Grab your flags and get ready to party: 42 countries will jump aboard the Eurovision Song Contest train this year, as the EBU has confirmed the final list for the 2018 contest. As expected — but never confirmed until now — Russia will return after missing Kyiv.

Unfortunately, it’s bad news for fans of FYR Macedonia. The broadcaster’s debt problems with the EBU will result in the country missing out on the trip to Lisbon. And no: It’s unlikely fans will be able to crowdfund the broadcaster’s debt away.

Eurovision 2018: Participating Countries

The 42 countries participating at Eurovision 2018 are:

Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, host nation Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

This also brings the definite confirmation that Moldova will be in Lisbon. After their third place success with Sunstroke Project, will they be able to top that in Portugal?

Russia returns

One interesting note on Russia’s return is that Channel One is listed as the Russian broadcaster. Usually, Channel One and VGTRK alternate the role — similar to Belgium. Channel One, however, was meant to be the broadcaster for 2017.

This switch may be due to the “penalty” imposed on Russia for their late withdrawal from the 2017 contest. If it was financial, VGTRK may have been unwilling to cough up the money for Channel One’s decision.

Whatever the case, it may be good news for Julia Samoylova. Whilst she says she’s still waiting to hear from either broadcaster, Channel One did select Julia for 2017. Could that mean she’s a lock for the 2018 position?

Insignia Ceremony and Allocation Draw in January

One of the next big dates in the calendar will be on January 29. That day will see the “handing over” ceremony between Kyiv and Lisbon, as the Eurovision insignia key is passed on.

The Semi-Final allocation draw will follow. Then we’ll see which of the 36 semi-final countries will perform on either the Tuesday or Thursday night for a place in the grand final!

Are you excited to see Russia and Moldova confirmed for 2018? Are you sad to see FYR Macedonia out? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments section below!

Read more Eurovision 2018 news here

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Boy
Boy
6 years ago

I dont
Wanna see Russia and Ukraine in ESC EVER MORE

D
D
6 years ago

I feel so bad for Yulia. She is used by the Russian state as an statement.. Just as Russia sent those young twin girls a few years back as to not get booed… And see how that went. Russia should behave and not act like a dictatorship.. And international bully.. Then they would not be booed. Simple.

D
D
6 years ago

Macedonia will soon be back.

Vanuatu
Vanuatu
6 years ago

all people crying for macedonia… dont you realize that they are not paying for services your country’s public tv stationts (and in other words, YOU, cause their funds come from your taxes) are paying? I mean if Macedonia wins are you going to pay their festival? are you going to pay your representant show+ macedonian one every year? Are macedonian people participating for free, and letting the debt growing forever? Sometimes i feel some people are just like childs with 0 idea of how the world works… Just fanatics with zero logic.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Vanuatu

What a cold and heartless comment.
If only money didn’t exist.

Eva
Eva
6 years ago

Everybody is like sad for FYROM not competing, but why they every time fail to qualify, why you don’t vote for them if you like it so much, lol. I understand them for not competing, it’s just wasting time and money.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Eva

Well… They did make the final in 2012. And according to my own voting patterns, I voted for them in 2012 and 2017.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Also, on topic: do y’all actually say ‘FYROM’ or ‘FYR Macedonia’ in real life? Because here in Italy we only use Macedonia for the country (or to say fruit salad, it’s the same word), while no one knows a Greek region with that name exists.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Don’t think anyone outside of Greece calls it FYROM or FYR. To my knowledge all European countries simply call it Macedonia. No one goes around and says “I’ve been to FYROM Macedonia”.
The whole FYR thing is something created by the Greeks. But like you said, most haven’t heard of the Greek Macedonia apart from Greeks themselves

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

I doubt that anyone in the Former Turkish Republic of Greece does it either.

ct_greece
ct_greece
6 years ago

Butthurt FYROM trolls really have nothing better to do with your lives do you? You can keep on sulking until it’s 2019, that will not make their songs FYROM sends any better.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  ct_greece

LOL, wer’e not even Macedonians. Also seeing the quality of Greek entries lately you should wonder why Greece hasn’t taken time off?

Talentina Monetta
Talentina Monetta
6 years ago

No, and I’m sure that no one does except for the pressed Greeks

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

We only call it “Makedonija” here in Croatia. Never even heard of FYROM name before I started watching ESC.

Nico
Nico
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

We call it “Mazedonien” here in Germany. When I first saw a Macedonian entry I had to google what that FYR means, so… . And to be honest, I don’t care. They shouldn’t fight out their fights on the Internet, were like 95 % don’t know that (same applies for Armenia and Azerbaijan btw)

SebastienXavier
SebastienXavier
6 years ago

We lost FYROM so actually it’s not all aboard

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Ugh, I hope Macedonia won’t miss out again!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Chris Halpin wrote: “It’s unlikely fans will be able to crowdfund the broadcaster’s debt away.”
I write: Haha! Never underestimate the wealth of Eurovision fans. 😀

On another note, it appears as though MRT have taken Robyn Gallagher’s advice after all – to step away for a year and come back stronger later on rather than make a half-hearted attempt at an entry this year. Do ya think someone at the broadcaster reads this blog? 😮

Michael Swayne
Michael Swayne
6 years ago

First you report that FYR Macedonia is out because they have debt to the EBU. Then you report that the EBU is allowing them to compete. And now you report that they are not competing and link the article about their debt to the EBU.

This is bad reporting. Some editing needs to be done.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Michael Swayne

Are you volunteering? 🙂

umerkim
umerkim
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

oooooooooooooh she shady

Nancy G
Nancy G
6 years ago
Reply to  Michael Swayne

Michael — I think the real problem is your ability to read. The first post says that Macedonia has debts and that this could impact its Eurovision participation. Then a second post said “yes it definitely does impact their participation.” Then a third post said “MRT claims they are dealing with their debt but it says NOTHING about Eurovision.” So I say learn to read more carefully before throwing shade.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

First of all, having 42 instead of 43 countries isn’t a big deal. I’m happy Russia is back but sad FYROM is out. Hope to see them in 2019.
Also, hope there are plenty of good songs and enjoy music.
“All aboard”!

Hebbuzz
Hebbuzz
6 years ago

If this is the official slogan and logo….. pffff guys you still have a few months to come up with something better.

All aboard, would only be reasonable if all would be aboard, including Macedonia, Bosnia etc.

Pane Perunovski
Pane Perunovski
6 years ago

No Macexonia? What posts will the poor Greeks bomb with stupid comments this time?

Hebbuzz
Hebbuzz
6 years ago

Well don’t feed the trolls

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

I know right? Those posts are one of the highlights of the Eurovision.

Hebbuzz
Hebbuzz
6 years ago

Poor Yulia is in April still wating off course to hear anything from Channel One.

She was never meant to be sent anyway.
She won’t be in Lisboa.
She won’t have a good voice, nor a good result if she would be in Lisboa.

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

Don’t like the logo. Looks like a child designed it

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Leo M

Yeah, the colors are rather appalling!

Tikriut Bvel
Tikriut Bvel
6 years ago

Yes I agree it reminds me of Kyiv 2005

Elmar
Elmar
6 years ago

To be honest I would swap Russia with Macedonia. :/

Bouke
Bouke
6 years ago
Reply to  Elmar

Samee

Alicja
Alicja
6 years ago
Reply to  Elmar

Me either!

Ronda
Ronda
6 years ago

and Russia is back, unfortunately… they will probably send Yuliya, they knows they have to send her after what happened this year and for sure her song will be another cheesy ballad. But I am sure Russia will still find a way to Top 5…

R
R
6 years ago

Better confirm that they will not participate early than having another country leaving right before the contest for the 3rd year in a row. :/

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

What about the news that MRT paid off its debt and EBU sanctions were removed?

Azaad
Azaad
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

That’s true. Macedonia just opted not to participate. So unlike the last two years, it’s 42 from the get go- not 43 and then 42 after one country gets the boot.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

Oh….ok understood.

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

Very pleased to have Russia back in the contest. They often bring very good singers/performers, and often manage to do well. Very unfortunate about FYR Macedonia. Perhaps a year break will help them come back stronger in 2019. On another note, that’ll be the same year Liechtenstein plans to make its debut! 🙂

TACV
TACV
6 years ago

Macedonia was one of my fav countries in ESC. I am extremely sad they will not enter the contest when it is gonna be held in my country and city for the first time.

Catherine
Catherine
6 years ago

I’m from Russia and I know the situation better. And it’s 100% than Yulia will go to Lisbon. But you say your aggresive lie in comments, it isn’t first injustice to Russia. Ha-ha will see who was right. So dissapointed we not leave.

ella
ella
6 years ago
Reply to  Catherine

@Catherine
It doesn’t matter if Yulia participates or not, some commentators here will find a reason to hate Russia anyway 😉

rr
rr
6 years ago
Reply to  Catherine

bw Kirkorov is born in my home town Varna , Bulgaria. He is actually bulgarian and we are not proud of him here at all …

Ariso Light
Ariso Light
6 years ago
Reply to  Catherine

Eurovision is a contest about music. In Eurovision people need to put politics aside and listen to the singers. Every country has a dark side, but at Eurovision, countries bring their good side. Don’t hold grudges against an entire country just because of their politics, because beneath the politics there are people, people with feelings, love and emotions!

quirky girl
quirky girl
6 years ago
Reply to  Catherine

@Charles
Was she supposed to write in Russian here? Get over yourself! How many languages do you speak?

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Catherine

Bookmarked this post for later scalping. 🙂

Michèle
Michèle
6 years ago

How could you forget to include Italy after the wonderful Francesca and Francesco of the last two years?!

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Michèle

Yeah I counted….the list listed only 41 countries.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

Why did you count? It’s in alphabetical order lol, Italy is missing.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

No I counted before knowing Italy was the one missing…..duh!!

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

I wanted Kazakhistan or Kosovo to make a surprise entry, but it seems we’ll have to wait, though I didn’t like the idea of Kazakh giving its 12 points to Russia, as Belarus does. The 42 countries curse is here. Let’s see next year with Liechtenstein and many others.

DyGh
DyGh
6 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

Kosovo is not acknowledged as state by a lot of countries in the world AND Europe such as Spain and Ukraine.
It could take a while.

lucas
lucas
6 years ago

i wanted macedonia to be in 🙁
if russia doesn’t send yulia then i will hate them and wish for their withdrawall, they promised, they should do it !

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago

The curse of 43 strikes third year in a row 😐

And just when FYROM found its wings

And Russia at this moment is nothing short of obligated to send Yulia. Else it would mean she was a ruse to make Ukraine look bad all along and that WON’T look pretty for Russia.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
6 years ago
Reply to  Pablo

@Pablo: You beat me to it! In the days following their withdrawal from Kyiv, they insisted that they would definitely send her to the next one. If they don’t, the conclusion, once and for all, will be that they were using her as their patsy all along in their scrum with Ukraine.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
6 years ago
Reply to  CookyMonzta

…And that they never intended to compete in Kyiv to begin with.

Escfan96
Escfan96
6 years ago

I personally do not want Russia to send Yulia. They have much better singers.

D
D
6 years ago

Fingers crossed they don’t send Julia

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

It’s not which countries who compete is interesting, its the songs and performers who are the real interest.

Daniel
Daniel
6 years ago

Too bad for Macedonia 🙁
Just so that Greeks know, there’s a country called Luxembourg and a Belgian region… also called Luxembourg. What a shock 🙂 And mail is not lost nor GPS go crazy

ct_greece
ct_greece
6 years ago
Reply to  Daniel

Just for your information, Macedonia is a very large region and the FYROM only possesses the smaller part of it. In fact, Macedonia’s biggest and most important city is Thessaloniki which is very much greek territory.

A country can not reasonably use the name of a whole region when it only has the smaller part of it. Unless it explicitly desires the whole region to come under its control, which of course Greece can never accept.

Daniel
Daniel
6 years ago
Reply to  ct_greece

Hispania – Iberian Peninsula – Gave name to Spain (there are 3 other countires inside the historical region of Hispania)
Once again, Luxembourg (you can research territorial evolution by yourself).

So you were saying? Don’t you guys have other problems to face instead of picking on Macedonians? Like, idk, paying debts

Tomás Patrick davitt
Tomás Patrick davitt
6 years ago
Reply to  Daniel

Oh ZING!!!

ct_greece
ct_greece
6 years ago
Reply to  Daniel

They have other problems too like their country breaking apart between albanians and the bulgarian-speaking majority. Artificial countries don’t work very well which explains their sorry record at Eurovision and their no-show in Lisbon.

Daniel
Daniel
6 years ago
Reply to  ct_greece

We’re not talking about their problems – that doesn’t even mind to this discussion, just about a childish attitude towards another country, creating problems where they don’t exist.

Problems that were a non-problem to other countries facing the same situation and whose solution simply invalidate the arguments you posed above.

ct_greece
ct_greece
6 years ago
Reply to  Daniel

Other countries like Belgium and Spain can deal with their own problems like trying to keep together Flanders and Catalonia. They have no say in how greeks will safeguard their own security or how they will keep the borders of their country intact. And neither do you for that matter.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  ct_greece

Lmao, I went to Macedonia earlier this year and their country is everything but “broken apart”. The Albanian-majority side is actually the best and most peaceful part of the country.

Gorilla716
Gorilla716
6 years ago

Geez there’s so much anti-Russian sentiment in this comment section. I’m not Russian but I think it’s very rude and insulting to hate on a country and say that you hope it withdraws from Eurovision. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised given that most Wiwibloggs readers are from Western Europe.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Gorilla716

Hate to break it to you, but the biggest Russia haters are from Eastern Europe (Lithuania, Ukraine and Georgia to begin with).

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

As we all already knew.

Amor
Amor
6 years ago

It sucks that FYR Macedonia won’t be there and honestly I’m not looking forward to Russia. I feel they will send a cheesy overrated song again.

Polyna
Polyna
6 years ago

We should crowdfund Macedonia’s return IMO.

And then crowdfund Russia’s withdrawal.

Bouke
Bouke
6 years ago
Reply to  Polyna

I love this idea 😀

dino
dino
6 years ago

I would swap Russia with F.Y.R Macedonia any day tbh. One is usually overrated while the other sends underrated bops like dance alone.
Sorry not sorry

Alex
Alex
6 years ago
Reply to  dino

100% agreed

David S
David S
6 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Oh please, in terms of overall quality this decade alone, Russia is up there as a powerhouse with Sweden and Australia. I don’t agree with much of their politics nor the cynical game they played last year but as a Eurovision country they almost always deliver. Macedonia normally give it a good try and they gave it a great shot last year but they’re not even in the same league as Russia

Tomás Patrick davitt
Tomás Patrick davitt
6 years ago
Reply to  David S

Yep agreed.

Russia singing a decent song is a complete a utter guarantee nowadays.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  David S

“quality”.

Nico
Nico
6 years ago
Reply to  David S

“they [Russia] always deliver”. Hmm, lets see:
2016? Overrated pop
2015? Ok, this one was a good one
2014? Average
2013? Mediocre peace ballad
2012? Overrated trainwreck (lovely grannies tho)
2011? Mediocre pop
2010? I kinda like this
2009? This is actually great
2008? Overrated pop (like… how did they win?)
2007? Overrated pop
2006? Overrated pop
2005? Out-of-tune-pop
2004? Out-of-tune-pop
2003? Ear rape

So… no… they’re so overrated. Just like Sweden and Azerbaijan. I would also rather have Macedonia.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Nico

You’d better stan for Anastasia and Polina, the BEST Russian entrants along with their 1994 debut!

Nico
Nico
6 years ago

I’d rather say the only good one.

rr
rr
6 years ago

Well now Belarus , Latvia , Lithuania , Estonia , Azerbaijan and many more will have someone to give their 12 poinst to …. Russia 🙁 . This big country makes this contest so political , its insane …. i didint miss them at 2017 , did you?

rr
rr
6 years ago
Reply to  rr

And Russia wont send Julia Samoylova to Lisbon , all they wanted is to use her to mess with Ukraine , they didnt really think they can win with her … she cant sing , no wonder they dont wonna call her again. It was all bad politics , i know Russia and russians , they just do stuff like that all the time…..

Bouke
Bouke
6 years ago
Reply to  rr

Lithuania would never give their 12 points to Russia tho 🙂 For the rest, 100% agree

michaelvangerwen
michaelvangerwen
6 years ago

Expected… Was hoping for fyrom, but 42 is ok

Ugnius
Ugnius
6 years ago

Well, Lithuanian jury has ranked Russian representative last in 2016 and 20th in 2015, so I’m convinced that the same will happen in 2018. As for televoting, it is more realistic but again – in recent times we NEVER gave 12 pts for Russia, and as the situation between Russia and Baltic states is getting more and more complicated, I reckon there won’t be top marks again.

Ugnius
Ugnius
6 years ago

Sorry, seems that I replied to wrong person 😉 this is dedicated to ‘rr’ coment above

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

I’m sad that the Most Serene Non-Hellenic People’s Former Yugoslav Democratic Republic of Upper North Macedonia didn’t make it 🙁 I wanted 43 countries this year.

About Yulia: Yeah nah. I want Russia to prove me wrong, but I don’t think they’ll send her.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago
Reply to  Hada

You have to mention the gays even when no one did, don’t you? Why are you so obsessed lmao

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  Hada

You okay, buddy?