The Eurovision Song Contest is a showcase of some of the weirdest, wildest and best music Europe has to offer and it takes place this year on Saturday, May 14 at 8pm in the UK. This year the UK will be represented by TikTok star Sam Ryder with his song Space Man. You can read more about Sam and his entry here and follow live Eurovision updates and results here.
And while it seems like a zany event where anything can happen there are some rules which are meant to keep the acts, performances and more in check. This year the event is in Turin, Italy after rockers Måneskin took the title. So what can and can't the countries do while singing at Eurovision? Let's see what is banned at the famous song contest.
Read more: Who is Sam Ryder the Eurovision 2022 UK entry?
1. Playing live instruments on stage
Yup, those guitar solos are fake. The upbeat, zany keyboard and sax players aren't really enjoying playing their socks off. The songs are sung live, though. To a backing track.
2. Live animals
This rule came in in 2007. Not sure why......
3. Three minutes and you're off, mate
The maximum duration of each song is three minutes as per the rules. Cuts out all those self-indulgent fake guitar solos and long-held notes.
4. Only six artists on stage at one time
Thank goodness Blazing Squad never represented the UK, eh?
5. Russia
Well, we all know why this came into force, but okay, if you don't there's an explanation, here.
