Eurovision is back - here's how to watch it in the UK and US

The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the biggest international entertainment competitions. This year it returns to Sweden, home of the most famous Eurovision winner, ABBA.

In 2023, Loreen managed her second win with her powerful song Tattoo. However, she was closely contested by the people’s champion Käärijä from Finland, with his catchy hit Cha Cha Cha. This year, the UK is pinning its hopes on pop star Olly Alexander and his clever staging.

We’ve rounded up all the information on the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, including when the show airs, how to tune in from the UK and abroad, who is taking part and more.

When is the Eurovision 2024 final?

The Eurovision Grand Final takes place on Saturday 11 May 2024. Here are the times that it will kick off around the world:

8pm BST (UK)
9pm CEST (Europe)
3pm ET (East Coast US)
12pm PT (West Coast US)

Both Semi Finals have now aired. You can watch the winning performance from 2023 below:

Who is hosting Eurovision this year?

Sweden is the host country for the seventh time. The stadium is in the city of Malmo, which will be holding the contest for the third time.

You can take a look at the stage design below:

How to watch the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK

As per previous years, you should be able to tune in to the Grand Final of Eurovision 2024 on BBC One.

You’ll also be able to watch the show live on BBC One via iPlayer and stream it shortly after the broadcast on the BBC iPlayer website or app on your tablet or smartphone.

How to watch the Eurovision Song Contest from the US and abroad

US viewers can tune in via Peacock. An ad-supported plan costs $5.99 per month, while an ad-free one costs $11.99 per month.

YouTube will also be live-streaming the whole Grand Final on the official Eurovision channel.

You can see a full list of the international broadcasters here.

Who is presenting Eurovision 2024?

Eurovision fans will be pleased to see Petra Mede returning to host, the Swedish presenter in 2013 and 2016. Her musical comedy skills are quite renowned. Last time she performed the parody hit ‘Love Love Peace Peace’ with former winner Måns Zelmerlöw, a song dedicated to the cliche tropes of the contest.

She’ll be joined by actress Malin Åkerman, known for her roles in The Utopia, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and Watchmen. She was also the lead singer in the band Petalstones. So, she may join Petra in another iconic duet.

On the BBC, Graham Norton is returning for his usual hilarious commentary.

Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU

How to vote in the Eurovision Song Contest

The easiest way to vote for your favourite act in the Eurovision Song Contest is by downloading the app onto your smartphone or tablet. It is available from Google Play the iOS App Store and the Windows Store, and is free to download. You can also vote via the official website.

Once you’ve got the app, you’ll be able to find out more about the participants from the countries taking part, and you’ll also be able to find out the latest Eurovision news.

But more importantly, you can cast your vote using the app simply by clicking on the vote button and choosing your favourite. You can vote multiple times, but you cannot vote for the country you are voting from.

Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU

Who are the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 finalists?

37 countries are participating in Eurovision 2024, but only 26 make it to the Grand Final. Sweden automatically gets a slot in the Grand Final as the host.

They will be joined by the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain – members of the Big Five who automatically qualify due to being the biggest contributors to the contest. Romania and North Macedonia will not be entering this year.

Here is the running order for the Grand Final:

Eurovision 2024 finalists and running order

Sweden | Marcus & Martinus – Unforgettable
Ukraine | alyona alyona & Jerry Heil – Teresa & Maria
Germany | ISAAK – Always On The Run
Luxembourg | TALI – Fighter
Netherlands | Joost Klein – Europapa
Israel | Eden Golan – Hurricane
Lithuania | Silvester Belt – Luktelk
Spain | Nebulossa – ZORRA
Estonia | 5MIINUST x Puuluup – (nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
Ireland | Bambie Thug – Doomsday Blue
Latvia | Dons – Hollow
Greece | Marina Satti – ZARI
United Kingdom | Olly Alexander – Dizzy
Norway | Gåte – Ulveham
Italy | Angelina Mango – La Noia
Serbia | TEYA DORA – RAMONDA
Finland | Windows95man – No Rules!
Portugal | iolanda – Grito
Armenia | LADANIVA – Jako
Cyprus | Silia Kapsis – Liar
Switzerland | Nemo – The Code
Slovenia | Raiven – Veronika
Croatia | Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim
Georgia | Nutsa Buzaladze – Firefighter
France | Slimane – Mon Amour
Austria | Kaleen – We Will Rave

Who is the UK entry for Eurovision?

This year, Years and Years front man Olly Alexander will be representing the UK with Dizzy, a nostalgic pop track. Considering Olly’s success in the music industry, there are high hopes. The staging for this year’s entry also looks exciting.

Here’s the performance from the Semi Final:

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