Liverpool Arena, Liverpool, United Kingdom
The 67th Eurovision Song Contest took place in in Liverpool on the banks of the River Mersey, where a crowd of thousands witnessed Loreen become the first woman to lift the trophy twice, having secured victory with her song 'Tattoo'.
In second place, Finland's Käärijä won the public vote on the evening, producing one of his country's best ever results with the infectious electro-banger Cha Cha Cha, while third-placed Noa Kirel won the inaugural 'Rest of the World' televote.
The Contest was produced in the United Kingdom by the BBC on behalf of Ukraine when it became clear that Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC would be unable to host due to the ongoing war in their country.
From the go, the slogan spelled out exactly what could be expect from the 2023 event: 'United By Music'.
The shows served as a reminder of Europe's solidarity with Ukraine, culminating in an emotional rendition of the classic song You'll Never Walk Alone.
The Grand Final can be watched on YouTube where available.
Hosts
The Eurovision presenting and commentary line-up for Liverpool 2023 featured Alesha Dixon, Graham Norton, Hannah Waddingham, and Julia Sanina as our Hosts for the Semi-Finals and Grand Final; as well as Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Scott Mills, Claire Sweeney, Sam Quek and Timur Miroshnychenko.
Grand Final - Saturday 13 May
The Grand Final for this year’s Contest, hosted in Liverpool on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine, will open with last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra and a powerful performance titled ‘Voices of a New Generation’.
During the Eurovision Flag Parade of all 26 Grand Finalists, viewers will be treated to a unique performance by some iconic past Ukrainian Eurovision contestants. Get ready for a new twist on their Eurovision entries weaved with British classics when GO_A, Jamala, Tina Karol, and Verka Serduchka take to the stage and remind us all why they became Eurovision icons.
For the first interval performance, the United Kingdom’s very own spaceman Sam Ryder will return to the Eurovision stage, before being followed by "The Liverpool Songbook"; a celebration of the Host City’s incredible contribution to the world of pop music.
The BBC have brought together six iconic past Eurovision acts – Italy's Mahmood, Israel's Netta, Iceland's Daði Freyr, Sweden's Cornelia Jakobs, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands – plus Liverpool's very own Sonia, celebrating 30 years since she came second at Eurovision in 1993.
The Semi-Finals are set to feature an array of Ukrainian and British stars, plus a galaxy of Eurovision Song Contest legends.
First Semi-Final - Tuesday 9 May
The First Semi-Final will open with host Julia Sanina performing part of Маяк by her band The Hardkiss, while the interval offers global superstar Rita Ora delivering a show-stopping medley of some of her biggest hits (and brand-new single Praising You).
Ukrainian singer Alyosha – who represented Ukraine at the 2010 Eurovision Eurovision Song Contest – will perform alongside Liverpool’s very own critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter, Rebecca Ferguson. Like many Ukrainian women in 2022, Alyosha was forced to leave her country and loved ones behind to seek refuge; Alyosha will share her personal journey through a new, haunting arrangement of British musical heavyweight Duran Duran’s Ordinary World.
Second Semi-Final - Thursday 11 May
In the Second Semi-Final the theme “Music Unites Generations” explores the connection between generations of Ukrainians and the music they love.
Mariya Yaremchuk, who represented Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014, leads a contemporary montage of some of the most well-known pieces of music from the country. As we travel through time, the piece ends with a stunning collaborative performance from rapper OTOY, 14-year-old Ukrainian Junior Eurovision representative Zlata Dziunka, and Mariya. Together, they show that for generations of Ukrainians, music is the light that overcomes darkness.
Also in the interval, a performance called Be Who You Wanna Be celebrates how Eurovision is a place for everyone – no matter who you are. Three extraordinary drag performers lead into a jaw-dropping routine of high-end pop performances along with a troupe of eclectic dancers. They represent the huge spectrum of fans – regardless of age, nationality or background – who revel in being a part of the Eurovision Song Contest every year. With a medley of fabulous songs and incredible staging, it’ll be a performance that viewers remember.
United By Music
The slogan is 'United By Music' demonstrating the unique partnership between the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Host City Liverpool to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to audiences across the globe and the incredible power of music to bring communities together. It also reflects the very origins of the Contest, developed to bring Europe closer together through a shared television experience across different countries.
The BBC, together with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), will organise the Contest in consultation with UA:PBC, Ukraine’s public broadcaster and last year’s winners of the Contest.
Liverpool was chosen following a strong city bid process that examined facilities at the venue; the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists; infrastructure; and the cultural offer of the Host City in reflecting Ukraine’s win in 2022.
