Happy day to all who celebrate. If you're anything like me then you've been waiting all year for the big day, and you're ready to dust off your Eurovision score cards for another year of camp performances. This year's competition is being hosted in Basel after Switzerland's entry, Nemo, won in Malmo in 2024. Following this week's semi-finals, all 20 acts have now been picked to join The Big Five and the host country in tonight's final.So, all that's left to do is prepare yourself for the very long night ahead of you. Here is everything you need to know about the biggest singing competition in the world.
This year's Eurovision will be broadcast live from Basel on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and is back to commentate the event with his usual sarcasm. Now, I hope you're prepared for this as I say that the show starts at 8pm and will run until midnight. That's a whopping four hours of camp performances and technical difficulties. So, I hope you have plenty of snacks and some good company, because you are in for a long, long, long night.
Tonight, we'll be guided by a new line-up of hosts, and a few familiar faces.
The beloved national treasure and exceptional commentator, Graham Norton, will be our guide through the night. He will inevitably crack witty jokes about the contestants and pay tribute to the late Terry Wogan, a former Eurovision presenter.
This year, Switzerland is hosting the competition, with Hazel Brugger, Sandra Studer and Michelle Hunziker taking on the role of main hosts, broadcasting live from Basel.
Hazel, an award-winning stand-up comedian and presenter, was born in the USA but raised near Zurich.
Sandra, already familiar with the Eurovision Song Contest, understands the pressure on the contestants as she competed herself in 1991. Since finishing fifth, she has established herself as an actress, singer and presenter, making numerous Eurovision appearances in a full circle moment.
Our final host, Michelle, hails from Ostermundigen near Bern and is one of Switzerland's most recognised international personalities. She is one of Europe's most adored entertainers, known for her numerous shows on German and Italian television, which many Eurovision fans may already recognise.
VotingIn line with last year's changes, voting at the Grand Final will now open just before the first song begins. It will stay open throughout the evening and for up to 40 minutes after the final song is performed.
You can cast your vote for your favourite performance via the app, which is available for iOS, Android or Windows devices. By voting on the app, you may also receive a special little message from your favourite act.
Alternatively, you can vote by phone and SMS, with the details being displayed on screen during the contest or online through the Eurovision website.
The total vote is split equally, with 50% coming from the public's vote, and the remaining half determined by the professional jury in each participating country.
Initially, the jury vote will be announced by spokespeople from each country. This will then be followed by the audience vote, which can change everything.
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