Eurovision 2021 is here!
They say that music transcends boundaries. We may not always understand one another, but music has a way of conveying our emotions. Bringing together several countries, the competition allows participants to showcase their musicality and vie for coveted points to determine a winner.
History and Format
Established in 1956 by the European Broadcasting Union, the competition was created as a means of promoting cooperation between European countries following the second world war. The initial set-up for the competition was quite different to its modern counterpart. Aspects recognized in the competition’s modern format were implemented in the years subsequent. These include public announcement of votes and the winning country hosting the event the following year. As the number of countries participating began to increase, the competition began to set limitations. Eventually, a semi-final round was introduced in 2004 as a means of allowing all countries who expressed interest to participate. From 2008 onwards, a second semi-final was also implemented.
Aired internationally, each country involved is represented by a broadcaster who is also a member of the European Broadcasting Union. Each country showcases one original composition performed by either a solo artist, duo or group. The representative(s) are also only eligible to perform for a single country.
Point System
France, Italy, the UK, Spain, Germany and the host country automatically qualify for the Grand Final. The other countries perform in one of the two semi-finals with points being given by the countries involved in each group. Each country awards points in increments to countries other than their own; first from 1-8, 10 then 12.
This year Italy, Germany and the host country, The Netherlands gave points to countries in the first semi-final. Meanwhile, France, Spain and The UK will award points to countries in the second semi-finals. The top 10 from each semi-final will then compete in the grand finals, with points being awarded from all countries. During each round, the audience will also be able to contribute by voting via mobile when their country performs live. The country with the highest number of points is crowned the winner. Notable past winners of the competition include Sweden’s representative ABBA in 1974 and Switzerland’s representative Celine Dion in 1988.
Semi-Final 1
The first semi-finals for 2021 occurred on the 18th of May. This year’s entrants included participants from Lithuania, Slovenia, Russia, Sweden, Australia, North Macedonia, Ireland, Cyprus, Norway, Croatia, Belgium, Israel, Romania, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Malta. Australia’s representative was Montaigne with composition ‘Technicolour’. Unfortunately, for the first time since its yearly participation in 2015, Australia failed to qualify for the Grand Finals. Qualifying countries for this round were Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Cyprus, Norway, Belgium, Israel, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Malta.
| # | Country | Artist(s) | Song |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lithuania | The Roop | Discoteque |
| 02 | Slovenia | Ana Soklic | Amen |
| 03 | Russia | Manizha | Russian Woman |
| 04 | Sweden | Tusse | Voices |
| 05 | Australia | Montaigne | Technicolour |
| 06 | North Macedonia | Vasil | Here I Stand |
| 07 | Ireland | Lesley Roy | Maps |
| 08 | Cyprus | Elena Tsagrinou | El Diablo |
| 09 | Norway | TIX | Fallen Angel |
| 10 | Croatia | Albina Grčić | Tick-Tock |
| 11 | Belgium | Hooverphonic | The Wrong Place |
| 12 | Israel | Eden Alene | Set Me Free |
| 13 | Romania | Roxen | Amnesia |
| 14 | Azerbaijan | Samira Efendi | Mata Hari |
| 15 | Ukraine | Go_A | Shum |
| 16 | Malta | Destiny Chukunyere | Je Me Casse |
Source: escdaily.com
Semi-Final 2
The second semi-finals will take place on the 20th of May. Competing will be San Marino, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Austria, Poland, Moldova, Iceland, Serbia, Georgia, Albania, Portugal, Bulgaria, Finland, Latvia, Switzerland and Denmark.
| # | Country | Artist(s) | Song |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | San Marino | Senhit | Adrenalina |
| 02 | Estonia | Uku Suviste | The Lucky One |
| 03 | Czech Republic | Benny Cristo | Omaga |
| 04 | Greece | Stefania Liberakakis | Last Dance |
| 05 | Austria | Vincent Bueno | Amen |
| 06 | Poland | RAFAŁ | The Ride |
| 07 | Moldova | Natalia Gordienko | Sugar |
| 08 | Iceland | Dadi Freyr & Gagnamagnid | 10 Years |
| 09 | Serbia | Hurricane | Loco Loco |
| 10 | Georgia | Tornike Kipiani | You |
| 11 | Albania | Anxhela Peristeri | Karma |
| 12 | Portugal | The Black Mamba | Love Is On My Side |
| 13 | Bulgaria | Victoria | Growing Up Is Getting Old |
| 14 | Finland | Blind Channel | Dark Side |
| 15 | Latvia | Samanta Tina | The Moon Is Rising |
| 16 | Switzerland | Gjon’s Tears | Tout l‘univers |
| 17 | Denmark | Fyr & Flamme | Øve os på hinanden |
Source: escdaily.com
Where to view in Australia
In Australia, the competition airs on SBS. Live broadcast of the first Semi-Final took place on Wednesday the 19th of May at 5AM. The second semi-final will air live on Friday May 21st at 5AM. Following this the Grand Final will show at 5AM on Sunday the 23rd of May. Rebroadcasts will occur on Friday the 21st of May at 8:30 PM for the first semi-final, Saturday the 22nd of May at 8:30PM for the second semi-finals and Sunday the 23rd of May at 7:30PM for the Grand Finals.
Do you agree with the finalists so far? Who are your picks for Eurovision 2021? Let us know in the comments below.
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