Basel, Switzerland (AP) – Whether you’re dressing up in sequins or lounging on your sofa, it’s time to discover who will be crowned the champion of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest.
Representatives from over two dozen countries will take the stage in Basel, Switzerland on Saturday, vying for glory through three-minute pop songs. Millions across Europe will tune in and cast their votes for their favorites.
Here’s how you can join in:
What time does Eurovision start?
The grand finals kick off at 9 PM Central European Summer Time. In the UK, the broadcast begins at 8 PM.
For viewers in the US and Canada, the finale starts at 3 PM.
How can I watch Eurovision?
The event will be broadcasted by national networks in the participating countries. For a complete list, check out the Eurovision website here.
You can also catch the action on Eurovision’s YouTube Channel in select regions.
In the US, Eurovision will be live-streamed on Peacock.
How do I vote on Eurovision?
Viewers from participating countries can vote during the event and for about 40 minutes afterwards via phone, text, or the Eurovision app. Each viewer can cast up to 20 votes, but not for their own country.
Voting opens all day on Saturday for fans in the US and other non-participating countries via www.esc.vote or through the app. The total votes from the “rest of the world” will be counted as one country.
Countries earn points based on both public votes and rankings from a panel of music industry experts, which are tallied for the final score, determining the overall winner.
I’m new to Eurovision. What should I know?
Simply put, Eurovision is an international pop music competition where acts represent their countries on live television, all competing for the prestigious Crystal Microphone Trophy.
Originally established in 1956 to promote unity after World War II and to trial new live broadcasting technology, Eurovision has evolved into a delightful celebration of pop culture and international camaraderie. The contest has grown from seven to 37 countries, embracing non-European nations such as Israel and Australia. This year, 26 finalists will emerge from two semi-finals held earlier this week.
Eurovision is famous for its electrifying pop anthems and dance tracks, often paired with extravagant costumes and theatrical performances. It has also garnered a reputation for showcasing quirky novelty acts.
Notable past winners include ABBA, who claimed victory in 1974 with “Waterloo,” Celine Dion, who triumphed for Switzerland in 1988, and the Italian rock band Måneskin, who won in 2021.
This year’s contenders include Sweden’s Causal with a quirky homage to sauna culture titled “Barabadabasu,” along with Dutch artist Claude’s soulful ballad “C’est la Vie,” Austrian singer JJ’s operatic pop “Not Love,” French artist Rouen’s “Mamand,” and Israel’s own Yuval Raphael with the anthem “New Days Rise.”
Israeli participation has drawn protests, with Palestinians and their supporters arguing that the country should be excluded from the contest due to its actions amid The War with Hamas in Gaza.
Source: apnews.com