Eurovision Song Contest: Semi Final 1 | Preview (BBC One)

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

As fifteen acts vie 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, the United Kingdom and last year’s winner Sweden, will also be showcasing their songs in the semi-finals ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday.

As a member of the “Big Five” Olly is already guaranteed a place in the Grand 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 Saturday’s Grand Final.

Some of the acts competing tonight include Finland’s Windows95Man – a comedic 90’s 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 and 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 fifty year anniversary of ABBA’s first iconic win for Sweden with Waterloo.