The biggest party in Europe is back with Eurovision 2025 - and this year's celebration marks the 69th year of the show, which, this time around, promises to be packed full of brilliant songs, from yearning ballads to club anthems and everything in between.

After two live semi-finals, we now have our 26 finalists and we will once again see Graham Norton providing his annual witty commentary during the live event. Also, as tradition, the reigning champion Nemo will return to the Eurovision stage to remind us exactly why they took home that trophy in 2024, when they won with The Code.

But who has got what it takes to win this year's competition and who will be going home with the dreaded 'nul points'?

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest, and often most bonkers, annual music event in Europe...

Eurovision 2025 release date

The Eurovision 2025 final will take place on Saturday, May 17, and will air in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm. The final will also air on Peacock in the US.

The Eurovision 2025 live semi-finals aired on Tuesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 15 at 8pm on BBC One. You can now catch up on iPlayer.

Eurovision 2025 host country

Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland, marking the first time Basel has ever hosted Eurovision.

It is tradition for the previous year's winner to host the show, and this year's event will be held in a huge arena called the Jakobshalle after Swiss singer Nemo won Eurovision 2024 with a song called The Code.

Eurovision 2025 UK entry

This year, a country-pop girl band called Remember Monday will be representing the UK with their catchy tune, What the Hell Just Happened?'.

The band is made up of three friends: Lauren Burne, Holly Anne-Hull, and Charlotte Steel, who met when they were in sixth form in Farnborough, Hampshire.

The girls also appeared on The Voice in 2019 when they were mentored by American singer and actress Jennifer Hudson.

You can watch their entry song below... but warning - it's catchy!

Remember Monday interview

We caught up with Remember Monday to find out more about the live show...

Your track What the Hell just Happened is about the morning after an eventful night out. Did you draw on any personal experiences?

HOLLY "The lyrics are inspired by our own friendship, and there are many nights out we can’t share, where we did wake up thinking just that! There was one where Charlotte actually did lose a shoe [as referenced in the song] – if anyone finds a boot in Reading town centre, you know where to bring it!"
CHARLOTTE "Holly’s hen do, where Lauren and I were bridesmaids, was a whole weekend of ‘What the hell just happened…’!"

Are you nervous about performing for a global audience, which last year tallied over 163 million people?

CHARLOTTE "It’s so hard; you can’t visualise that at all, so it’s not even worth thinking about that many viewers. But knowing that people are watching the three of us living our dream is everything."
HOLLY "It’s not necessarily the size of the audience, it’s that we so badly want to do a good job; that’s where our nerves are coming from. We want to be able to watch it back and be so proud!"

Have you made friends with any fellow competitors already?

HOLLY "Miriana Conte from Malta is a babe! She used to be in a girl band, so we have a connection with her. We’re planning a girls’ holiday to Malta when Eurovision is over!"
CHARLOTTE "Claude from the Netherlands is the sweetest; he was so kind to us just before the pre-party concert in Amsterdam. We all chilled in the dressing room, chatting about how crazy the experience has been."
LAUREN "Sissal from Denmark is also amazing. We’re loving all the girlies in the competition this year – there’s a real feeling of girl power."

Who is your favourite Eurovision act to date?

CHARLOTTE "I’ve been a huge Eurovision fan as long as I can remember. We always host parties where everyone picks a country and brings food and drink from there – we go all out! My favourite has to be Alexander Rybak, who won for Norway in 2009 with Fairytale."
HOLLY "Scooch for me. Their song, Flying The Flag (For You), from 2007 [for the UK] always sticks in my head."
LAUREN "The fabulous Conchita Wurst, who won [for Austria] in 2014 with Rise Like a Phoenix. It was just incredible."

Finally, any teasers about what you’re planning for your performance?

LAUREN "Drama and theatrics!"
CHARLOTTE "We are leaning into our musical theatre backgrounds. We just hope that audiences love the staging and design as much as we do."
HOLLY "And our outfits are pretty cute, too!"

Eurovision 2025 finalists and running order

1. Norway | Kyle Alessandro – Lighter 

2. Luxembourg | Laura Thorn – La Poupée Monte Le Son

3. Estonia | Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato

4. Israel | Yuval Raphael – New Day Will Rise

5. Lithuania | Katarsis – Tavo Akys

6. Spain | Melody – ESA DIVA

7. Ukraine | Ziferblat – Bird of Pray

8. United Kingdom | Remember Monday – What The Hell Just Happened?

9. Austria | JJ – Wasted Love

10. Iceland | VÆB – RÓA

11. Latvia | Tautumeitas – Bur Man Laimi

12. Netherlands | Claude – C’est La Vie

13. Finland | Erika Vikman – ICH KOMME

14. Italy | Lucio Corsi | Volevo Essere Un Duro

15. Poland | Justyna Steczkowska – GAJA

16. Germany | Abor & Tynna – Baller

17. Greece | Klavdia – Asteromáta

18. Armenia | PARG – SURVIVOR 

19. Switzerland | Zoë Më – Voyage

20. Malta | Miriana Conte – SERVING

21. Portugal | NAPA – Deslocado

22. Denmark | Sissal – Hallucination 

23. Sweden | KAJ – Bara Bada Bastu 

24. France | Louane – maman

25. San Marino | Gabry Ponte – Tutta L’Italia

26. Albania | Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm

Eurovision 2025 hosts

The Eurovision 2025 final will be presented by stand-up comedian Hazel Brugger, TV presenter Michelle Hunziker and Eurovision veteran Sandra Studer. And, of course, Graham Norton is back providing his witty commentary during the live show.

Graham told us: "I love everything about Eurovision. The range of musical styles and talents combined with the coming together of countries and fans makes it a contest like no other.

"It’s a big year for party anthems: the two that stand out for me are Miriana Conte representing Malta [with pop song Serving] and Emmy for Ireland with an unlikely banger [Laika Party], about an immortal dog. I think Italy might have a good year, with a classic rock ballad [Volevo Essere Un Duro] performed by Lucio Corsi.

"And Remember Monday have a great advantage; they are unlike any other act this year. Their vocals and harmonies are flawless, the song has a strong hook and the trio are hugely likeable. I haven’t been to Basel before, but I’m expecting the contest to run like clockwork, a very clean arena, and fingers crossed for a complimentary chocolate or two!"

In a Doctor Who/Eurovision mashup, Ncuti Gatwa was meant to be the United Kingdom's Eurovision spokesperson, delivering the results of the UK's Jury live during the Grand Final; however, due to 'unforeseen circumstances', Ncuti has had to pull out.

The official statement from the BBC reads: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately, Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend. However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2’s very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK.

Speaking of her last-minute role, Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “I love Eurovision and it’s a privilege to be part of 2025’s Grand Final. What an honour it is to announce the UK’s jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom!”

Eurovision 2025 - latest odds

Here's who is currently favourite to win Eurovision 2025...

• Sweden Evens
• Austria 10/3
• France 9/1
• Holland 18/1
• Finland 20/1
• Switzerland 33/1
• Israel 35/1
• UK 150/1

After the first one two days ago, the second semi-final for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest takes place on Thursday, May 16 and it has even more countries competing for spots in the final.

The Eurovision Song Contest for 2025 takes place in Basel in Switzerland, and Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer will host the semi-final events.

The Eurovision semi-finals help decide who goes through to the final on Saturday, May 17, with 15 countries in the first semi- and 16 in the second needing to be reduced to 10 from each for the weekend event. You can find full team lists for each event below.

As a huge communal event that people from around the world tune in to see, you're bound to want to see the first two rounds of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 ahead of the main event.

So here's how to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 semi-finals online or on TV.

How to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 semi-finals in the US

If you live in the US, the Eurovision semi-finals begin at 3 pm ET/midday PT on Tuesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 15.

There's no TV broadcast of the semi-finals but you'll be able to watch them online live by using the streaming service Peacock.

Peacock costs $7.99 per month for an ad-supported tier or $13.99 for ad-free, with annual alternatives to either. It's not clear whether the Eurovision live stream will including commercials but it'll affect other movies and TV shows you stream.

The Eurovision Song Contest final will also air on Peacock so you're setting yourself up to stream that after the semi-finals.

How to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 semi-finals in the UK

UK viewers of the Eurovision semi-finals can watch them from 8pm on Tuesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 15.

There will be a TV broadcast of both events on BBC One, immediately after EastEnders, and it'll run until 10:20pm on both dates.

You can watch the semi-finals live online by using iPlayer, as it will host a live stream of each event and lets you tune into BBC One using a smart device.

Both of these options are free to people who pay a license fee.

How to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 semi-finals in Australia

The Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals begin at 5am ACT on Tuesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 15.

You'll be able to watch them using SBS' TV channel or its free streaming service SBS On Demand.

How to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 semi-finals everywhere else

If you're going to be away from your normal TV setup but still want to watch the Eurovision Song Contest, you might run into some problems. Thankfully, you can solve this exact issue with a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN lets you change your IP address to that of the area of what you want to watch, meaning you can tune in to your favorite show, movie, event or other content even if you're not there. Our favorite is NordVPN, which is the No. 1-rated VPN in the world right now according to our sister site, TechRadar.

How to use a VPN to watch any stream

• Download the app at NordVPN
• Choose the location of the streaming service you want to watch (UK, US, etc)
• Navigate to the streaming service and start watching!

Eurovision Song Contest semi-final line-ups

Semi-final 1: Tuesday, May 13

• Iceland: Róa by Væb
• Poland: Gaja by Justyna Steczkowska
• Slovenia: How Much Time Do We Have Left by Klemen
• Estonia: Espresso Macchiato by Tommy Cash
• Ukraine: Bird of Pray by Ziferblat
• Sweden: Bara bada bastu by KAJ
• Portugal: Deslocado by Napa
• Norway: Lighter by Kyle Alessandro
• Belgium: Strobe Lights by Red Sebastian
• Azerbaijan: Run with U by Mamagama
• San Marino: Tutta l'Italia by Gabry Ponte
• Albania: Zjerm by Shkodra Elektronike
• Netherlands: C'est la vie by Claude
• Croatia: Poison Cake by Marko Bošnjak
• Cyprus: Shh by Theo Evan

Semi-final 2: Thursday, May 15

• Australia: Milkshake Man by Go-Jo
• Montenegro: "Dobrodošli" by Nina Žižić
• Ireland: Laika Party by Emmy
• Latvia: Bur man laimi by Tautumeitas
• Aremenia: Survivor by Parg
• Austria: Wasted Love by JJ
• Greece: Asteromata by Klavdia
• Lithuana: Tavo akys by Katarsis
• Malta: Serving by Miriana Conte
• Georgia: Freedom by Mariam Shengelia
• Denmark: Hallucination by Sissal
• Czechia: Kiss Kiss Goodbye by Adonxs
• Luxembourg: La poupée monte le son by Laura Thorn
• Israel: New Day Will Rise by Yuval Raphael
• Serbia: Mila by Princ
• Findland: Ich komme by Erika Vikman

You know them as ABBA —the Swedish pop superstars behind such enduring feel-good hits as "Dancing Queen," "Take a Chance on Me," "Super Trouper," "Mamma Mia" and "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)," among countless others. But a new music documentary gives you behind-the-scenes insight into the group's core four, Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

Airing tonight, April 19 at 8pm Eastern Time on The CW, the 2024 doc ABBA: Against the Odds celebrates the 50th anniversary of the group's iconic victory as Sweden's first winner of the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Waterloo" in 1974. (Fun fact: In 2005, "Waterloo" was chosen as the best song in the competition's history.) The 90-minute film "unveils the epic journey of ABBA’s rise to global fame," per the official synopsis. "Starting with the moment they won Eurovision, it tells the story of how they overcame critical backlash, societal attitudes and marital break-up to deliver their ground-breaking music and prove themselves as a live act."

Helmed by filmmaker James Rogan — who directed other recent musical docs including Freddie Mercury: The Final Act and 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything — the gripping feature documentary uses archival interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, rare photos, personal anecdotes and the group's timeless songs to paint a vivid portrait of one of the world's most beloved and best-selling musical acts.

“What I love in storytelling is a strong outsider story," Rogan told Deadline.
"When you think about ABBA and cut through all the kitsch and costumes you realize there is this band that did something that no other band had done before or since. As a non-anglophone band singing in their second language they conquered the world.”

To tune into tonight's special presentation of ABBA: Against the Odds, you're going to need access to The CW. The network is readily available for anyone with a traditional pay-TV subscription or TV antenna that receives local station signals, but if you've cut the cord, you can also access The CW's programming via live TV streaming subscribers such as Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV.

Check out the full trailer for ABBA: Against the Odds before tuning into the groovy music doc tonight on The CW.

Before Netflix was the home of some of the biggest and best shows on TV, Netflix was more associated with movies. It all started with its red envelopes, sending DVDs directly to people's homes. It soon became one of the most popular platforms to stream movies in the world (now streaming is the only option as the Netflix DVD service has ended). And it doesn't disappoint, as the amount of Netflix movies to stream is vast.

Of course, such a big library is a positive and a negative. It's a positive because there are seemingly endless options to choose from, but that amount of choice can lead to a lot of scrolling an in decision on what to settle on watching. Allow us to help with that by assembling on official ranking of the best Netflix movies to stream right now.

The list we've put together below (not ranked, just in alphabetical order) includes both the best of the ever expanding slate of Netflix original movies, which are always going to be available on Netflix, and movies that rotate in and out of the service each month; so be sure to check back with this post to see what's new on the service that you should be watching. (FYI, we're only doing feature length movies, so not including shorts, even the Oscar-winning The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.)

Let's not waste any more time and dive right into WTW's picks for the best Netflix movies to watch right now.

103 best Netflix movies to stream right now

13th (2016)

Netflix has plenty of amazing documentaries in its library that challenge and inform viewers, perhaps none more so than the Oscar-nominated 13th, directed by Ava DuVernay. The movie reexamines the 13th amendment to the US Constitution, which officially ended slavery but, as the movie posits, also may have led to the racial inequality of the current US prison system. Available: US/UK

1917 (2019)

Sam Mendes put viewers into the middle of World War One action with his movie 1917. Following two British soldiers (Dean-Charles Champman and George MacKay) as they attempt to deliver a message that could save the lives of 1,600 men is made to look like it is done in one take, which ratchets up the intensity as the audience (like its two main characters) get very little time to breathe. Available: US only

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

1930's All Quiet on the Western Front, an anti-war story depicting a young German soldier's harrowing experiences during World War One, was among the first Best Picture winners, but Netflix's remake of All Quiet of the Western Front from German director Edward Berger maybe even better than the original. With today's technology they can masterfully reconstruct the intense battle sequences of the story, but at its heart are still the characters who are forced to endure the worst. Available: US/UK

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

The rom-com has found new life on Netflix, with Always Be My Maybe as one of the streamer's best original movies in the genre. Ali Wong and Randall Park star as childhood friends we reconnect as adults wondering with the question hanging over their heads: why did they never end up together? An excellent script, Wong and Park's great chemistry and a memorable Keanu Reeves cameo make Always Be My Maybe a movie you'll love in love with. Available: US/UK

American Factory (2019)

One of Netflix's Oscar-winning documentaries, American Factory focuses on an Ohio factory that was set to close when it is rescued by a Chinese billionaire. The documentary focuses on the struggles of how the Chinese and American work cultures mix. Available: US/UK

American Gangster (2007)

We'd watch Denzel Washington read the phonebook, that is how charismatic and effective the Oscar-winning actor is. And all that talent is on full display in American Gangster, where he plays drug kingpin Frank Lucas in 1970s New York, while Russell Crowe's the cop doggedly trying to bring him down. It's a strong crime drama with a deep supporting cast beyond the two leads (Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Cuba Gooding Jr., John Hawkes and the legendary Ruby Dee also star), but no surprise Denzel is the main attraction. Available: US only

American Graffiti (1973)

Before Star Wars launched George Lucas into the stratosphere (and subsequently took over the rest of his career), he made a much more down to Earth movie that is also quite acclaimed in American Graffiti. About as far away from Star Wars as you can get (though Harrison Ford does have a supporting role in the movie), American Graffiti takes place in a small California town as a group of teens spend one of their final nights together on the town before starting the next chapters of their lives. American Graffiti was nominated for five Oscars (Best Picture and Best Director included) and is also on the American Film Institute's Top 100 movies of all time list, so it very much is Lucas' other classic. Available: US only

Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood (2022)

Richard Linklater is a singular American filmmaker with such classics as Dazed and Confused, the Before trilogy and Boyhood. With Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood, he manages to capture the awe of the Moon Race era as he imagines what it would be like if a child from a small town in Texas was recruited to help NASA as they work on the Apollo missions. Available: US/UK

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

One of the first Netflix original movies remains one of its best. Beasts of No Nation, directed by Cary J. Fukunaga and featuring Idris Elba in an acclaimed supporting performance, is a drama based on the experiences of a child soldier fighting in Africa. Available: US/UK

The Book of Clarence (2024)

Jeyems Samuel previously offered his take on the western (which we have included on this list), and now he took on the biblical epic with The Book of Clarence, one of WTW's best-reviewed movies of the year. LaKeith Stanfield stars as man down on his luck when he decides to change his fate by emulating Jesus of Nazareth and proclaiming himself a new prophet. The movie is expertly made, with a killer soundtrack and is funny, though not at the expense of religion. It's well worth checking out. Available: US only

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

For my money, Born on the Fourth of July is Oliver Stone's superior Vietnam war film, better than his Best Picture winner Platoon. A large part of that is the performance from Tom Cruise, which could have, and possibly should have won Cruise an Oscar. It's a powerful story about the consequences of war and how that there is more than one way to show your patriotism for your country. Available: US only

Burn After Reading (2008)

The Coen Brothers have a duality to them, as they are capable of making incredibly dark and thrilling movies like Blood Simple and No Country for Old Men, but also are quite adept at screwball comedies (Raising Arizona, Hail Caesar!). Burn After Reading is definitely the latter, but this spy comedy featuring just about the dumbest spies you can find (played by the likes of George Clooney, Richard Jenkins, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt and Tilda Swinton) actually has a bit more to say when you look past the buffoonery. Available: US only

Captain Philllips (2013)

Captain Phillips sparked a million memes and impressions of the now iconic line from Barkhad Abdi, "I'm the captain now," but the movie directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks has plenty else going for it. Greengrass is an expert at creating intense sequences and does so again with this modern day pirate story, while Hanks and Abdi are great off each other (Abdi's performance was nominated for an Oscar while many believed Hanks should have been). Available: US only

Carry-On (2024)

Die Hard for a new generation is an apt description for Carry-On, a Christmas-set action thriller starring Taron Egerton. The actor plays a TSA agent who is blackmailed into letting a dangerous package through security. But can he figure out how to stop it and save numerous lives? Carry-On is a great Christmas-time alternative for those who are more fond of the action genre. Available: US/UK

Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

We'll probably never see Tom Hanks run for political office, so the closest we'll get is to him portraying real-life Congressman Charlie Wilson, who in the late 70s and early 80s led a charge to arm Afghanistan rebels in their fight against the invading Soviet Union. While the movie has a strong bend toward comedy as Hanks' Wilson is a big personality and Philip Seymour Hoffman's CIA agent is hysterically ornery, but the movie (directed by Mike Nichols) also has a poignant message about the ramifications of these events. Available: US only

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

If you ever need the Christmas spirit, Netflix has plenty of holiday-themed movies to pick from. A fun one is The Christmas Chronicles, which sees Kurt Russell play Santa Claus, whose delivery of presents is interrupted by a sister and brother who attempt to capture him on camera. There is also a sequel, The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two, if you're interested. Available: US/UK

Clueless (1995)

Amy Heckerling is responsible for not one, but two all time great high school comedies in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (also streaming on Netflix in the US) and Clueless. But as a millennial, Clueless is the one that I have the deeper connection to. This reinterpretation of Jane Austen's Emma sees Alicia Silverstone stars as Cher, a Beverly Hills teen socialite, who attempts to play matchmaker, only for things to get a little out of her control. The movie has become a beloved comedy, so as it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year there's no better time to give it a rewatch. Available: US/UK

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Spike Lee took on the Vietnam War in this tale of four African-American vets who return to Vietnam seeking the treasure that they buried and to bring back the remains of their fallen squad leader. Lee was on a hot streak with Da 5 Bloods and BlackKlansman, and we're still shocked that Da 5 Bloods didn't earn more than its one Oscar nomination for Best Original Score. Available: US/UK

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Richard Linklater's high school classic keeps getting it older, but it has a quality that continues to stay the same. Set on the last day of school in 1976 Texas, the movie features a who's who cast of then up-and-comers (Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, Milla Jovovich, Adam Goldberg, Antony Rapp, Cole Hauser and more) as they hang and look to party. All the while Linklater distills the essence of teenagers, specifically at that time and, as evident by its staying power, beyond its 70s setting. Oh yeah, and the soundtrack is awesome. Available: US Only

The Deer Hunter (1978)

I'm not sure there's a movie that showcases the mental horrors of the Vietnam War more powerfully than The Deer Hunter. Now how historically accurate Michael Cimino's Oscar-winning is up for debate, but the emotional impact and performances from Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep and others make this movie a classic. Available: US only

The Departed (2006)

The movie that finally won Martin Scorsese his Oscar (for both Best Director and Best Picture), The Departed is an entertaining crime drama full of twists and turns and fun performances, especially from Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg. But the movie has staying power because of the depth of performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and a strong script from William Monahan. Whether or not you think The Departed is the movie that Scorsese should have won his Oscar for, it is another great entry in the legendary director's filmography. Available: US only

Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

Eddie Murphy gives one of his most critically acclaimed performances as he honors a beloved figure of the 1970s Blaxploitation movies, Rudy Ray Moore, who created and starred as the character Dolemite in various movies. Dolemite Is My Name tells Moore's story and features a fantastic cast that includes Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Titus Burgess, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Snoop Dogg, Ron Cephas Jones, Luenell, Chris Rock and Wesley Snipes. Available: US/UK

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

I have never played Dungeons & Dragons in my life, but I sure had a blast watching this movie based on the popular role-playing game. Chris Pine is another charming rogue alongside a fun ensemble that includes Michelle Rodriguez, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Rege-Jean Page and Hugh Grant in a nice, breezy popcorn flick for those in the mood for some fantasy. Available: US only

*Leaving August 25

Emilia Perez (2024)

Movie fans got a fantastic, traditional adaptation of a Broadway musical in 2024 with Wicked, but meanwhile Netflix delivered a fresh jolt of energy to the genre with Emilia Perez. From French auteur Jacques Audiard, Emilia Perez tells the story of a drug cartel leader who with the help of a lawyer manages to begin anew and live her authentic life as a woman. The music is as unique as the story, all resulting in an incredible movie with a number of stellar performances, though Zoe Saldana is the stand out for my money. Available: US/UK

Enola Holmes (2020)

Millie Bobby Brown has practically become the de-factor queen of Netflix between Stranger Things and her number of Netflix original movies, the best of which is definitely Enola Holmes. Brown stars as the titular younger sister of famed detective Sherlock Holmes (played by Henry Cavill), who takes on her own case involving a young lord in trouble. Available: US/UK

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most popular and wonderfully bonkers events in the world, so Will Ferrell's movie on the singing competition is no less joyfully insane. Starring alongside Rachel McAdams, the pair star as Icelandic musicians who may not be the most talented, but are desperate to live their dreams and compete in Eurovision. Funny and with some great musical moments, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is one of the better Will Ferrell movies we've had of late. Available: US/UK

Extraction (2020)

Chris Hemsworth may have traded in his hammer but he is still nearly superhuman in Extraction, an action movie that sees him play a black market mercenary hired to rescue a kidnapped son of an international crime lord. Extraction features multiple incredible action set pieces that will wow viewers, but the movie may also be among Hemsworth's better performances. Available: US/UK

Fair Play (2023)

A modern-day take on the erotic thriller genre that was popular in the 1990s, Fair Play stars Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich as a young couple whose relationship is pushed to the brink when an unexpected promotion shifts the dynamics in their relationship. Both young stars give good performances and first-time feature director Chloe Domont crafts a taut viewing experience. Available: US/UK

The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020)

Playwright, rapper, comedian and filmmaker Radha Black pulled triple duty on The Forty-Year-Old Version: directing, writing and starring in the dramedy loosely based on her own experiences as a playwright attempting to make her career breakthrough before she turns 40. Black is great in all three aspects, delivering a funny and inspiring story of artistic persistence. Available: US/UK

Friday Night Lights (2004)

Before it became a hit TV show, the Friday Night Lights movie portrayed the ups and downs of a Texas high school football team that audiences could passionately root for. Based on a true story, the movie Friday Night Lights may not have a quote that has lasted like "clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose," but Billy Bob Thornton's Coach Gaines and his roster of co-stars (including Derek Luke, Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw and Connie Britton) are a winning combo. Available: US only

The Gentlemen (2019)

If you've watched the TV series The Gentlemen on Netflix, you can now watch the movie that inspired it on the streaming service as well. Guy Ritchie's 2019 movie was star-studded, with Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Colin Farrell, Henry Golding, Eddie Marsan and Hugh Grant among the cast, telling a classic Ritchie crime story of violence, drugs and wit. Available: US only

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc is back on the case in Glass Onion, the second movie in the Knives Out mystery franchise from Rian Johnson. The second installment is just as funny and twisty as the original Knives Out, with just as (and perhaps even more) star-studded cast that included Edward Norton, Janelle Monae, Kate Hudson, Leslie Odom Jr., Kathryn Hahn, Dave Bautista, Jessica Henwick and Madelyn Cline alongside Craig. Available: US/UK

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

Hollywood has been making big bucks with its new version of Godzilla that has been at the center of movies like Godzilla x Kong and Monarch, but the iconic movie monster's original country, Japan, put forth the best Godzilla movies in years with Godzilla Minus One. It did so by not only employing Oscar-winning visual effects to depict Godzilla and his path of destruction, but by actually investing time in its human characters to create a compelling and touching story for all the time Godzilla is not on screen. Its black-and-white version, Godzilla Minus One Minus Color, is also now streaming on Netflix. Available: US/UK

Groundhog Day (1993)

Have we written about Groundhog Day on this list before? Well the Bill Murray classic comedy is worth the inclusion even if we have. The movie follows a selfish weatherman (Murray), who discovers he is stuck in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again in Punxsutawney, Pa., desperately trying to break the cycle. It's a format that has been used by numerous movies now, with a few that have pulled it off quite well (Palm Springs and Edge of Tomorrow are personal favorites), but none of them have Murray, which is Groundhog Day's key ingredient. Available: US only

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)

An underrated Netflix original movie, The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society stars Lily James as a British author who discovers a group of people on a small British Isle that created this unique club as a type of salvation while they were under Nazi occupation during World War 2 and finds herself falling for the group as a whole and one of its member in particular. It's a charming movie with a great performance by Lily James and a yet-to-breakout Glen Powell. Available: US/UK

Happy Gilmore 2 (2025)

I'm not going to try and make the case that Happy Gilmore 2 is an incredible example of "cinema," but as a silly comedy it works exceedingly well. Fans of the original Adam Sandler comedy are sure to enjoy all the callbacks, the endless streak of cameos are fun and, believe it or not, there are some genuine points of emotion. As someone who grew up with the original, nothing was going to top it, but Happy Gilmore 2 is a worthy follow up that will get you laughing. Available: US/UK

The Harder They Fall (2021)

Writer-director Jeymes Samuel put his own spin on the western with the magnificent The Harder They Fall. Thrilling and funny, it brought a fresh spin to a classic Hollywood genre (something Samuel did again with the 2024 movie The Book of Clarence). We'll ride with this movie any time and highly recommend checking it out for yourself. Available: US/UK

Hit Man (2024)

One of my favorite movies of 2024 so far, Richard Linklater and Glen Powell's Hit Man is a hilarious, sexy and all-around fun watch. The movie is based on the real-life of Gary Johnson, a college professor who moonlighted as a fake hit man to help capture individuals looking to commit murder. However, things take a turn when Gary forms a connection with one of the suspects and begins to have a relationship with her. Available: US/UK

The Holiday (2006)

We're a ways away from Christmas, but if you're in the need of a pick-me-up there may not be a better movie to go with than The Holiday. This classic rom-com charmer stars Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black, all of who are practically perfect together. Available: US only

Hustle (2022)

One of the best new movies coming from then Adam Sandler/Netflix partnership of the last few years is the basketball drama Hustle. Sandler plays a pro scout who risks it all when he discovers an unknown prospect in Spain. Sandler is probably still best known for his comedies, but he has proven time and time again (and again in a movie further down) that he is a more than capable dramatic actor as well. Available: US/UK

Icarus (2017)

This is a great example of how a documentary can start out being one thing and then take on a life of its own. Documentarian Bryan Fogel was an avid cyclist who wanted to see if his results would truly be better using a doping program that often clouds the sport. He works with a Russian scientist to create the plan, only for things to come out that snowball into a global scandal and turn the documentary into a geopolitical thriller. Icarus would wind up winning the Oscar for Best Documentary. Available: US/UK

I'm Still Here (2024)

For all the awards that Flow and Emilia Perez racked up last year (and some of the controversy in the case of the latter), I'm Still Here was my favorite non-English language movie from 2024. The movie takes place in 1970s Brazil, recounting the true story of a family that is upended when the military dictatorship in place abducts her husband, drastically changing the course of her and her families live. Star Fernanda Torres is incredible and the movie deals with themes that unfortunately have links to events today. It's a must watch. Available: US only

The Irishman (2019)

Before making Killers of the Flower Moon for Apple TV Plus, Martin Scorsese worked with Netflix on his epic crime drama The Irishman, which featured Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel, among others. De Niro stars Frank Sheeran, a mafia hitman who allegedly assassinated union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). It's a three-hour plus movie, but a masterful one in the hands of Scorsese and these legendary actors. Available: US/UK

Jaws (1975)

Steven Spielberg's breakout hit returns to Netflix to close out the summer, and just shortly after the movie celebrated its 50th anniversary. The first true blockbuster, Jaws' place in the culture holds firm in half a century, with things like John Williams iconic and simple score and classic lines like "you're gonna need a bigger boat." And considering beach season is almost coming to an end, you can probably watch Jaws and not be as scared about going into the water afterwards. Available: US/UK

The Jerk (1979)

We all know Steve Martin from Only Murders in the Building, Father of the Bride and Three Amigos!, but if you haven't seen his first ever movie, The Jerk, you need to get on that ASAP. Martin goes for broke with the level of absurdity in this movie (the cat juggling bit is one of the first that comes to mind for me), but it absolutely works as his naive character Navin bumbles his way through life and love. Martin is one of the funniest performers we've ever seen, and The Jerk is further proof of that. Available: US only

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Another entry to get you in the holiday spirit any time of year is Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. In the movie, Forest Whitaker is a master toy maker whose latest invention is stolen from him. It takes his adventurous granddaughter to get him out of his funk and save the day in time for Christmas. It's a charming musical that is perfect for the whole family. Available: US/UK

June 17, 1994 (2010)

The ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries have been incredibly popular for their detailed examinations of iconic sports figures and moments. But my favorite entry from the 30 for 30 series is definitely June 17th, 1994. This documentary features no interviews, no anecdotes from those involved, it simply plays archival footage from the titular day chronologically, as it is one probably one of the most hectic days in sports history. Among the events on that day were the start of the 1994 World Cup in the US, Arnold Palmer's last round at the US Open, the New York Rangers celebrating their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, Ken Griffey Jr. tying Babe Ruth's record of most home runs in a season before June 30 and the NBA Finals game 5 between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks. However, every one of those events were overtaken by the OJ Simpson highway chase after the death of his wife. It's truly mesmerizing watching the days' events unfold. Available: US only

Jurassic Park (1993)

Make it a Spielberg double feature, as another one of his classic popcorn movies, Jurassic Park, is also streaming on Netflix right now. This franchise has continued for more than 30 years (with the most recent entry Jurassic World Rebirth), but pretty much no one will argue that the original movie remains the best of the bunch. Even after all these years, the dinosaurs in this movie can still mesmerize and scare the pants of you. And just to note, The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III are also now streaming on Netflix. Available: US only

The Karate Kid (1984)

Outside of the new Karate Kid: Legends movie (which is still only playing in movie theaters), Netflix is the streaming home for all things Karate Kid. That includes all of the first three Karate Kid movies starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, the 2010 reboot with Jackie Chan and TV series Cobra Kai. Though if you have to pick just one, how can you not pick "the best around," the original Karate Kid from 1984. Available: US/UK

The King (2019)

Before Timothée Chalamet was a messianic figure in Dune, he played the king of England in Netflix's The King. This historical epic depicts young Henry V as he rises to the throne and wage war against a strong French army. It's a showcase of how Chalamet became one of the biggest young actors in Hollywood. Available: US/UK

Klaus (2019)

A different take on the Santa story, Klaus is a gorgeously animated movie featuring the voice work of Jason Schwartzman, J.K Simmons, Rashida Jones, Norm MacDonald and Joan Cusack. Once you watch it good luck not making it a part of your annual Christmas movie rotation. Available: US/UK

Kneecap (2024)

One of the wildest and most entertaining movies of 2024 is now streaming on Netflix in Kneecap. Based on a real-life Irish hip hop band of the same name, the movie offers a fictionalized version of how the band got its start and became a symbol in the fight to preserve the native Irish language. Available: US only

Lion (2016)

If you're ever in need of a good cry, Lion is a movie that has all the ingredients to bring out the tissues. Dev Patel stars the grown adopted child of an Australian couple, who sets out to find his birthplace after he was lost as a small child in India. Patel and Nicole Kidman both earned Oscar nominations for their work, as di the movie for Best Picture. Available: US only

Logan Lucky (2017)

Fans of the Ocean's Eleven movies are going to love Steven Soderbergh's other star-studded heist comedy, Logan Lucky. Channing Tatum gives one of his best performances in the movie as one half of a pair of brothers that decide to try and change their fate by staging a robbery of a NASCAR race. Riley Keough, Daniel Craig, Hilary Swank, Katie Holmes, Seth Macfarlane, Sebastian Stan and more star in the movie. Available: US only

*Leaving August 20

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)

While Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is probably most known for being the last movie that Chadwick Boseman starred in, the adaptation of the August Wilson play is a showcase for Boseman as well as the great Viola Davis, with strong supporting turns from Colman Domingo and Glynn Turman as members of a 1920s band going through a contentious recording session. Available: US/UK

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Arguably the greatest action movie of the 21st century and one of the best all time, Mad Max: Fury Road is ready and raring to watch on Netflix right now. George Miller reignited his popular 80s franchise with a new leading man in Tom Hardy and, most importantly, a new character in Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron, that quickly became a fan favorite (and earned her own spinoff movie). The characters are what make Mad Max: Fury Road a great movie, but the action is the main attraction, as the movie is basically a two-hour chase scene with explosions. It's awesome. Available: US only

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a criminally underrated action movie from Guy Ritchie and starring Henry Cavill, Armie hammer and Alicia Vikander. An adaptation of an old TV series, this 1960s set spy drama is sauve, thrilling and overall damn entertaining. It's a real shame it didn't get the reception it deserved initially, but you can remedy that now on Netflix. Available: US only

Man on Wire (2008)

An Oscar-winning documentary, Man on Wire recounts the story of Philippe Petit, who in 1974 performed a high-wire act between the two towers of the World Trade Center... all without permission. Part thriller and circus performance, it is an exhiilrating documentary. Available: US only

*Leaving August 6

Mank (2020)

A movie about the writing of what is widely considered the greatest movie of all time (Citizen Kane), David Fincher's Mank is pretty great in its own right. While it definitely helps if you have some base knowledge of Hollywood history ahead of time, the story of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz using his first-hand experience to criticize some of the most powerful political and media players of the day is enthralling to watch. Available: US/UK

Maria (2024)

I have been a big fan of Pablo Larrain's movies about iconic 20th century women (previous entries include Jackie and Spencer), and the director did not disappoint with his latest, Maria, about famed opera singer Maria Callas. Angelina Jolie gives one of the best performances of her career her, combining with Larrain to beautifully tell her story. Available: US/UK

Marriage Story (2019)

The opposite of a romance movie, Marriage Story takes a look at the ending of a relationship, specifically the divorce between Adam Driver's Charlies and Scarlett Johansson's Nicole. The two stars are brilliant as the story doesn't shy away from all facets of a messy divorce, as is Laura Dern as Nicole's lawyer (winning the actress an Oscar). For all the bad that happens though, there is an underlying message of hope that when it really comes to it, there's still love between these two even if it's no longer romantic love. Available: US/UK

Melancholia (2011)

Many movies use a world ending threat as a narrative device, but Lars von Trier fully committed to the idea with his meditative look at depression, Melancholia. The real star of the movie though is the fantastic performance from Kirsten Dunst, which in hindsight seems baffling she didn't get nominated for an Oscar for it. Available: US only

*Leaving August 24

Mission: Impossible (1996)

Like the Karate Kid movies, you have a multitude of Mission: Impossible movies available to you on Netflix right now, as the first five movies of the franchise (Mission: Impossible, Mission: Impossible II, Mission: Impossible III, Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol and Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation) are all streaming. While Mission: Impossible III is an underrated entry in the franchise (and a more relevant one after some new details in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning), again I have to go with the original as my top pick, though no one's stopping you from having a Mission: Impossible marathon. Available: US/UK

The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021)

Produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, though co-written and co-directed by Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe, The Mitchells vs the Machines definitely fits nicely into the Lord and Miller style of absolutely bonkers narrative (a family road trip goes off the rails when a machine takeover threatens humanity) that is just the icing on the cake for a truly emotional and heartwarming movie about family. Available: US/UK

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (2024)

One of the newest Netflix original movies, Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa is a documentary about Lhakpa Sherpa, whose day job is a dishwasher but she is also one of the most accomplished mountain climbers in the world. What to Watch's own Tom Bedford calls it one of his favorite movies of the year and believes it should be in contention for an Oscar nom this year. Check it out for yourself right now. Available: US/UK

Mudbound (2017)

Dee Rees' Mudbound is kind of a forgotten gem on Netflix, as the Netflix original movie was critically acclaimed, was nominated for four Oscars and features outstanding work from its ensemble (Jason Mitchell, Garrett Hedlund, Carey Mulligan, Mary J. Blige and others). The story follows two rural Mississippi families, one white and one black, as they struggle in the aftermath of World War Two. Available: US/UK

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

People fell in love with My Octopus Teacher when it first landed on Netflix, as it tells the incredible story of a diver who forms a special friendship with an octopus and learning incredible lessons from the sea creature. Be warned though, the movie may make you think twice about ordering sea food any time soon. Available: US/UK

Neighbors (2014)

One of my favorite comedies of the last 10-plus years, Neighbors stars Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as a married couple who get the rude awakening when their new neighbors turn out to be a raucous fraternity led by Zac Efron. It eventually sets off a series of counter attacks against each other that get more and more hilarious. The only thing better would be if Neighbors 2 was also streaming on Netflix right now, but Neighbors is more than a suitable option if you're in need of a good laugh. Available: US only

Nonnas (2025)

Nonnas is a sweet comedy that is as comforting as the Italian food being cooked up on screen. Based on a real New York restaurant, Vince Vaughan stars as a man who decides to start a business to honor his late mother and grandmother — an Italian restaurant where actual grandmothers (nonnas) cook the recipes that they have been serving their families for generations. Legends Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire and Lorraine Bracco join Vaughn in a sweet movie that is hard not to love. Available: US/UK

Okja (2017)

Bong Joon Ho's Okja is an ambitious story of a young girl who goes on a mission to rescue the genetically altered pig that she has helped raise from the company that created it and wants to turn it into a new kind of food. While that seems dark, and the movie is certainly that at times, it also has a sincere heart amplified by the friendship of the girl and the titular Okja. Available: US/UK

The Old Guard (2020)

Netflix's adaptation of the graphic novel series, The Old Guard follows a group of immortal warriors who perform missions to protect the world. However, when they discover a new immortal their secret is at risk of being exposed by nefarious individuals. Charlize Theron leads the exciting, action-packed movie directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The sequel, The Old Guard 2, is also now available to stream, though for me it doesn't quite reach the same level as the original. Available: US/UK

One of Them Days (2025)

Some early 2025 new movies are starting to make their way onto Netflix, including one of my favorite new movies of the year so far, the comedy One of Them Days starring Keke Palmer and SZA. Palmer and SZA are a great duo in this movie as their characters traverse across their Los Angeles neighborhood needing to scrounge up rent to avoid being evicted, getting into plenty of memorable and hilarious situations along the way. Available: US only

Outlaw King (2018)

Mel Gibson's Braveheart is not the most accurate movie about the 14th century fight for Scottish independence, particularly when it comes to the character of Robert the Bruce. That's where Outlaw King comes in, putting the Scottish king (played by Chris Pine) at the center of the story as he bravely goes up against a larger forces of England, ready to do anything to claim his country's freedom. Available: US/UK

The Outrun (2024)

Saoirse Ronan is still searching for her first Oscar, but she gave another worthy performance in that pursuit with the 2024 movie The Outrun (even if she ultimately got snubbed for a nomination). In this movie she plays a recovering alcoholic who attempts to get her life in order by returning her home on Scotland's Orkney Islands. Available: US/UK

Parasite (2019)

The first non-English language movie to win Best Picture, Parasite definitely earned that honor as it is one of the best movies of the 21st century. Bong Joon Ho's tale of class disparity in Korea is darkly funny, then incredibly tense and thrilling, all culminating in a poignant, gutting ending. Available: US/UK

Past Lives (2023)

A modern classic that absolutely ripped my heart out in the best way possible, Past Lives is utterly amazing. Celine Song's debut movie tells the story of two people who reconnect after years apart and living on opposite sides of the globe. Is their reunion fate, or a small moment in time that they can't hold onto? Without question it's one of the greatest love stories of the 21st century. Available: US only

The Piano Lesson (2024)

Credit to Netflix for helping to bring August Wilson's plays to wider audiences with movie adaptations. We already talked about Ma Rainey's Black Bottom above, but another is on the streamer in The Piano Lesson, which focuses on a pair of siblings arguing what they should do with a family piano. The feature directing debut for Malcolm Washington (Denzel's son and John David's brother), I feel like this adaptation of Wilson's work offers a few more cinematic tricks and treats, but as always the writing is incredible and the acting strong. Available: US/UK

Pieces of a Woman (2020)

Pieces of a Woman is an emotional drama if you are in need for a good cry, as Vanessa Kirby plays a woman who experiences a tragedy while pregnant and her journey through grief. It's a brilliant (and Oscar-nominated) performance from Kirby that makes the whole experience worthwhile. Available: US/UK

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)

Andy Samberg plays a Justin Bieber-type popstar in this hilarious mockumentary that feels like it doesn't get the love it deserves. Made with his Lonely Island collaborators (Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone), Popstar has a great time poking fun at the idea of this kind of teen idol but also just has some completely off the wall bits that will have you rolling on the floor laughing. Available: US only

*Leaving August 16

The Power of the Dog (2021)

Director Jane Campion became just the third woman ever to win Best Director at the Oscars for her dark western drama The Power of the Dog. Incredible performances from Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee anchor this drama about an intimidating rancher who torments his brothers' new wife and stepson, but eventually, long-hidden secrets complicate their relationships. Available: US/UK

Private Life (2018)

Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti are brilliant together in this dramedy about a couple's struggles to get pregnant. Writer-director Tamara Jenkins and her stars are able to walk the tightrope in showing just how hard it can be going through different fertility options to have a child, but never losing a softer touch that makes us laugh and sympathize for these characters. Available: US/UK

Roma (2018)

Arguably Netflix's best chance to win the Oscar for Best Picture to date (it did win Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film), Roma is the beautiful story of a year in the life of the housekeeper for a middle-class family in 1970s Mexico City, loosely based on of director Alfonso Cuaron's own experiences. Available: US/UK

RRR (2022)

Discover (or rediscover) the sensation that was RRR, a Tollywood musical from India that became a global phenomenon. Loosely based on two historic figures from Indian history, the movie depicts the fight for independence against the British, with action and musical numbers like you've rarely seen before. Available: US/UK

Saturday Night (2024)

With Saturday Night Live celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, go back all the way to the 90 minutes before the legendary show aired its first episode and witness the chaos of getting it on the air. Jason Reitman's retelling of that historical night of TV is funny and exciting as it plays out in rea time, but the young ensemble playing the SNL team (including Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Lamorne Morris, Dylan O'Brien and more) are the biggest takeaway. Available: US only

Set It Up (2018)

Netflix has become one of the main places for romantic comedies to thrive in recent years, with one of the best examples being the fantastic movie Set It Up. Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell are fantastic together as two overtaxed assistants who scheme to make their lives easier by setting up their two bosses (Taye Diggs and Lucy Liu). Of course their antics also bring them closer together as well. Available: US/UK

Sicario (2015)

Before he conquered the world of Dune, director Denis Villeneuve depicted a different kind of desert conflict, as Emily Blunt's federal agent attempts to stop drug trafficking across the US-Mexico border with the help of a dangerous but mysterious ally(?), played by Benicio Del Toro. A taut, brilliantly excellent thriller (written by a pre-Yellowstone Taylor Sheridan) is always worth a watch. Available: US only

Sing Street (2016)

John Carney is a master of telling stories about musicians, from Once to Begin Again to Flora and Son, and not least of all Sing Street. Set in Ireland in the 80s, Sing Street follows a young boy named Conor who does what so many young boys do who have a crush on a girl, start a band. The thing is, he's actually a really good musician. The original songs are all fantastic and this story of young love (and a side story focused on sibling love) is sure to hit you in the heartstrings. Available: US only

Shirley (2024)

Regina King gave her first on-screen performance since The Harder They Fall in Shirley, a biopic about Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress who would take history a step further by also taking on a campaign to be president in 1972. Shirley is one of WTW's best-reviewed movies of 2024, with much of the praise going to King's performance and highlighting a US history lesson that may have been skipped in high schools. Available: US/UK

Spaceman (2024)

Spaceman is an ambitious psychological drama where an astronaut (Adam Sandler) on a solo mission investigating a new phenomenon comes in contact with an alien creature that attempts to understand his complicated past. While Sandler and company (including Carey Mulligan and Paul Dano) are all good, this is truly a showcase for director Johan Renck, who crafts an intriguing and thoughtful drama. Available: US/UK

Spencer (2021)

Kristen Stewart gave an Oscar-nominated performance as Princess Diana in Pablo Larrain's Spencer. Focusing on a few days spending the Christmas holidays with the royal family, Spencer often feels like a horror movie as the pressure and mental health struggles of Diana rise to the surface. Available: US only

A Star Is Born (2018)

There have been four Hollywood adaptations of the story of A Star Is Born, dating all the way back to 1937, but you can watch the most recent and acclaimed edition, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga right here. Warning, this one may require some tissues, as the story of the love between a rising music star and one whose time in the spotlight is coming to an end is known to draw out some tears, helped by the great performances by Cooper and Gaga. Though you can have your favorite (mine is Judy Garland's 1954 version), there's no questioning that this is another great telling of A Star Is Born. Available: US only

tick, tick... Boom! (2021)

Who knew Andrew Garfield could sing? Well he does, and quite convincingly, earning a Best Actor nomination for this adaptation of Jonathan Larson's semi-autobiographical musical that was directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. While Larson's Rent is his most well known work, tick, tick... Boom! is an emotional detailing of the creative process and friendship. Available: US/UK

Trainwreck (2015)

I'm always surprised that Trainwreck didn't become a bigger hit, as I found the movie absolutely hilarious. Amy Schumer stars as a woman who doesn't believe in monogamy, only to have that challenged when she meets a sports medicine doctor (Bill Hader). Written by Schumer and directed by Apatow, the movie is stuffed with great jokes, including a surprisingly hilarious performance by LeBron James, but also an effective romance you want to root for. Available: US only

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed the star-studded ensemble The Trial of the Chicago 7, which recounts the historic case that came after the violence at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Redmayne, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Rylance, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Frank Langella are just some of the names that star in the courtroom drama. Available: US/UK

The Two Popes (2019)

Two acting legends, Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, play opposite each other as the two most recent popes, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. The movie focuses on what led to the historic decision of Pope Benedict XVI (Hopkins) stepping down from his position, discussing his decision with the future Pope Francis (Pryce) and why he should be the one to take his place. Available: US/UK

Us (2019)

While it never reached the acclaim of Get Out, Us is another fantastic entry from Jordan Peele. The plot is a little hard to explain other than it has to do with a family being terrorized by the mysterious appearance of their doppelgangers, but what you really need to know is that it is thrilling and surprisingly humorous, with a great lead performance by Lupita Nyong'o. Available: US/UK

V for Vendetta (2005)

An adaptation of the popular graphic novel, V for Vendetta is a mix of action and political thriller as a future, Orwellian England sees the spark of a revolution from a mysterious man in a Guy Fawkes mask simply known as V. Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman and John Hurt headline this fan-favorite movie that celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. Available: US only

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024)

Wallace & Gromit are an iconic cinema pair, and they are back for another wacky adventure in the Oscar-nominated animated movie Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Though their nemesis Feathers McGraw is locked away in prison, he's still finding ways to reek havoc on Wallace & Gromit. Available: US/UK

Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

If you want to hold onto that summer feeling, there's no better way to do that than to recall summer camp, and there may not be a more fun summer camp than Camp Firewood. With counselors that include Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Marguerite Moreau, Michael Showalter, Michael Ian Black, Molly Shannon, Ken Marino, Joe Lo Truglio, Elizabeth Banks and more, the laughs never stop in this absolutely absurdist comedy. Netflix also has a couple of spin off series reuniting the cast, and while they're funny, the original remains the best. Available: US only

Wicked Little Letters (2024)

One of What to Watch's best-reviewed movies of the year, Wicked Little Letters is based on the true story of a series of vulgar letters that become the talk of small English village. Jessie Buckley and Olivia Colman lead the ensemble of British standouts in this funny, farcical story of repression and gossip. Available: US only

The Wild Robot (2024)

An Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature Film in 2024, The Wild Robot is a perfect family-friendly option on Netflix. Based on the book by Peter Brown, the story focuses on a service robot that crash lands on an island inhabited only by animals. Programmed to assist in the needs of those around her, the robot (Roz) takes on the job of raising a gosling whose mother died. Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy and an all-star voice cast star in this gorgeously animated and wonderfully told story. Available: US only

Will & Harper (2024)

Will Ferrell is known for his comedies, but his best movie (at least currently his best-reviewed movie) may very well be the Netflix documentary Will & Harper. This doc follows Ferrell as he embarks with his long-time friend Harper Steele, who came out as a trans woman during the pandemic, on a cross-country road trip to discover what this new dynamic means for their friendship and how people around the country deal with Harper as she lives her authentic life. It's an incredibly emotional and moving film that I can't recommend enough. Available: US/UK

Woman of the Hour (2024)

Anna Kendrick made an impressive directorial debut with the thriller Woman of the Hour. The movie is based on the true story of Sheryl Bradshaw, who goes on a 70s dating TV show where she unsuspectingly gets paired with a serial killer. Kendrick, who also stars in the movie, does a great job with her first directorial outing, one that fans of her and true crime should definitely check out. Available: US/UK

With both 2024 Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final competitions out of the way, we can look forward to seeing which artist will lift the trophy in the Grand Final on Saturday, May 11. 

Thursday's second Semi-Final saw artists from Malta, Albania, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark and San Marino failing to secure a place in the competition. 

The city became home to the competition after Loreen won her second Eurovision title in 2023 with her song "Tattoo". You can find a full list of the competitor countries, their performers and the songs in our 2024 Eurovision guide here. And if you're planning to tune in to see which of our 26 artists will win the main event this weekend, here's how to watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest online or on TV.

How to watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in the UK

You can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest events online or on TV. On TV, you'll have to tune over to BBC One, while online you can use iPlayer, which lets you live stream from the BBC's channels over the internet.

Both options are free as long as you pay your license fee, and will let you catch the events live. Here are when the events are being aired by the BBC:

• Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 1: Tuesday, May 7 at 8 pm
• Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 2: Thursday, May 9 at 8 pm
• Eurovision Song Contest final: Saturday, May 11 at 8 pm

How to watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in the US

Your streaming home to watch the Eurovision events in the US is Peacock, as NBCUniversal's streaming service hosts a live stream of each of the three competition waves.

Peacock costs $5.99 per month for a subscription, though if you like to watch your TV without interruptions from commercials then you'll want the $11.99 tier instead.

Here are when the events take place:

• Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 1: Tuesday, May 7 at 3 pm ET/midday PT
• Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 2: Thursday, May 9 at 3 pm ET/midday PT
• Eurovision Song Contest final: Saturday, May 11 at 3 pm ET/midday PT

How to watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Australia

In Australia, it's SBS that has the broadcasting rights to the three Eurovision Song Contest events, but you can use SBS on your TV or online.

SBS will be airing the event on its main TV channel or streaming it on SBS On Demand online, so you've got options to watch it. Both options are free to use, and you'll only need to pay for the coffee to be awake early enough to watch.

Here are when the events take place:

• Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 1: Wednesday, May 8 at 5 am ACT
• Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 2: Friday, May 10 at 5 am ACT
• Eurovision Song Contest final: Sunday, May 10 at 5 am ACT

How to watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest everywhere else

If you're going to be away from your normal TV setup but still want to watch Eurovision, you might run into some problems. Thankfully, you can solve this exact issue with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). 

A VPN lets you change your IP address to that of the area of what you want to watch, meaning you can tune in to your favorite TV shows, events or other content even if you're not there. Our favorite is NordVPN, which is the No. 1-rated VPN in the world right now according to our sister site, TechRadar.

How to use a VPN to watch any stream

• Download the app at NordVPN
• Choose the location of the streaming service you want to watch (UK, US, etc)
• Navigate to the streaming service and start watching!

Get ready for the wild, wacky, weird and wonderful as Britain’s Got Talent 2024 is here!

Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are waiting in the wings at The London Palladium, as the auditions kick-off for the ITV entertainment juggernaut’s 17th series with hopefuls coming from all corners of the UK - and the world! - to show off the talents they believe are fit for royalty.

Watching their every move are the show’s resident judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli who, after hitting the golden buzzer for dance act Ghetto Kids during their performance last series, is causing even more chaos this time round!

In a break during filming, judge Alesha, 45, tells What To Watch about what's in store…

This is the 17th series of BGT. What do you think keeps people tuning in?

"I've always enjoyed the show’s human touch, hearing people's stories and why they’ve signed up for the show. We need those connections with people now more than ever; we’re living in stressful times and people are just looking for joy, hope and escapism. Those moments remind you how beautiful humanity is - and we've got them in abundance this year."

How does this year’s BGT compare to previous series?

"It’s always the people who audition who make it different. Those extraordinary people we see year on year that surprise us, delight us and show us things we've never seen before… or thought we'd ever see! There’s always someone doing something they shouldn’t with a body part or just causing absolute carnage. During one very messy slapstick comedy routine, I ran off and refused to come back. You have to expect the unexpected."

Speaking of 'expecting the unexpected' what's it been like sitting beside Bruno this series?

"It is dangerous sitting next to Bruno, ha, ha! When the energy needs lifting in the room, Bruno’s your man; he’s like an excitable puppy, he can't sit still. The downside is, I'm often on the receiving end of his craziness. I experienced it when I worked next to him on Strictly but he seems even more energetic on Britain's Got Talent. I think Bruno feeds off the vibe in the room. He just loves it, he's in his element."

There are nine golden buzzers through to the live semi-finals this year. What can you tell us about your golden buzzer act?

"Personally, I only pressed the golden buzzer once. It was for a very moving moment, which you’ll see. We always go into the auditions with the intention of pressing it once, then, if an act is outstanding, and the audience is putting pressure on, there might be more. Simon doesn't like rules, he thinks they’re there to be broken."

A choir we saw really resonated with you because they belong to a youth club, like you did growing up. Does that influence your decision on whether to put an act through?

"Of course! I know exactly how it feels to stand on a stage and how getting the right break at the right moment can be life-changing. But I don't need to have experienced something to have empathy. BGT is an emotional roller coaster; one minute you're laughing then you're crying, then it’s a sombre moment, then a crazy moment. You go through so many different emotions throughout the audition process but that's what makes it beautiful."

We also saw a young magician, just nine years’ old yet so confident…

"I'm always in admiration of the kids on this show and this young magician is incredible. How they held their own and their showmanship at such a young age. I've got a 10-year-old daughter myself [Azura, sister to Anaya, four] and I can't imagine her being on a stage as big as BGT. I remember performing in my school assembly, when I was a kid, how terrified I’d be. And that’s just in assembly, not being watched by millions!"

Will we see any of the judges’ children on this series of BGT?

"Not auditioning but maybe judging. There’s a lovely moment where our kids join us on the panel to critique an act. We've always said when we retire they can take over from us!"

Do you have a prediction on the kind of act who might win BGT 2024?

"It could be a singer - we haven't had a singer win for a long time and we do have some very strong singers this time. Not a huge amount of dancers but the dance acts that did go through are outstanding. I do wish we had more stand-up comedians - it's one of the hardest acts to do but, when they're good, they go down a storm."

Finally, we loved you rap as host of last year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. Might you perform on BGT?

"I'm constantly being asked to freestyle and rap and, when it's spontaneous, it's always more fun. I’m excited about putting new music out this year, going back to my roots and doing what I love. And, who knows, maybe we'll see that at some point on BGT."

Britain's Got Talent returns on Saturday, April 20 at 7.30pm on ITV1.

Eurovision 2024 sees the world's biggest singing contest returning for another incredible evening of entertainment. With both Semi-Finals out of the way, we've just got the main event to look forward to this Saturday!

Last year, the UK hosted the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, (on behalf of the 2022 winners from Ukraine), and we're now gearing up to watch another Grand Final full of amazing talent from around the world in just a few days. 

Incredibly, this will be the competition's 68th installment, and the theme "United By Music" has been retained for the second time. There's also been a big change to how the public vote will work during the Grand Final; if you're planning on tuning in, here's our article explaining how to watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.

Here's everything you need to know about the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.

When is Eurovision 2024? All the important Eurovision Song Contest dates

The Eurovision 2024 Grand Final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024. 

The First Semi-Final will air on Tuesday, May 7, while the second will air on Thursday, May 9. 

As per usual, the competition will be broadcast on the BBC in the UK. The Grand Final gets underway at 8 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with coverage of both semi-finals also beginning at 8 pm in the same places on their respective days. 

Who is the UK Eurovision 2024 entry?

We learned that It's A Sin actor and popstar Olly Alexander would be representing the UK at Eurovision Song Contest 2024 when he revealed the news during the Grand Final of Strictly Come Dancing 2023. 

After performing with Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Türkmen in the pop band Years & Years (before keeping the name for the third album, which was Alexander's solo project), Olly has begun releasing his music under his own name; his Eurovision single is called "Dizzy". 

"I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I'm beyond excited to be taking part next year", he said. "As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour. I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour! I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name. I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!”

You can watch the official music video for "Dizzy" below:

Eurovision 2024 Grand Final Running Order

Below, we've detailed the Eurovision 2024 Grand Final running order, which shows which 20 acts qualified for a spot alongside the "Big Five" countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK) and the host nation, Sweden.

1. Sweden | Marcus & Martinus - "Unforgettable"
2. Ukraine | alyona alyona & Jerry Heil - "Teresa & Maria"
3. Germany | ISAAK - "Always On The Run"
4. Luxembourg | TALI - "Fighter"
5. Netherlands | Joost Klein - "Europapa"
6. Israel | Eden Golan - "Hurricane"
7. Lithuania | Silvester Belt - "Luktelk"
8. Spain | Nebulossa - "ZORRA"
9. Estonia | 5MIINUST x Puuluup - "(nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi"
10. Ireland | Bambie Thug - "Doomsday Blue"
11. Latvia | Dons - "Hollow"
12. Greece | Marina Satti - "ZARI"
13. UK | Olly Alexander - "Dizzy"
14. Norway | Gåte - "Ulveham"
15. Italy | Angelina Mango - "La Noia"
16. Serbia | TEYA DORA - "RAMONDA"
17. Finland | Windows95man - "No Rules!"
18. Portugal | iolanda - "Grito"
19. Armenia | LADANIVA - "JAKO"
20. Cyprus | Silia Kapsis - "Liar"
21. Switzerland | Nemo - "The Code"
22. Slovenia | Raiven - "Veronika"
23. Croatia | Baby Lasagna - "Rim Tim Tagi Dim"
24. Georgia | Nutsa Buzaladze - "Firefighter"
25. France | Slimane - "Mon Amour"
26. Austria | Kaleen - "We Will Rave"

Who's participating in Eurovision 2024?

A total of 37 nations took part in the competition this time around. Here's a full list of every country participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, along with the artists representing them and links to their chosen songs so you can check them out, even those who failed to make it all the way to the Grand Final.

• Albania: BESA, "TITAN"
• Armenia: LADANIVA, "Jako" 
• Australia: Electric Fields, "One Milkali (One Blood)"
• Austria: Kaleen, "We Will Rave" 
• Azerbaijan: FAHREE feat. Ilkin Dovlatov, "Özünlə Apar"
• Belgium: Mustii, "Before the Party's Over"
• Croatia: Baby Lasagna, "Rim Tim Tagi Dim"
• Cyprus: Silia Kapsis, "Liar"
• Czechia: Aiko, "Pedestal"
• Denmark: SABA, "SAND"
• Estonia: 5MIINUST x Puuluup, "(nendest) narkootikumidest ei te me (küll) midagi" - QUALIFIED
• Finland: Windows95man, "No Rules!"
• France: Slimane, "Mon amour"
• Georgia: Nutsa Buzaladze, "Firefighter" 
• Germany: ISAAK, "Always On The Run"
• Greece: Marina Satti, "ZARI" 
• Iceland: Hera Björk, "Scared of Heights"
• Ireland: Bambie Thug, "Doomsday Blue"
• Israel: Eden Golan, "Hurricane" 
• Italy: Angelina Mango, "La noia"
• Latvia: Dons, "Hollow" 
• Lithuania: Silvester Belt, "Luktelk"
• Luxembourg: TALI, "Fighter"
• Malta: Sarah Bonnici, "Loop"
• Moldova: Natalia Barbu, "In The Middle"
• Netherlands: Joost Klein, "Europapa" 
• Norway: Gåte, "Ulveham" 
• Poland: LUNA, "The Tower"
• Portugal: iolanda, "Grito"
• San Marino: MEGARA, "11:11"
• Serbia: TEYA DORA, "RAMONDA"
• Slovenia: Raiven, "Veronika"
• Spain: Nebulossa, "ZORRA"
• Sweden: Marcus & Martinus, "Unforgettable"
• Switzerland: Nemo, "The Code" 
• Ukraine: alyona alyona & Jerry Heil, "Teresa & Maria"
• United Kingdom: Olly Alexander, "Dizzy"

Who is the UK spokesperson for Eurovision 2024?

On Friday, May 3's edition of The One Show, Eurovision fave Graham Norton confirmed that Dame Joanna Lumley would be joining the Eurovision family and delivering the results of the UK's National Jury vote during the live Grand Final. 

Of her new role, Joanna says: “Good Evening Malmö, it's Joanna here! I am delighted to be announcing the jury vote for the UK at this year's Eurovision. It's such a fabulous honour to give the iconic 'douze points'!"

Where is the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest being held? 

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Malmö, Sweden, which will be the third time the city has hosted the competition (it was also the host city in 1992 and 2013). 

In preparation for the big event, we've been treated to a classic Eurovision fly-through of some of the many sights from the city, as seen below: 

Who is hosting Eurovision 2024 for the UK?

As ever, the BBC has assembled a crack team of hosts for the latest installment of the competition.

The Semi-Finals will both be hosted by Scott Mills and Rylan live on BBC One and iPlayer, with Richie Anderson taking the reins for the very first time for BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. 

And for the Grand Final, we'll once again be guided through the evening by Graham Norton on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Scott and Rylan leading commentary over the airwaves on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. 

Who won Eurovision 2023?

Singer and Eurovision veteran Loreen claimed victory for Sweden at Eurovision 2023 with the song "Tattoo", winning a combined total of 583 points overall. 

Finnish artist Käärijä came in second place, earning a total of 526 points with his song, "Cha Cha Cha".

Amazingly, this was Loreen's second Eurovision win; she won Eurovision 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan with her song "Euphoria". To date, Loreen is the second artist (and the only woman) to win the competition twice; Irish singer Johnny Logan was the first.

Eurovision Song Contest 2024 Voting Changes

As we mentioned, there's been a big change to how voting will work during the Grand Final this year. 

For the first time since 2011, the voting window for the public vote will open just before the first song is performed. This means anyone who's watching along will be able to cast their votes as they watch along, rather than having to wait until the final song's been performed, which is how voting has worked (barring 2010 and 2011) since the public vote was introduced to Eurovision in 1997. 

Junior Eurovision 2023 sees the spin-off from the biggest international singing competition around returning for its 21st edition.

Once again, a selection of young artists from around the world will be taking to the stage to sing their hearts out and make their countries proud.

This year, the theme for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest is "Heroes", According to the Junior Eurovision website, the decision was made to use a word that 'inspires and gives children incredible strength'

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor for the JESC, said: "We are delighted to return to France for the 21st Junior Eurovision Song Contest just 2 years after a spectacular hosting in Paris. The team at France Télévisions have the experience, vision, and passion to create something truly magical in Nice this November and we look forward to working with them in the coming months on another exciting show."

Excitingly, this is the very first time that all of the "Big 5" Eurovision countries (Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and the UK) will be competing in the Junior contest. 

Here's everything you need to know about the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023, including the participating countries, acts, and how you can watch the Grand Final this November. 

When is Junior Eurovision 2023 on TV?

The Junior Eurovision 2023 Final is set to air at 3 pm on CBBC on Sunday, November 26 and will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

The Opening Ceremony for this year's competition is set for Monday, November 20 at 7 pm CET. You'll be able to watch the show live on the official Junior Eurovision YouTube Channel.

The Ceremony will be co-hosted by Carla Lazzari and Manon Théodet; during proceedings, the running order will be randomly drawn, so we'll know when the host nation will perform, and who gets the honor of opening and closing the show!

Who is representing the UK in Junior Eurovision 2023? 

The UK's Junior Eurovision 2023 entry is from STAND UNIQU3, a talented trio comprised of three youngsters from across the UK: Yazmin, Maisie and Hayla.

Yazmin is a keen latin and ballroom dancer from Newcastle, Maisie is from Essex and says her passion is performing, whether that's singing, dancing or acting, and Hayla is a footballer from Liverpool. The trio were brought together to form STAND UNIQU3 after making it through a tough audition process. 

Speaking to CBBC's Newsround, the trio seemed confident they had a shot at winning the competition. Maybe the UK will be hosting another Eurovision competition again soon, after Liverpool hosted the main event earlier in the year. 

"I think we have a good chance. We have good competition, though", they said. "We're not just proud of ourselves, we're proud of every contestant so far, because it takes guts to do something like this. Even if we don't come out on top, we'll still be proud of ourselves and everyone else who has entered the competition."

Their song, "Back to Life", was written by Sky Adams, Jakke Erixson and Jack Hawitt. The songwriters have penned tracks for big-name artists like Jason Derulo, Kylie Minogue and Ava Max. 

Who is competing in Junior Eurovision 2023? 

Below, you can find a full list of the 16 countries competing in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023, along with their chosen artists and their respective songs. 

Below you can find the video roundup for all 16 entries; if you'd like to listen to the full songs, you can find them all on the Junior Eurovision Song Contest YouTube Channel.

Where is Junior Eurovision 2023 being held?

As French artist Lissandro lifted the trophy in Armenia in 2022, Junior Eurovision is heading back to France for the second time in three years. 

This year, the competition will be held at the Palais Nikaïa concert hall in Nice, France. 

Can you buy tickets for Junior Eurovision 2023?

Tickets for Junior Eurovision 2023 went on sale on Thursday, October 26, 2023, one month ahead of the event's premiere.

At the time of writing, tickets were still available for are still available for purchase on the Palais Nikaïa website.  

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 was full of surprises, but one that we might not have seen coming is the popularity of its host - Hannah Waddingham.

Hannah, an English actress best known for playing Rebecca Welton in the comedy series Ted Lasso, presented the show much to the delight of viewers, who took to Twitter in their droves to comment on what a fantastic job she did on the night. 

'My main take from Eurovision is that everybody needs a bit of Hannah Waddington in their lives,' wrote one enthusiastic Eurovision fan. 

*A note to readers: Hannah Waddingham is sometimes incorrectly referred to as Hannah Waddington in the below tweets

And another commented, 'hannah waddingham THEE mother of all mothers.'

While another said, 'Imo - give Hannah Waddington a permanent job in hosting Eurovision EVERY YEAR she was brilliant and she speaks both French & Italian - - I thought Alesha was out of her depth!' Then adding, 'And Hannah Waddington presenter of the year 2023!'

While another impressed viewer wrote, 'I really enjoyed watching Hannah Waddington in Sex Education and Ted Lasso, but watching her present Eurovision over the past week has been something else. 

'What a great human! She struck a nice balance between good presenting and enjoying it.'

While others commented on how Graham Norton and Hannah made a 'superb' double act, with one writing, 'The pair hosting Eurovision are normally excruciating but Hannah Waddington and Graham Norton were superb. Alesha Dixon however…'

'Just get Hannah Waddingham on shes the Queen of Presenting,' wrote another Eurovision viewer. 

And Hannah's fashion sense didn't go unnoticed on the night either, with another writing, 'Hannah Waddington is the Barbie I always wanted. What a spectacular dress.'

While another wrote, 'Me sad that Eurovision is over but then I remember, we've still got Hannah Waddingham to ease the pain.'

Hannah presented the event held in Liverpool last night alongside Graham Norton, Julia Sanina and Aleesha Dixon, which Sweden crowned the winner, with pop singer Loreen representing the country. 

Eurovision 2023 was full of surprises - with one act, in particular, getting a lot of attention on social media. 

The act Let 3 represented Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool last night, with their tune Mama ŠČ! - an anti-war song that came with some eye-catching military-themed outfits. 

It was the band's out-there attire that captured the interest of Twitter users, who came in their droves to comment on the band's outfits.

'This is the future gay communists want,' wrote one Eurovision viewer alongside a picture of the band.

Amassing over 2,000 likes (and counting!) other viewers were eager to join the conversation. 'You got it totally right Derek,' replied one fan. 

While another said cheekily, 'The revolution was for boxers, but they ended up with y-fronts.'

While a third replied to the tweet, 'Yes we want this.' And another quipped, 'People having fun is such a threat to humanity.'

Another viewer said after watching the performance, 'Eurovision can’t get any weirder. Croatia: Hold my rocket.'

Others commented on how the act signified classic Eurovision, writing, 'Croatia bringing us back to real eurovision. night has been saved.'

Other viewers clearly agreed, with the tweet bringing in over 6,000 likes and replies such as, 'THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING.'

While another simply said, 'Croatia has understood the assignment.'

Of course, the meaning behind the song was deeper than the eccentric outfits, taking a stand against war. 

Some of the lyrics translated mean, 'Mom, I’m going to war. That little psychopath, war, war.

'Evil little psychopath, war war. Alligator psychopath, war war. Mommy, I’m going to war.'

Croatia finished in 13th place in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, with 123 points overall. 

Sweden was the winner on the night, with pop singer Loreen belting out her way to victory with the song Tattoo.

Want to know why is Australia in Eurovision 2023?

As it's a Eurocentric singing competition, you might be surprised to see Australia cropping up in the Eurovision 2023 lineup. Despite not being part of Europe, the land down under has regularly taken part in the world's biggest singing competition in recent years.

Below, you can find out all sorts of info about Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest, including why Australia is in Eurovision, what happens if they win, and who's representing them for Eurovision 2023. And if you're looking for more Eurovision info, check out our articles on how to vote in Eurovision 2023 and how to watch the Eurovision Song Contest so you know where to find the Grand Final on May 13.

Why is Australia in Eurovision?

Australia was originally invited to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organization that produces the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015. This made it the second country outside of Eurasia to take part since Morocco entered the competition back in 1980.

The contest first aired down under in 1983, and the Australian network Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has shown Eurovision down under ever since. As the contest has consistently attracted a large audience, the EBU and Austrian host broadcaster ORF invited Australia to participate in the 60th edition of the competition. This was a fitting decision, given that year's theme was "Building Bridges".

Subsequently, the EBU and SBS struck a deal that meant Australia could continue to participate in Eurovision until 2023. This does mean that 2023 could theoretically be the nation's last Eurovision appearance (unless a new deal is struck), so let's hope for a win!

Who is representing Australia in Eurovision 2023? 

This year's Aussie representatives are Perth-based prog-metal band, Voyager. The band was first formed in 1999 and has released seven albums so far. 

The band's lineup has changed over the years but is currently comprised of singer Danny Estrin, guitarists Simone Dow and Scott Kay, drummer Ashley Doodkorte and bassist, Alex Canion. 

Voyager was shortlisted for Eurovision 2020, but didn't make it into the top 10 acts who would take part in Eurovision - Australia Decides that year. The band also placed second in the race to represent Australia in 2022, behind Sheldon Riley.

You can check out their Eurovision 2023 song, "Promise" below:

What happens if Australia wins Eurovision?

If Australia wins Eurovision, there's a stipulation in place that means the competition wouldn't be hosted down under. Instead, they must choose a European nation to co-host Eurovision with, similar to how this year's competition is being held in the UK on behalf of Ukraine and the 2022 winners, Kalush Orchestra.

Who else is in the Eurovision 2023 Grand Final? 

Below you can find the confirmed Eurovision 2023 Grand Final running order, including all the participating countries, their representatives, and what songs they're performing.

• Austria: Teya & Salena, "Who the Hell is Edgar?"
• Portugal: Mimicat, "Ai Coração"
• Switzerland: Remoe Forrer, "Watergun"
• Poland: Blanka, "Solo"
• Serbia: Luke Black, "Samo Mi Se Spava"
• France: La Zarra, "Évidemment"
• Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou, "Break a Broken Heart"
• Spain: Blanca Paloma, "Eaea"
• Sweden: Loreen, "Tattoo"
• Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi, "Duje"
• Italy: Marco Mengoni, "Due Vite"
• Estonia: Alika, "Bridges"
• Finland: Käärijä, "Cha Cha Cha"
• Czechia: Vesna, "My Sister's Crown"
• Australia: Voyager, "Promise"
• Belgium: Gustaph, "Because of You"
• Armenia: Brunette, "Future Lover"
• Moldova: Pasha Parfeni, "Soarele şi Luna"
• Ukraine: TVORCHI, "Heart of Steel"
• Norway: Alessandra, "Queen of Kings"
• Germany: Lord of the Lost, "Blood & Glitter"
• Lithuania: Monika Linkytė, "Stay"
• Israel: Noa Kirel, "Unicorn"
• Slovenia: Joker Out, "Carpe Diem"
• Croatia: Let 3, "Mama ŠČ!"
• UK: Mae Muller, "I Wrote a Song"

Trying to find out how to vote in Eurovision 2023? Here's how you can have your say in the Grand Final.

With the Eurovision 2023 Grand Final lineup decided, we're about to find out which of our 26 remaining artists will be crowned the winner of the world's biggest and boldest international singing competition on Saturday, May 13. Who will follow in the footsteps of Kalush Orchestra, last year's Ukrainian winners? 

Here's how to vote in Eurovision 2023. And if you're planning on tuning in, don't forget to check out our guide explaining how to watch the Eurovision Song Contest so you know all the ways you'll be able to watch the Grand Final. 

How to vote in Eurovision 2023

There are four ways that viewers can vote for their favorite Eurovision acts this year, but before we explain how they work, it's worth noting that you'll need to wait to be told when voting opens during the Grand Final before you try to have your say in the competition.

One of the ways you can vote is via the official Eurovision Song Contest app. Available on both iOS and Android devices, the app will not only enable you to vote for your favorite artist but will serve as a "second screen" for the entire competition. Within it, you'll get info about the participants, be able to rank the acts and you'll even get a special message from your chosen contestant after you cast your vote.

• Download the Eurovision app for Android
• Download the Eurovision app for iOS

Viewers can also cast their vote by phone or by text. Relevant phone numbers for both voting methods will be displayed on screen during the Eurovision Grand Final by your relevant broadcaster.

The other way you can cast your vote is by going directly to the new Eurovision voting hub website, www.esc.vote.

For the first time ever, viewers in non-participating countries (i.e. those not taking part in the competition itself but where it's still being broadcast, like the US and Chile) will also be able to vote in the competition. Viewers in non-participating countries can vote either with the Eurovision app, or directly at the above voting hub website.

If you've got more questions about the voting process, head to Eurovision.tv for more info.

Which countries qualified for the 2023 Eurovision Grand Final?

Below you can find the confirmed Eurovision 2023 Grand Final running order, including all the participating countries, their representatives and what songs they're performing.

• Austria: Teya & Salena, "Who the Hell is Edgar?"
• Portugal: Mimicat, "Ai Coração"
• Switzerland: Remoe Forrer, "Watergun"
• Poland: Blanka, "Solo"
• Serbia: Luke Black, "Samo Mi Se Spava"
• France: La Zarra, "Évidemment"
• Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou, "Break a Broken Heart"
• Spain: Blanca Paloma, "Eaea"
• Sweden: Loreen, "Tattoo"
• Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi, "Duje"
• Italy: Marco Mengoni, "Due Vite"
• Estonia: Alika, "Bridges"
• Finland: Käärijä, "Cha Cha Cha"
• Czechia: Vesna, "My Sister's Crown"
• Australia: Voyager, "Promise"
• Belgium: Gustaph, "Because of You"
• Armenia: Brunette, "Future Lover"
• Moldova: Pasha Parfeni, "Soarele şi Luna"
• Ukraine: TVORCHI, "Heart of Steel"
• Norway: Alessandra, "Queen of Kings"
• Germany: Lord of the Lost, "Blood & Glitter"
• Lithuania: Monika Linkytė, "Stay"
• Israel: Noa Kirel, "Unicorn"
• Slovenia: Joker Out, "Carpe Diem"
• Croatia: Let 3, "Mama ŠČ!"
• UK: Mae Muller, "I Wrote a Song"

In recent years, Hannah Waddingham has become a household name thanks to playing AFC Richmond boss Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso, Tonya Dyke in Benidorm, Sofia Marchetti in Sex Education, and Septa Unella—aka the "SHAME!" nun—from Game of Thrones. Most recently, she has been seen stealing scenes as Lady Ballaston in Tom Jones, the ITVX period drama, and for her show-stopping 2023  Apple TV festive extravaganza, Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas.

Along with her recent TV roles, Waddingham is also a celebrated stage performer and singer, and she's also been a big hit on the hosting circuit. In 2023, she led proceedings at the 2023 Olivier Awards, and she was a big hit with Eurovision Song Contest 2023 viewers, too!

Here are a few more facts about Hannah Waddingham that you might not have known...

Hannah Waddingham comes from a long line of performers

Hannah Waddingham has impressed many in recent months by showing off her singing voice. It's easy to see where that talent came from, as she's not the first performer in her family. 

Her mother, Melodie Kelly, joined the English National Opera when Hannah was just a young girl, and her maternal grandparents were both opera singers, too. Having grown up around the theatre and watching her own mother perform, Waddingham studied at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in South London.

In her introductory speech to the Olivier Awards 2023, she made it just how clear how much she loved the theatre. "I really could not be prouder to be presenting these Awards tonight. This is such a great honor and a joy for me, so really, thank you very much for having me... from the bottom of my heart, the privilege is all mine, thank you so much for letting me be here," she said. 

She played Satan in a Rod Stewart jukebox musical 

Before being snapped up for TV, Hannah spent plenty of time on stage in London's West End and Broadway, having appeared in everything from The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods, The Beautiful Game, Kiss Me Kate and Spamalot, among others.

But when she appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live last year, guest host RuPaul picked up one of her more unconventional roles from 2003's Tonight's the Night, a musical comprised of Rod Stewart music. 

In the show, she played none other than the Devil herself, Satan. Ru wanted to know more about the show, and Hannah shared a bizarre backstage story about how she'd got advice about handling acid reflux and what you can take to settle your stomach from Rod Stewart! 

She REALLY wants to work with Viola Davis

Back in 2021, Hannah sat down with IMDB and was asked which star she would most like to work with that she hadn't worked with before, and she jumped to Emmy and Oscar-winning actress, Viola Davis (whose recent credits include roles in The Woman King, Air, The First Lady and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom).

"Oh, lordy... Viola Davis. I mean, I don't think I'd be able to speak. She'd think I was some embarrassing mess", Waddingham joked, before imitating what she'd be like if they ever crossed paths. 

She kept the bell from Game of Thrones

As we've already mentioned, one of Waddingham's most iconic on-screen roles was that of the tyrannical nun who plagued Cersei Lannister whilst she was arrested by the High Sparrow in some of the later seasons of Game of Thrones. 

Many fans will no doubt recall the scene in which Cersei was paraded through the streets of King's Landing naked, whilst Unella followed her chanting "Shame!" and ringing a bell. 

You might not know that Hannah kept the bell that she rang in this scene, though. She's discussed this on several talk shows, including The Drew Barrymore Show where she said: "That's when you know that you're dead on the show. Cause they're like, 'Here you are, here is your hero prop'."

She wants to star in a musical film

Hannah's wowed viewers both on and off stage, so it's perhaps no surprise that, when asked what she would most like to do that she hasn't done yet, she said she wanted to star in a musical film. 

She told Rose and Ivy: "I want to do musical film; I am so ready I am literally like a greyhound waiting to get out on that track." 

2024 sees Wicked The Color Purple and Mean Girls hitting the silver screen, and Steven Spielberg turned his hand to West Side Story not long ago, so there's got to be a way for Waddingham to realize this dream soon, surely!

She's dueted with Michael Bublé 

Michael Bublé might be the king of Christmas music, but Hannah Waddingham stole the show when she arrived as a guest performer on his NBC special, Michael Bublé's Christmas in the City in 2021.

Bublé's clearly a big fan, too, going off his introduction for her: "Ladies and gentlemen, my next guest is the kindest, most talented, beautiful, wonderful human being in the whole wide world. She's living proof that when you put good things out into the universe, well they come back to you."

Hannah Waddingham fact file...

Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the star...

Instagram: @hannah_waddingham

We work hard to ensure that all information is correct. Facts that change over time, such as age, will be correct, to the best of our knowledge, at the time of the last article update.

Julia Sanina — the lead singer of Ukrainian rock band The Hardkiss — will be flying the flag for her country as one of the presenters at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool.

Due to the current conflict in Ukraine, the UK stepped in to host this year's contest on Ukraine's behalf following Kalush Orchestra's victory in Turin, Italy in 2022, and promised that despite taking place on UK soil, Eurovision 2023 would still be a tribute to Ukrainian culture.

We caught up with Julia — who will host the semi-finals in Liverpool alongside Britain's Got Talent's Alesha Dixon and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, before the trio are joined by Graham Norton for the grand final — to find out what Eurovision 2023 means to her...

Julia Sanina interview for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Semi-Finals air on Tuesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 11 on BBC1 at 8pm, followed by the Grand Final on Saturday, May 13 on BBC1 at 8pm. 

Late TV presenter Paul O'Grady is among the stars in the Eurovision 2023 welcome film, which is already available to view now and will open the competition tonight.

Paul O'Grady, originally from Birkenhead, filmed his part in the welcome movie shortly before he passed away on March 28. 

According to the BBC, O'Grady took part in the film as he wanted to mark his pride in his home region of Merseyside which is home to Liverpool, the city playing host to the international singing competition.  

Further famous faces you can see in the film include Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, Ukrainian Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, Nikita Kuzman, actor Ricky Tomlinson (who'll be revisiting his Brookside character, Bobby Grant), and Ukrainian Everton footballer, Vitalii Mykolenko, and Drag Race UK star Sister Sister, to name a few.

The special film is called "Welcome to Liverpool" and will air later today (Tuesday, May 9) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8 pm to open the first Eurovision 2023 semi-final. In it, we follow a young Liverpudlian lad who discovers his home city is hosting the international event. From there, he journeys across Liverpool to tell everyone he knows about the world's greatest music competition coming to town. 

During his travels, he meets some special guests with their own personal connections to the city who are also making their own preparations to welcome Ukraine to the city. O'Grady will be seen preparing his own home in anticipation of Eurovision's arrival, vacuuming whilst holding one of his beloved pet pooches.

Whilst the film is set to open the first semi-final, it's already been released online; you can watch it below. 

We're now in the final stages of build-up for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. The two semi-finals are set for Tuesday, May 9, and Thursday, May 11, which will decide which countries will be joining the Big Five in the live Eurovision Grand Final on Saturday, May 13. If you're looking to join in all the fun, don't forget to check out our guide to how to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 online. 

Rylan and Scott Mills are very excited about this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, as you might expect! 

Following last year's victory for Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra in Turin, Eurovision 2023 is being hosted in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine — with 25-year-old singer-songwriter Mae Muller representing the UK in the grand final on Saturday, May 13 with her heartbreak anthem "I Wrote A Song".

With the contest on home soil for the first time in 25 years (the UK last hosted in Birmingham in 1998, following Katrina And The Waves' victory with "Love Shine A Light" in 1997), Eurovision fever is sweeping the nation — and for the very first time, the competition's semi-final heats will be broadcast on BBC1.

We caught up with Scott and Rylan, who will be commentating on the semi-finals for BBC1 viewers on Tuesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 11, at the launch of the contest in Liverpool to find out what they're planning...

Scott Mills and Rylan interview for Eurovision 2023

• The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals air on BBC1 on Tuesday May 9 and Thursday May 11 at 8pm, followed by the Grand Final on BBC1 on Saturday May 13 at 8pm

Everyone’s A Winner is one of the shows that begins the countdown to Eurovision 2023 before it reaches fever pitch for Saturday's final. Eurovision fan and former X Factor contestant Fleur East hosts a Eurovision-tastic countdown of the show’s 20 most popular losers — acts that missed out on the top spot but still went on to become massive hits!

Everyone’s A Winner takes place in Liverpool and sees Fleur East plus a who’s who of celebrities enjoy a nostalgic look back at some of the most memorable Eurovision moments, from Sam Ryder’s Space Man to Cyprus’s answer to Beyoncé, and a shock act in the countdown’s number one spot!

So here’s everything you need to know about Fleur East’s pre-Eurovision party Everyone’s A Winner on BBC1 including a chat with Fleur herself…

Eurovision Song Contest: Everyone’s A Winner release date

Fleur East’s Eurovision Song Contest: Everyone’s A Winner will be shown on Friday May 12 at 7.30pm on BBC1 and BBCiPlayer, just in time to get us in the mood for the Eurovision Grand Final in Liverpool the next day!

What is Everyone’s A Winner about?

In Everyone’s A Winner, Fleur East counts down Eurovision’s most streamed and downloaded losing acts, and is joined for the extravaganza for some Eurovision facts and gossip by UK 2018 entrant SuRie, Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough and Paul Jordan, aka Dr. Eurovision, who actually has a PhD in the subject!

Celebrity Eurovision superfans, such as Claire Sweeney, Blue’s Duncan James, TV presenter Lauren Layfield, The One Show’s Owain Wyn Evans, and Tia Koffi from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK fame, also give their take on the memorable hits that didn’t quite make the number one spot.

Meanwhile, acts in the top 20 (in no particular order!) include an Armenian entry that came 20th in Turin last year, Italy’s Francesco Gabbani, who came on stage in 2017 with a dancing ape, and a 2018 tearjerker from Michael Schulte from Germany.

Interview: Fleur East on Everyone’s A Winner

Are you a fan of Eurovision?
Fleur East says: "Oh my gosh, I've always loved Eurovision! One of my earliest memories was going round to my best friend's house and it was the year that Katrina and the Waves won. We were in at the bottom of her garden singing Love Shine a Light at the top of our voices to the point where her neighbour screamed at us to shut up because we were just on a loop singing that song! I remember it so fondly!"

How has the chart for Everyone’s A Winner been compiled?
Fleur says: "To work it out we needed to have entries that had garnered more than 30 million streams worldwide, and then we then combined those with the number of views on the Eurovision YouTube. What I love about Everyone's A Winner is that among my peers we have this running joke that I’ve never won anything. But all these entries are an example of how people can lose but still go on to have incredible careers. I hope people will watch the show and have so many fond memories of some fantastic songs and some iconic Eurovision moments!"

What’s your personal favourite song from this top 20 list?
Fleur says: "‘It has to be Dadi Freyr and Think About Things from 2020, the year Eurovision didn’t happen because of the pandemic. I’ll always remember when I first heard this song and I was like, this is incredible! It’s such a shame they didn’t get to perform it at Eurovision. Nobody knows what would have happened and if that song would have won. But it’s such a huge hit – I still have it on my playlist!"

Are there any others that stand out?
Fleur says: "Obviously Sam Ryder and Space Man. It was such a big song for us. What was so great about Sam was that you could see how much he genuinely loved being on that stage, and that he really respected Eurovision. He still talks about the experience with such love and fondness and he’s been a big part in this shift in terms of how Eurovision is viewed here. Up until then we hadn’t been doing too well, but Sam changed that!"

What do you think are the magic ingredients that make a good Eurovision performance?
Fleur says: "You need to be memorable because anything goes in Eurovision! No costume is big enough and you can throw absolutely everything at the staging – fire, smoke, water, like everything! You've got to have that real magic something that stays with people."

Why do you feel people love Eurovision so much?
Fleur says: "I feel like it's because it's such an accepting community and it brings people together. It’s about unity – everybody feels like they belong when they're part of Eurovision. Like I said, anything goes, so there are no rules when it comes to self-expression. It’s just a place where people can be open and be true to themselves."

Where will you be watching the Eurovision this year? 
Fleur says: "I'm very excited to say that I’ll be watching it live! It's funny because at the start of this year I had friends booking hotels left, right and centre and doing everything they could to get tickets. But I just had this gut feeling that I was going to be there. Then I got asked to host Everyone's A Winner, and I was like, okay I'm one step closer. Then a couple of weeks later, I was told that I’m actually going to be there, and I can’t wait!"

What do you think the atmosphere is going to be like in Liverpool?
Fleur says: "Amazing! After Sam Ryder’s performance, I feel like everybody's reenergised and we're taking Eurovision a lot more seriously than before. More people are talking about it this year, it’s like there's a fire that's been lit up in the nation. So I think people will be screaming for [our UK entrant] Mae Muller.’

With your experience in the music business, what advice would you give Mae Muller?
Fleur says: "Just to fully embrace it and grasp the opportunity. It’s such a huge platform. She needs to go out there and absolutely smash it and not hold anything back. But I'm really excited for her because I feel we’re finally we're on a good streak now. Sam Ryder’s put us in a good place, and now we're hosting. So I think it's a really special year for her to be to be representing us and I think she's going to do really well. The song is good, a lot of people like Mae, she’s very enthusiastic and brings a lot of passion to the stage. It feels like we’re on a good roll, so fingers crossed!"

Would you ever consider being our UK entrant at Eurovision? 
Fleur says: "There's been a rumour for the past three or four years that I'm going to be doing Eurovision. I think it's such an incredible platform and such a great thing to be a part of. It would be an incredible thing to do, so never say never!"

Is there a trailer for Eurovision Song Contest: Everyone’s A Winner?

There’s no trailer yet form the BBC for Eurovision Song Contest: Everyone’s A Winner but the show’s a corker, so we’ll be sure to post a trailer here just as soon as it lands! 

There’s a famous face in Chester when DJ and Eurovision presenter, Scott Mills, turns up in tonight’s Hollyoaks on at 6.30pm (See our TV Guide for full listings). 

Scott stumbles into the village lost and unable to get any help since his phone has run out of battery. 

Goldie McQueen (Chelsee Healey) comes across Scott while she’s on the hunt for the fake jockey who stole all their winning bet money. 

Goldie convinces Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) that he needs to drive Scott to Liverpool, where he is due to be hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, asap! 

And of course Goldie wants to go along for the ride too.

Elsewhere, Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) has a plan to swindle her new acquaintance, Lord Rafe, by cooking up a new plan. 

However, when Leela Lomax (Kirsty- Leigh Porter) shows up and gets the wrong end of the stick, Sienna’s plan comes crashing down. 

Meanwhile, PC Sam Chen-Williams (Matthew McGivern) spies on Norma Crow (Glynis Barber) and her son, Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) down at the garage. 

Policeman Sam is trying to find out what criminal capers they are embroiled in. 

Sam’s dad, Dave Chen-Williams (Dominic Power) is feeling all alone now that his wife Honour (Vera Chok) has abandoned the family and is avoiding all messages. 

Lonely Dave invites his son Mason, (Frank Kaur) to a Eurovision party down at the dog. 

However the teenager says he’s got other plans. 

Dave is left feeling lonely and is looking for company at The Loft, when his younger brother Ethan bumps into him. 

Dave convinces Ethan to play his wingman and help him to talk to a girl who is sitting at the bar with her friend. 

Meanwhile, the pressure of work is coming between DS Zoe Anderson (Garcia Brown) and her boyfriend PC Sam Chen-Williams (Matthew McGivern).

Zoe is struggling, and feeling exhausted and sick, she tells Sam that she needs a break from him.  

Plus, the Eurovision party at The Dog is a great hit! 

The residents are in for a special treat when Eurovision winner, Sonia, turns up to catch up with her old school friend, Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher) .

Let the partying and singing begin! 

Hollyoaks airs Monday- Friday on C4 at 6.30pm 

Switch over to catch the next episode at 7:00pm on E4

Or stream the episodes first on All4

Rocky Cotton outdoes himself with his special Eurovision 2023 guest in Thursday's episode of EastEnders (7:30 pm. see our TV Guide for full listings)

Rocky Cotton has arranged a special performance for fiancee Kathy Beale's Eurovision party but he panics when Sonia Fowler pulls out.

Not willing to let Kathy down, he goes through his phone book and makes a call to an old friend...

Jean Slater is pushed into taking to the stage but everyone is stunned when Rocky's mystery guest arrives.

To the whole crowd's delight, as the Walford residents prepare to do a rendition of the UK's 1981 Eurovision winning song Making Your Mind Up, original Bucks Fizz band member and presenter Cheryl Baker arrives!

Ben Mitchell has been running himself ragged trying to make sure that Lola Pearce's final months are happy. 

After Lola received the sad news that her brain tumour is progressing fast, her friends and family have had to come to terms with the fact that they've not got long left with her.

When Ben generously told Lola's husband Jay Brown he could take paid leave from work to spend time with his wife, he took on the extra burden himself. 

Having to also pitch in with the Eurovision party at The Prince Albert, it's all getting too much.

Breaking down with exhaustion, Ben's head is in a muddle. He's promised Jay that he'll bring his and Lola's daughter Lexi Pearce to the party but he's so tired he forgets.

Lola and Jay don't realise just how much of a state Ben is in and they're annoyed when he turns up without her. 

Struggling with their anger, Ben gets drunk and picks a fight with poor Vinny Panesar!

Lola is horrified to see that Ben is about to start throwing punches and she screams at him to stop.

Everyone stares at Ben in horror and he realises that he's gone too far...

Linda Carter is doing her best to manage the situation after her shock news that her mum Elaine Peacock is taking over the pub! 

Sharon Watts feels completely betrayed by her friend, who had promised the pub to her. Alfie Moon encourages Linda to go after Sharon after she storms out to try and make things up to her. 

Although devastated, Sharon agrees to hear Linda out.

Meanwhile, Nish Panesar is quietly fuming that Linda double-crossed him and wife Suki Panesar over the Vic deal. He tries to rattle Elaine, but she's spent enough time running pubs that she's not going to let Nish intimidate her!

Later that night, Elaine and Linda hear a noise from the bar and when they come downstairs they find it trashed. 

The mystery intruders have left a glass flamingo, a gift to Linda from Nish, intact on the bar.

Is it a calling card from Nish and have they made a dangerous enemy?

Also, Kim Fox is left in shock after her court ordeal and Denzel Danes asks Amy Mitchell's advice on how to get Kim to open up. Will Kim agree to get help for her panic attacks?

EastEnders continues on BBC One on Monday at 7:30 pm.

She was making her mind up now she's making her way to Albert Square! Eurovision legend Cheryl Baker is set to make an appearance for an EastEnders Eurovision special — but this isn't the first time she's stepped onto the Square.

Cheryl became an 80s icon when her pop group Bucks Fizz won Eurovision in 1981 with their catchy song Making Your Mind Up. Their Eurovision performance went down in TV history with their legendary tear-away skirts.

Now, the singer is set to commemorate the contest with a special cameo appearance in EastEnders as they celebrate Eurovision being hosted in the UK.

Speaking about the announcement on today's episode (Thursday, April 20) of Lorraine, entertainment editor Lucie Cave told host Lorraine Kelly more on Cheryl's upcoming appearance.

Lorraine asked: “Who is she playing? I can see her behind the bar in the Queen Vic.”

Lucie replied: “Nobody quite knows, it’s not been revealed what her storyline will be.”

They then went on to comment that her cameo is linked to Eurovision, so it seems that Cheryl will be playing herself.

Cheryl was apparently over the moon to hear that she would appear in EastEnders as Lucie revealed that Cheryl previously auditioned for a role on the soap but got turned down.

Lucie added: “What's brilliant is, she absolutely loves EastEnders and she said that this is a dream come true for her. She auditioned two years ago, but in the audition, she really mucked up her lines and didn’t get a callback. 

"I love the fact that she admitted that. I just presumed that any celebrity that wanted to be in it would just go in it but anyway, she is there.”

Speaking about her upcoming soap debut, Cheryl told Radio Times: "I was so thrilled to be asked to take part in an episode of EastEnders.

"It’s a British institution, for goodness sake! As a real-life 'EastEnder', I have loved the show since day one and I literally can’t wipe the smile from my face."

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now. 

Goldie McQueen (Chelsee Healey) needs to make money and she thinks she’s found the perfect opportunity in tonight’s Hollyoaks on at 6.30pm (See our TV Guide for full listings). 

With the Eurovision Song Contest coming to nearby Liverpool, Goldie decides to cash in on the event and rent out Mercedes McQueen’s (Jennifer Metcalfe) room to a guy called Swedish Sven!

That way she can bring in some much-needed cash to help pay the McQueens bills and keep a roof over their heads. 

However, it looks like something could have been lost in translation when it comes to the arrangement with Sven! 

Later on Goldie is horrified when she realises the rate she had advertised the room at was for the whole week and not per night. 

Just as she starts to think all is lost, Mercedes has a trick up her sleeve which could help the McQueens escape their money issues.  

Elsewhere, Rayne Royce (Jemma Donovan) overhears Leela Lomax (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) confronting Donna-Marie Quinn (Lucy-Jo Hudson) on why she was seen getting out of drug-dealer Harold’s car. 

Rayne, who’s desperate to patch things up with her boyfriend, Romeo Nightingale (Owen Warner) rushes to tell Romeo what she thought she heard. 

Romeo feels totally cut up to learn what his mum, Donna-Marie, has been up to and he believes it’s all his fault that she has relapsed. 

Romeo opens up to Rayne and tells he’s full of regret for distancing himself from his family recently and he needs to make things better. 

He decides to gather together his family, including little sister, Juliet Nightingale (Niamh Blackshaw) and his dad, James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan).

The family agree that they all need to communicate better and his parents and sister promise to start working together to support one another. 

However, it looks like another shock revelation is about to come crashing their way! 

Meanwhile, over at the Maalik's, mum Misbah Maalik (Harvey Virdi) has thrown herself into helping her son, Imran Maalik (Ijaz Rana). 

Misbah speaks to Imran’s close friend, Brooke Hathaway (Tylan Grant) at the Love Boat and later tells her husband Zain (Jonas Khan) and daughter Yazz (Haiesha Mistry) that she's really worried about Imran. 

Plus, Mercedes wants to make things up to teenager DeMarcus Westwood (Tomi Ade) after he was left feeling like a gooseberry on a recent outing with Mercedes and her boyfriend, Felix Westwood (Richard Blackwood).

Mercedes manages to get her hands on two Gaming Station Convention tickets for DeMarcus and his dad Felix. 

Will the teen be won over with her generous gift? 

Hollyoaks airs Monday- Friday on C4 at 6.30pm 

Switch over to catch the next episode at 7:00pm on E4

Or stream the episodes first on All4

The BBC has revealed that 25-year-old Mae Muller will be representing the UK at Eurovision 2023.

She follows in the footsteps of Sam Ryder, who placed second in Eurovision 2022 with his electric track, "SPACE MAN" behind the winners from Ukraine, Kalush Orchestra. She was chosen after an extensive search conducted between the BBC and the music management company, TaP Music.

The news was exclusively revealed on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show by Zoe Ball on Thursday, March 9. 

Following this morning's reveal, Scott Mills will have Mae's first TV interview and the first televised broadcast of the official music video for her Eurovision track, "I Wrote A Song", at 8.55 pm tonight in Eurovision 2023: Meet the Act on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

In a statement, Mae Muller said: "I'm SO excited to participate in Eurovision this year and represent the UK! I've loved watching Eurovision all my life, so to compete in such a massive music competition is simply brilliant. 

"I’m a huge fan of so many of the artists that have found success at Eurovision, from ABBA to Måneskin! Sam Ryder was so amazing last year and proved the UK can be back on the left-hand side of the leaderboard! I wrote the song 'I Wrote A Song' a few months ago when I was going through a hard time and wanted to feel empowered about relationships, so for it to be chosen for this year’s UK Eurovision song is honestly a dream!”

Mae's song was co-written with Lewis Thompson, a Brit Award-nominated songwriter who's worked with the likes of David Guetta and Joel Corry and Karen Poole, who's written for Kylie Minogue and Lily Allen. You can listen to Mae Muller's Eurovision track below:

Mae Muller is no strange to the music business. She's already released 3 EPs, has supported Little Mix on their 2019 stadium tour and scored a Top 10 hit in the United States with her platinum-selling single, "Better Days". Since signing to Capitol Records UK last year, she was nominated at the MTV VMAs and EMAs and her music has accumulated more than two billion streams on Spotify.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Grand Final is set to take place in Liverpool (with the UK hosting on behalf of Ukraine) on Saturday, May 13 and will be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 

Eurovision 2023 has been and gone, and a new winner has been crowned!

This was the 67th edition of the world's biggest and boldest singing competition after all the excitement from Turin last year. This year's slogan was 'United By Music', reflecting both the unique partnership between the UK and Ukraine to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to audiences across the globe and the incredible power of music to bring people together.

Here's everything you need to know about Eurovision 2023, including who took part in the competition, and who won.

Who won Eurovision 2023?

Swedish singer Loreen won Eurovision 2023 with her song, "Tattoo". She scored a total of 583 points overall, 57 points ahead of the runner-up, Finland's Käärijä.

This is Loreen's second win, after previously winning the competition in 2012 with "Euphoria".

When was Eurovision 2023?

The Eurovision 2023 Grand Final took place on May 15, 2023.

Eurovision 2023 Grand Final line-up

Below you can find the running order for the Eurovision Grand Final.

• Austria: Teya & Salena, "Who the Hell is Edgar?"
• Portugal: Mimicat, "Ai Coração"
• Switzerland: Remoe Forrer, "Watergun"
• Poland: Blanka, "Solo"
• Serbia: Luke Black, "Samo Mi Se Spava"
• France: La Zarra, "Évidemment"
• Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou, "Break a Broken Heart"
• Spain: Blanca Paloma, "Eaea"
• Sweden: Loreen, "Tattoo"
• Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi, "Duje"
• Italy: Marco Mengoni, "Due Vite"
• Estonia: Alika, "Bridges"
• Finland: Käärijä, "Cha Cha Cha"
• Czechia: Vesna, "My Sister's Crown"
• Australia: Voyager, "Promise"
• Belgium: Gustaph, "Because of You"
• Armenia: Brunette, "Future Lover"
• Moldova: Pasha Parfeni, "Soarele şi Luna"
• Ukraine: TVORCHI, "Heart of Steel"
• Norway: Alessandra, "Queen of Kings"
• Germany: Lord of the Lost, "Blood & Glitter"
• Lithuania: Monika Linkytė, "Stay"
• Israel: Noa Kirel, "Unicorn"
• Slovenia: Joker Out, "Carpe Diem"
• Croatia: Let 3, "Mama ŠČ!"
• UK: Mae Muller, "I Wrote a Song"

Eurovision 2023 Semi-Finals: who took part, and who qualified?

Semi-Final 1:

Croatia, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Czechia, Finland, Israel, Moldova, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland

Who qualified for the Grand Final? Norway, Serbia, Portugal, Croatia, Switzerland, Israel, Moldova, Sweden, Czechia, Finland

Semi-Final 2

Armenia, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Iceland, Romania, Albania, Australia, Austria, Georgia, Lithuania, Poland, San Marino, Slovenia

Who qualified for the Grand Final? Albania, Cyprus, Estonia, Belgium, Austria, Lithuania, Poland, Australia, Armenia, Slovenia

Who was the UK entry for Eurovision 2023? 

The UK entry for Eurovision 2023 was announced as singer Mae Muller, 25, who represented the nation with "I Wrote A Song". 

Talking about her involvement, Mae said: "I'm SO excited to participate in Eurovision this year and represent the UK! I've loved watching Eurovision all my life, so to compete in such a massive music competition is simply brilliant. 

"I’m a huge fan of so many of the artists that have found success at Eurovision, from ABBA to Måneskin! Sam Ryder was so amazing last year and proved the UK can be back on the left-hand side of the leaderboard! I wrote the song 'I Wrote A Song' a few months ago when I was going through a hard time and wanted to feel empowered about relationships, so for it to be chosen for this year’s UK Eurovision song is honestly a dream!”

You can watch the official music video for Mae's track below:

Which countries took part in Eurovision 2023?

A total of 37 nations took part in this year's competition. Of those nations, 31 competed in the two Semi-Finals, with 10 successful acts from each night joining 4 of the big five countries (France, Germany, Italy, and Spain), the host nation (UK), and Ukraine for the Grand Final.

Below is a full list of the countries that took part, who represented them, and what their songs were called.

• Albania - Albin and Familja Kelmendi, "Duje"
• Armenia - Brunette, "Future Lover"
• Australia - Voyager, "Promise"
• Austria - Teya & Salena, "Who the Hell is Edgar?"
• Azerbaijan - TuralTuranX, "Tell Me More" 
• Belgium - Gustaph, "Because of You"
• Croatia - Let 3, "Mama ŠČ!" 
• Cyprus - Andrew Lambrou, "Break A Broken Heart"
• Czechia - Vesna, "My Sister's Crown" 
• Denmark - Reiley, "Breaking My Heart"
• Estonia - Alika, "Bridges"
• Finland - Käärijä, "Cha Cha Cha" 
• France - La Zarra, "Évidemment"
• Georgia - Iru, "Echo"
• Germany - Lord of the Lost, "Blood & Glitter"
• Greece - Victor Vernicos, "What They Say"
• Iceland -  Diljá, "Power"
• Ireland - Wild Youth, "We Are One" 
• Israel - Noa Kirel, "Unicorn" 
• Italy - Marco Mengoni, "Due Vite"
• Latvia - Sudden Lights, "Aijā" 
• Lithuania - Monika Linkytė, "Stay"
• Malta - The Busker, "Dance (Our Own Party)" 
• Moldova - Pasha Parfeni, "Soarele şi Luna" 
• Netherlands - Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper, "Burning Daylight" 
• Norway - Alessandra, "Queen Of Kings" 
• Poland - Blanka, "Solo"
• Portugal - Mimicat, "Ai Coração" 
• Romania - Theodor Andrei, "D.G.T. (Off and On)"
• San Marino - Piqued Jacks, "Like An Animal"
• Serbia - Luke Black, "Samo Mi Se Spava" 
• Slovenia - Joker Out, "Carpe Diem"
• Spain - Blanca Paloma, "Eaea"
• Sweden - Loreen, "Tattoo" 
• Switzerland - Remo Forrer, "Watergun" 
• Ukraine - TVORCHI, "Heart of Steel"
• United Kingdom - Mae Muller, "I Wrote A Song"

Who hosted Eurovision 2023 for the UK?

UK Eurovision fans were pleased to know that our usual commentator (and all-around Eurovision legend) Graham Norton would be on hand as one of four stars bringing the action to the global audience of 160 million viewers.

Graham said: "It's no secret how much I adore Eurovision, I truly believe it's the greatest show on earth and every year that I'm involved it's a huge honour. This year is even more special and I personally feel a big responsibility to make our Ukrainian colleagues proud. Alongside presenting the Grand Final to the world, I just couldn't resist the opportunity to get back into the commentary box for those watching in the UK"

Graham was joined by a trio of superstars to help bring all the action from the two Live Semi-Finals: Julia Sanina, Hannah Waddingham and Alesha Dixon.

Julia Sanina is a Ukrainian singer, composer and frontwoman of The HARDKISS alt band, whilst Hannah Waddingham is an Emmy Award-winning actress whom Ted Lasso fans will no doubt recognize (though she's no stranger to the stage herself!), and Alesha Dixon is a UK popstar, former Mis-Teeq member and experienced BBC presenter and judge. In short, we're in very good hands!

On the commentary front, Graham Norton shared the commentary box with fellow presenter, Mel Giedroyc. Meanwhile, Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko served as the Eurovision Correspondent in Liverpool, appearing in VT segments during the live shows, offering insight from the Ukrainian commentary box in the Liverpool Arena and fronting the Opening Ceremony live stream on the Eurovision YouTube Channel with Liverpudlian presenter, Sam Quek.

Who was the UK spokesperson for Eurovision 2023?

Catherine Taterved as the UK's Eurovision spokesperson in 2023, meaning she got to deliver the results of the UK's voting decisions. This was the first time ever that the UK spokesperson will announce the National Jury scores live from the same arena where the actual contest is taking place in the UK. 

Of her role, Tate said: "It’s very exciting to be announcing the iconic 'douze points' at Eurovision. It’s just a foot in the door really as next year I hope to be the UK entrant!"

She is due to return to our screens in a new BBC comedy, Queen of Oz, and in the Doctor Who 60th-anniversary miniseries this November.

Who performed at the Eurovision 2023 Grand Final?

The Eurovision 2023 Grand Final opened with a performance entitled 'Voices of A New Generation' and with last year's winners, Kalush Orchestra.

The Eurovision Flag Parade will follow, treating viewers to a unique show featuring some of Ukraine's past contestants which will see GO_A, Jamala, Tina Karol and Verka Serduchka taking to the stage to remind us why they became so iconic. 

The first interval performance (when voting will take place) saw Sam Ryder taking to the Eurovision stage after leading the UK to its biggest success at the competition in over two decades last year. 

Sam says: "What an honor to be invited back to the Eurovision stage for a second time! I can’t wait to be back amongst the beautiful chaos of it all and to watch the incredible artists perform this time around while bringing you a special performance of our own. Big love!”

The final interval performance was called "The Liverpool Songbook". This act brings five iconic Eurovision artists—Italy's Mahmood, Israel's Netta, Iceland's Daði Freyr, Sweden's Cornelia Jakobs, and Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands —together with Liverpool's own Sonia (who came second back in 1993) to put their own spin on some of Liverpool's biggest contributions to music. 

What happened at this year's Handover Ceremony?

The 2023 Handover and Allocation Draw took place in front of a live audience in Liverpool on January 31. Presenters AJ Odudu and Rylan conducted the live draw to see which countries will be participating in each Semi-Final. They were assisted by young people from a local school and members of the Ukrainian community who had settled in the city since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. 

The show also saw Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills presenting a look back at the top hits from the last few years of the show. Plus, some famous faces from Liverpool helped welcome the contest along, and the Mayor of Turin, Stefano Lo Russo, handed over the official keys of the contest to Joanne Anderson, the Mayor of Liverpool. 

If you'd like to watch the event, you can stream it on BBC iPlayer. Outside of the UK, you can catch up with the Eurovision 2023 Handover and Allocation Draw on YouTube.

Where was Eurovision 2023 held?

Traditionally, the Eurovision Grand Final is hosted by the winning country, though this year the event is being hosted in honor of last year's winners in the UK, who were the runners-up last year.

Within days of the announcement, 20 cities from across the UK had put in bids to be the next host of the show, but it was decided in late 2022 that Eurovision 2023 would be held in Liverpool.

Who won Eurovision 2022?

The 66th Eurovision Song Contest was won by Kalush Orchestra with their song, "Stefania", which became the first winning song to feature rap. They scooped an incredible 631 points, including a total of 439 from the public vote.

The UK's entry, Sam Ryder, delivered a stellar performance of his song "SPACE MAN", and earned the second place slot. He was award the most points from the international juries (283), with a total of 466 points including 183 from the public. 

Eurovision 2023 is headed to the United Kingdom with The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC confirming the news after rumours circulated that the runners-up could host instead of the 2022 winners, Ukraine.

Sam Ryder put on a brilliant performance for the UK, managing to reach second place with his song Space Man, with Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra winning with Stefania. 

But due to ongoing conflict, Ukraine is unable to safely host the Eurovision Song Contest, meaning that the UK will host instead and ensure that 2022 winners Ukraine are "celebrated and represented" in the process.

Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor said: "We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023.

"The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions. Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event."

Currently, we don't know which UK city will host the Eurovision Song Contest next year but the search is currently on to find the perfect match for the upcoming competition.

Previously, Eurovision has been hosted in London in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977, in Edinburgh in 1972, in Brighton in 1974, in Harrogate in 1982 and in Birmingham in 1998, but we don't know if any of these cities will reprise hosting duties next year.

Speaking about hosting, Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC added: "It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege. 

"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process to find a Host City to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023."

Further details regarding Eurovision 2023 will be confirmed in due course, so we'll just have to wait patiently!

Boris Johnson has dampened the exciting notion that the United Kingdom will hold the Eurovision Song Contest Final 2023 next year in place of 2022 winners Ukraine, saying he believes ‘Ukraine can have it’.

It’s been revealed that the BBC is in talks with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about hosting Eurovision while Ukraine is at war with Russia.

The EBU said it conducted a study with Ukraine’s state broadcaster Suspilne Movlennia and others and concluded that a war-torn country could not offer the ‘security and operational guarantees’ required to put on Eurovision.

Ukraine won the right to host the final in 2023 because their entry Kalush Orchestra won this year’s final with their song, Stefania, while UK’s Sam Ryder singing Space Man came second but was the jury’s choice.

Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said his country want the EBU to change the decision ‘because we believe we will be able to fulfil all our obligations’ – and British Prime Minister Johnson agreed.

Talking to reporters at RAF Brize Norton on his return from a short trip to Kyiv, Johnson said: “I have just been to Kyiv. I won’t say it is completely jiving and buzzing and popping but it is far, far more lively. People are much more confident. People are out in the streets eating in cafes and restaurants in a way that they weren’t a even few weeks ago,” the Prime Minister said.

“The Ukrainians won the Eurovision Song Contest. I know we had a fantastic entry, I know we came second and I’d love it to be in this country.

“But the fact is that they won and they deserve to have it. I believe that they can have it and I believe that they should have it. I believe that Kyiv or any other safe Ukrainian city would be a fantastic place to to have it.”

News that the BBC and EBU were in talks created a clamour among British cities for the right to host Eurovision, with London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds showing interest in putting the show on.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said ‘Londoners would welcome Eurovision with open arms’ and Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible.

“However, I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!!”

Eurovision 2023 is set to be in the UK, who were runners-up this year, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Typically the winning country would host the contest the following year, but The European Broadcasting Union has revealed they are "in talks" with the BBC about bringing the competition to the UK instead, which would be the first time the nation has hosted since 1998.

The last time the UK saw Eurovision on home turf was at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.

With Sam Ryder being awarded an impressive second place in Eurovision 2022, the UK could potentially be the next host country, and a statement has been released explaining this. 

The official announcement reads: "Following their win at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in May the EBU has been exploring options for the hosting of next year’s competition with Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC, who previously staged the event in 2017 and 2005.

"It has become a well-known tradition that the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest hosts the competition the following year, providing certain criteria including ensuring the viability of staging the event and the safety of all stakeholders, including the public, are met."

They added: "Given the ongoing war since the Russian invasion of this year’s winning country, the EBU has taken the time to conduct a full assessment and feasibility study with both UA:PBC and third-party specialists including on safety and security issues."

The statement continues: "The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most complex TV productions in the world with thousands working on, and attending, the event and 12 months of preparation time needed.

"Following objective analysis, the Reference Group, the ESC’s governing board, has with deep regret concluded that, given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster to host, organize and produce the Eurovision Song Contest under the ESC Rules cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC.

"The EBU would like to thank UA:PBC for their wholehearted cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios in the weeks since Kalush Orchestra’s win on 14 May in Turin and share their sadness and disappointment that next year’s Contest cannot be held in Ukraine."

The EBU explained as runners-up, the UK would be a suitable candidate for the competition to be held, and stressed they would reflect Ukraine's win as a priority, despite being unable to safely perform there. 

Their statement concludes: "The EBU has been supporting UA:PBC across a whole range of areas since the invasion. We will ensure that this support continues so UA:PBC can maintain the indispensable service they provide to Ukrainians.

"As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year’s runner up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom.

"It is our full intention that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts."

Queen Of The Universe should delight fans of Eurovision, as the latest international singing contest is guaranteed to blow you away! Graham Norton is the King of Eurovision commentary but now he’ll be introducing the queens of the world, as he hosts this singing competition for the very best drag queens from around the globe.

Produced by World of Wonder, the creators of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and executive produced by RuPaul herself, this talent series will see countries going head-to-head with their top drag queens. But there will be no lip-synching to be seen because it’s all about the best voices. 

Promotional material for the show teases: “high heels, high octaves and high competition – this drag queen singing competition will blow your wig off.” We can’t wait! 

So here's our complete guide to Queen of The Universe, including the competing drag queens and the judges who'll be assessing them...

Queen Of The Universe — UK release date

Viewers in the UK can now watch Queen Of The Universe on new streaming service Paramount Plus. The show aired on Paramount Plus in the US from Thursday, December 2 2021. 

• Paramount Plus Original Series: Everything new coming to the service

Is there a Queen Of The Universe trailer?

Yes there is! Paramount Plus have released this amazing official trailer for Queen Of The Universe and we just love it! This is going to be one hell of a show full of joy and talent. Take a look below...

Queen Of The Universe host Graham Norton

Graham Norton is no stranger to drag queen performances as he’s been a regular judge on the hugely successful RuPaul’s Drag Race UK for three seasons, alongside RuPaul himself, Michelle Visage and Alan Carr. He’s also the host of the UK’s Eurovision Song Contest coverage, which he took over from Terry Wogan, so this show sounds like the perfect mix for him. In fact Eurovision is so entrenched in him that Graham even appeared in the 2020 movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. 

Graham also hosts his own chat show The Graham Norton Show (2007-present) which sees him having a laugh with some pretty major stars. Previous to that presented the shows So Graham Norton (1998-2002) and V Graham Norton (2002-2003). He also voiced the character of Moonwind in the animation movie Soul, starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey, and has written the bestselling novel Holding, a thriller set in Ireland. You can watch the ITV adaptation of Holding, which stars Conleth Hill as Sergeant PJ Collins, on ITV Hub. 

Queen Of The Universe judges — Leona Lewis, Michelle Visage, Trixie Mattel and Vanessa Williams

Joining the Queen of The Universe judging panel are British singer and Grammy-nominee Leona Lewis, RuPau's Drag Race stalwart Michelle Visage, drag superstar Trixie Mattel and Desperate Housewives actress Vanessa Williams.  

Michelle Visage says: "It's a singing competition first, it's a drag competition second. What you think you know is going to be out the door because, yes, it's singing, but it's definitely different."

Vanessa Williams adds: "It's a global aspect that we've never seen before, and it's a singing competition; no one is lip-syncing, they're all singing their own tunes. We'll be judging them not only on the quality of their talent and musicianship, but also their star quality."

Queen Of The Universe — the competing drag artists from around the world...

Fans of RuPaul's Drag Race can hope to see some familiar faces in Queen Of The Universe as well as new acts to admire. The performing drag queens come from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, France, China, and India. Here's a complete rundown of all 14 competing drag queens...

Matante Alex from Montreal, Canada
Matante started singing at 13 years old in her parents' basement and soon thereafter discovered her true passion – yodeling! Matante's name translates to 'my aunt' in French.

Novaczar from New York
Novaczar is the youngest queen in the competition with a sci-fi twist . She's trained in opera, rock, and musical theater and is ready to rule the furthest reaches of the galaxy.

Rani Ko-He-Nur from Mumbai, India
After becoming 2014's Mr Gay India, Rani Ko-he-nur has over a million Instagram followers and has appeared in Vogue India, Cosmopolitan, and Elle. Having also appeared in the Forbes 30 under 30 list, can the trans/gender fluid performer win the world over with song?

Ada Vox from San Antonio, USA
Texan drag star Ada Vox is a former American Idol contestant with a huge voice. She's been performing for near-on seven years.

Aria B Cassadine from Atlanta, USA
The 2018 winner of Miss Gay Black America, Aria B Cassadine already has a big drag crown to her name. She'd started her drag journey after a dare from a friend, but is now hitting the world stage.

Grag Queen from Canela, Brazil
Growing up singing in church from childhood. Grag Queen now performs to the masses on social media as she has 2 million TikTok fans, lapping up her outrageous performances and over the top personality.

Jujubee from Boston, USA
A double RuPaul's Drag Race All-Star, Jujubee is a lip-sync specialist, comedian, recording artist and makeup artist. Best known for her glamorous and stylish drag, she also has amazing vocals!

La Voix from London, UK
Queen La Voix has was a former contestant on Britain's Got Talent. Her name is French and means simply "The Voice!" and she'll be performing in fornt of a home crowd, as Queen of The Universe is filmed in London.

Leona Winter from Paris, France
This countertenor baritone has a three-octave voice that's often called 'tres jolie' by her worldwide fans. She appeared on The Voice in France, where she got to the  semi-final. She later won The Switch, which is Chile's version of  RuPaul's Drag Race.

Betty Bitchslap from Copenhagen, Denmark
Danish superstar Betty Bitschlap definitely has has range, often transforming from a punk rock star to a glam sequined vixen.

Chy'enne Valentino from Chicago, USA
Singing since she was five, Chy'enne Valentino was competing to win Miss Continental Plus at 18 in 2018.  This former American Idol contestant also runs a bakery called Pound Your Cakes.

Gingzilla from Sydney, Australia
This 7ft-tall Aussie-native is massive, so of course always stands out in a crowd. Gingzilla attended a performing arts school in Australia then 'clown school' in Paris, before performing on America's Got Talent and The X Factor in the UK.

Regina Voce from Mexico City
With over 30 years of stage experience, this former performer in Cirque Du Soleil now works as a vocal coach. The word Regina in Spanish means 'queen' and Voce in Italian means 'voice'.

WooWu from Guangzhou, China
Having left her traditional Cantonese household in Guangzhou for the bright lights of Shanghai, WooWu is a big fan of Christina Aguilera, Cher, and Patti LaBelle who describes her drag persona as "pink, feminine and perfect," Can she break barriers with her Queen Of The Universe performance?

Where is Queen Of The Universe filmed?

Queen Of The Universe was filmed at London’s Excel Centre in East London between the end of September and October 8 in 2021. It was shot in front of a live audience so promises to be very lively and lots of fun! 

Will there be a Queen of the Universe season two? 

Yes! It has been confirmed by Paramount Plus that a second season of the hit show is heading our way, and this time global singer and superstar Mel B is set to join the star-studded panel of judges. 

Mel will be joining an esteemed lineup of returning judges including platinum-selling recording artist and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Michelle Visage, Multi-Emmy nominee Vanessa Williams and American drag superstar Trixie Mattel, while Graham Norton will also be returning as the show's host.

Celebrity Gogglebox has gained two new stars ahead of the new series as Eurovision star Sam Ryder and BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills have joined the lineup.

Sam Ryder has been in high demand ever since he came in second place as the UK representative at Eurovision 2022 with his hit song, "SPACE MAN" last month. 

Now, it's been reported by Metro that he'll be joining the Celebrity Gogglebox lineup, where he'll be sharing the sofa with DJ and Eurovision commentator, Scott Mills.

This news comes shortly after Sam professed his love for the main Channel 4 show. When he appeared on Zoe Ball's Radio 2 show, Sam said: "We're having a very normal lovely curry as soon as I get home while watching the telly. I just want to watch Gogglebox and it's going to be weird cause we'll be on it."

Sam and Scott are the latest celebrity duo to have joined the lineup, following in the footsteps of former Strictly Come Dancing winners Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse. 

In other Celebrity Gogglebox news, Denise Van Outen will be returning to the show alongside her best friend, Blue singer Duncan James after splitting from her partner, Eddie Boxshall.

Sam and Scott, Bill and Oti and Denise and Duncan have joined a very exciting celebrity lineup. Also returning are: Nick Grimshaw and his niece, Liv, Rylan Clark and his mum Linda, Martin and Roman Kemp and Mo Gilligan and Babatunde Aleshe. 

Anne-Marie will be returning to the show alongside her sister, Samantha after appearing opposite Sir Tom Jones and Ed Sheeran in previous seasons, as will Lorraine Kelly and her daughter Rosie, Shaun Ryder and Bez and Stacey Solomon with Joe Swash.

Mel C and her brother Paul, Miquita and Andi Oliver, Judi Love and Charlene White, Clare Balding and Alice Arnold, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher and Zoe Ball and her son Woody Cook are also among the pairings set to offer up their verdicts on all the great shows on TV when Celebrity Gogglebox returns

Celebrity Gogglebox returns to Channel 4 at 10 pm on Friday, June 10. Previous seasons are available to stream on All4.

The UK delivered the biggest Eurovision TV audience for the 66th Eurovision Song Contest, it has been revealed.

The European Broadcasting Union (which organizes the legendary musical competition) has finally revealed the viewing stats for Eurovision 2022, and it contained some truly impressive results.

In total, 161 million viewers tuned in to watch the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest around the world.

Surprisingly, the United Kingdom delivered the highest TV ratings out of all measured markets, with 8.9 million viewers tuning in to watch the Grand Final. According to the EBU's stats, this means more than 50% of all TV viewers in the UK watched Sam Ryder claim second place in the competition.

Not only was this a 20% increase from the ratings for 2021, but it was also the first time in 11 years that the UK has delivered higher ratings than Germany, the country which previously delivered the biggest audience. 

Global online engagement was equally strong. TikTok became Eurovision's Official Entertainment Partner this year, and the official account gained a total of 189 million video views on the platform in the two weeks leading up to the Grand Final. 

Talking about the competition's success, Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl said: "We couldn’t be happier to see the success of the Eurovision Song Contest across all our Members’ channels and on our digital platforms this year."

"Once again, we have seen the enormous popularity of the Contest among young audiences, some of whom are discovering the event for the first time. The Eurovision Song Contest truly has global appeal demonstrated by the millions watching in every territory on earth and millions more interacting on social media."

Sam Ryder's impressive performance at the competition looks set to ensure continued success for the Essex-based artist. He represented the UK with his song "SPACE MAN" at the competition, and his song has claimed the No. 2 spot in the UK Singles chart, right behind superstar Harry Styles. 

He's also been invited to perform at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace on Saturday, June 4, where he'll be sharing the stage with the likes of Queen, Duran Duran, Adam Lambert, Sir Elton John and Alicia Keys.

EastEnders fans were surprised and delighted when show bosses made a last-minute change to Monday's episode.

The soap has a history of adding in scenes to mention events that happen in the real world.

Normally, it's only major sporting events or political outcomes that make the cut.

With episodes filmed and edited at least a month of two in advance, it's a big effort for the soap to go back and rescript and film scenes then insert them into the already finished episodes.

So, it was a huge surprise for viewers when Monday night's episode saw not one, but two last-minute references popped in.

First, there was a sporting reference when Frankie suggested that Callum was down because footballer Mark Noble had played his last game for West Ham – the midfielder retiring after 18 years with the club.

But when it seemed that wasn't the problem, Frankie guessed again, as the show paid tribute to the biggest showbiz story of last weekend – the UK managing to come second in The Eurovision Song Contest.

Sam Ryder's song Space Man played in the background in the scene as Frankie claimed that Ukraine deserved their win.

However, the topic of the singing contest managed to get Callum to open up about his husband, Ben.

Callum lamented that he never watched the show until he met Ben. Adding that the year the UK do well, is the year he and Ben don't watch it.

When Frankie tried to assure Callum that he and Ben would get over their fall out, Callum revealed that he didn't know if he could forgive his husband.

While the emotional scene played out, viewers were distracted by how quickly the show had managed to put in the Eurovision reference, with the show only airing last Saturday night.

"It's great when EastEnders fits current events in," said one. While another added, "Blimey, a scene filmed today."

Ben and Callum were at loggerheads over Ben kissing Lewis, the barman at The Prince Albert.

Although Ben stopped the kiss before it went anywhere, Callum witnessed the two together and was devastated.

This came after the shock revelation that Ben was the attacker who had been targeting homophobes in the area.

While Ben and Callum made up later, Callum made it clear that Ben was on his last chance.

Will the couple survive to see another Eurovision?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Defiant Eurovision champions Kalush Orchestra say they are determined that Eurovision 2023 WILL be held in Ukraine, despite the ongoing war with Russia.

Kalush Orchestra stormed to victory at Eurovision 2022 with their song Stefania in Turin on Saturday after the public vote catapulted them from mid-table after the judges’ votes to an unsurmountable 631 points. 

The UK’s Sam Ryder was leading the 25 nations after the judges vote with his incendiary performance of Space Man, but the public’s universal sympathy for the plight of Ukraine meant he had to be content with 466 points and second place.

Before the event, Kalush Orchestra band leader Oleh Psiuk said his country would host Eurovision 2023, but clearly that will be impossible if war is still raging.

He told Eurovison World: “If we win, the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place in Ukraine. It will be a new, integrated, well-developed and flourishing Ukraine.”

It would be wonderful to think that could happen and President Vlodymyr Zelensky echoed the sentiments after their triumph, writing on Facebook: “Our courage impresses the world our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision! For the third time in its history. And I believe – not for the last time.”

Ukraine last held the event in Kyiv in 2017, a year after Jamala won with their song 1944.

In the event that the country is not in a state to host Eurovision, there is a growing school of thought that it could be co-hosted with runner-up country the United Kingdom – in the UK.

There is a precedent: Australia, for example, has a condition that if it ever wins Eurovision that it would host the following year in a European country, partnered with a European broadcaster.

British Business Secretary Kwasi Karteng told Sky News that he ‘looks forward to it being held’ in Ukraine, but qualified that comment with the suggestion the UK would support Ukraine in hosting the event next year.

Sam Ryder, fresh from producing Britain’s best result at Eurovision since Katrina and the Waves' victory with Love Shine A Light in 1997, told the BBC that his result was the ‘tip of an iceberg … The UK is going to be a force next year. It’s going to be mad.”

In another year, he would have been a worthy winner, as many people commented. One person posted on YouTube: “although I am from Ukraine, but I honestly believe that your country really deserved this victory, despite everything!”

Even allowing for the hot favouritism of Ukraine entry Kalush Orchestra, Essex boy Sam Ryder is predicted to produce the UK’s best performance at Eurovision since Jade Ewen finished fifth in 2009.

His song, Space Man, feels like a dream Eurovision 2022 song – it is epic, dramatic, uplifting and just a little bit cheesy. And the man himself has thrown himself into the heavy work required to win the competition, singing the song everywhere from street corners to chat shows.

Sam ‘Hair Wolf’ Ryder seems destined for stardom, but how much do you know about him?

Full name: Sam Ryder Robinson

Age: 32 (born 25 June 1989)

Birthplace: Maldon, Essex

Family matters: Sam says his parents are not musical but he grew up in a house filled with music. “Earth Wind and Fire, Beautiful South, Queen. Even now they listen to the same records full blast. And I mean full blast,” he says.

Career: Despite seeming to burst onto the scene from nowhere, Sam has had a solid career in music, playing guitar and fronting a variety of predominantly rock bands and even recording a solo album, which was never released. He most recently worked in construction and performed part-time in a wedding band.

Big Break: Sam became a TikTok sensation during the pandemic by filming himself applying his unique falsetto to a range of pop classics, starting with Britney’s (Hit Me) Baby… One More Time. His effervescent performances were a sensation and he now has 12.4 million followers on the platform. His viral videos caught the eye of TAP management.

How did his Eurovision song, Space Man, come about? Sam co-wrote the cosmic pop ballad with its hints of Queen and David Bowie with Amy Wadge, best known for co-writing Ed Sheeran songs like Thinking Out Loud and Save Myself, a year and a half ago. But that was long before he was chosen.

Sam told Eurovision: “I wrote the song in 15 minutes. It was an amazing process. The dream is, when you go into a studio to write a song with other people, that it will feel effortless. And in a way, a good song will feel like it’s nothing to do with you at all, because you don’t feel tired after it. It just comes and you’re just lucky enough to be there at the right time to catch it. And all you really have to do is, if it’s a good song, just get out of the way of it. You’re there as a little conduit for it to go down. And that’s what happened that day.”

How he was selected for Eurovision: Sam got a call from the BBC in January saying they had heard Space Man. “God knows how, but they said: ‘How do you fancy singing it at Eurovision?’ and obviously I’m a big fan so I said yes!” 

The Eurovision Song Contest Final will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer plus via BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on Saturday, May 14 from 8pm.

Can anyone beat Ukraine’s entry, Kalush Orchestra, at today’s Eurovision Song Contest Final? Not a chance according to the bookmakers who have made the group and their song, Stefania, the shortest price favourite in Eurovision history.

Ukraine is 1/3 on, meaning you receive just £1.33 for every £1 invested on a win bet.

And that is bad news for the United Kingdom’s entry Sam Ryder, whose song Space Man, is universally considered to be Britain’s strongest entry in years, decades even.

TikTok star Sam is predicted to finish in the top three, possibly even runner-up, in Turin, which would be an amazing achievement considering Europe’s tradition antipathy towards UK entries and our recent dismal history at Eurovision. 

Kalush Orchestra are likely to benefit from an outpouring of goodwill from European nations as their country defends itself from the onslaught of the Russian invasion. Their performance is a ray of light during the horrors they’ve endured and the band, all men, were allowed special permission to leave Ukraine and perform at Eurovision.

As well, Stefania, with its blend of Ukraine folk and rap, has all the ingredients required of a Eurovision winner.

Band leader Oleh Psiuk told BBC Sounds about the responsibility they felt representing Ukraine, especially as their country usually takes Eurovision so seriously (in fact, they won it back in 2016 with Jamala's 1944).

“Eurovision in Ukraine has always been an important event and representing your country during war and indeed so much attention is focused on your country, it puts a huge responsibility on you,” he said.

“We have this temporary permit to go to Italy, immediately after Eurovision we will be going back to Ukraine. We have to be useful to the country now.”

Kalush Orchestra are taking the opportunity to demonstrate the spirit of their country.

“We are yet another loudspeaker to tell about Ukraine, to showcase Ukraine’s creativity and our music is here to show who we are, singing in Ukrainian, that we have our authenticity and our own peculiarity.

“We really want to represent the country at its best.”

It will be incredibly hard for anyone to compete against that and if they do win, it would take a heart of stone to not congratulate them and join them in a round of “Slava Ukraini!”

The Eurovision Song Contest Final screens on BBC One at 8pm on Saturday, May 14.

Want to watch the Eurovision 2022 Grand Final? Here's how.

After an exciting week of buildup, the stage is set for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin, and the lineup is decided for the biggest musical competition of the year. 

This is the 66th edition of the competition, and 40 countries have been whittled down to 25 finalists who are all hoping to be crowned this year's champions.

Who will be following in Måneskin's footsteps this year? Here's how to watch the Eurovision 2022 Grand Final online anywhere in the world.

How to watch the Eurovision 2022 Grand Final in the UK

The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 is set to take place on Saturday, May 14 at 8 pm in the UK. You'll be able to watch the show on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

How to watch the Eurovision 2022 Grand Final online anywhere in the world

There's an easy way to watch Eurovision 2022 online wherever you are in the world, and it's called a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN lets you get around the usual frustrating digital barriers by changing your IP address, meaning you can watch your favorite TV shows even if you're going to be away from home. 

Our favorite is ExpressVPN, which lets you change your IP address on whichever device you want to watch your new favorite show on.

From laptops to smart TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks, games consoles, and even mobile phones, you can change the address to make your device think it's in a different location to enable you to watch the things you love around the world. 

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs out there. Not only because it is straightforward and easy to use, but it also has great security and, best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN is the No. 1-rated VPN in the world right now. You can try it out for a month without paying a penny, and if you sign up for an annual plan you can get 3 months' access absolutely free!

How to watch the Eurovision 2022 Grand Final in the US

Just like both Eurovision semi-finals, you'll find the main event over on Peacock, as the streaming service is the exclusive home of Eurovision in the US.

The only catch is you'll need to be subscribed to either of the Peacock Premium plans, as free members won't be able to tune into the show.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2022 Grand Final starts at 3 pm ET on Saturday, May 14.

Eurovision 2022 Grand Final Lineup

Below you can find the running order for the Eurovision 2022 Grand Final, as well as which countries they represent.

• Czech Republic - "Lights Off" by We Are Domi
• Romania - "Llámame" by WRS
• Portugal - "Saudade, Saudade" by MARO
• Finland - "Jezebel" by The Rasmus
• Switzerland - "Boys Do Cry" by Marius Bear
• France - "Fulenn" by Alvan & Ahez
• Norway - "Give That Wolf A Banan" by Subwoolfer
• Armenia - "Snap" by Rosa Linn
• Italy - "Brividi" by Mahmood & Blanco
• Spain - "SloMo" by Chanel
• The Netherlands - "De Diepte" by S10
• Ukraine - "Stefania" by Kalush Orchestra
• Germany - "Rockstars" by Malik Harris
• Lithuania - "Sentimentai" by Monika Liu
• Azerbaijan - "Fade To Black" by Nadir Rustamli
• Belgium - "Miss You" by Jérémie Makiese
• Greece - "Die Together" by Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord
• Iceland - "Með Hækkandi Sól" by Systur
• Moldova - "Trenulețul" by Zdob şi Zdub & Advahov Brothers
• Sweden - "Hold Me Closer" by Cornelia Jakobs
• Australia - "Not The Same" by Sheldon Riley
• UK - "SPACE MAN" by Sam Ryder
• Poland - "River" by Ochman
• Serbia - "In Corpore Sano" by Konstrakta
• Estonia - "Hope" by Stefan

Eurovision 2022 is finally here for another showstopping night of singing from the world's biggest and brightest musical competition.

40 countries entered, but only 20 have qualified for the Grand Final to compete alongside the Big Five countries (UK, Italy, Germany, Spain and France) for a chance to be crowned this year's champions.

Here's everything you need to know about Eurovision 2022...

When is Eurovision 2022?

The Eurovision 2022 Grand Final will be held on Saturday, May 14 at 3 pm ET / 8 pm UK time / 9 pm CEST.

The first semi-final took place on Tuesday, May 10, and the second semi-final was held on Thursday, May 12 at 3 pm ET / 8 pm UK time. 

In the UK, Eurovision 2022 will air on the BBC and BBC iPlayer; the semi-final shows are being broadcast on BBC Three, but the Grand Final will take pride of place on BBC One on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, US readers will be able to stream the entire competition live and on-demand over on Peacock.

Where will Eurovision 2022 be held?

Eurovision 2022 will be held at Turin's Pala Olimpico (also known as Pala Alpitour) in Italy. The indoor venue was first opened in 2005, and has a capacity of 12,350. 

Who is the UK entry for Eurovision 2022?

After the unfortunate turn that saw James Newman scoring nil points at last year's competition, the UK went a very different direction and chose Sam Ryder to represent the UK at Eurovision 2022.

Sam has racked up more than 12 million followers on TikTok, making the Essex-based singer TikTok's most-followed UK artist. For Eurovision 2022, Sam will be performing his single, "SPACE MAN", which was co-written with Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran, "Thinking Out Loud").

You can watch the official music video for the UK entry below:

Speaking about his feelings ahead of Saturday's Grand Final, Sam said: "I'm excited, I’m trying to be focused about it and just getting nice and practiced singing wise and getting in the right headspace for it. 

"It’s really hectic in the lead up, so I think it's important just to try and find that focus and balance, and just remember that it's all about the singing, three minutes of singing!"

Eurovision 2022 - Grand Final running order

Now that the two semi-finals have taken place, we know which acts we'll be seeing this Saturday, and we've since learned the running order for the main event:

• Czech Republic - "Lights Off" by We Are Domi
• Romania - "Llámame" by WRS
• Portugal - "Saudade, Saudade" by MARO
• Finland - "Jezebel" by The Rasmus
• Switzerland - "Boys Do Cry" by Marius Bear
• France - "Fulenn" by Alvan & Ahez
• Norway - "Give That Wolf A Banan" by Subwoolfer
• Armenia - "Snap" by Rosa Linn
• Italy - "Brividi" by Mahmood & Blanco
• Spain - "SloMo" by Chanel
• The Netherlands - "De Diepte" by S10
• Ukraine - "Stefania" by Kalush Orchestra
• Germany - "Rockstars" by Malik Harris
• Lithuania - "Sentimentai" by Monika Liu
• Azerbaijan - "Fade To Black" by Nadir Rustamli
• Belgium - "Miss You" by Jérémie Makiese
• Greece - "Die Together" by Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord
• Iceland - "Með Hækkandi Sól" by Systur
• Moldova - "Trenulețul" by Zdob şi Zdub & Advahov Brothers
• Sweden - "Hold Me Closer" by Cornelia Jakobs
• Australia - "Not The Same" by Sheldon Riley
• UK - "SPACE MAN" by Sam Ryder
• Poland - "River" by Ochman
• Serbia - "In Corpore Sano" by Konstrakta
• Estonia - "Hope" by Stefan

Which countries are taking part in Eurovision 2022?

40 countries participated in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, though only 20 of them will progress to the Grand Final alongside the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Below, you can find a list of the countries and their chosen artists.

• Albania - Ronela Hajati - eliminated
• Armenia - Rosa Linn
• Australia - Sheldon Riley
• Austria - LUM!X feat. Pia Maria - eliminated
• Azerbaijan - Nadir Rustamli
• Belgium - Jérémie Makiese
• Bulgaria - Intelligent Music Project - eliminated
• Croatia - Mia Dimšić - eliminated
• Cyprus - Andromache - eliminated
• Czech Republic - We Are Domi
• Denmark - REDDI - eliminated
• Estonia - Stefan
• Finland - The Rasmus
• France - Alvan & Ahez
• Georgia - Circus Mircus - eliminated
• Germany - Malik Harris
• Greece - Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord
• Iceland - Systur
• Ireland - Brooke - eliminated
• Israel - Michael Ben David - eliminated
• Italy - Mahmood & BLANCO
• Latvia - Citi Zēni - eliminated
• Lithuania - Monika Liu
• Malta - Emma Muscat - eliminated
• Moldova - Zdob şi Zdub & Fraţii Advahov
• Montenegro - Vladana - eliminated
• The Netherlands - S10
• North Macedonia - Andrea - eliminated
• Norway - Subwoolfer
• Poland - Ochman
• Portugal - MARO
• Romania - WRS
• San Marino - Achille Lauro - eliminated
• Serbia - Konstrakta
• Slovenia - LPS - eliminated
• Spain - Chanel
• Sweden - Cornelia Jakobs
• Switzerland - Marius Bear
• Ukraine - Kalush Orchestra
• United Kingdom - Sam Ryder

Eurovision 2022: semi-final 1 results

17 acts entered the first semi-final, but only 10 could qualify for the next round of the competition. Below you can find the first 10 acts who you'll be seeing this weekend at the Eurovision 2022 Grand Final:

• Switzerland - Marius Bear
• Armenia - Rosa Linn
• Iceland -  Systur
• Lithuania - Monika Liu
• Portugal - MARO
• Norway - Subwoolfer
• Greece - Amanda Tenfjord 
• Ukraine - Kalush Orchestra
• Moldova - Zdob și Zdub and Advahov Brothers
• The Netherlands - S10 

Eurovision 2022: semi-final 2 results

The remaining 18 acts who were yet to try and earn a space in the Grand Final competed in the second semi-final. 

Here's who qualified in the second Eurovision 2022 semi-final:

• Belgium - Jérémie Makiese
• Czech Republic - We Are Domi
• Azerbaijan - Nadir Rustamli
• Poland - Ochman
• Finland - The Rasmus
• Estonia - Stefan
• Australia - Sheldon Riley
• Sweden - Cornelia Jakobs
• Romania - WRS
• Serbia - Konstrakta

Who's hosting Eurovision 2022 coverage? 

As per usual, Graham Norton will be back again this year as our commentator for UK coverage on the BBC. 

Talking about why he finds Eurovision so special, Graham said: "I've always loved Eurovision but somehow over the last few years it has become even more special. I find the idea of fans and families coming together during dark times to celebrate music across the continent extremely moving."

Strictly star and TV Presenter AJ Odudu will be serving as this year's Eurovision spokesperson and will deliver the UK's professional jury vote live from Salford.

Over in the US, Peacock's coverage will be hosted live from Los Angeles by former Olympic figure skater, NBC correspondent and self-professed Eurovision superfan, Johnny Weir. 

Like Graham Norton in the UK, Johnny Weir will be popping up with commentary throughout the US stream.

Who are the presenters?

Eurovision 2022 will be hosted by three presenters: Laura Pausini, Alessandro Cattelan and Mika.

Mika is a Lebanese-British singer-songwriter who was been releasing music since his debut single "Grace Kelly" back in 2007.

Speaking to Eurovision.tv, Mika said: "More than ever I believe in the importance of an international community, in our common values. I believe in the union of people, in breaking down the walls to celebrate our similarities as much as our differences. We can do it thanks to music, which is the most universal form of expression. Eurovision is this and so much more!"

Laura Pausini is a hugely popular Italian recording artist; in 2021 alone, she won a Grammy, a Golden Globe and no less than four Latin Grammys, as well as receiving the first-ever Oscar nomination for a song sung completely in Italian.

Finally, Alessandro Cattelan is a highly recognizable face from Italian TV with 20 years' worth of presenting experience under his belt. He's created and hosted late shows, and entertainment evenings and has hosted The X Factor (Italy).

Who won Eurovision 2021?

Italian rock group Måneskin were crowned the winners of Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam in the Netherlands with their song, "Zitti E Buoni". The band scored a total of 524 points, 25 points ahead of the second-place entry from France.

You can check out their winning entry below:

Trying to watch Eurovision 2022's second semi-final? Here's where you need to go.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2022 is well underway now and we're about to find out which 10 countries will be completing the line-up for the Grand Final this Saturday.

Semi-Final 2 will see the remaining 18 acts from countries like Australia, Cyprus, Belgium and San Marino taking part; the full lineup and running order can be found at the end of this article.

Here's how to watch Eurovision 2022's second Semi-Final.

How to watch Eurovision 2022 Semi-Final 2 in the UK

It couldn't be much easier to tune into the second Eurovision 2022 live semi-final, as it is being screened at the same time and in the same place as the first semi-final.

Hosted once again by Rylan and Scott Mills, Semi-Final 2 takes place on Thursday, May 12 at 8 pm UK time on BBC Three and will be streamed for free on BBC iPlayer.

How to watch Eurovision 2022's Second Semi-Final online anywhere in the world

There's an easy way to watch Eurovision 2022 online wherever you are in the world, and it's called a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN lets you get around the usual frustrating digital barriers by changing your IP address, meaning you can watch your favorite TV shows even if you're going to be away from home. 

Our favorite is ExpressVPN, which lets you change your IP address on whichever device you want to watch your new favorite show on.

From laptops to smart TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks, games consoles, and even mobile phones, you can change the address to make your device think it's in a different location to enable you to watch the things you love around the world. 

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs out there. Not only because it is straightforward and easy to use, but it also has great security and, best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN is the No. 1-rated VPN in the world right now. You can try it out for a month without paying a penny, and if you sign up for an annual plan you can get 3 months' access absolutely free!

How to watch Eurovision 2022's Second Semi-final in the US

If you want to watch Eurovision 2022 in the US, you need to head to Peacock. 

Peacock is streaming all three events from Eurovision 2022 live and on-demand this year, but you'll need to be paying for Peacock Premium to be able to tune in, as you can't watch Eurovision on Peacock's free tier.

The second semi-final gets underway on Thursday, May 12 at 3 pm ET. 

Eurovision 2022: Semi-Final 2 lineup

Below you can find the running order for tonight's Eurovision 2022 live semi-final. It details the 18 acts will be taking part and which countries they represent.

• Finland - "Jezebel" by The Rasmus
• Israel - "I. M." by Michael Ben David
• Serbia - "In Corpore Sano" by Konstrakta
• Azerbaijan - "Fade To Black" by Nadir Rustamli
• Georgia - "Lock Me In" by Circus Mircus
• Malta - "I Am What I Am" by Emma Muscat
• San Marino - "Stripper" by Achille Lauro
• Australia - "Not the Same" by Sheldon Riley
• Cyprus - "Ela" by Andromache
• Ireland - "That's Rich" by Brooke Scullion
• North Macedonia - "Circles" by Andrea
• Estonia - "Hope" by Stefan
• Romania - "Llámame" by WRS
• Poland - "River" by Ochman
• Montenegro - "Breathe" by Vladana
• Belgium - "Miss You" by Jérémie Makiese
• Sweden - "Hold Me Closer" by Cornelia Jakobs
• Czech Republic - "Lights Off" by We Are Domi

Want to watch the first semi-final from Eurovision 2022? Here's how.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2022 is officially upon us! The first semi-final of the competition will see half of the acts trying to win enough votes to secure their place in the Grand Final on Saturday, May 14. 

Semi-Final 1 will feature 17 different artists from The Netherlands, Bulgaria, Norway, Ukraine and more; the full lineup and running order can be found at the end of this article. 

Along with these songs, we'll also be treated to interval performances from Diodato, Dardust, Benny Benassi and Sophie & The Giants.

Here's where you need to go to watch the first Eurovision 2022 semi-final...

How to watch Eurovision 2022 Semi-Final 1 in the UK 

It really couldn't be much easier to watch the first semi-final of Eurovision 2022 in the UK.

Hosted by Rylan Clark and Scott Mills, Semi-Final 1 takes place at 8 pm UK time, and will be shown on BBC Three and streamed on BBC iPlayer completely free!

How to watch Eurovision 2022's First Semi-Final online anywhere in the world

There's an easy way to watch Eurovision 2022 online wherever you are in the world, and it's called a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN lets you get around the usual frustrating digital barriers by changing your IP address, meaning you can watch your favorite TV shows even if you're going to be away from home. 

Our favorite is ExpressVPN, which lets you change your IP address on whichever device you want to watch your new favorite show on.

From laptops to smart TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks, games consoles, and even mobile phones, you can change the address to make your device think it's in a different location to enable you to watch the things you love around the world. 

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs out there. Not only because it is straightforward and easy to use, but it also has great security and, best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN is the No. 1-rated VPN in the world right now. You can try it out for a month without paying a penny, and if you sign up for an annual plan you can get 3 months' access absolutely free!

How to watch Eurovision 2022's First Semi-final in the US

The US might not have an act involved in the competition (although the American Song Contest is certainly a worthy alternative), but there's still plenty to be excited about, as Peacock will be streaming all three events from Eurovision 2022, both live and on-demand. 

The only catch is that you'll need to have access to Peacock Premium to tune in.

The first Eurovision semi-final gets underway live from Italy on Tuesday, May 10 at 3 pm ET.

Eurovision 2022: Semi-Final 1 lineup

Below you can find the running order for tonight's Eurovision 2022 live semi-final, detailing which acts will be competing for a chance to represent their country in the world's biggest music competition this weekend.

• Albania - "Sekret" by Ronela Hajati
• Latvia - "Eat Your Salad" by Citi Zēni
• Lithuania - "Sentimentai" by Monika Liu
• Switzerland - "Boys Do Cry" by Marius Bear
• Slovenia - "Disko" by LPS
• Ukraine - "Stefania" by Kalush Orchestra
• Bulgaria - "Intention" by Intelligent Music Project
• The Netherlands - "De Diepte" by S10
• Moldova - "Trenulețul" by Zdob și Zdub & Advahov Brothers
• Portugal - "Saudade, Saudade" by MARO 
• Croatia - "Guilty Pleasure" by Mia Dimšić
• Denmark - "The Show" by REDDI
• Austria - "Halo" by LUM!X & Pia Maria
• Iceland - "Með Hækkandi Sól" by Systur
• Greece - "Die Together" by Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord
• Norway - "Give That Wolf a Banana" by Subwoolfer
• Armenia - "Snap" by Rosa Linn

The Eurovision 2022 Song Contest is here and even though the United States isn’t part of the global singing event many are likely interested in tuning in to watch. Well good news, Peacock is going to be the exclusive streaming home for Eurovision 2022 Song Contest in the US, providing both live and on-demand streams of all three days of the competition.

This year’s Eurovision competition takes place from May 10-14 in Turin, Italy. The first semi-final takes place live on Tuesday, May 10, at 3 pm ET/8 pm UK, the second semi-final then on Thursday, May 12, at 3 pm ET/8 pm UK and finally the grand final on Saturday, May 14, at 3 pm ET/8 pm UK. Each round will be available for on-demand viewing following the live performances. To watch, you must be a Peacock Premium subscriber.

• Sign up for Peacock

As part of Peacock’s coverage of Eurovision 2022, Johnny Weir (former Olympic figure skater, NBC correspondent and self-proclaimed Eurovision superfan) will host live from Los Angeles. Weir is set to provide commentary and pop-ins throughout the stream.

The EuroVision Song Contest has been taking place since 1956. It is organized by the European Broadcasting Union and sees European countries send a new song to represent their nation. There are 40 countries competing in this year’s Eurovision, including Ukraine, who are the odds-on-favorites to win this year’s competition.

In 2021, Måneskin, representing Italy, won Eurovision with their song "Zitti e buoni." As per Eurovision tradition, the winning country gets to host the next contest, which is why the competition is taking place in Turin.

Awareness for Eurovision has grown in recent years, most notably thanks to the 2020 movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga that starred Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. The US has also tried its own version of Eurovision with the American Song Contest, which has its finale on Monday, May 9, at 8 pm ET/PT.

In addition to providing the US stream for Eurovision (the second year in a row it is doing so), Peacock provides subscribers access to live sports, next-day streaming of the latest TV shows from NBC and Bravo, as well as Peacock originals. There is a free version of Peacock, but it does not provide the same content that Peacock Premium does, mostly limited to library TV shows and movies.

Musician Sam Ryder will be representing the UK for Eurovision 2022 in Turin with his song “SPACE MAN.”

The exciting announcement was revealed by Scott Mills on Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James today (Thursday, March. 10), with “SPACE MAN” having previously been named as Tune Of The Week on Scott Mills’ Afternoon Show on BBC Radio 1.

Sam has over 12 million followers and 100 million likes on TikTok, currently making him the most followed UK music artist on the social media platform.

After signing with Parlophone, one of the most famous companies in the music industry, the singer is only getting bigger within the music world, as he has just completed his first sell-out UK tour, and his 2021 debut EP has gathered over 100 million global streams so far.

Sam co-wrote “SPACE MAN” with Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud”) and Max Wolfgang, and Sam is ecstatic to have the opportunity to perform the song.

He said: “Having been a fan of Eurovision since I was a kid l I am so honoured to have been presented with the opportunity to sing at an event alongside some of Europe’s most talented creatives, performers and songwriters. 

“I hope to sing my head off in a way the UK can be proud of, and to showcase a song I wrote with my friends last summer makes the whole experience even more special. See you in Turin legends!”

This year’s contest will take place in Turin, Italy after they won Eurovision 2021 with the song "Zitti e buoni" by Måneskin.

Kate Phillips, Director of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC described the song as “spine-tingling” in her comment: “Sam is a remarkable performer, with a vocal ability that is literally out of this world. His terrific talent, coupled with the spine-tingling Space Man, ensures a UK entry we can all get behind and be very proud of.”

The Eurovision 2022 semi-finals will air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday, May. 10 and Thursday, May. 12 at 8pm.

The Grand Final will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer plus via BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on Saturday, 14 May from 8pm.

For the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, the BBC will be partnering with Tap Music to choose the next artist to represent the UK.

This news was revealed on BBC Radio 1 earlier today. The collaboration sees the BBC and BBC Studios working with the global music publishing and management company behind artists like Dua Lipa, Lana del Rey, Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Ellie Goulding. 

Tap Music will be working with the BBC to find the next artist to represent the nation, and to select a song to represent the UK at the biggest music contest on the planet.

Tap co-founder Ben Mawson says: "We're really excited to be teaming up with the BBC for this even and will use Eurovision to authentically reflect and celebrate the rich, diverse and world-class musical talent the UK is globally renowned for.

"For many years, we've witnessed the United Kingdom not doing as well as we would've liked when pop music is usually something we excel at. The simple fact is it's time to show what we can do and the wonderful musical talent we have", he added. 

Tap's strategy for the next Eurovision Song Contest will include a wide release of the chosen track in partnership with a major record label. The company has already called on the music industry to submit acts to them for consideration.

Talking about this new partnership, BBC Controller Entertainment Commissioning Kate Phillips commented: "In the UK, our love for Eurovision is as big as ever and we have grand ambitions for the 2022 contest, so we're really excited to announce this collaboration that will enable us to tap into some great music talent."

This announcement comes after the UK's entry, Embers by singer-songwriter James Newman, failed to win a single point from the professional jury and the public at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. 

Eurovision 2022 will take place in Turin after the Italian rock group Maneskin dominated the leaderboard. in the contest last year. 

The 2022 Grand Final will take place on Saturday, May 14th.

• The American Song Contest 2022
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Eurovision 2021 is definitely happening which will be a relief to fans who were left disappointed last year, when the beloved song contest was cancelled. 

Instead, in 2020 there was alternative programming to keep dedicated fans entertained, and at the time host Graham Norton said: "Eurovision offers a real escapism for people, which is something we need more than ever throughout these times.

“This year, people at home can celebrate the amazing spirit of the event and hopefully get the chance to take their mind off the current situation for a few hours.”

Fans needn't worry, as the Eurovision Song Contest is just around the corner now! Here's what we know so far...

Eurovision 2021 release date

Eurovision 2021 will take place on 18th, 20th, and 22nd May in host city Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The live final starts at 8pm on the 22 May, and will be shown live on BBC1 as normal. 

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest said: “The Eurovision Song Contest will definitely make its welcome return this May despite the pandemic but, in the prevailing circumstances, it is regrettably impossible to hold the event in the way we are used to."

He added: "We’re grateful for the renewed commitment and backing from the City of Rotterdam and the ongoing support of all the participating broadcasters. We very much hope to be able to gather in Rotterdam in May and will do all we can in the coming weeks to achieve this. With an ever-changing situation we are taking our time to ensure that we can host the Eurovision Song Contest in the best and safest way possible."

Who is the UK's Eurovision 2021 entry?

Brit award-winner and Grammy-nominated singer-songrwriter James Newman has been reselected as the UK’s entry after he was unable to perform last year due to Eurovision 2020’s cancellation. 

Speaking to Radio 1 Newsbeat, James has previously said: "I was so gutted when it got cancelled last year, and I didn't get the opportunity to go to Rotterdam and sing on stage. I instantly wanted to take part again."

James will sing his single 'Embers'. Graham Norton has called James’ song ‘a banger’, one which ‘represents everything that Eurovision is.’

If you can't wait to hear it, you can watch the official music video for ‘Embers’ below!

Who will win Eurovision 2021?

The current favorite country to win Eurovision 2021 are Italy, with Måneskin's song "Zitti e buoni" (which means "Shut up and Behave" in English).

This Italian rock band won the Sanremo Music Festival in 2021 with their Eurovision song, and they were runners-up in the eleventh season of the X Factor Italia in 2017. The official Eurovision 2021 music video for Zitti e buoni has already received over 2 million views online, and you can listen to it below!

Betting sites across the board have Italy as the frontrunners, closely followed by France in second place! 

Who will host the UK coverage of Eurovision 2021?

Longtime Eurovision fans will be delighted to know that beloved Eurovision commentator and legendary talk show host Graham Norton will return for his 12th year covering the Eurovision Song Contest on BBC One.

Graham Norton said he was “so excited for Eurovision to return, after the past year we’ve had it’s exactly the kind of joy the world needs.”

Who will announce the UK’s scores at Eurovision 2021?

It has been announced that Amanda Holden will be the UK's Eurovision Spokesperson at Eurovision 2021. 

This means the Britain’s Got Talent judge and Heart radio presenter will be tasked with delivering the country’s scores live from London later this year! She follows in the footsteps of TV royalty like Richard Osman, Nigella Lawson, Lorraine Kelly and Alex Jones!

Amanda Holden said: “What an honour to announce the UK’s votes this year. I’m utterly thrilled. It’s an ambition ticked after 45 years of watching it!”

How will the contest look this year?

Of course, safety is priority and Eurovision organisers have put together three plans to ensure the competition can go ahead. A socially distanced Eurovision Song Contest will see people attending in person, but adhering to appropriate social distancing measures. If this is not possible, a travel restricted version will go ahead where no delegations will be able to travel to Rotterdam, and instead perform via video link.

A worst case scenario will see a lockdown competition implemented without an audience and virtual activities will be considered to explore the host city of Rotterdam.

Confirming the news, Councillor Said Kasmi from the City of Rotterdam said: "The Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, live from Ahoy, is a ray of light to look forward to together. As Host City, we are optimistic, enthusiastic and realistic. 

"Within the available possibilities, we will make the best of this situation together with our partners! Let's hope that this Eurovision Song Contest, which will be different from all 64 previous Contests, will offer great new opportunities for partners and entrepreneurs in the city. One way or another: Rotterdam will Open Up again!"

The bad news never ends and yet the world keeps turning. It's easy to get lost in it all. We question if what we do is enough, or if the actions we take do more harm than good. The fact of the matter is, those are both good introspections to have no matter what you're fighting for. But sometimes you have to take a break from the fighting and let yourself rest.

Sundays are the perfect day to give yourself that moment. We've got a range of recommendations for today, ranging from documentaries on the late John Lewis, to silly animated marathons that might help take your mind off things for just a moment. Curl up with your favorite snack and dive into some good old fashioned entertainment. 

The John Lewis Doc 'Good Trouble'

"All my friends are dead and my enemies are in power" is one of those quotes that becomes more and more true the old you get. The loss of civil rights leader John Lewis amidst our current civil rights movement feels almost impossible to bear. But let it bolster you rather than leave you frozen. 

"Do not get lost in a sea of despair." -- Rep John Lewis

Rent Good Trouble on Amazon Prime Video.

'The Alienist: Angel of Darkness' 2-Part Premiere

It somehow feels like a century has passed since The Alienist's season one finale. But, waiting has finally paid off! The series returns to TNT this evening with a two-part premiere that looks like it's going to be one hell of a knockout. This season will see new mysteries, new conflict, and 100% more vexed Luke Evans and fierce Dakota Fanning moments. 

Watch on TNT starting at 7:00PM EST.

'The Last Dance'

No one questions the fact that Michael Jordan has one of the most exceptional careers in NBA history. The All Star player led the Chicago Bulls to an absurd amount of victories, but every sports hero has their doubters. You get to a point where folks start to question if you've simply run out of steam. After all, every career comes to an end eventually.  

Stream The Last Dance on Netflix.

'America's Got Talent'

Sometimes you just need some comfort food, and the very same can be said for TV shows. Spend a nice evening watching some of the most stunning (and currently underrated) performers across America compete for their chance to win it all. 

Watch America's Got Talent at 8:00PM EST on NBC.

Family Guy Marathon

Speaking of comfort food television, how about a nice low-stakes marathon of one of the most popular animated series' of the last decade. There's not going to be anything groundbreaking here - you've probably seen it all before - but there's something calming about the familiar. Besides, who among us couldn't use a good laugh?

Watch Family Guy starting at 8:00PM EST on FXX.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Fire Saga Story

We've featured this film on these What to Watch posts before, but I wanted to make extra sure that you took the advice. Eurovision Song Contest: The Fire Saga Story ended up being something heartfelt, pure, and chocked full of talent. They even have a song along that rivals the battles in Pitch Perfect. 

You can PLAY JAJA DING DONG at any time you want on Netflix.

Harriet

Cynthia Erivo is one of the most exceptional (and most slept on) actresses of our age. The emotion and presence she brings to every character she portrays is some of the most incredible work we've seen in film and television in recent years. Her performance in Harriet is no different. 

Watch Harriet at 7:45 PM EST on HBO. 

Fire Saga does not win the Eurovision Song Contest. Let's just get that spoiler out of the way, shall we?

It's OK. That fact absolutely will not ruin Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga for you. And if it does, well, sorry. But it's really not the point of the movie.

No, what we have here is two hours of movie on Netflix that's just a fun little watch. You don't need to overthink it. It's best I f you don't get anywhere near using that part of your brain, actually. Just enjoy the zaniness that is Eurovision, and let the music wash over you.

What's that? You refuse to read a Fire Saga review that doesn't find some sort of point to the film? Fine. We can come up with a few.

Point No. 1: Will Ferrell is still funny

Look, dude's not breaking any real ground here. If you've seen Will Ferrell at any point over the past 20 years or so, you know what you're getting here. And that's not a knock on him or his talent. Quite the opposite, in fact. He's the Waffle House of entertainment. The menu doesn't really matter. You know you'll come away fed, and you know you'll have a good time eating.

Ferrell's Lars Erikcssong is annoying. His hair is annoying. His obsession over the Eurovision Song Contest is annoying. He's a caricature of Nordic culture, of course — it's Ferrell playing a character. But at the same time, you want to root for the poor bastard. You want his father, Erick (Pierce Brosnan), to not be so much of a dick to his son.

You want Lars to succeed, if only so he doesn't have to play crowd-favorite "Jaja Ding Dong" to a bar full of his drunken neighbors for the rest of his life. You want Lars to wake up to the fact that his musical partner and lifelong friend Segrid Ericksdottir is in love with him and he'll be hard-pressed to do better.

Ferrell brings it with all the charm and lack of shame that we've come to know and love.

Point No. 2: You'll still love Rachel McAdams

Has Rachel McAdams ever been in a show in which you didn't fall in love with her just a little more? Even in the messy second season of HBO's True Detective , you just can't take your eyes off her.

Same goes for Segrid. Even though she's basically Rachel McAdams with a Nordic accent, there's just something about the innocence. Whereas Lars is there for the contest, Segrid's in it for the music — and for her friend. Her belief in the Huldufólk — the Icelandic elves — is cute and a little odd, but also pivotal to the story.

Segrid doesn't quite fall for the trope of the bad-boy competitor who threatens to break up Fire Saga, but she comes close. Sort of. It's ... kind of a thing.

Point 3: You need to know Dan Stevens

If you didn't yet know who Dan Steven is, you've missed out. He's David in the excellent (but totally weird) FX series Legion . He was the Beast in the 2017 version of Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson and Josh Gad and Luke Evans and Kevin Kline.

If anyone in this movie was made for Eurovision, it's Stevens and his Russian character Alexander Lemtov.

Lemtov, like a number of the other ancillary characters in the movie, doesn't quite feel fully formed. He's an antagonist, but not a particularly bad one. He threatens to steal Segrid away, but not really.

Point 4: Pierce Brosnan is a fine wine

Those of us of a certain age are still very much used to the younger, more clean cut Pierce Brosnan. Remington Steele. James Bond.

But, damn, the man has aged well. The only thing perhaps better than his nearly completely gray beard is the mane atop his head. He is, fittingly, the next-generation Sean Connery.

Brosnan's Erick never really liked his son, Lars. He didn't like the music. He didn't like the silliness. He thought a hard day's work should have been enough. And he never really moved on from the loss of his wife.

Erick's change of heart was hardly a surprise. You could see it coming from the other side of the Norwegian Sea. But that didn't make it any less heartwarming.

Point 5: It's fine to enjoy the finale

If you've learned nothing else watching The Story of Fire Saga , it's this: the Eurovision Song Contest is fun . It's goofy and campy and not-so different than what the various reality music shows in the U.S. are trying to do — only this is on a continental stage. It's the sort of national pride that we simply don't have in a country that calls the championship of its national pastime a "World Series."

Many of us got our first real taste of Eurovision in 2006 when Finnish GWAR-lookalikes Lordi won the competition . But the event itself has been going on since 1956 — missing only 2020 due to the global pandemic.

And you know what? The Fire Saga Story just feels good. All the pieces fall where they're supposed to. And you see them coming. There are no real surprises here. (Save for maybe Demi Lovato's character, which is mostly extraneous and overly charred.)

So maybe this is the perfect movie for right now. You don't have to think about it too much. You just need to sit back and let the music wash over you.

Eurovision will look a little different this year...

Eurovision was sadly cancelled due to coronavirus, but there's still plenty to look forward to.

Fans will be able to tune in to a variety of programming dedicated to the song contest.

BBC1 and BBC2 will air alternative programming on May 16th.

Here's what to expect from Eurovision 2020...

What is Europe Shine A Light?

This programme will replace the original Eurovision contest and is a global event.

Graham Norton will present the UK broadcast, which will honour all 41 songs that would have competed in the 2020 contest.

In addition, viewers have been told to expect "plenty of surprises". Exciting!

What is Eurovision: Come Together?

Graham Norton will also present a new programme in honour of the song contest.

In this series, the British public will get the opportunity to take part in a live online vote.

This vote will let viewers choose their all-time favourite song from the past 64 years.

Speaking about this programme, Graham said, "We are going to make Come Together as live as possible so it will still feel like event TV hopefully.

"It’s a big celebration of Eurovision where the UK can for the first time ever choose its favourite song of all time - that’s not been done before so that’s pretty exciting.

"I really hope people get involved and vote for their favourites like they would have on the night. There’s also going to be some audience interaction which will involve videos from the UK’s biggest Eurovision fans."

The shortlist of songs has been chosen by a panel of Eurovision experts and super fans.

What is The A-Z of Eurovision?

Over on BBC2, Rylan Clark-Neal will present a compilation of highlights from the song contest.

Rylan's show will take a lighthearted look at some of the best moments in the series' 64-year history.

He said, "As gutted as I am that we won’t be celebrating Eurovision in Rotterdam this year I’m very excited at the plans to celebrate here. BBC1 and BBC2 will be having a fantastic party. I’ll be hosting Eurovision A-Z on BBC2 and it’s a great look back."

The BBC has confirmed its replacement schedule...

Eurovision was sadly cancelled due to coronavirus, but there'll still be plenty of entertainment.

The BBC has announced a 'night of fun' for Eurovision fans to lift spirits in the singing competition's absence.

UK viewers will be able to watch the Europe Shine a Light special on BBC1.

Europe Shine a Light is a programme honouring all 41 songs that were due to compete in the 2020 contest.

Acts will perform from their living rooms in a non-competitive setting.

It also invites past participants to take part and sing Katrina and the Wave's Love Shine a Light together.

Long-term fans will likely recognise that song as the 1997 UK entry winner.

Graham Norton will be offering his typical scathing commentary during the UK's broadcast.

As well as the official Shine a Light special, the BBC has an original programme.

Eurovision: Come Together will see presenter Graham Norton interviewing James Newman, who was set to represent the UK prior to the cancellation.

Norton said, "Eurovision offers a real escapism for people, which is something we need more than ever throughout these times.

“This year, people at home can celebrate the amazing spirit of the event and hopefully get the chance to take their mind off the current situation for a few hours."

And if that wasn't enough, there'll be more fun over on BBC2 with another one-off special.

Rylan Clark-Neal will present The A-Z of Eurovision, showcasing the competition's most memorable moments.

He said, "It’s so sad that Eurovision 2020 had to be cancelled, but it’s understandable and it doesn’t mean we can’t still escape to the Eurovision bubble."

Even though the contest is cancelled, we can still enjoy plenty of entertainment!

Eurovision: Come Together airs at 6.30pm and Europe Shine A Light at 8pm on BBC1 on May 16th.

There will be something to enjoy

Eurovision has revealed that they will be airing "alternative programming" in place of this year’s song contest, which is normally broadcast annually on the BBC.

It was announced just last week that the popular continent-wide musical competition, which was due to take place this May, would be cancelled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has now revealed that "alternative programming" will replace the show, which was due to take place in Netherlands’ Rotterdam.

"We have been overwhelmed with the love that the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) family has shared since the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event," wrote the EBU in a statement.

"The EBU is very much aware of how much the Eurovision Song Contest will be missed this year," they continued. "The Contest's values of universality and inclusivity, and our proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music, are needed more than ever right now".

The EBU then revealed that they are looking for an alternative to air in place of the completion, writing, "The EBU and its members are therefore currently exploring alternative programming, but not a competition, to help unite and entertain audiences around Europe during these challenging times.

"It is our intention in this programming, and on our online platforms in the coming months, to honour the songs and artists which have been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020.

"With that in mind, the Reference Group, the ESC’s governing board, has decided that, in accordance with the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, this year’s songs will not be eligible to compete when the Contest returns in 2021.

"At their discretion, Participating Broadcaster’s may decide which artist(s) to send in 2021, either this year’s or a newly chosen one.

"We ask for your patience while we work through ideas in the coming days and weeks".

So while we may not have the entertaining song contest to enjoy, hopefully there will be something to fill the gap!

The much-loved contest won't take place this year... we will miss Graham Norton's quips.

Eurovision fans will be devastated to know that the beloved song contest, traditionally broadcast on BBC1, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus.

The contest has been impacted just like many public gatherings and television shows globally - the BBC earlier announced that EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Doctors have all stop filming.

Eurovision 2020 was due to take place in May at Rotterdam's Ahoy Arena, which has a capacity of 16,000.

The news was confirmed by the contest's official Twitter account, who issued a statement.

It read, "It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Comtest 2020 in Rotterdam.

"Over the past few weeks we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead."

The statement added that it was "impossible" to continue the live event as planned, due to uncertainty.

Eager to reassure fans of the contest, the statement went on to reveal they were discussing a new contest for next year.

They said, "The EBU, NPO, NOS AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue a conversation regarding the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.

"We would ask people to bear with us while we work through the ramifications of this unprecedented decision and patiently await any further news in the coming days and weeks."

It ended by paying tribute to the host broadcaster team in the Netherlands, as well as the 41 members who "have worked so hard on planning this year's event".

Organisers had rejected the idea of hosting the show remotely, with every contestant performing via satellite link.

Whilst some remote or no audience events are going ahead, Eurovision bosses revealed it wasn't "in the DNA" of the contest.

They explained, "It's in the DNA of the Eurovision Song Contest to bring delegations, artists and fans together in one place and provide an equal platform for all artists to compete together on the same stage."

Eurovision has been running for a whopping 63 years, and this is the first time it has ever been cancelled.

Sir Terry Wogan passed away in 2016

Graham Norton took over the reigns as Eurovision commentator from Sir Terry Wogan following his passing in 2016.

And ever since then, Graham has carried on with a sweet tradition of encouraging viewers to raise a glass in the veteran broadcaster’s honour at song nine, and Saturday night was no different.

As Sweden took to the Eurovision stage in Tel Aviv, Graham said: “Next up is song nine, and this is the moment where every year I will ask you to reach forward and grab whatever beverage is in front of you.

"Be it a mug, a goblet, a cup, a glass, or flute, raise it and toast the memory of the man who was and always will be the voice of Eurovision... the late great, Sir Terry Wogan."

Viewers were delighted that Graham is sticking with the tradition, with one writing: “The legend. 🍷 Could only ever have been replaced by Graham Norton. To Graham too! 🍷 #Eurovision.”

Another said: “He would be very happy that @ grahnort is carrying on the flag @ bbceurovision"

BBC One also tweeted a special tribute to Sir Terry with one of his sarcastic quotes, which read: "Who knows what hellish future lies ahead? I do. I've seen the rehearsals."

They accompanied the tweet with the caption: “Let's all raise a toast to Sir Terry. ❤️”

Graham has explained in the past why he waits until song nine to toast Sir Terry after he took over commenting on the song contest from him.

He said: "[Then] Eight years ago when I first started presenting Eurovision he kindly and very graciously phoned me and said 'Don't ever have a drink before song nine…'"

Meanwhile, it was a sad night for Great Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest. UK hopeful Michael Rice came in last place with just 16 points. The Netherlands were crowned the winner.

Michael Rice considers the UK's chances at this year's Eurovision Song Contest…

It's been a whirlwind 18 months for Michael Rice. The 21-year-old singer from Hartlepool first gained recognition last year when he won BBC1 talent show All Together Now with his powerful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

And after winning Eurovision: You Decide back in February, this Saturday night Michael will be flying the flag for the UK as he sings epic power ballad Bigger Than Us at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, Israel.

"I don't think it's sunk in yet that I'm actually doing it," a nervous Michael tells TV Times when we meet at a London hotel to chat to him. "It's getting more and more real now the event’s getting closer."

With a global TV audience of around 180 million viewers, Eurovision is arguably the biggest show on earth.

And, as we quiz Michael Rice on what’s to come, it's clear the reality is setting in…

What does it mean to you to be representing the UK at Eurovision?

Michael Rice: "It’s a real honour. I remember, growing up as a kid, me mum used to have Eurovision on in the background, so it’s mad to think I’m actually doing it now! I haven’t watched loads of Eurovision because I’m only young but I loved Netta’s winning song, Toy, last year. I’d say my first proper memory of Eurovision was my mum showing me on a computer ABBA singing Waterloo. Since finding out I’d be doing this, I’ve tried to get my knowledge up to date."

What is it about the song Bigger Than Us [written by this year’s Swedish entrant John Lundvik] that will help the UK stand out in the competition?

"Bigger Than Us is a simple song but it has a really powerful message behind it. It’s telling a story. It’s about sexuality, race, religion, everything. I think it’s gonna touch a lot of people."

Do you think all the drama around Brexit could impact on the UK’s chances of winning?

"Everyone keeps talking about Brexit and how Eurovision is ‘political’. I’ve also heard talk of people wanting to boycott this year’s competition because it’s in Israel. But I’m just trying to focus on the singing, the staging and making sure everything is perfect for Tel Aviv."

You were born in 1997, the year the UK last won Eurovision [Katrina and the Waves with Love Shine a Light]. That could be a good omen…

"Ha, ha! Yeah a lot of people have said that! Every winner from the past few years has been totally different. You can never judge it really."

So do you think you could be the one to break ‘the curse’?

"Hopefully. I’m ready to just go out there and smash my performance really. I don’t really see it as a competition. I’m just there to sing my heart out and try and get us a good result. I want to make a change…"

How will you feel if the UK gets 'nul points'?

"I'm not bothered. As long as I give it my best, it'll be a performance I can be proud of in years to come. I’ve recently signed a record deal so I’ve got something to looking forward to after Eurovision. I suppose I’d like to aim for the left-hand side of the leaderboard… as high as possible!"

What do your family think of your newfound fame? Will they be coming to support you in Israel?

"They think it's crazy and they're really proud of me. The night I won All Together Now, me nanna was in shock. I think she was more shocked than me! She’s from Ireland, who always REALLY get behind Eurovision. Me mum and me nanna will be coming out to Israel. And, back home in Hartlepool, the locals are gonna put up a beer tent with big screens outside, so that everyone can come and watch Eurovision by the sea."

MICHAEL'S RIVALS

The Netherlands (subject to qualifying) Act: Duncan Laurence Song: Arcade

The Netherlands haven’t won Eurovision in 44 years but the bookies reckon Duncan – who reached the semi-finals of The Voice of Holland in 2014 – could change all that with his heartfelt ballad, Arcade.

Russia (subject to qualifying) Act: Sergey Lazarev Song: Scream

Sergey has some experience of Eurovision coming third in 2016. Could Sergey’s rousing ballad, Scream, see him place runner-up this year – or even win?

Germany Act: S!sters Song: Sister

First things first: This duo are NOT actually sisters. Since 2015, Germany has finished in last place twice but Carlotta Truman and Laurita Spinelli are hoping to end Germany’s run of back luck with their dramatic ballad, Sister.

Italy Act: Mahmood Song: Soldi

Mahmood’s moody mid-tempo number, Soldi, will certainly get people’s toes tapping but the lyrics are hardly uplifting – it’s his personal tale of having an unreliable father who was obsessed with money.

And the weirdest… Iceland Act: Hatari Song: Hatri? Mun Sigra (Hate Will Prevail)

Synth-punk rockers Hatari are out to cause a stir at Eurovision. Dressed head-to-toe in leather – including masks – the menacing-looking trio will take to the stage to sing (or should that be scream?!) a song about Europe crumbling.

The Eurovision Song Contest can be seen on Saturday May 18 at 8pm on BBC1.

Brace yourselves for a night of high camp: Eurovision’s back!

Brace yourselves for a night of high camp: Eurovision’s back!

It’s time to hang out the bunting and get those flags flying as the stage is set for the camp pop-fest that is Eurovision!

Live from Tel Aviv, Israel, Graham Norton is in the commentary box once again, introducing the final 26 acts who’ll all be hoping to sing their way to victory.

Graham’s got ten years under his belt now and is more enthusiastic than ever. As he told TV Times: “I think most of the big changes happened before I joined but delivering the jury vote followed by the phone vote is genius.

“Every year is a nailbiter now! And every year delivers something memorable – good or bad!”

Naturally, all domestic eyes will be on Michael Rice, the 21-year-old singer from Hartlepool who’s determined to do the UK proud with his epic power ballad Bigger Than Us.

A bit of trivia for all you Eurovision fact fans: Michael was born in 1997, the year the UK last won Eurovision with Katrina and the Waves’ Love Shine a Light. Could Michael be the one to break our Eurovision curse?

TV Times rating: ****