The Eurovision final takes place on Saturday May 11 in Malmö, Sweden. Here is everything you need to know about this 68th edition of the competition.
Home stretch for Eurovision candidates. There will be 26 of them competing for the title on Saturday evening on the Malmö Arena stage, following the two semi-finals on May 7 and 9. Here is everything you need to know about this 68th edition of the competition.
• What time does the final start?
The Eurovision final begins at 9 p.m. sharp.
• On which channel can you watch the competition?
Eurovision is broadcast on France 2, and commented this year 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, ranked 16th in 2023, Slimane hopes to revive France’s image at Eurovision with the title My love. A ballad that has aroused real enthusiasm among Eurofans since last November.
• Why is the competition taking place in Malmö?
It was the Swedish Loreen who won Eurovision last year, for the second time, after a first victory in 2012. As tradition dictates, it is therefore the winning country which is responsible for organizing the event the following year.
• How many candidates participate in the final?
There were 37 of them before the two semi-finals on May 7 and 9. There are now only 26. Ten countries were selected in each semi-final. Added to these countries are the “big five”, the five largest contributing countries, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain. Finally, the country which won the competition the previous year, Sweden, is automatically selected.
• Who are the bookmakers’ favorites?
Croatia represented by Baby Lasagna has been in the lead among the bookmakers for several days with Rim Tim Tagi Dim. The outcome of the two semi-finals has reshuffled the cards: Israel now finds itself propelled into second position with Hurricaneby singer Eden Golan, followed by Switzerland represented by Nemo and its title The Code.
Ireland ranks fourth with Doomsday 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 take part in the vote. As always, they cannot vote for their own country. They will be able to vote through the official Eurovision application or by telephone or SMS, to the number that will be displayed 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.
Since 2023, audiences from countries not participating in Eurovision can take part in the vote. Its vote is combined into one category, “The rest of the world”, which has the same weight as one additional country.
Unlike the semi-finals, a jury of experts from each of the 37 countries distributes points during the final. The outcome of the competition is determined 50% by the public vote and 50% by these points distributed by the professionals.
