The BBC has confirmed the line-up for this year’s Eurovision Grand Final.
This year’s competition is set to take place on May 13 in Liverpool on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine.
In addition to the 26 acts going head-to-head in the international singing competition, last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra will take to the stage along with runner-up Sam Ryder, plus, some established Eurovision icons.
During the Eurovision Flag Parade of all 26 Grand Finalists, viewers will be treated to a unique performance by some past Ukrainian Eurovision contestants including GO_A, Jamala, Tina Karol, and Verka Serduchka.
For the first interval performance, during which voting across Europe and the world takes place, Ryder will return to the Eurovision stage after leading the UK’s biggest success in last year’s Contest for over two decades.
The final interval act, ‘The Liverpool Songbook’, is a celebration of the host city’s contribution to the world of pop music. Six past Eurovision acts will be brought together, including Italy’s Mahmood, Israel’s Netta, Iceland’s Daði Freyr, Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands – plus Liverpool’s very own Sonia, celebrating 30 years since she came second at Eurovision in 1993.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: “What a way to bring in the winner of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. These live performances, with their twists on iconic Eurovision moments and countless creative collaborations, will ensure that we’re in for an utterly unforgettable Grand Final!”
Expressing their gratitude to the UK for hosting this year’s competition, Kalush Orchestra said: “We’ve been looking forward to performing in Liverpool ever since it was announced as host last year. The city has a world-renowned musical heritage and we’re delighted to finally be able to announce what an honour it will be for us to be there.
“While we’re sad that we couldn’t bring the Eurovision Song Contest back to our home country, we’re really grateful to the UK for hosting this party on our behalf. We will perform for everyone in Ukraine to remind us that better days and our country’s victory is ahead, as well as to show the world what Ukraine is fighting for.”
Meanwhile, Ryder added: “What an honour to be invited back to the Eurovision stage for a second time! I can’t wait to be back amongst the beautiful chaos of it all and to watch the incredible artists perform this time around, while bringing you a special performance of our own. Big love!”
