Replenish on buck’s fizz, polish the glitter ball and don the sequins — it’s time for the grand closing of the 67th Eurovision Track Contest.
That’s proper, people. After two semi-finals, a conga line led by Peppa Pig, and a royal cameo, on Saturday night 26 nations will vie to turn out to be this yr’s Eurovision winner.
Sweden is the new favourite, with Eurovision aficionados additionally speaking up the prospects of Finland and France. “It’s trying most unlikely that another nation other than a kind of three will win this yr,” our senior Eurovision mole mentioned confidently.
All issues being equal, Ukraine — as final yr’s winner — ought to host the occasion. However with Russia’s ongoing invasion, organizers turned to the runner-up, the U.Okay., to carry Eurovision on Ukraine’s behalf, selecting Liverpool because the host metropolis.
Protection from Liverpool’s M&S Financial institution Area begins at 8 p.m. U.Okay. time, hosted by, amongst others, Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina. It’s anticipated to wrap up round midnight, which might be not sufficient Eurovision for die-hard followers, however a lot for these of us of a sure classic anticipated to file post-contest stories.
Organizers have chosen the working order for the 26 collaborating nations.
Right here’s what to observe for:
1. First up, Austria, with Teya & Salena’s “Who the Hell is Edgar?” A great query. We anticipate finding out the reply.
5. Serbia, whose tune interprets to “I simply wish to sleep.” Relatable.
6. France. One of many major contenders. Hasn’t gained since 1977. May this be the yr? “Évidemment,” in response to the chosen tune title.
8. Spain. Like France, hasn’t gained for ages (since 1969, to be precise, in a four-way tie. Spain did turn out to be the primary to win it consecutively within the course of, although — truthful play). Blanca Paloma hopes to convey it residence with “EAEA,” which we perceive shouldn’t be a type of EU membership.
9. Sweden. The favorites with “Tattoo.” Singer Loreen is a earlier winner (2012). Pedigree.
13. Finland. In response to Liverpool Metropolis Area Mayor Steve Rotheram, the viewers went wild for Käärijä’s “Cha Cha Cha” throughout Tuesday’s semi-final. “The one which received the gang actually buzzing and singing alongside was Finland,” he advised us.
15. Australia. Doesn’t get sufficient credit score for its European credentials. Can’t suppose why.
19. Ukraine. TVORCHI will carry out “Coronary heart of Metal.” Apt tune identify. Don’t rely them out.
23. Israel. Rotheram reckons Noa Kirel’s “Unicorn” additionally went down fairly effectively throughout Tuesday’s semi-final.
25. The penultimate act, Croatia, with Let 3 performing “Mama ŠČ!” Every little thing you need from a Eurovision efficiency. Eccentric because it comes. Simply epic. The tune additionally has a double that means in regards to the Russian Federation and warfare typically.
26. The U.Okay. is up final, with Mae Muller hoping to go one higher than Britain’s runner-up spot final yr together with her fairly literal effort, “I Wrote A Track.” Good on you.
Peppered all through the present might be quite a lot of different performances, together with from final yr’s first and second-place acts, with homages to host metropolis Liverpool and, after all, Ukraine.
What to not count on? An handle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, apparently.
For the primary time, folks from non-participating nations can vote within the contest. The general public vote might be mixed with choices made by juries from collaborating nations fashioned of music business professionals.
Our wager? Music would be the winner. And doubtless Sweden.
