The 2022 Eurovision Song Contest takes place later this month – and will mark the 66th edition of the iconic continental competition. At this stage, we don’t know the 25 countries that will be performing in the Grand Final, but that hasn’t stopped fans from checking out the latest Eurovision betting odds – where Ukraine is the favorite.
Before you grab your flags and score sheets and settle down to enjoy the semi-finals, ahead of the main event itself, here’s your guide to this year’s contest.
The hosts
Following Måneskin’s victory at Eurovision 2021, Italy is the host nation – with the city of Turin staging this year’s contest. It marks the third time that Italy has hosted Eurovision, with Naples (1965) and Rome (1991) as former host cities from contests gone by.
On the night of the Grand Final, there will be three hosts – announcing the acts and going backstage to the green room to catch the latest updates and drama. Italian TV presenter Alessandro Cattelan (X-Factor) will be joined by singers Laura Pausini, and Mika – who British viewers may be slightly more familiar with.
The format
Prior to the Grand Final, the entry list of 35 countries will be cut to 20 – with two semi-finals taking place, and 10 acts from each, representing their nation in the final.
Dates to remember
- Semi-final 1 – Tuesday 10th May
- Semi-final 2 – Thursday 12th May
- Grand Final – Saturday 14th May
There will be 17 acts in the first semi-final, following Russia’s expulsion from the contest, and all member countries will vote – alongside the representatives from France and Italy. In the second semi-final, 18 countries will perform – and again, all member countries will vote, in addition to the other countries in the big five (Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom).
The 10 best-ranked countries in each semi-final will be awarded a place in the Grand Final, alongside the big five countries (mentioned above). All 40 member states will vote in the final.
The acts
All countries have now decided upon their acts and their songs, and while we don’t know all the performers for the Grand Final, the big five have been revealed:
- France – Alvan, and Ahez will perform Fulenn
- Germany – Malik Harris will perform Rockstars
- Italy – Mahmood, and Blanco will perform Brividi
- Spain – Chanel will perform SloMo
- United Kingdom – Sam Ryder will perform Space Man
The return of…
Armenia and Montenegro. Both nations didn’t take part in last year’s contest but performed in 2019. Armenia was also set to participate in 2020’s Eurovision Song Contest before it was canceled due to covid. Armenia has featured 13 times since their debut in 2006 – reaching the final on 10 occasions – with their best performance coming in 2008 (fourth, 199 points). Montenegro debuted in 2007 and has participated 11 times, but only reached two finals. Their best finish was in 2015 (13th, 44 points).
We also see the return of some former acts. Four representatives were former lead artists for the same country as this year, and a backing performer is set to compete as a lead artist.
- Bulgaria – Stoyan Yanoulov is a member of the Intelligent Music Project, and previously represented at both the 2007 and 2013 contests
- Moldova – Zdob si Zdub performed in 2005 and 2011
- Italy – Mahmood represented as recently as 2019, as a solo artist (and finished second)
- Ukraine – Ihor Didenchuk was a member of Go A only last year, and this time will be performing as a part of the Kalush Orchestra
- Denmark – Ihan Haydar was a backup singer as a member of Soluna Samay’s band in 2012, but this time will be the lead artist for Denmark
