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For Eurovision fans, the wait is over: the week of the 2022 Song Contest is upon us.
While many British viewers fit the perspective of Graham Norton’s individual characters, Sam Ryder entering the UK this year has also been picked (really) as a potential winner.
However, she will have to beat the Ukrainian entry of the Kalush Orchestra, which is expected to do well in the popular vote.
This year’s song contest will take place at the Pala Alpitour in Turin following Italy’s victory in last year’s final, courtesy of rocker Måneskin. Here’s how to watch it all live in the UK.
How to watch Eurovision 2022 in the UK
The final match of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 will take place on Saturday 14 May and will be hosted by Italian TV star Alessandro Cattelan and singers Laura Bossini and Mica in Turin.
It’s live on BBC One from 8:00pm to midnight, with Graham Norton on hand to deliver his usual scathing commentary.
You can watch all the action live online via BBC iPlayer, where you can also follow event after event.
However, before the final, there are two semi-finals to determine who will get the chance to perform (except for the “Big Five”, of which the UK is a member).
The first semi-final will take place on Tuesday 10 May, and the second one will follow on Thursday 12 May, both starting at 8:00 pm and continuing until after 10:00 pm.
Both are broadcast live on BBC Three (although you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer), with coverage hosted by Rylan and Scott Mills from Turin.
When it comes to the evening’s outcome, the crucial role of UK spokesperson will be played by TV presenter Aj Odudu.
Who is the UK’s entry into Eurovision 2022?
Sam Ryder was confirmed to join Eurovision 2022 in the UK in March, and will perform the song “Space Man”, which appeared at the time as the track of the week for Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills.
The singer found fame covering songs on TikTok during the Covid lockdown periods, attracting the attention of the likes of Justin Bieber and Alicia Keys.
Ryder’s success has earned him over 12 million followers on TikTok, making him the most followed British music artist on the platform.
In previous years, British fans had the opportunity to vote for the UK’s entry at Eurovision.
However, as was the case with James Newman, who represented Great Britain in 2021, the decision was made this year by the BBC and global music management company TaP Music.
When it was announced, Ryder said: “Having been a fan of Eurovision since I was a kid, I am so honored to have the opportunity to sing at an event alongside some of Europe’s most talented creators, artists and songwriters.
“I look forward to singing my whole head in a way that the UK is proud of, and showing off a song I wrote with my friends last summer makes the whole experience even more special. See you in Turin, legends!”
What is the order for the implementation of the first semi-finals of Eurovision 2022?
Here is the full running standings for the first night’s semi-finals:
- Albanian: Romila Hajati- Secret
- Latvia: City Zeni – all your power
- Lithuania: Monica Liu- passionate
- Swiss: Marius Beer – boys cry
- Slovenia: LPS- disc
- Ukraine: Kalush Orchestra – Stephanie
- Bulgaria: smart music project intention
- Holland: S10 – by diepte
- Moldova: Brothers Zdoub Shi Zdoub and Advahov – Trenol
- Portugal: Maru – Saudade, Saudade
- Croatia: Mia Demic- guilt pleasure
- Denmark: red- Display
- Austria: LUM! X feat. Pia Maria – aura
- Iceland: the system – Mi Hokande Sun
- Greece: Amanda Georgiady Teneford – we die together
- Norway: Subwoofer – Give that wolf a banana
- Armenia: Rosa Lynn- rest time
Where will Eurovision 2022 be held?
The country that won the previous Eurovision Song Contest has the honor to host the next one, with Italian Manskine winning the 2021 competition with his song “Zitti e buoni”.
This year’s Eurovision site, Palasport Olimpico, known officially by its sponsored name, Pala Alpitour, has a capacity of 13347 when established with its final stage, as does Eurovision.
It can also be used to host sports like ice hockey, basketball, and volleyball, so capacity varies.
The stadium can seat about 16,600 spectators for a basketball match making it the largest indoor sports stadium in Italy.
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