Eurovision hosts Alesha Dixon and Julia Sanina made a special nod to last year's winners with their choice of dresses.
Presenter Alesha, 44, wore a one-shouldered blue sparkly dress as she appeared on stage, while Ukrainian presenter Julia Sanina, 32, wore a full-length yellow dress with a structured neckline. Together they made the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest has kicked off in Liverpool with a flag parade featuring the countries vying for its coveted glass microphone trophy. The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance playing the piano in a pre-recorded opening video featuring last year's winner's Kalush Orchestra.
READ MORE: Eurovision's Graham Norton flooded with support as he issues apology to Liverpool
They were also joined by 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder playing guitar on the top of the Liver Building with Andrew Lloyd Webber on piano. In the auditorium, a troupe of drummers joined Kalush Orchestra on stage to open the grand final as pyrotechnics lit up the arena.
Twenty-six acts will perform at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool to an expected global audience of 160 million viewers, according to the BBC. The city is hosting on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, who won last year's contest but are unable to host due to the Russian invasion.
Austria will open the show with Teya and Salena's quirky dance-pop tune Who The Hell Is Edgar?, about being possessed by the ghost of 19th century Gothic author Edgar Allan Poe. The UK's Mae Muller will close the show with I Wrote A Song - a slot generally considered a disadvantage.
But they all face tough competition from previous winner Loreen representing Sweden and Kaarija representing Finland, both favourites to win.
READ NEXT:
Eurovision's Sam Ryder taken aback by Liverpool as he calls for permanent change
ITV Coronation Street's Chris Fountain supported by mum as he undergoes surgery after stroke
Eurovision 2023 score sheet, sweepstake kit and drinking game - download it here
Eurovision's Scott Mills 'not just saying it' as he issues Liverpool claim on Good Morning Britain
Eurovision's Rita Ora enjoys Liverpool night out with famous husband as fans 'so jealous'
