It's the event that millions and millions of viewers look forward to every year and there are now just days to go until the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 final.
Eurovision has been a TV staple for generations of music fans since the 1950s and, while some often look down their noses at the contest or try and ridicule it, it remains one of the most watched shows across the globe year after year, with a peak audience of over 8 million watching in the UK alone last year, as well as the many others who gathered in bars and t outdoor screenings to get in on the action.
After the event was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the intended host city for that year, Rotterdam, finally got a chance to present Eurovision in 2021, when, after a closely fought battle between Italy, France and Switzerland on the leaderboard it was Italy's Maneskin who triumphed, after scoring big in the always unpredictable televote.
READ MORE: How many countries are in Eurovision? Acts and songs for this year's contest
Down at the bottom, the United Kingdom's James Newman put a brave face on things as he received zero points from both the voting public and juries. But, it looks like the tide might turn this year, as the UK's 2022 entrant, Sam Ryder, has climbed as high a second favourite with some bookies in the Eurovision odds to win with his track Spaceman.
Ahead of rehearsals kicking off in Italy, Sam was among the frontrunners, but after rave reactions to both of his rehearsals and Sam being given a final draw boost, with him being placed in the second half of the show, bookies have slashed his odds even further.
When is the Eurovision Song Contest final?
This year's final will take place at the Pala Olimpico arena in Turin on Saturday, May 14, but there's plenty of Eurovision action to enjoy before then. Like has become the tradition for close to two decades now, there will be two semi finals earlier on in the week to whittle down the countries.
The number of countries in Eurovision countries this year totals 40, with many having to make it through the Eurovision semi finals to get a place in the final. Eurovision semi final 1 will take place on Tuesday, May 10, with the second following on Thursday,. May 12. Both will be voted on by the public, but only viewers in certain countries can vote on each one. In the UK, the semi finals will air on BBC Three, with the final airing, as it always, does on BBC1 on the Saturday.
As well as the UK, other countries tipped to do well include home nation Italy, Spain, Greece and current favourites to win, Ukraine. There have been some difficulties in rehearsals, due to the Eurovision stage not working as it should.
The centre piece of this year's stage is a giant sun, which has lights on one side and LED effects on the other. However, the sun is not moving as it should and is stuck on one side, meaning some acts have had to make substantial changes to their performances at the last minute.
READ NEXT:
*Where is Eurovision this year?
*Eurovision semi final countries, acts and songs
*When is Eurovision on the BBC and who is hosting?
* Who is Sam Ryder? UK Eurovision act tipped to do well in Italy
* When is Eurovision 2022? Date and location for this year's contest
