The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 final is finally here after months of exciting built up. The 67th edition of the world's biggest music event is taking place in Liverpool tonight (Saturday, May 13) after the UK was chosen to host the competition on behalf of last year's winners Ukraine.
There was a tight bidding contest to decide which city would be flying the flag for the UK as the host of the massive contest as it comes to the UK for first time in 25 years. Last year's winners Ukraine would have traditionally hosted this year's event after Kalush Orchestra stormed to victory in both emotional and joyful scenes in Turin back in May 2022.
But the ongoing Russian invasion resulted in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) deciding it was not a 'viable option' for the country to host the contest. And with the UK's entry Sam Ryder coming second at last year's event, the broadcaster decided we would be the best fit to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on Ukraine's behalf.
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Singer Mae Muller is flying the flag for the UK, performing her catchy track 'I Wrote A Song.' The 25-year-old, from North London, has had success both in the UK and US, while her song Better Days went viral on TikTok. And the pressure is on this year, after Sam Ryder came second in Italy last year.
Viewers will see Eurovision legend Graham Norton, Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina hosting this year's contest. With Graham on hosting duties, he will be sharing his stints in the commentary box with Mel Giedroyc.
Among the 2023 competitors, this year is non-European nation Australia. Progressive metal band Voyager will be performing for Oz with their song Promise.
The Perth-based five-piece have been performing together since 1999 and have toured the world several times. They've released seven studio albums, including their latest, Colours In The Sun, in 2019.
The group are massive Eurovision fans and have launched several attempts to compete since Australia joined the Contest in 2015, coming closest last year when they took the runner-up spot at Australia Decides.
Why can Australia compete in Eurovision?
Australia has been broadcasting Eurovision for almost 40 years, via the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). In 2014, viewing figures in the country peaked at 2.7 million.
Australia was initially invited to take to the Eurovision stage as the interval act in the second semi-final of the 2014 contest. The following year, the nation was invited to compete for the first time to commemorate Eurovision’s 60th anniversary. They sent Guy Sebastian, who performed his track Tonight Again and came fifth.
It was meant to be a one-off invite, but Australia will now be participating in Eurovision until at least 2023. The best Australian result so far was delivered by Dami Im with her song Sound Of Silence, who earned the runner-up position in 2016, losing out to Ukraine's Jamala.
A number of high-profile Aussies competed in the Contest for other nations, including Olivia Newton-John and Gina G, before the country was officially invited to join the party in 2015.
What happens if Australia wins?
If Australia manage to finish first you may be wondering would it be down under next year? No it wouldn't. Organisers have previously confirmed it would be held elsewhere - possibly the UK again.
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