Sam Ryder and Kalush Orchestra are among the stars performing at the Eurovision Grand Final in Liverpool next month.
The UK is hosting the international event on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, who won last year's competition. On Monday (April 17) the BBC revealed the line-up of star-studded talent performing along with the 26 acts competing on Saturday May 13.
Eurovision 2022 winners Kalush Orchestra will be opening the final with a performance titled Voices Of A New Generation, which will include the folk rap group’s hit song Stefania. The five-piece expressed their gratitude to the UK for hosting the contest, adding: "We will perform for everyone in Ukraine to remind us that better days and our country’s victory is ahead".
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Meanwhile Sam Ryder will once again take to the Eurovision stage to deliver a performance during the grand final’s first interval. Recognisable Eurovision acts from previous years, including Ukrainian performers Go_A, who represented their country in 2021, Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala and past acts Tina Karol and Verka Serduchka will also be performing.
The final interval act of the grand final will be The Liverpool Songbook – a celebration of the host city’s contribution to the world of pop music. To honur the city’s musical heritage, the BBC has brought together six past Eurovision acts: Italy’s Mahmood, Israel’s Netta, Iceland’s Daoi Freyr, Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands and Liverpool’s Sonia, who came second at Eurovision in 1993. The acts will put their own spin on a number of classic hits by Liverpool’s most famous bands.
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.”
Sam 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!”
The Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The first semi-final will be broadcast on Tuesday May 9 at 8pm, the second semi final will air on Thursday May 11 at 8pm, and the Grand Final will be broadcast on Saturday May 13 at 8pm.
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