Order your flags and get ready to wave ’em: 37 countries will participate in Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool. That marks the smallest number of participating countries since Eurovision 2014 in Copenhagen. However, given
the global energy crisis and widespread inflation, it’s a number that reflects well the positivity and commitment countries have to Eurovision. This means that 31 countries will compete in the Semi-Finals. One Semi-Final will include 15 participants, while the other will include 16 participants. The six remaining countries automatically have a spot in the final (Ukraine, since it won the most recent contest, and France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom as part of the Big
5). The reveal of this year’s participating countries confirms the news that Bulgaria has withdrawn. The broadcaster never made a formal announcement, instead communicating the news via a private message on Twitter to the OGAE Eurovision fan club in Greece via its blue-tick, verified account. It said the
contest “no longer interests” the broadcaster. North Macedonia and Montenegro previously confirmed their withdrawal through official statements. Many fans had hoped that countries that used to participate or perhaps a
debuting country might fill those empty spaces. Alas. There are no returning or debuting countries at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, is chirpy nonetheless. “We’re looking forward to welcoming artists from all 37 countries to Liverpool, the city of pop, next May. Next year’s competition promises to be an extra special one and we’re working hard with the BBC right now to ensure that hundreds of millions of
viewers will enjoy the best Eurovision Song Contest yet, with Ukraine at the heart of the event.” 🇦🇱 Albania – RTSH 🇦🇲 Armenia – AMPTV 🇦🇺 Australia – SBS 🇦🇹 Austria – ORF 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan – Ictimai TV 🇧🇪 Belgium – VRT 🇭🇷 Croatia – HRT 🇨🇾 Cyprus – CyBC 🇨🇿 Czech Republic CT 🇩🇰 Denmark – DR 🇪🇪 Estonia – ERR 🇫🇮 Finland – YLE 🇫🇷 France – FT 🇬🇪 Georgia – GPB 🇩🇪 Germany – ARD/NDR 🇬🇷 Greece – ERT 🇮🇸 Iceland – RÚV 🇮🇪 Ireland –
RTÉ
🇮🇱 Israel – IPBC/Kan 🇮🇹 Italy – RAI 🇱🇻 Latvia – LTV 🇱🇹 Lithuania – LRT 🇲🇹 Malta – PBS 🇲🇩 Moldova – TRM 🇳🇱 Netherlands – AVROTROS 🇳🇴 Norway – NRK 🇵🇱 Poland – TVP 🇵🇹 Portugal – RTP 🇷🇴 Romania – TVREurovision 2023: Participating Countries
🇸🇲 San Marino – RTV
🇷🇸 Serbia – RTS
🇸🇮 Slovenia – RTVSLO
🇪🇸 Spain – TVE
🇸🇪 Sweden – SVT
🇨🇭 Switzerland – SRG / SSR
🇺🇦 Ukraine – UA:PBC
🇬🇧 United Kingdom – BBC
Eurovision 2023: Dates and info
Liverpool will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 inside the M&S Bank Arena.
Previously known as Echo Arena Liverpool, it has welcomed the good and the great of pop music since it opened in January 2008. These include Rihanna, Girls Aloud, Oasis, Bob Dylan, Beyoncé, Drake, Little Mix, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry.
We already know of two more stars set to join that roster. This year’s first confirmed Eurovision acts — Israel’s Noa Kirel and Cyprus’ Andrew Lambrou — will also hit that stage in May.
The dates for the three live shows are:
Semi-Final 1: 9 May 2023
Semi-Final 2: 11 May 2023
Grand Final: 13 May 2023
For audiences in the UK, and for the first time ever, all of the live shows will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This marks a step up for the semi-finals, which have always been relegated to less popular channels.
- participating countries
You May Also Like
Dutchie Twan van de Nieuwenhuijzen returns as Head of Contest for Eurovision 2023 in the UK
- Posted on October 18, 2022October 24, 2022
- byDavid Smith
Strictly Come Eurovision! Fleur East tackles “Waterloo” dance routine for “BBC 100” week
- Posted on October 17, 2022October 17, 2022
- byTom Hendryk
Cyprus confirms Andrew Lambrou as Eurovision 2023 singer
- Posted on October 17, 2022October 17, 2022
- byWilliam Lee Adams
“Maybe there’s a chance” — Cryptic message from ENISA gives hope to Montenegro Eurovision fans
- Posted on October 15, 2022October 15, 2022
- byOliver Adams
“Ukraine and Liverpool are in this together” — BBC’s General Director visits Eurovision host city as song contest plans take shape
- Posted on October 15, 2022October 15, 2022
- byWilliam Lee Adams
ENISA tweets that she was meant to represent Montenegro in Liverpool…but they couldn’t fund it
- Posted on October 14, 2022October 14, 2022
- byWilliam Lee Adams
North Macedonia withdraws from Eurovision in Liverpool, citing costs of energy crisis
- Posted on October 14, 2022October 14, 2022
- byWilliam Lee Adams
Bulgaria suggests withdrawal from Eurovision 2023, saying contest no longer interests the broadcaster
- Posted on October 14, 2022October 17, 2022
- byWilliam Lee Adams