The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be hosted in Liverpool on behalf of last year’s winner Ukraine, owing to ongoing Russian aggression in the country. The UK, an early and vocal supporter of Ukraine in the wake of the Russian invasion, came second place to Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra with Sam Ryder in 2022.
Six countries are automatically guaranteed a spot in the final - there are the five biggest financial supporters of the contest - France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, and the previous year’s winner, Ukraine.
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Russia has been banned from the contest for the second year in a row following the invasion of Ukraine, and Belarus, which has offered support to Russia, has been banned since 2021 due to the country’s suppression of media freedom.
The entrants for most of the nations taking part, and the songs they will perform have now been revealed. Semi-finalists who progress to the final will perform the same song at both stages of the competition.
Which countries are not returning in Eurovision 2023?
As well as Russia and Belarus, which have both been barred from the competition, three other nations will not be returning to the contest this year.
Bulgaria, Montenegro and North Macedonia will not take part, largely due to the economic impact of the ongoing energy crisis and the costs involved in entering the competition. North Macedonia is expected to return to the contest in 2024.
Who are the entrants for Eurovision 2023?
Semi-final 1 - 1st half (Tuesday 9 May)
- Croatia - Let 3, Mama ŠČ!
- Ireland - Wild Youth, We Are One
- Latvia - Sudden Lights, Aijā
- Malta - The Busker, Dance (Our Own Party)
- Norway - Alessandra, Queen of Kings
- Portugal - will be announced on 11 March
- Serbia - Luke Black, Samo mi se spava (Само ми се спава)
Semi-final 1 - 2nd half (Tuesday 9 May)
- Azerbaijan - will be announced on 8 March
- Czech Republic - Vesna, My Sister’s Crown
- Finland - Käärijä, Cha Cha Cha
- Israel - Noa Kirel, Unicorn
- Moldova - Pasha Parfeni, Soarele și luna
- Netherlands - Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper, Burning Daylight
- Sweden - will be announced on 11 March
- Switzerland- Remo Forrer, Watergun
Semi-final 2 - 1st half (Thursday 11 May)
- Armenia - Brunette - will be announced in March
- Belgium - Gustaph, Because of You
- Cyprus - Andrew Lambrou, Break a Broken Heart
- Denmark - Reiley, Breaking My Heart
- Estonia - Alika, Bridges
- Greece - Victor Vernicos, What They Say
- Iceland - Diljá , Power
- Romania - Theodor Andrei, D.G.T. (Off and On)
Semi-final 2 - 2nd half (Thursday 11 May)
- Albania - Albina & Familja Kelmendi, Duje
- Australia - Voyager, Promise
- Austria - Teya and Salena, Who the Hell is Edgar?
- Georgia - Iru Khechanovi, will be announced in March
- Lithuania - Monika Linkytė, Stay
- Poland - Blanka, Solo
- San Marino - Piqued Jacks, Like an Animal
- Slovenia - Joker Out, Carpe Diem
Final (Saturday 13 May)
- France - La Zarra, Évidemment
- Germany - Lord of the Lost, Blood & Glitter
- Italy - Marco Mengoni, Due vite
- Spain - Blanca Paloma, Eaea
- Ukraine - Tvorchi, Heart of Steel
- United Kingdom - will be announced in March