Order your flags and get ready to wave ’em: 37 countries will participate in Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool. That marks the smallest number of participating countries since Eurovision 2014 in Copenhagen. However, given the global energy crisis and widespread inflation, it’s a number that reflects well the positivity and commitment countries have to Eurovision.

This means that 31 countries will compete in the Semi-Finals. One Semi-Final will include 15 participants, while the other will include 16 participants. The six remaining countries automatically have a spot in the final (Ukraine, since it won the most recent contest, and France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom as part of the Big 5). 

The reveal of this year’s participating countries confirms the news that Bulgaria has withdrawn. The broadcaster never made a formal announcement, instead communicating the news via a private message on Twitter to the OGAE Eurovision fan club in Greece via its blue-tick, verified account. It said the contest “no longer interests” the broadcaster.

North Macedonia and Montenegro previously confirmed their withdrawal through official statements. 

Many fans had hoped that countries that used to participate or perhaps a debuting country might fill those empty spaces. Alas. There are no returning or debuting countries at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, is chirpy nonetheless.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming artists from all 37 countries to Liverpool, the city of pop, next May. Next year’s competition promises to be an extra special one and we’re working hard with the BBC right now to ensure that hundreds of millions of viewers will enjoy the best Eurovision Song Contest yet, with Ukraine at the heart of the event.”

Eurovision 2023: Participating Countries 

🇦🇱 Albania – RTSH

🇦🇲 Armenia – AMPTV

🇦🇺 Australia – SBS 

🇦🇹 Austria – ORF

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan – Ictimai TV

🇧🇪 Belgium – VRT

🇭🇷 Croatia – HRT

🇨🇾 Cyprus – CyBC

🇨🇿 Czech Republic CT

🇩🇰 Denmark – DR

🇪🇪 Estonia – ERR

🇫🇮 Finland – YLE

🇫🇷 France – FT

🇬🇪 Georgia – GPB

🇩🇪 Germany – ARD/NDR

🇬🇷 Greece – ERT

🇮🇸 Iceland – RÚV

🇮🇪 Ireland – RTÉ

🇮🇱 Israel – IPBC/Kan

🇮🇹 Italy – RAI

🇱🇻 Latvia – LTV

🇱🇹 Lithuania – LRT

🇲🇹 Malta – PBS

🇲🇩 Moldova – TRM

🇳🇱 Netherlands – AVROTROS

🇳🇴 Norway – NRK

🇵🇱 Poland – TVP

🇵🇹 Portugal – RTP

🇷🇴 Romania – TVR

🇸🇲 San Marino – RTV

🇷🇸 Serbia – RTS

🇸🇮 Slovenia – RTVSLO

🇪🇸 Spain – TVE

🇸🇪 Sweden – SVT

🇨🇭 Switzerland – SRG / SSR

🇺🇦 Ukraine – UA:PBC

🇬🇧 United Kingdom – BBC 

 
 
 
 
 
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Eurovision 2023: Dates and info

Liverpool will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 inside the M&S Bank Arena

Previously known as Echo Arena Liverpool, it has welcomed the good and the great of pop music since it opened in January 2008. These include Rihanna, Girls Aloud, Oasis, Bob Dylan, Beyoncé, Drake, Little Mix, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry.

We already know of two more stars set to join that roster. This year’s first confirmed Eurovision acts — Israel’s Noa Kirel and Cyprus’ Andrew Lambrou — will also hit that stage in May.

The dates for the three live shows are:

Semi-Final 1: 9 May 2023

Semi-Final 2: 11 May 2023

Grand Final: 13 May 2023

For audiences in the UK, and for the first time ever, all of the live shows will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This marks a step up for the semi-finals, which have always been relegated to less popular channels.

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BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago

you know what I just realized? Doctor Who will be 60 in 2023, and since Eurovision will be held in the UK, would it be cool if we had a Doctor be a spokesperson for the British jury? I can only imagine David Tennant saying “12 points to…”

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Sam Ryder would be a good Doctor.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

The song spaceman sounds very whovian to me. In fact I found a couple of Doctor Who fanvids that used that song.

MonsieurMüller
MonsieurMüller
2 years ago

It’s sad not to see Kazakhstan joining the party. (Yes, they could. They’re an associate member.) It would have been refreshing to see them in.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
2 years ago

I used to have the same opinion but idk man, we don’t need a fifth column at the show :/

Ting tong
Ting tong
2 years ago

I stopped watching Eurovision since 2008. That year was my final year I watched Eurovision. terry wogan left Eurovision after that year as well..Eurovision is an old game to me not interested anymore. I am fed up with watching Eurovision for sooooo many years..sorry but that’s the truth..honesty is best policy…everything has a beginning everything comes to an end..for new generations..good luck and enjoy it if you like Eurovision..

Izzy Lamb
2 years ago
Reply to  Ting tong

If you stopped watching in 2008, I find it surprising you are active on wiwibloggs?

Antananarivo
Antananarivo
2 years ago

Honestly no surprises in this list … That means with the number of 37 participating countries only eleven of them are out of the final.

ESC Lover
ESC Lover
2 years ago

I know you will hate me after What i write but I don’t understand the hype and desire to bring Kazakhstan to the contest.. honestly it is Culturally mostly Asian country. When it comes to European values, shared culture and music Australia is more European than Kazakhstan.. i Think EBU is reluctant because they don’t wanna have another Putin’s ally in the house (after Belarus and Russia). Well we can also invite Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tadjikistan and Kyrgistan and make the USSR-Eurovision reactivation but i guess this is not what most of the broadcasters want…

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  ESC Lover

Kazakhstan actually has a very significant European population, mostly ethnic Russian, which was a result of old czarist/Soviet policies of relocating Russian speakers across its territories, including its now former Soviet republics over the centuries.

Common Sense
Common Sense
2 years ago
Reply to  James

Exactly! Native Kazakhs are of Mongolian origins and the „European” part of society are Russians. That only proves why EBU doesnt want to have a Russian fifth column in the house!

Dawid
Dawid
2 years ago
Reply to  ESC Lover

People want more countries, no matter what.

Common Sense
Common Sense
2 years ago
Reply to  Dawid

Then lets invite Brazil!!! I Love Brazilian music and they can contribute much more than Kazakhstan :))

Yeshoney
Yeshoney
2 years ago
Reply to  ESC Lover

As an Asian, I agree with you. I never understand the obsession from Eurovison fans towards Kazakhstan. They are definitely more like an Asian country with Asian cultures if you ask any Asians…. Australia, on the other hand, is so western and European related. I will never consider Australia an Asian country.

Devito
2 years ago
Reply to  Yeshoney

Australia is not in Asia. It’s in Oceania.

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Devito

It’s in APAC.

Lou
Lou
2 years ago
Reply to  Devito

Australia on a map is apart of Oceania but in sport , music , tv , literal everything , we’re apart of asia.

wwwww
wwwww
2 years ago
Reply to  Lou

yes, i am an australian who watches and plays soccer every day while listening to k pop and watching my latest indonesian horror flick /s.

I don’t know about you but when i turn on the radio i hear songs in english, if i turn on the tv I see a tv show purchased from the BBC or cricket (although I’m mainly an AFL guy)

Anna
Anna
2 years ago

Georgia is next in line to take it home

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Anna

That is, if they make the final for the first time since 2016. It’s gonna be a long way off before Georgia wins the contest.

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
2 years ago
Reply to  Anna

And what makes you say that?

Dawid
Dawid
2 years ago
Reply to  Anna

Let them qualify first

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
2 years ago

Given that Copenhagen 2014 also had 37 contestants and that that wasn’t much of a problem, I think the contest will be fine next year. Nevertheless, it was sad to see many countries go this time, I hope they can address their issues and come back soon.
On another note, I wish we have a first time winner or a country that hasn’t won in a long time winning next year, that’d be amazing and I’d be over the moon with such news!

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Benito Camelo

I ditto your last sentence. It’s been a while since we had a first time winner since Portugal’s victory in 2017, but I would also be just as supportive of a country that wins for the first time in DECADES like Spain, Belgium and Switzerland. They are way overdue.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Indeed, that happening would also be refreshing!

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Benito Camelo

Countries which could, in theory, get their first win in 2023:

– Malta
– Iceland
– Cyprus
– Slovenia
– Croatia? (Since competing as an independent country, at least.)
– Lithuania
– Poland
– Czech Republic
– Georgia
– Armenia
– Albania
– Romania
– Moldova
– San Marino
– Australia

Malta, Iceland, and Cyprus being the ones competing before the 90s expansion of the contest I especially hope they might have their “Amar pelos dois” moment in one of the following years. 10 Years, Je me casse, and especially Fuego came pretty close. Good luck, everyone!

Gaga
Gaga
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I want either Cyprus or Iceland or Malta to win next year. They silently struggle but never even complain. However, viewing figures are one of the highest among the trio every year. Everyone deserves a victory, of course, but these three countries have been waiting for this longer than others. Love from Armenia

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Gaga

Let’s hope we get some great songs from the non-winner countries. Would it be amazing if we had a battle of the underdogs wanting their first win. I want a rematch between Iceland and Lithuania.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
2 years ago

Check yourself sis, don’t let pathological gambling get the best of you 🙁

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
2 years ago

I think Bulgaria will be absent from Eurovision for a long time just like Hungary and Turkey.

Héctor
Héctor
2 years ago
Reply to  ESCFanGA

I don’t care that much about Turkey but Bulgaria was doing it right and Hungary’s A Dal was very interesting, there were always songs I liked. Yeah, I know it is now still alive and independent from Eurovision but it’s not the same.

Antananarivo
Antananarivo
2 years ago
Reply to  ESCFanGA

You could be right with this opinion

Jamie
Jamie
2 years ago

Minus 3 countries, that’s 9 minutes of air time out. Literally nothing. Add one more interval act and it’s sorted.

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
2 years ago

Surprised that Czech Republic didn’t withdraw given their budget cuts and low ratings.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  ESCFanGA

They did qualify in 2022 so they might be sticking around for a bit.

1998
1998
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

That’s exactly why I thought they would stay in.

Gaga
Gaga
2 years ago
Reply to  ESCFanGA

I believe they have strong ties both with Ukraine and the UK. They have huge diaspora and I’m sure they’ll send a bombastic act to make their diaspora proud. ESC in the UK is actually going to be a bloodshed.

ThorBeta
ThorBeta
2 years ago

Quite pathetic attitude by BNT. It’s a very problematic broadcaster though, so hopefully they will manage to fix their internal issues before attempting a comeback. Not a big loss for the contest given their recent form. North Macedonia’s MRT has financial problems but they will come back – they really like the contest. I will miss Montenegro mostly out of the 3 withdrawing countries. Such an underrated participating country. Not missing Turkey and Hungary and not expecting a comeback any time soon. Their broadcasters will only come back after their governments change. Slovakia and Monaco are the only realistic possible… Read more »

Devito
2 years ago

Off-topic, THE ROOP song “Siluma” (literally “The Heat”), sung in Lithuanian, will premiere in 10 hours. The teaser is lit! youtube.com/shorts/8EIT1hpCjgo

Jamie
Jamie
2 years ago
Reply to  Devito

Šiluma means warmth, not heat.

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  Jamie

Aren’t they the same thing?

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Hot is supposed to be even hotter than warm. But sometimes, when describing temperature, they can be interchangeable. When describing a person, they are different: A warm person is kind, a hot person is either wild-tempered or physically attractive.

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Thank you, but is “heat” the same as “hot”? One degree celcius would be heat, but it would not be hot. Don’t feel you need to answer this, my mind works in funny ways…

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

I think that “heat” as noun, and “hot” as an adjective have the same root. You are right, one degree celsius is some heat, but it’s not hot. I’d compare it with how someone who is 160 cm tall has a height, but is not called tall. Or how someone is 25 years old, but is not old. The adjective still refers to the large amount of said noun. Maybe my mind works weirdly too. Hope this makes sense. 🙂

Jamie
Jamie
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Not in Lithuanian haha. Heat would be “karštis” and is used to describe really high temperatures. While “šiluma” is a cozy, comforting warmth.

Devito
2 years ago
Reply to  Jamie

Depends. I have never heard anyone saying “karš?io sistema” when referring to the heating system, it’s always “šildymo sistema”. Just saying.

Rall
Rall
2 years ago
Reply to  Devito

I’ve seen some petty argument threads on this site but this is a borderline new low.

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  Jamie

Thank you.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago

It’s October.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  Sir Stevia

Then why are you asking?

no.
no.
2 years ago

Kazhakstan noooooo 🙁

Miguel
Miguel
2 years ago

Who do you mean?

Nils
Nils
2 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

Romania, I guess.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago

Now that we know the number of participants, here’s a little study I conducted of countries who are still waiting for their first win and how long the last victory was for countries that have already won. By 2023, here is how long the following countries have been waiting for their first win since their debuts: Malta: 52 years (1971) Cyprus: 42 years (1981) Iceland: 37 years (1986) Croatia: 30 years (1993) Slovenia 30 years (1993) Lithuania: 29 years (1994) Poland: 29 years (1994) Romania: 29 years (1994) Albania: 19 years (2004) Moldova: 18 years (2005) Armenia: 17 years (2006)… Read more »

Miguel
Miguel
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Super interesting research! Thanks!

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

The 2020s are certainly becoming an era of the big five making comebacks (Except Germany unless they pull it together). I’d like to see somebody like Spain, Belgium, Switzerland to compete for the trophy because it’s been a ridiculously long time since those countries last one, but I really hope for a first time winner to because we haven’t had that in a while.

Devito
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Don’t be as confident to write off Germany just yet. It can do decently when Germans take their time. For example, Michael Schulte in 2018 brought Germany back to TOP-5, that’s not ages ago. And I’m sure Ben Dolic in 2020 would have made it to TOP-10, maybe even TOP-7. They just need to shake up the things. I remember when I was begging for Spain to send a reggaeton bop for some years already. But Spaniards would keep sending boring power ballads. They have finally sent a reggaeton bop (which, may I remind you all, was highly criticized by… Read more »

Antananarivo
Antananarivo
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

I miss Ireland in this list….

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Antananarivo

Ireland is in the list. It’s in the column of countries’ last victory.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

I really want Switzerland and Lithuania to get a dub soon. I’m not from either of them but I just like their attitude towards the contest. IDK I have a soft spot for some countries haha.
This is super helpful, thanks for the info!

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Malta disappeared for about sixteen years, so I count Cyprus as having the longest stretch without a win. They’ve entered more times.

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

I mean Spain the longest overall, but they have at least two tucked away.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

That’s true for Spain, but those victories are so long ago that they predate the the 1975 voting system we have now! Spain is definitely way overdue for a victory, but if they keep up the good work that they accomplished in 2022, it might happen, but you never know how countries will do year by year. France was second in 2021 but they were second last this year. Lots of people are already writing off Germany (including me I’m ashamed to say), but what if they do better next year. It’s really unpredictable. I really don’t want to make… Read more »

Viggz
Viggz
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Plz let a new country win in 2023! I hope those 15 countries sends great songs!

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Viggz

I also got my fingers crossed for a first time winner.

Esc addict
Esc addict
2 years ago

Well the eurofans who’d love to see a first time winning countries, ok but they should understand that countries like Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland or others are waiting since more than 30, 40 or 50 years to win, it means they are in the contest since largely more time than a “recent” country that has never won, again so I’m not against a first time winning country, it would be cool and iconic but I’m against those who rule out certain countries just for that and only because they have already won, EACH of these 37 countries deserves to win… Read more »

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

I am of the same mind too. I would really love a country to get their first victory next year but I also am stumping for a country that hasn’t won in a very very long time. I’m gonna do a little studying post later of the countries that are still waiting for the first victory since their debut and And the length of time of the last victories for countries that have already won a contest.

Esc addict
Esc addict
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

I’ve seen your little studying, nice job! Malta, Cyprus, Iceland, Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland are those who are waiting the most for a victory, let’s do this 😉

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

I would add Lithuania in there. It’s about time the Baltic region be completed.

Esc addict
Esc addict
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

It would be cool too indeed!

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

And it’d be a deserving win! Lithuania has upped their game and I like the way they treat the contest 😀

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Ngl, I’d be fine with either scenario. As long as Ukraine doesn’t win again.

Colono
Colono
2 years ago

I have feeling I think a Nordic country is going to win next year. I don’t know maybe Norway..

Esc addict
Esc addict
2 years ago
Reply to  Colono

A feeling or a wish? It’s not the same.

Colono
Colono
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Just a feeling.. I don’t have any connection or inner sympathy with them lol.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Colono

It has been a while since a Nordic country last won Eurovision, but I would really love it to be Iceland because they haven’t won yet and that would complete the Nordic region. I wouldn’t mind Finland or Norway winning again because it’s been a long time since those two countries last won. It’s only a matter of time before Sweden matches up to Ireland in record number of wins, But I think enough time has passed that I wouldn’t mind it as badly. Denmark at the moment is kind of in the weeds. If they fail to qualify again… Read more »

Peter
Peter
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

I was thinking that Sweden would win this year and Ireland’s record would have been equalized but we had Ukraine instead. You are right though, the last time a nordic country won was in 2015 with Sweden. It’s been 8 years. It might be this year that a nordic country wins again

Viggz
Viggz
2 years ago
Reply to  Colono

No, Iceland shoud win! They have never won,

Rall
Rall
2 years ago
Reply to  Viggz

Not based on their 2022 entry. Systurs was a snooze fest that deservedly finished towards the bottom of the Scoreboard.

Esc addict
Esc addict
2 years ago

Still sad to loose some countries. The eurofans will know exactly who has withdrawn and again more the eurofans from these countries, but the general public the D-day won’t even notice that as there will be 26 countries in the final as always, so it’s sad mainly for the eurofans from these countries, but it won’t spoil the party.

Esc addict
Esc addict
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

And good luck to all the 37 participating countries!

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

I’m sorry to be that kind of person, but:

lose*

Devito
2 years ago

I’m wishing (I’m wishing)… I’m hoping (I’m hoping) for a new country to win the contest, the contest — today.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Devito

I know there’s been some fans That have thrown their hands up and think Ukraine will just Win again next year (and think other countries will just throw the competition to let that happen— Cue eye rolling here). But I would be absolutely over the moon if we get A first time winner for the first time since 2017. It’s been overdue for somebody to Get their first victory. On the other side of the coin, there are some countries I think are way overdue for another victory by several decades, like Belgium, Switzerland and Spain. As much as I… Read more »

Devito
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

I would not be that sure about the second Ukrainian victory in-a-row. The energy crisis is hitting Europe hard, and the heating season is just starting. I think a huge part of Europe will at least partially blame Ukraine for the energy crisis (not saying it would be just complaints). But when people face huge inflation, record-high energy prices and constantly collapsing governments (like the UK’s today), there won’t be any decision makers to put the blame on and some part of the population will start questioning if they are willing to support Ukraine at their own expense of comfort… Read more »

wwwww
wwwww
2 years ago
Reply to  Devito

this is without a shadow of a doubt the most confusing thing I’ve ever seen on the internet. Are you saying Ukraine should just stop fighting and let russia occupy them because that would somehow affect energy prices?

Leendert Jan
Leendert Jan
2 years ago

It’s always sad when countries withdraw, but hey there were only 37 countries in Copenhagen and it didn’t mean I had any less fun watching. The Macedonians have already announced that they will be back as soon as they can, my guess is that the Montenegrins and Bulgarians will do the same.

Rall
Rall
2 years ago
Reply to  Leendert Jan

I can see Montenegro coming back soon not so much Bulgaria. I don’t think we will see them again for at least a few years.

Leendert Jan
Leendert Jan
2 years ago
Reply to  Rall

Well, Bulgaria withdrew in 2014 as well after a dismal run of six non-qualifications, but returned only two years later to finish in the top 5. I’m hoping they’ll follow this precedent

Jos
Jos
2 years ago
Reply to  Leendert Jan

I’m never sad if a country withdraws, it’s their choice (not some sort of relegation), they chose (for whatever reason) not to join a celebration of music. So why would I be sad that a country doesn’t want to join it?

Leendert Jan
Leendert Jan
2 years ago
Reply to  Jos

Because I’m always happy to see everyone join in! So even if it’s their choice, I would have liked it more if they were there. And it’s not always their choice: if the economic situation had not been this dire, I’m sure that the Macedonians wouldn’t have withdrawn.

Thallo
Thallo
2 years ago

It would’ve been the perfect year for Kazakhstan to debut.

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago

Twenty minutes of Sonia, I’m hearing.

Moonstar
Moonstar
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

No, it’s Jemini. It has been confirmed. Two for the price of one.

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago

I prefer when both semi-finals have the same number of countries, but other than that, 37 is fine.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Agreed.

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
2 years ago

Eurofans deserve this because of voting so much for irrelevant stuff like SloMo and Subwoolfer.

Yudhistira Mahasena
2 years ago

Hungary, Turkey :'(

ThorBeta
ThorBeta
2 years ago

Unfortunately not coming back any time soon I’m afraid.

Bikkirkara
Bikkirkara
2 years ago

37 is not bad considering those hard times we’re in. Plus we won’t have Russia and Belarus for some time. EBU should really do something for small, poorer countries. They want to participate but costs are too high

Luke B
Luke B
2 years ago

If we continue to see similar numbers, they might have to drop the number of qualifiers from 10 per SF to 9.

On the plus side, this gives the likes of Croatia, Georgia, Ireland, Latvia amd Slovenia a greater chance at qualification.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  Luke B

8, not 9.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Luke B

If those countries bring songs that are good enough to qualify, but if they suck like in the past, they are going nowhere once again.

DonutLover
DonutLover
2 years ago

One fact: We had 3 exYu countries in 2014 with 37 countries just like this year but North Macedonia and Montenegro swaped places with Serbia and Croatia

Jesper Hjellnes
Jesper Hjellnes
2 years ago
Reply to  DonutLover

So Slovenia is the only ex-yugoslav country to have participated every year (not counting when they were relegated in 1994 and 2000)

tom
tom
2 years ago
Reply to  DonutLover

It will be hard for the to qualify – especially for Slovenia and Croatia.

Serbia bc of huge diapsora will be fine

1998
1998
2 years ago
Reply to  DonutLover

Keep in mind that Slovenia ALMOST withdrew from 2023.

Lena
Lena
2 years ago
Reply to  DonutLover

Serbia will survive,like Montenegro survived 2014.

19982
19982
2 years ago
Reply to  Lena

Serbia was in similar situation in 2021 (like Montenegro in 2014) with no Ex-Yugoslav countries. And in the end it turned out that Serbia couldn’t vote for any other participating Ex-Yugoslav countries.

I can see this happening similar like in 2014: Serbia being allocated in SF1, Croatia and Slovenia in SF2.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago

37 is great, I see no issue with that. 15 in one semi and 16 in the other is no problem and I personally won’t really miss the 3 withdrawn ESC countries TBH.

Nils
Nils
2 years ago

Why didn’t BNT just say so when asked? Seriously… what a d*ck move…

Also: Where the heck is the invitation for Kazakhstan?!?!?!

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  Nils

Why would they invite Kazakhstan?

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  Nils

Kazakhstan didn’t even show this year’s contest, that’s the very least they could do to deserve an invitation.

Edward
Edward
2 years ago

There could be 26 countries in Eurovision this year and Latvia still won’t qualify

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  Edward

Ouchies

Yush
Yush
2 years ago
Reply to  Edward

Nope. Cause you got at the final 26 song. Big 5 + wining country, and 10 * 2 = 20 qualifiers so all summed up —> 26 countries. Latvia can qualify they just need to send a good song…. Georgia tho…. You know….

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago
Reply to  Yush

Either you didn’t get the joke or you got the joke and you are acting sarcastically. Which one is it?

West
West
2 years ago

Not gonna lie – I was already expecting that Czech Republic is going to stay out of this year. I’m glad I was wrong. Still, I wonder what the lack of info from the broadcaster means. Internal selection? I hope not.

Leo
Leo
2 years ago
Reply to  West

It made an insta post after participation was confirmed implying submissions (cheaper cost ESCZ or internal from submissions).

Adryan
Adryan
2 years ago

Remember that we’re in a crisis now. Economic and energy-wise. To have 37 seems like the highest we could’ve hoped for. We all know that things can change, so I’m still scared about someone dropping off later. But, like all hardships, this is temporary 🙂 Remember that. 2014 had 37 songs. Just the year after that – we were back to 40 and up 🙂 So, this doesn’t necessarily reflect on a negativa change for ESC as a whole (it might, but we’ll just have to see). It might just be a temporary setback 🙂 Also – quality before quantity!… Read more »

Roro31
Roro31
2 years ago

Let’s go EUROVISION 2023 in Liverpool with 37 wonderful countries and music !

I’m so exciting for the national finals of each country (music, new names of artists, live performances…) ! GOOOO

PS : I hope for a back of the national final of Czech Republic and Moldova.

TJCat
TJCat
2 years ago

My friend has just said, if you had 40 chocolates last year and this year you’ver got 37, that’s still 37 F***ng chocolates to enjoy, you’re not gonna starve, so stuff your face with chocolate and enjoy everyone of those 37 (made me laugh)

Devito
2 years ago
Reply to  TJCat

Your friend has dirty thoughts. ( ? ?? ?)

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  TJCat

It reminds me of Dudley Dursley’s line from Harry Potter when he found out how many presents he got for his birthday. “36?! But last year I got 37!”

Anna
Anna
2 years ago
Reply to  TJCat

Love your friend ??

Anna
Anna
2 years ago
Reply to  Anna

Just !!! should it be, sorry
How can one delete…

Chris
Chris
2 years ago

Good luck to all the countries and may the best SONG wins this year.

wwwww
wwwww
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

so basically this year

Voilà monsieur
Voilà monsieur
2 years ago

37 isn’t too shabby, but hardly groundbreaking either! Didn’t the Kazakh broadcaster say that their result in this year’s JESC would be a determination of their participation in 2023.

Remember Australia weren’t on the official list of participating countries in 2015 until January of that year…

1998
1998
2 years ago

Until February, not Jaunary.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

I am really sad about North Macedonia not participating since it’s the first time since they withdrew, but I am really happy for Armenia and Moldova for showing up. 37 is quite a low number tho.

now that i see the light
now that i see the light
2 years ago

Erdoghan i hate you i hate you i hate

Polegend Godnova
2 years ago

then vote him out next year

now that i see the light
now that i see the light
2 years ago

I would NOT if i was a voter 🙁

Voilà monsieur
Voilà monsieur
2 years ago

You know Turkey is a dictatorship, so it will probably be hard to

yaroslav
yaroslav
2 years ago

With all due respect, no Turkey is not a dictatorship but has a hybrid/authoritarian regime just like Hungary. Yes Turkish democracy is collapsing day by day but Turks can still vote him out and they did! Turkey has a high voter turnout compared to so many European countries because the only thing they still can do is to vote. Erdogan’s party lost control of Istanbul after 28 years (and Ankara) when opposition parties formed a joint alliance. (And that inspired Hungarian opposition in Budapest in their local elections.) So I am very hopeful that if Erdogan is toppled in the… Read more »

Park Shin Hye
Park Shin Hye
2 years ago
Reply to  yaroslav

What a beautiful comment is this! Praying for Turkish people because they suffered enough from that monster

Polegend Godnova
2 years ago
Reply to  yaroslav

on top of that, all opinion polls suggest erdogan is gonna take a huge L against several candidates. you can’t send your country’s inflation to 200% and then expect to remain unscathed.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
2 years ago

That’s true, all Turks I know hate him already. Also, that he forbade diaspora votes (which hugely voted for him) will affect him quite a lot in the next elections

NickC
NickC
2 years ago
Reply to  yaroslav

As a Turkish citizen, kudos to your unbiased comment and your deep knowledge about my country.

Anna
Anna
2 years ago
Reply to  NickC

Miss Turkey so much, plz hurry back!!! ??

Polegend Godnova
2 years ago

that’s not tragic, 2014 also only had 37 countries and the 3 that withdrew this year usually send filler entries anyway. i’m happy the czech republic is in, but i was wishing for a juicy debut or comeback!

Roelof M
Roelof M
2 years ago

Ehh Bulgaria was quite the competitor (excluding last year) since their return, North Macedonia had a streak of great songs from 2017-2019 and Montenegro was gonna send a class act this year, so it’s quite the loss in my opinion.

Indiana07
Indiana07
2 years ago
Reply to  Roelof M

Bulgaria was a competitor only in 2017 and 2016.

Leo
Leo
2 years ago
Reply to  Indiana07

And with the Victoria entries though Tear getting sober wouldn’t have won as it would have just been seen as arcade 2.0 with key changes. Top 5 it would have been though.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  Indiana07

And 2021.

Indiana07
Indiana07
2 years ago
Reply to  Sir Stevia

2021? They got 30 points from the public and half of it came from their diaspora.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  Indiana07

Oh you meant like a contender for the win? I thought you meant like an entry that’s worth noting. If you meant a potential winning entry that was only the case in 2017 as their entry in 2016 had an awful staging.

1998
1998
2 years ago

Miserable number of participating countries for today’s standards. I don’t think that in the near future we will have again the contest with 40 or more participating countries, unfortunately…

Polegend Godnova
2 years ago
Reply to  1998

you’re being dramatic for nothing. 2014 had 37 participants, 2016 had 42. numbers fluctuate easily easily.

Leo
Leo
2 years ago
Reply to  1998

I fear that will remain the case for some time with Russia (if replacing the dictator is with another member of his party), and it will need change will bring back Belarus, Hungary and Turkey (maybe next two years?) and also possibly Bosnia, although it is dependent on regional broadcaster disputes rather than leader like for the other 4. It depends on when it occurs, hopefully within 5 years. Andorra and Slovakia are more realistic but it probably isn’t the case at this time when there’s such high inflation continent wide. Kazakhstan will probably depend on winning JESc, and I… Read more »

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
2 years ago
Reply to  Leo

Idk man, I doubt r*ssia will ever come back. At this point it’s not crazy to think the country will be balkanized.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  1998

I’m confused as to why having less than 40 is such an issue considering every ESC year there are around 10 or so entries at the bare minimum that are filler. North Macedonia & Montenegro were constant fillers. well in NM’s was mainly either filler or ruining their own good entry with garbage staging and vocals. As for Bulgaria, they quit ESC this year after they send IMP with their dull song and revealed said song on the 5th of bloody December. Clearly they don’t have the funds to compete plus their broadcaster is annoying as all hell so I… Read more »

1998
1998
2 years ago
Reply to  Sir Stevia

I mean, I like to have 42 countries in ESC with 18+18 semi finals. I know that it may vary, but still, like for 2014, this is way too few. 38 would have been acceptabke in some ways 16+16, but 15 in one semi final? We saw that in 2014 and it’s really miserable. Macedonia and Montenegro may be constant fillers, but ok. At least my country Serbia is participating unlike for 2014 when Serbia even didn’t participate.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  1998

I prefer a semi with 15 entries than one with 18 and half of them being filler.

1998
1998
2 years ago
Reply to  Sir Stevia

Disagree but ok.

David
David
2 years ago

In this day in age of hardships we’re all facing 37 is not bad!

YEHAW
YEHAW
2 years ago

Less countries means that there’s a bit more time for postcards, interviews or interval acts. All in all we’re good, I’m expecting a very well produced shows as BBC has a great way of handling bigger as well as smaller scale events.

Luke A
Luke A
2 years ago

Actually happy with 37 as means more chance for other countries to make it out of the Semi Final than usual xx

Nils
Nils
2 years ago
Reply to  Luke A

Yes, but what if Georgia and Latvia end up last and second to last in the semi final with only 15 countries? Then, you can be happy about 35 participating countries in 2024.

Nobody Important
Nobody Important
2 years ago

Hoping for a first time victory next year! Rooting for Malta, Cyprus, Iceland, Poland and Lithuania!

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
2 years ago

Safe to say Cyprus is out of the running after announcing Lambrou…

Peter
Peter
2 years ago
Reply to  Midnight Gold

Why do you say that?

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
2 years ago
Reply to  Peter

His Australian NF entry was nowhere near that level.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago

Me too. It is long overdue for a country to get their first victory since 2017. Let’s hope one of the non-winner countries actually has something great they could be a contender for the title.

wwwww
wwwww
2 years ago

why not other nations like Australia or Czechia?

Yup
Yup
2 years ago

It’s a good amount of participants, although after this years cheating scandal I would have left one very suspicious country go.

It’s not the quantity that matters, but quality!

noqueen
noqueen
2 years ago

BNT, that’s such a shame! You’re lazy and incompetent, please Milanov come back!

Jesper Hjellnes
Jesper Hjellnes
2 years ago

I’m happy Czech Republic, Armenia and Moldova ended up joining. I honestly wasn’t too sure if I should hope for Kazakhstan or not. It seemed like EBU wasn’t very interested in inviting them