WITH the Eurovision Song Contest just around the corner, the live music competition will see countries compete against one another to earn the most points of the series.
But certain countries – including the UK – have already advanced to the final without even having taken to the stage yet. Here’s what you need to know…
The “Big Five” who automatically qualify to the final:
Germany’s – S!sters with Sister
Italy – Mahmood with Soldi
UK – Michael Rice with Bigger Than Us
Spain – Mika with La Venda
France – Bilal Hassani with Roi
Israel – Kobi Marimi with Home
The UK’s entry Michael Rice is already through to the final, where he’ll perform his song Bigger Than Us – but why is that?
Well, the UK automatically qualify for the last stage of the competition with guaranteed places every year.
That’s because these countries financially contribute the most to the European Broadcasting Union.
It, of course, gives those countries an advantage to go on and win the competition.
Israel is hosting the ceremony this year, which has also qualified them for a place in the final.
Eurovision 2019 will be broadcast on May 14, 16 and 18.
May 14 will see Semi-Final 1, which will be commented on by Scott Mills and Rylan Clark-Neal.
You will be able to watch along on BBC Four from 8-10.10pm.
Semi-Final 2 can also be seen on BBC Four on May 16 from 8pm until 10.10pm.
Graham Norton, it has been confirmed, will provide the commentary for the singing competition.
The final can be seen on BBC One from 8pm-11:40pm.
The programmes will be available to watch online with BBC iPlayer shortly after they are broadcast.
Eurovision 2019 will be made for live-streaming once it kicks off May 14.
The semi-finals and final will also be available to watch on the Youtube channel Eurovision Song Contest.
The channels will be providing Eurovision song reviews, fan reactions, interviews and more.
It is currently possible to watch live stream videos of each country’s entry on the main Eurovision channel and wiwibloggs, as well as Eurovision.tv and Eurovisionlive.com.
You will be able to catch the songs in our individual profiles on our Eurovision index.
