The final stretch of the Eurovision candidates. 26 of them will compete for the title on Saturday night on the Malmö Arena stage, after the two semi-finals on May 7 and 9. Here you will find everything you need to know about this 68th edition of the contest.
• What time does the final start?
The Eurovision final begins at 9:00 p.m.
• What channel can you watch the competition on?
Eurovision is broadcast on France 2 and this year it is commented by Laurence Boccolini and Stéphane Bern. But you can also follow this final on YouTube, on the official Eurovision channel.
• Who sings for France?
It is the singer Slimane who was chosen this year to represent France. After the fiasco of La Zarra, in 16th place in 2023, Slimane hopes to revive France’s image at Eurovision with the title My love. A ballad that has sparked real enthusiasm among Eurofans since last November.
• Why is the competition held in Malmö?
It was the Swede Loreen who won Eurovision last year, for the second time, after a first victory in 2012. As tradition dictates, it is the winning country that is responsible for organizing the following year’s event.
• How many candidates participate in the final?
There were 37 before the two semifinals on May 7 and 9. Now there are only 26 left. Ten countries were selected in each semi-final. Added to these countries are the “big five”, the five largest taxpayers: France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain. Finally, the country that won the contest the previous year, Sweden, is automatically selected.
• Who are the bookmakers’ favorites?
Croatia, represented by Baby Lasagna, has been leading for several days among the betting houses with Tim Tagi Dim Rim. The result of the two semi-finals has changed things: Israel is now in second position with Hurricaneby singer Eden Golan, followed by Switzerland represented by Nemo and its title The code.
Ireland is in fourth place with End of the world blue by Bambie Thug. Finally Slimane, our French candidate, completes the Top 5 with My love.
• Who votes?
Spectators from the 37 participating countries can participate in the voting. As always, they cannot vote for their own country. They will be able to vote through the official Eurovision application or by phone or SMS, to the number that will be shown on the screen during the show. Voting will open shortly before the first performance of the evening and will close between 25 and 40 minutes after the last one.
From 2023, the public from countries that do not participate in Eurovision can participate in the voting. Your vote is grouped into one category, “The rest of the world,” which has the same weight as an additional country.
Unlike the semifinals, a jury of experts from each of the 37 countries distributes points during the final. The result of the contest is determined 50% by the public vote and 50% by the points distributed by the professionals.
Source: BFM TV
