travelogue, part comedy entertainment with a dose of Scottish Eurovision history -this hilarious and irreverent film looks to answer those questions and more.
An uplifting story about a group of music fans who dreamed of entering Eurovision, A Song For Scotland is an Only Films production.
BBC Wales
BBC Wales TV
REWIND: A thirty minute archive special celebrating 18 classic Eurovision performances, each with a Welsh connection – from Nicky Stephens of Carmarthen who sang with winners Brotherhood of Man, to Aimee Wadge responsible for writing last year’s “Spaceman”.
News
BBC Cymru Wales’s news outlets will cover the live build up from Liverpool and Wales on the eve of the final as well as meeting Welsh Eurovision superfans in the run up to the event.
BBC Arts
Readers, libraries and reading groups are invited to take part in the Big Eurovision Read, a reading-for-pleasure initiative marking this year’s Song Contest being hosted in the UK.
Part of EuroFestival - the programme of new commissions being delivered by Liverpool as host city - BBC Arts and The Reading Agency, are sharing a recommended reading list of reads sure to the hit the right note with both experienced and reluctant readers.
There are 12 - or ‘douze’ - books which, at their heart, are about the Power of Music.
These titles include autobiographies, fiction for adults, and from the Young Adult genre, books which show how music has shaped political change and vice versa. These books were crowdsourced and shortlisted by librarians from across the UK.
Libraries will host displays and events bringing the chosen books to a wider audience, while six much-loved books set in Eurovision countries will feature in Between the Covers, the nation’s biggest book club.
Visitors to Liverpool will also be encouraged to take time out from following the Song Contest to dive into these excellent reads at a specially designed reading den.
BBC Food
BBC Food has the recipe for the ultimate Eurovision bash. They are putting together a guide to hosting your best Eurovision party yet, and have lots of glitzy new recipes for the occasion, from party food ideas representing the competing countries, to Kim Joy’s easy iced flag biscuits (in the shape of the famous Eurovision heart, naturally) and glitter-laced cocktails (douze points punch, anyone?).
Across the BBC - Radio and BBC Sounds
BBC Radio 1
In the week leading up to Eurovision Radio 1’s Dean and Vicky (Monday – Thursday, 1pm – 3.30pm) will be broadcasting live from Liverpool.
They’ll be soaking up all the atmosphere in and around the city with lots of exciting things planned.
BBC Radio 4
The Archers
Eurovision fever has reached Ambridge, the setting of the longest-running serial radio drama of all time: BBC Radio 4’s The Archers. In a special episode broadcast on Friday 12 May at 7pm, the village will play host to Eurovision commentator Rylan, who will stop by Ambridge on his journey to Liverpool for this year’s song contest.
Rylan has been invited to Ambridge to judge the village’s Eurovision Variety Show – but trouble ensues when his sat-nav goes awry, and Ambridge residents find themselves competing to come to his rescue...
The Reunion – The Eurovision Song Contest
Kirsty Wark presents a special Eurovision Song Contest episode of The Reunion to discuss the early years of the competition. Joining Kirsty to reminisce is 'Dana' Rosemary Scallon who was still a schoolgirl when she won the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland with "All Kinds of Everything", Phil Coulter who arranged that song and co-wrote a previous winner, "Puppet on a String", renowned Eurovision academic Dean Vuletic, BBC broadcaster Pete Murray who commentated on the contest for much of the 50s and 60s, and pop royalty Lulu - who was already a well-established star when she won in 1969 with "Boom Bang a Bang."
Front Row
Nick Ahad hosts a special edition of Front Row from Liverpool Central Library, with performance by the band Stealing Sheep, who are collaborating with Liverpool and Ukrainian musicians for the opening night of the EuroFestival. Writers Pete Paphides and Matt Cain discuss their novels featured in The Big Eurovision Read, which celebrates writing about music. And the former Royal Liverpool Philharmonic conductor Vasily Petrenko on his return to the city.
Radio 5 live
5live will be reflecting the excitement of the Song Contest broadcasting live from Liverpool as the city prepares to host Eurovision.
BBC Sounds
Eurovisioncast
Eurovisioncast will be in Liverpool all week bringing listeners daily episodes during the build-up and reaction to the Semi-Finals, and of course, the Grand Final on 13 May. Joining hosts Måns Zelmerlöw, Nina Warhurst, Daniel Rosney and Ngunan Adamu will be this year’s acts and a raft of celebrity fans and Eurovision insiders. The podcast will be THE must listen for all the backstage gossip and insights, on BBC Sounds.
Celebrating Eurovision
Whether you're a mega fan or gearing up to tune in for the first time, BBC Sounds has something for everyone to help soundtrack this year’s Eurovision Song Contest with Celebrating Eurovision, available now (April 19). Listeners can find the perfect accompaniment to the biggest music contest in the world with curated mixes, Eurovision specials and one off programmes that get to the heart of Eurovision, hosted by some of the biggest names from across the BBC. Fans can also enjoy hours of uninterrupted music shows celebrating ‘the greatest show on earth’ with Back To Back Sounds: Eurovision Party, available now on BBC Sounds.
Party Like It’s... Eurovision
The UK’s 2023 entrant Mae Muller picks an hour of her favourite party tunes ahead of her big night, for the first of two special episodes of Party Like It’s... Eurovision. Mae will also be talking about appearing at Eurovision and playing songs that are inspiring her staging and performance.
Join Jedward for an hour of their favourite Eurovision songs to get listeners in the mood for the big night. Ireland’s most iconic duo will also be sharing their memories of performing at Eurovision and giving the finalists tips on how to make the most of their big moment, the way that only Jedward can. Available on Back To Back Sounds: Eurovision Party is on BBC Sounds now.
Eurovision Dance Party
Eurovision has a history of delivering first-class dance floor hits and party anthems. BBC Sounds is inviting five of the UK’s biggest DJs to create the ultimate set of Eurovision Dance Party playlists. Join Sigala, Sam Feldt, 220 Kid, Jess Bays and Zoe London for the freshest dance take on Eurovision yet. Available on Back To Back Sounds: Eurovision Party on BBC Sounds now.
Melanie C’s Pride of Liverpool
Called the 'City of Pop' by the Guinness Book of Records, owing to the amount of Number One records recorded by artists from the city, Liverpool has dominated the charts for over 50 years. Across two episodes, Melanie C will celebrate Liverpool by picking her favourite music from the city - from The Beatles to Atomic Kitten, via Cilla and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Melanie also shares her own memories of growing up there, giving a background to the musical heritage of the place. A Radio 2 commission for BBC Sounds, available now on Back To Back Sounds: Eurovision Party.
When Ireland Ruled Eurovision
Despite not winning for over 25 years, Ireland still holds the record for the most wins at Eurovision. Six of their seven wins came in their glory years of the 80s and 90s – an era that Dermot O’Leary remembers well. Growing up in an Irish family in Britain, Eurovision was an annual event they always got behind.
Winning Eurovision then was a chance not only to celebrate, but to show a different side of Ireland. Hosting the event in 1981, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1997, the country was unified in a joyous way and given a chance to be truly, purely proud of their small nation.
During the programme, Dermot chats to the Irish winners of his youth and plays archive material and performances. He is also joined by fellow Irish Eurovision fans Aisling Bea, Louis Walsh, Ardal O'Hanlon, Angela Scanlon, Dara Ó Briain, and Patrick Kielty to hear what Eurovision at that time meant to them. A Radio 2 commission for BBC Sounds, available now.
Eurovision Described
Around one in 200 of the population is registered blind or partially sighted. Eurovision Described fuses audio description with musical storytelling to deliver accessible content for everyone. Each episode will focus on a different iconic Eurovision performance from 1956 to today, bringing to life the visual moment for those who are blind or partially sighted.
Presenter Lucy Edwards, Radio 1’s first blind presenter, a journalist and content creator who loves Eurovision, will be joined by comedian Abi Clarke – another huge Eurovision fan. Be prepared for their thoughts on the plane-inspired staging for Scooch in 2007 to the catchy dance routine from Brotherhood of Man in 1976. Available on BBC Sounds now.
Good Evening Europe
Millions of people across Europe enjoy Eurovision every year, and the stats are huge. 99.9% of all TV audiences in Iceland are watching Eurovision on the night it's held and Sweden's Eurovision selection show is the country's biggest television show of the year. Ukrainian Eurovision commentator Timur Myroshnychenko explores the continent's love for the contest through the eyes of its commentators.
Timur memorably described his own country's victory from a bomb shelter in Kyiv, and now he's travelling to Liverpool for this year's contest. Along the way, he will speak to those people who provide the voice of the contest in their homelands to share a unique insight into how different parts of the continent view Eurovision, and how it interacts with their own individual ideas of identity, cultural celebration and more. Available on BBC Sounds now.
Sam Ryder My Life in a Mixtape
Following an electrifying performance at Eurovision last year, a Number One album and a BRIT nomination, the Essex-born musician was undeniably 2022's feel-good breakthrough act. Celebrating this year's Eurovision Song Contest being right here in the UK for the first time in 25 years, Radio 2 spends an intimate, musical hour with Eurovision's golden guy - Sam Ryder. Choosing musical memories and personal moments from his childhood through to the present day, Sam shares the songs and memories that have been the soundtrack to his life so far. A Radio 2 commission for BBC Sounds, available now.
Danny Beard’s Beginner Guide to Eurovision
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard loves Liverpool and loves Eurovision! Across this six-part series, they’re bringing together the campest Eurovision hits for a celebration of LGBTQ+ anthems. Danny will deliver a Pride-inspired selection of feel-great hits that will ignite living-room-dancefloors across the UK as well as bring Eurovision to life for new fans. A Radio 1 commission for BBC Sounds, available now.
Scott and Rylan's Epic Eurovision Battle
Eurovision super-fans Scott Mills and Rylan are going head-to-head in an Eurovision battle. Across two programmes, both will bring their A-game and every ounce of their Eurovision knowledge and enthusiasm in response to a series of categories, as decided by their fellow Radio 2 presenter, Michelle Visage.
What will they go for in the Cheesiest Song category? Which entry would they most like to perform in drag? And which one are they most likely to use as an insult? Which Eurovision song that doesn't sound like a Eurovision song is their favourite? What is their favourite interval performance? And, the big question, their favourite Eurovision song of all-time? The champion title is within reach for one of them so expect high drama, high notes and high camp; it’s about the frocks, the shocks, the bangers and the bops... but who will win? A Radio 2 commission for BBC Sounds, available now.
BBC Radio Merseyside
For the first time in the history of Eurovision, and to celebrate the contest being hosted in Liverpool, you will be able to listen to an alternative Scouse commentary of the Grand Final
By listening to BBC Radio Merseyside on BBC Sounds or by pressing the Red Button from BBC One you’ll hear proud Liverpudlian and West End star Claire Sweeney delivering Eurovision as it’s never been heard before!
Joining Claire will be a member of the public who has been crowned Radio Merseyside’s ‘Voice of Eurovision’, a titled earned from a talent search competition launched by Radio Merseyside in February and judged by Sonia and Radio Industry heavyweights.
BBC Local Radio
On the eve of the Grand Final, BBC Local Radio will bring all the excitement and atmosphere from the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool followed by Sam Ryder’s Eurovision Special, 8pm-10pm across all local BBC radio stations and BBC Sounds.
Sam Ryder’s Eurovision Special will also air the following day from 12pm.
BBC Radio Wales
Radio Wales will be hosting a Eurovision pre-show party from 5 until 8pm. The station’s very own H will be playing all the Eurovision classics before broadcasting live from the official screening at Depot in Cardiff in the company of diehard Eurovision superfans.
BBC Radio Ulster
BBC NI weatherman and Eurovision super-fan Barra Best explores Northern Ireland’s vast and varied connection to the competition.
Barra will be joined by former Eurovision winners Niamh Kavanagh, Linda Martin, Katrina Leskanich (sadly without the Waves) and lots of other special guests
Join Barra on Saturday 13 May from 5pm-6pm for some music, craic and the ultimate warm-up for this year’s final.
BBC Radio Scotland
The newsroom will report on the Scots travelling to Liverpool, Afternoons will feature A Song for Scotland and a look back at previous Eurovision’s and there’ll be requests on relevant themes on Get it On.
BBC Radio Nan Gàidheal
BBC Radio Nan Gàidheal will be following the competition in their daily programmes and hearing from the audience both at the event and at planned Eurovision-themed events in local communities.
BBC World Service
The Documentary: Good Evening Europe
On the week of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 (Tuesday 9 May), winner and past host of the contest, Måns Zelmerlöw, reveals some of the amazing stories behind iconic songs from the competition's history.
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual musical extravaganza which attracts millions of viewers, not just in Europe, but all over the world. Outside of sport, it’s one of the world’s most watched events. But it’s not all about the bright lights and even brighter costumes.
In this documentary, Måns uncovers the surprising and moving stories behind some of the memorable songs from Eurovision past and reveals how the musical entries shaped and reflected their countries.
Through the programme, Måns journeys across the Eurovision map from Ukraine to Norway, from Sweden to Italy. Featuring stories from 2016 winner Jamala, joint winner in 2001, Dave Benton, and a member of the group who made Eurovision history with their song, ‘Waterloo’, back in 1974: ABBA.
We find out just what Eurovision means to the entrants and to their nations back home. And we discover how the surprising stories behind some memorable entries can reveal something bigger about the history of a continent. This is a serious look at a serious song contest which continues to captivate audiences across the globe.
Produced by Camellia Sinclair, Caitlin Hobbs and Sam Grist for the BBC World Service.
Music Life: Eurovision Special with Sam Ryder
In this special Eurovision themed episode of Music Life (Saturday 6 May), last year’s UK entry Sam Ryder welcomes other musicians who have all performed in the competition.
Sam was inspired to get into music after seeing Sum 41 in concert at the age of 11, but it was seeing Finish heavy metal group Lordi win 2006’s Eurovision which made him first pick up a guitar. During the first Covid lockdown Sam shot to popularity through his song covers posted to TikTok which caught the attention of Elton John, Justin Bieber and Alicia Keys. During the pandemic he wrote "Space Man", and in 2022 he represented the UK at Eurovision with the song, coming second to Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra.
Joining him is the lead singer and costume maker of the band who became his inspiration to learn the guitar - Mr Lordi. The monster mask-wearing band won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 with "Hard Rock Hallelujah".
Next up is Poli Geneva, a Bulgarian singer whose music career began aged 4, and has seen her go on to represent Bulgaria at Eurovision twice. In her native Bulgaria she has appeared as a coach or mentor on The Voice of Bulgaria and X Factor Bulgaria, has had three #1 singles and hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2015.
Last but by no means least is the new kid on the Eurovision block, one half of the first-ever female duo to compete for Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest. They’re entering this year’s competition with a song about being possessed by the ghost of Edgar Allen Poe. It’s Teya from Teya & Salena.
They’ll be talking about writing for Eurovision, how it impacts their creative process and how they handle the nerves in the performance.
Hosted by Sam Ryder. Produced by Adam Hudson, Clair Gill and Tom Raine for the BBC World Service.
