After two electric semi-finals we've finally arrived at Eurovision's pièce de résistance — the grand final.
This weekend 26 countries will battle through feathers and techno, vying to be crowned the winners of Eurovision 2023.
Here's what you need to know.
When is the Eurovision 2023 grand final?
After a week of semis, the Eurovision grand final will take place on Saturday at 8pm UK time.
For Australians that's 5am on Sunday.
Where can I watch the Eurovision 2023 grand final in Australia?
You can watch the grand final live on SBS and SBSonDemand from 5am AEST on Sunday, May 14.
We'll also be live blogging all the action on ABC News from 4:30am.Don't worry if you're not an earlier riser though, SBS will be broadcasting a belated repeat of the final at 7:30pm on Sunday.
Why is the UK hosting Eurovision this year?
The winning country gets to host the following year's Eurovision contest.
Last year's winners were folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine.
However, Ukraine is still in the grips of a violent war with Russia.
So the UK — which was last year's runner up — stepped up to host the 2023 event on Ukraine's behalf, vowing to make it a celebration of the country's spirit and culture.
This year marks the first time in 25 years that the UK has hosted Eurovision.
Which countries got through to the Eurovision grand final?
A total 37 countries entered this year's competition but only 26 countries will be competing in the 2023 grand final.
Twenty countries made it through the publicly voted semi-finals this week, they are:
- Croatia
- Moldova
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Czechia
- Israel
- Portugal
- Sweden
- Serbia
- Norway
- Albania
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Belgium
- Austria
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Australia
- Armenia
- Slovenia
Then there's the 'big five' countries that automatically gain entry to the grand final due to the financial contributions they make to the competition, they are:
- The UK
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- Germany
Finally, as the reigning champs, Ukraine gets a free pass into the grand final.
Okay, so what countries should I keep my eye on?
Australia — Promise by Voyager
This could be Australia's last year in Eurovision and Perth prog rockers Voyager are making the most of the opportunity. Heavy on the 80's style synths and bombastic lyrics, the tune is standard Eurovision fair ... until you hit the screamo breakdown about midway in.
Sweden – Tattoo by Loreen
From the bookie's perspective, this is the song to beat. Not only is it a beguiling couple minutes of strobing techo and soaring vocals but its triumph would mean Loreen would become the second person ever to win Eurovision twice after taking out the title in 2012.
Finland – Cha Cha Cha by Käärijä
If you're a fan of Sam Smith's recent aesthetics, you're probably going to like Käärijä. While Cha Cha Cha has a driving, thumping techno/heavy/hyperpop feel, around two thirds in Käärijä the rap/spat lyrics are swapped for an autotuned, bubble gum pop outro.
Israel – Unicorn by Noa Kirel
The song Unicorn is quite similar to the mythical creature in that it's hard to pin down. One second it's heavy Eurohouse then it's spiky K-pop until sweeping strings kick in. But it does share a co-writer with Netta's 2018 winning track Toy which is a pedigree that can't be overlooked.
Czechia – My Sister's Crown by Vesna
You want girl power? All-female sextet Vesna's got it for you — their entry into the competition is all but a battled cry against gender inequality set against a hybrid backdrop of power-pop and Slavic folk.
How does Eurovision voting work?
Okay so, for the finals the vote is split 50/50 between a jury of music industry professionals and the viewing public.
Each jury member will award all competing countries a number of points between one and 12.
They allocate their points during the grand final dress rehearsal.
Members of the public are allowed to vote up to 20 times, which is done via texting, calling or the official app.
But they can't vote for their home country — you know, to keep it fair.
Which ever country ends up on the most points after the live grand finale is crowned the winner of Eurovision.
Can Australia vote in Eurovision?
Yes.
But we can't vote for our own team — no judge or member of the public can vote for their own country.
While the rest of Europe can vote via text and call, Australian's can only vote online via Eurovision's official voting partner Digame.
The public are allowed 20 votes each but, fair warning, it will cost you 65c a vote.
You can access Australia's online voting portal during the Eurovision grand final here.Who is hosting the Eurovision grand final?
There are usually four hosts that take the reins for the grand final, in 2023 they are:
- Graham Norton: The Irish comedian and talk show host has been lending his commentary to Eurovision since 2009.
- Hannah Waddingham: A UK star of TV and music theatre, she's more well known now as Rebecca Welton from the Apple+ show Ted Lasso.
- Aleshia Dixon: Singer and presenter extraordinaire — you might recognise her as one of the judges of Britain's Got Talent.
- Julia Sanina: She leads the Ukrainian alternative rock band The Hardkiss who represented the Ukraine in Eurovision 2016
Why is Australia in Eurovision?
Australia was welcomed as a competitor into the 2015 edition of Eurovision to commemorate the contest's 60th anniversary.
It was suppose to be a one-off invite to align with the 'building bridges' theme of that year.
But then a deal was struck between Australian broadcaster SBS and the Eurovision Broadcasting Union for Australia to stay on the bill until 2023.
There's been no official word on if we'll be allowed to compete beyond this year.
Has Australia ever won Eurovision?
Nope, but we've come close.
Dami Im achieved the most Eurovision success of any Aussie, with her tune Sound of Silence coming in second in 2016 behind Ukraine.
Guy Sebastian, the first Australian Eurovision entry, came fifth in 2015 and both Isaiah Firebrace and Kate Miller-Heidke came in ninth in 2017 and 2019 respectively.
