IT'S THAT time of year again when weird and wonderful acts take to the stage for Eurovision.

The famous Song Contest sees the good, the bad and the downright awful compete for the highly coveted glass microphone.

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How to watch Eurovision 2024

The Eurovision Song Contest showcases the best singer each nation has to offer, guaranteed to be a party from start to finish.

If you weren't able to get a ticket to the live show in Sweden, never fear, there are plenty of other options to enjoy the show without leaving your house.

The BBC will be providing coverage of the contest across all three days.

You will be able to watch on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel

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When are the semi-finals of Eurovision 2024 and who is taking part?

The semi-finals will take place across two days on May 7 and May 9, 2024 from 8pm on BBC One.

The May 7, 2024, heat sees the following nations competing:

1. Cyprus: Silia Kapsis - Liar
2. Serbia: TEYA DORA - RAMONDA
3. Lithuania: Silvester Belt - Luktelk
4. Ireland: Bambie Thug - Doomsday Blue
5. Ukraine: alyona alyona & Jerry Heil - Teresa & Maria
6. Poland: LUNA - The Tower
7. Croatia: Baby Lasagna - Rim Tim Tagi Dim
8. Iceland: Hera Björk - Scared of Heights
9. Slovenia: Raiven - Veronika
10. Finland: Windows95man - No Rules!
11. Moldova: Natalia Barbu - In The Middle
12. Azerbaijan: FAHREE feat. Ilkin Dovlatov - Özünlə Apar
13. Australia: Electric Fields - One Milkali (One Blood)
14. Portugal: iolanda - Grito
15. Luxembourg: TALI - Fighter

The semi-final on May 9, 2024, sees the following nations competing:

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1. Malta: Sarah Bonnici - Loop
2. Albania : BESA - TITAN
3. Greece: Marina Satti - ZARI
4. Switzerland: Nemo - The Code
5. Czechia: Aiko - Pedestal
6. Austria: Kaleen - We Will Rave
7. Denmark: SABA - SAND
8. Armenia: LADANIVA - Jako
9. Latvia: Dons - Hollow
10. San Marino: MEGARA - 11:11
11. Georgia: Nutsa Buzaladze - Firefighter
12. Belgium: Mustii - Before The Party's Over
13. Estonia: 5MIINUST x Puuluup - (nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
14. Israel: Eden Golan - Hurricane
15. Norway: Gåte - Ulveham
16. Netherlands: Joost Klein - Europapa

In 1999, a rule change allowed the United Kingdom, along with France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, to automatically qualify for the final, as they bring in the most revenue for the Song Contest.

They are joined in an automatic place in the final by the 2023 winning country, Sweden.

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When is the final of Eurovision 2024?

The Eurovision grand final is on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 8pm on BBC One.

There will be 26 grand finalists in total all competing to win the glass microphone.

For 2024, Sweden will do the hosting honours after singer Loreen notched up her second Eurovision win with Tattoo in 2023.

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!

Olly Alexander

Eurovision will be hosted by actor Malin Åkerman and presenter and comedian Petra Mede, who was also at the helm in 2013 and 2016.

Popular presenter Graham Norton once again reprises his role of Eurovision commentator.

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Who is performing in Eurovision 2024?

The complete lineup of the grand final will not be known until the successful semi-finalists have been voted on.

As well as the semi-finalists, the big five and the 2023 Eurovision winner are already straight through to the grand final:

• Sweden: Marcus & Martinus - Unforgettable (2023 winning country)
• United Kingdom: Olly Alexander - Dizzy
• France: Slimane - Mon amour
• Germany: ISAAK - Always On The Run
• Italy: Angelina Mango - La Noia
• Spain: Nebulossa - ZORRA

Speaking about representing the UK, Olly said: “I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year.

"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!"

Who could win Eurovision 2024?

The main rules that artists have to follow to be eligible to compete in Eurovision are:

• Songs must be original and no more than 3 minutes long
• The lead vocalist must perform live
• No more than 6 performers on stage during the performance

In the semi-final, only the countries that participated in that round and the big 5 judges can vote.

In the grand finale, each country can vote for their favourite along with a jury of five industry professionals and the viewers.

Points are given on a scale of 1 -8, 10 or 12 points. You cannot vote for your own country.

Viewers can vote through SMS, telephone or on the official Eurovision app.

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The favourites to win Eurovision are (odds supplied by Ladbrokes):

• Croatia - 11/8
• Switzerland - 7/2
• Italy - 5/1
• Ukraine - 6/1
• Ireland - 9/1

Everything you need to know about Eurovision

Here's your complete guide to all things Eurovision:

• Who was Marcel Bezençon, when did he come up with the Eurovision Song Contest and what’s the EBU?
• How to host a Eurovision party – from drinking games to decorations and costumes
• How many times has the UK received ‘nil points’ at Eurovision and been bottom of the leaderboard?
• Why is Australia in Eurovision and what would happen if they won?
• How much is Graham Norton paid and what’s his net worth?
• Eurovision winners: where are they now? From working in Tesco to global stardom
• When has Eurovision not been hosted by the winning country?
• How do I vote in Eurovision and when will results be revealed?