TV Tonight: Eurovision 2024 Semi Final 1

The first Eurovision Song Contest is on BBC One and iPlayer tonight at 8pm.

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Rylan and Scott Mills are live from Malmö, Sweden, for the first semi-final of the world’s biggest music competition, with Olly Alexander, the UK’s representative, taking to the Eurovision stage for his first live performance of Dizzy.

With 15 acts vying for a place in the final, viewers can expect powerful vocals, spectacle and drama and a preview of the earworm tunes destined for the top of the charts. In a Eurovision first, the ‘Big Five’ – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom – and last year’s winner, Sweden, will also be showcasing their songs in the semi-finals ahead of the grand final.

Olly is already guaranteed a place in the final, but this is a chance for fans to catch their first look at Olly Alexander’s Eurovision vision. UK viewers will also get the chance to vote for their favourites to go forward to the grand final.

Some of the acts competing include Finland’s Windows95Man, a comedic 90s throwback act with No Rules!, Baby Lasagna, an early favourite representing Croatia, and Bambie Thug, who hopes to be Ireland’s first qualifier since 2018 with a song they describe as ‘ouija-pop’, a mix of pop, rock, electronica and more.

Audiences in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and non-participating countries grouped in a ‘Rest of the World’ category will be able to vote in this semi-final, along with audiences from the participating countries.

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted by Hollywood star Malin Åkerman and comedian and two-time Eurovision host Petra Mede, live from Malmö Arena.

Following Loreen’s victory in Liverpool last year with her song Tattoo, Sweden take over the hosting duties for the seventh time. Coincidentally, this year also marks the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s first iconic win for Sweden with Waterloo.