Europe’s Biggest Music Extravaganza
The Eurovision Song Contest, often simply called Eurovision, is an annual international song competition held primarily among the member countries of the European Broadcasting Union. Each participating country submits an original song to be performed on live television and radio, then casts votes for the other countries’ songs to determine the winner. This unique contest offers a platform not only for showcasing emerging musical talents but also for promoting cultural exchange and mutual respect among nations.
This years contest is being hosted by Sweden. Each year, the event is hosted by the previous year’s winning country. The contest has three live shows: two semi-finals and a grand final.
The competition, first held in 1956, was based on Italy’s Sanremo Music Festival. It was created as a means to unify the newly established television networks across Europe following World War II. From its humble beginnings with just seven participating countries, Eurovision has grown immensely in scope and spectacle. It now features participants from over 40 countries, including nations beyond Europe such as Australia.
Eurovision is known for its eclectic mix of music genres and often flamboyant performances. It has launched the careers of many notable artists, including ABBA and Celine Dion, who first captured international attention by winning Eurovision for Sweden and Switzerland, respectively.
Beyond the competition, Eurovision has become a beloved annual tradition that brings together millions of viewers worldwide.
The first semifinal happened on Tuesday. The second semifinal will be Thursday, May 9, at 3 p.m. EST. The grand final will be Saturday, May 11, at 3 p.m. EST.
You can stream the show on Peacock in the US.