2023-05-09 23:47:42
Liverpool
Eurovision Song Contest 2023 has started
Serbia’s contribution is sung by Luke Black. photo
© Martin Meissner/AP
Liverpool shines in blue and yellow: As representatives of Ukraine, the English celebrate a perfect start in the ESC.
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2023 started on Tuesday evening in Liverpool, England. Participants from 15 countries competed in the first semi-final that evening. The motto of the ESC this year is “United by Music”.
According to the ESC rules, the Ukrainians would normally have held this competition as last year’s winners. Because of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Great Britain took over this task instead, as the second-placed country in the previous year. The British BBC, as the broadcasting station, brings the subject of Ukraine to the design of the party in Liverpool, including with their national colors.
“It’s the first time that a country is hosting an ESC for another country. And Liverpool welcomed us with open arms,” said Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina at the start. She hosted the evening as part of a trio of presenters, along with actress Hannah Waddingham (“Game of Thrones”) and “Britain’s Got Talent” judge Alesha Dixon.
These acts are in the finals
One of the most moving moments of the evening was a duo by the British singer Rebecca Ferguson and the former Ukrainian ESC participant Alyosha, the accompanying stage show took up the Ukraine war in many symbols.
Acts from Croatia, Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, the Czech Republic, Israel, Portugal, Sweden, Serbia and Norway made it into the final.
The second semi-final is on Thursday. Like other big sponsors of the competition, Germany is certainly set for the final on Saturday.
According to bookmakers’ betting odds, Sweden and Finland have the best chance of winning the ESC on Saturday. The German ESC contribution Lord of the Lost ranks in the middle.
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