Eurovision, the world’s most-watched non-sports event, is set to take place this year in Malmo, Sweden, with artists from 37 countries competing for the public’s vote in a high-drama Grand Final. Fans, decked out in sequins and flags from their respective countries, see Eurovision as the Olympics of pop music. The show, which began in 1956 with seven participating countries, has evolved into a massive spectacle that draws in around 160 million viewers worldwide.
The event is divided into two semifinals and a Grand Final, with viewers at home voting for their favorite performances. The winner of the Grand Final is determined by a combination of the popular vote and votes from an official Eurovision jury. Each artist performs one song in any language, limited to three minutes, with live vocals and a maximum of six people on stage. The country of the winning act will host the following year’s contest.
The range of musical styles at Eurovision is vast, from powerful ballads to Europop dance anthems, with off-the-wall entries like a bearded Austrian drag queen among the most memorable in recent years. Favorites to win this year include Switzerland’s “The Code” by Nemo, a song about discovering one’s nonbinary identity, and Italy’s Angelina Mango with her entry “La Noia,” inspired by Latin American cumbia music. The public and jury often diverge in their votes, with spectacle often swaying public opinion.
Legendary pop singers like ABBA and Celine Dion have emerged from the Eurovision contest, with the event serving as a launching pad for their successful careers. Some countries focus on standout performances rather than strong singers in an effort to create a memorable three minutes on stage. Quirky and splashy performances from countries like the Netherlands and Croatia are also likely to be favorites with viewers at home.
The U.S. audience can watch Eurovision on Peacock, with the first semifinal on May 7, the second on May 9, and the Grand Final on May 11. The event has become a yearlong buildup for fans, with an ever-growing ecosystem of superfan blogs and social media accounts. Despite the wide range of musical styles and performances, Eurovision continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its mix of drama, spectacle, and unforgettable songs.
