How to watch BBC Eurovision Song Contest 2024 semi-finals and grand final in UK

Can you believe it’s been a year since the Eurovision Song Contest touched down in Liverpool?

The competition is back this week for its 68th year, live from Sweden following Loreen’s victory in the North West in 2023 with the song Tattoo.

It will be the seventh time Sweden has hosted Eurovision and this year, the contest will be presented by a Hollywood star and an iconic Eurovision veteran; Malin Åkerman and Petra Mede.

The UK’s entry Olly Alexander will be taking to the stage in Malmö Arena to perform Dizzy, hoping he has what it takes to win the famous “douze points!” from the 36 other participants.

Once again, all three live programmes including both semi-finals and the grand final will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

How to watch Eurovision 2024 semi-finals in the UK

Years and Years star Olly will be performing in the first semi-final along with two other Big Five countries Germany and Sweden, even though they have all qualified for the grand final (a first for Eurovision).

The semi-finals will take place on May 7 and 9 from 8pm and will be hosted by commentators Scott Mills and Rylan.

Over on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, Richie Anderson will be taking the reins for the first time and leading the commentary on the airwaves.

The other 15 countries competing on May 7 are:

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Ireland

• Lithuania

• Poland

• Serbia

• Ukraine

• Australia

• Azerbaijan

• Finland

• Iceland

• Luxembourg

• Moldova

• Portugal

• Slovenia

Additionally, the 16 countries competing for a spot in the grand final on May 9 (second semi-final) are:

• Albania

• Armenia

• Austria

• Czechia

• Denmark

• Greece

• Malta

• Switzerland

• Belgium

• Estonia

• Georgia

• Israel

• Latvia

• Netherlands

• Norway

• San Marino

The UK at Eurovision: 68 years of musical highs and lows (2024)

France, Italy and Spain will also be performing out of the Big Five, but just like the UK, Germany and Sweden, they have already got a place in the grand final.

Recommended reading:

• Why Eurovision’s Olly Alexander ‘respects’ fans’ decision to boycott contest

• WATCH: Olly Alexander gives 'teaser' first look at UK's song for Eurovision 2024

• UK's 2024 Eurovision act Olly Alexander releases song entry 'Dizzy'

How to watch Eurovision 2024 grand final in the UK

In a recent draw, Olly was chosen to perform in the first half of the Eurovision grand final which will take place on May 11 from 8pm.

BBC commentary as always will be from Graham Norton and Dame Joanna Lumley will be announcing the contest results for the UK.

Viewers will decide which 10 countries from each semi-final will go through to the grand final this year.