The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Malmo, Sweden, in May 2024.
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmo, Sweden, in May 2024.
Olly Alexander, the singer, is set to represent the UK with his song “Dizzy,” which debuted on streaming platforms last Friday. He will be appearing with BBC Radio 2’s Zoe Ball to formally introduce the song and kickstart his Eurovision journey. Ahead of the 2024 competition, here is a rundown of all you need to know about Eurovision.
The Eurovision Song Contest, an annual televised songwriting competition organized by The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), will showcase 37 performers selected by EBU member broadcasters to represent their respective countries in the 2024 edition.
Original songs with a maximum duration of three minutes are required for participation. Live performances must feature lead vocals, and no more than six singers and dancers are allowed on stage during the act.
While the majority of Eurovision countries are European, Australia is a regular participant since its invitation to the 2015 contest as part of Eurovision’s 60th anniversary celebrations. However, Australia is ineligible to host the contest if it were to win; instead, it must designate a European nation to host the event on its behalf.
Other non-European countries, such as Israel, can also partake in the contest due to their membership in the EBU.
In 2024, the Eurovision contest is taking place in Sweden following Loreen’s victory in 2023 with her song Tattoo. Loreen secured her second win, making her the first woman to achieve this feat, having previously won in 2012 with Euphoria. This year marks Malmo’s third time hosting Eurovision and Sweden’s seventh time hosting overall.
With 2024 also commemorating the 50th anniversary of Abba’s first Eurovision victory with Waterloo, there was speculation about the band’s potential involvement. However, Abba members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson clarified to the BBC that they would not be performing at the final nor composing Sweden’s entry.
The Malmo Arena will host the grand final on Saturday, May 11th. The semi-finals are scheduled for Tuesday, May 7th, and Thursday, May 9th. BBC One and BBC iPlayer will broadcast both the semi-finals and the grand final live.
Olly Alexander, the former frontman of Years and Years, has been selected to represent the UK at the 2024 Eurovision contest. With hopes of surpassing the disappointing performance of Mae Muller, who finished second to last in 2023, Alexander aims to make a mark. Known across Europe for his hit songs like “Desire,” “King,” and “If You’re Over Me,” Alexander is also recognized for his acting talent, earning a BAFTA nomination for his lead role in the impactful Channel 4 drama “It’s A Sin,” which sheds light on the AIDS crisis. His Eurovision entry, “Dizzy,” was co-written with Danny L Harle.
Israel has threatened to withdraw from the Eurovision contest if organizers attempt to censor its entry, “October Rain” by Eden Golan. The song reportedly references the victims of Hamas attacks on October 7 in Israel, with lyrics such as “They were all good children, each one of them.” Eurovision’s rules prohibit political messages to maintain neutrality.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, is evaluating the song. Musicians from several participating countries have called for Israel’s suspension due to the conflict in Gaza. Eurovision organizers have rejected calls for Israel’s exclusion, noting differences between the situations in Ukraine and Gaza.
The semi-finals are determined solely by a public vote cast by participating countries and global audiences.
In the final, each qualifying country provides two sets of scores: one from a panel of experts and another from fans. They allocate points to their top 10 favorite songs, excluding their own country’s entry.
Points are distributed as follows: 12 points for the favorite, 10 points for the second favorite, 8 points for the third, and so forth, down to 1 point for the tenth favorite.
Eurovision was among the pioneering televised competitions to introduce viewer voting. Phone voting by fans in Austria, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK commenced in 1997. In 2023, the rest of the world was granted the opportunity to vote, with points assigned to the top 10 most popular songs globally.
Participating broadcasters contribute entrance fees to the EBU, with France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK among the top contributors. The BBC’s contribution remains undisclosed.
Following Russia’s suspension, other countries reportedly faced increased financial obligations. Consequently, three nations withdrew from the 2023 contest.
The BBC incurred estimated costs ranging from £8m to £17m for hosting the 2023 event in Liverpool. The UK government pledged £10m towards operational expenses, while Liverpool’s local authorities committed £4m.
Mark your calendars for the live shows from May 14th to May 18th, 2024. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Turin is sure to be an incredible host city for this epic music competition. Keep an eye out for more updates and start getting hyped for an unforgettable Eurovision experience!
Read More: Spain’s Prime Minister defends Eurovision entry
Disclaimer:
This content is AI-generated using IFTTT AI Content Creator. While we strive for accuracy, it’s a tool for rapid updates. We’re committed to filtering information, not reproducing or endorsing misinformation. – Jomotoday for more information visit privacy policy
Leave a Comment