Eurovision 2023 countdown: 100 days! What do we know so far?
In just π― days the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 begins with the first Semi-final. Let's take a recap: What do we know so far?
#100DaysToEurovision
When does Eurovision really begin?
In four days, EBU (and some of the Big-5 broadcasters) will use the hashtag #100DaysToEurovision to count down to the Grand Final instead of the first Semi-final. Like the Semi-finals are not "really" Eurovision.
We couldn't disagree more.
We believe, that the Eurovision Song Contest begins at the first Semi-final.
It's not the Final Countdown. But it's the Semi-final Countdown! This is where Eurovision begins.
With 100 days left before the first show of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool is aired, it's time for a round up of some of the facts we know so far about the world's biggest music competition. The 2023 edition will feature 37 songs from 37 countries.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 takes place in Liverpool, United Kingdom:
- Semi-final 1: 9 May 2023
- Semi-final 2: 11 May 2023
- Grand Final: 13 May 2023
Songs and Artists
Three countries are ready to go with their songs and artists selected for Liverpool:
Click on a song title to see video, lyrics and details about each song
- Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi β Duje
- Belgium: Gustaph β Because of You
- Ukraine: Tvorchi β Heart of Steel
Artists
Five countries have chosen their artists to send to Liverpool:
- France: La Zarra
- Israel: Noa Kirel
- Netherlands: Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper
- Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou
- Slovenia: Joker Out
National selections
Preparations are at full speed in the 37 countries participating in Liverpool. The national selections peak in a few weeks, and so far eight countries have started their selections, shows and competitions:
- Estonia: Eesti Laul β Two Semi-finals have finished. Final on 11 February
- Georgia: The Voice Georgia β Auditions and live shows. Final on 2 February
- Lithuania: Pabandom iΕ‘ naujo β Two shows have been aired. Semi-final 1 next week. Final on 18 February
- Malta: MESC 2023 β Three out of five shows have aired. Final on 11 February
- Norway: Melodi Grand Prix β Three heats have selected nine finalists for 4 February
... and many countries have revealed the contestants for their national selection.
So far we know that...
- Four countries will select their entry in the coming week! (Czech Republic, Ireland, Norway and Spain)
- 16 countries will select their entry in February.
- Six countries follow in March.
The big Eurovision selection days will be the Saturdays: 4 February (six events), 11 February (nine events), 25 February (five events), and 4 March (five events). Still, there are some countries who haven't announced the dates for their national selection, and a few countries where it's unsure if they're organizing a national selection process or just picking an act internally.
Semi-final allocation draw and Host Insignia Ceremony
The Semi-final allocation draw takes place on Tuesday, 31 January, where who's in which Semi-final will be determined. Also, last year's winner, Ukraine, and the "Big 5" (UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain) will be distributed into the two Semi-finals for voting.
The Host Insignia Exchange takes place in Liverpool just before the allocation draw. Here, the "Eurovision Keys" will be handed over from the city of Turin to the city of Liverpool. The Eurovision Keys are made up of extremely weird key rings from each host city over the years.
Event
The host city has been selected (Liverpool, in case you've been sleeping the last half year), and the dates are also set: 9, 11 and 13 May 2023.
The Arena has been selected: Liverpool Arena (also known as "M&S Bank Arena" or "Echo Arena"). The logo and slogan will be revealed on Tuesday, 31 January.
