The contenders for Eurovision’s crown step into the spotlight as Australia prepares for a semi-final showdown in Liverpool.
Compared to the politically charged environment in which the 2022 competition was held – the expulsion of Russia after its invasion of Ukraine – the 2023 competition seems uncharacteristically calm. Liverpool, the home town of the Beatles, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Gerry & the Pacemakers, has welcomed the event with open arms.
This is also the first year the Czech Republic has competed as Czechia; the shorter name was approved for use in 2016, but the country’s government has recently adopted its use more widely.After so many years, the idea that Sweden remains the country to beat is almost a cliche. And yet, this year, as with many years, it is topping the speculative leaderboards on Eurovision fan sites around the world, and there is persistent buzz it will win.
The competition is being staged in Liverpool this year, after last year’s second-placing country, the UK, stepped in and offered to host the event. The 2022 winner, Ukraine, would have hosted by Eurovision tradition, but was unable to do so because of the conflict in the country after Russia’s invasion.
The two semi-finals are hosted by British singer Alesha Dixon, actress Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena. Irish television presenter Graham Norton will join the trio as a fourth host for this weekend’s final. The first semi-final also featured an appearance by three quarters of one of Eurovision’s most famous British acts, 1981 winners Bucks Fizz: Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston.
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