Tvorchi and Mae Muller

The Eurovision 2023 host nations have drawn their positions for when they’ll perform in the final.On Saturday 13 May at the Eurovision 2023 grand final, Ukraine’s Tvorchi will perform 19th, while United Kingdom’s Mae Muller will perform 26th, closing the show. 

These positions were drawn at random at the Eurovision 2023 Head of Delegation meeting in Liverpool on Monday 12 March. 

Eurovision 2023 grand final running order: United Kingdom to close the show

Today’s host country draw was overseen by Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest. 

Recent tradition dictates the host country’s starting position is drawn at random, while the countries qualifying from their semis will draw into either the first half or second half of the final. The final running order will be determined by show producers, who aim to create a show that offers visual and aural contrast for the viewers at home. 

How is the Eurovision running order decided?

The Eurovision running order is decided through a two-step process. First, the finalists qualifying from the semis randomly choose from a pot whether they would perform in the first half or the second half of the grand final. Producers then arranged the acts considering two main criteria: creating an interesting show (mixing up genres and the visual flow and feel of the show), and practicalities (like how long it will take to construct and deconstruct various stage props).

Does running order impact a country’s chances of victory?

It is generally considered favourable to perform from a later position in the running order. Several recent winners performed in the second half of the show, including Italy’s Måneskin (24th in 2021), Israel’s Netta (22nd in 2018), Ukraine’s Jamala (21st in 2016) and Denmark’s Emmelie de Forest (18th in 2013).

But winning from an earlier position isn’t unheard of. Sweden’s Måns Zelmerlöw (10th), Portugal’s Salvador Sobral (11th) and The Netherlands’ Duncan Laurence (12th) all performed in the first half.

The only running order position to have never produced a winner is the second place draw, often considered “the death slot”. But remember — there’s a first time for everything!

What do you think? How will Ukraine and the United Kingdom fair in this running order? Let us know below.

130 Comments
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Im so fab
Im so fab
1 year ago

Hoped to see Ukraine perform 2nd. I’m utterly disappointed.

Bes
Bes
1 year ago

Albania ?? got good chances this year to win

Patrick
Patrick
1 year ago

The UK song is tedious. It will finish in or near top 12 as it is the home nation but it is really nothing special amd certainly isn’t ending the show with a bang. Ukraine will get a wave of public support again wherever they perform and whilst it is lovely , I can’t help wondering how damaging it will be to the contest if it keeps happening

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago

I don’t understand why this wasn’t done at the draw ceremony on January 31. Why did it have to wait for all the songs to be declared?

Devito
1 year ago
Reply to  Fatima

Because they could not let the host countries get bad running orders? Who the hell knows how these slots were generated? Moreso, whereas there were any fewer than the 14th-ish slot. The whole production and the fact that both Ukraine and the UK get very decent running orders are questionable. Now we need Sweden to fill the 20th slot, and it’s certain that this whole competition has become a lobby for money.

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
1 year ago

I can see Austria performing 25th in the final.

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
1 year ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

Why do people interpret this as negative? The Eurovision staff likes to make fun transitions in their running order. Two songs about women writing songs would be such an example. Though it will only happen if Austria gets to perform in the second half of the final.

Patrick Pastor
Patrick Pastor
1 year ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

How fast they can change the staging in between acts is also a factor.

Yom
Yom
1 year ago

Why do hate to united Kingdom ? Every year Bullying my Country if was for uk won’t have contest this year

Vote song 26

Dawid
Dawid
1 year ago
Reply to  Yom

Who hates it?

Patrick
Patrick
1 year ago
Reply to  Dawid

I don’t think people hate it, it is just so disappointing.

Ifty
Ifty
1 year ago
Reply to  Yom

First it’s not all about you. Second, it’s not that people usually hate the UK. They are just often disappointed by how poor their entries are considering the size of their music industry and their history in the competition – as is shown in the points they get. When they send a good song, like in last year, they do well. When they send mediocre songs that are either meant to be “very radio friendly” or “very eurovision” (whatever that means) as is usually the case, they make people disappointed in them. I think that the split this yeas is… Read more »

Dida
Dida
1 year ago

How convenient, the host country to close the final. Lucky draw, ha? Riiiiight :))))))))))

Dave
Dave
1 year ago
Reply to  Dida

Dida try say it’s a fix saw draw ?

AMAAN STORM
AMAAN STORM
1 year ago
Reply to  Dida

What’s so lucky about performing last? I don’t think anyone’s ever won from performing last (26th or 25th)

Ifty
Ifty
1 year ago
Reply to  AMAAN STORM

It’s not about luck. Countries that show up late usually do well with the televotes. Especially the last 3-4. Countries that start early (except for maybe the first song) usually don’t do well because 25 songs later televotes tend to forget about them. This is why #2-3 in the running order is considered the worst placement and is usually considered a death sentence.

Miliyoly
Miliyoly
1 year ago

Nice song for losing the show but what if people thought she was an UK interval act and not vote for her??

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago
Reply to  Miliyoly

It’s probably not even worth contemplating.

Vivian
Vivian
1 year ago
Reply to  Miliyoly

It’s not like people can’t read the “26 UNITED KINGDOM” in the corner…

Mark
Mark
1 year ago

Funny how this ‘random’ draw has never been earlier than 10th in the running order

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark

Or later than 1st or earlier than 3rd

Megan Markle's hydrated hair
Megan Markle's hydrated hair
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark

Hosts countries (therefore countries that had their draw at random) that performed earlier than 10th:
Sweden 2016 (9th)
Portugal 2018 (8th)
Italy 2022 (9th).

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago

If hosts drawing a random was a thing in 2010 then we can include Norway 2010 performing 3rd

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark

Portugal drew 8th and Sweden and Italy drew 9th when they were hosting
It’d be funny if the host country drew 1st or 2nd tho

Marlinken
Marlinken
1 year ago

25th slot to Czechia would be nice…

ThePointsMan
ThePointsMan
1 year ago
Reply to  Marlinken

Oh, yes… pleaaaaaasssse!!!

Henry
Henry
1 year ago
Reply to  Marlinken

If Cheznia qualifies…..

Nicolas
Nicolas
1 year ago

Sweden is guaranteed spot #25 so not sure it’s good to close the show after.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

Not if Sweden is in the first half.

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

In which case spot 13

Iván el Conquistador
Iván el Conquistador
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Imagine Loreen gets the second spot. We will never hear the end of the meltdown.

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago

Unlikely under the current system. We already know that they give #2 to a low-scoring semi-finalist.

Dawid
Dawid
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Imagine Sweden on 2nd spot

Jonny
Jonny
1 year ago

Last place for UK confirmed

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonny

Not the last place, but something similar to Miki (Spain 2019) is what I predict.

Yom
Yom
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonny

It won’t be last place more like on the top piece

Patrick
Patrick
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonny

Troll!

Craig
Craig
1 year ago

So, do we have all the songs now? I can’t recall seeing one drop from Armenia yet?

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago
Reply to  Craig

Armenia’s song releases on 15th and Georgia’s on 16th

Luke A
Luke A
1 year ago

Can see both countr

Luke A
Luke A
1 year ago
Reply to  Luke A

Can see both countries in top 15 along with rest of big 5, this could be another strong showing for auto qualifiers, not sure if any will win, most likely us France or Spain though in my opinion

Héctor
Héctor
1 year ago

“The producers decide”. And the producers decided to give two of the best positions. UK kind of makes sense because is uptempo and the host (the real host). But Ukraine is being favoured bu putting them there.

Héctor
Héctor
1 year ago
Reply to  Héctor

Okey, nevermind. It was all randomly selected. Anyway, both were lucky.

Craig
Craig
1 year ago
Reply to  Héctor

Nobody was ‘put’ anywhere dude. the hosts position in the running order is drawn at random

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

I want Gary Lineker to give out the UK points. When do we usually know?

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Nah, I want David Tennant. Or one of the two still living Beatles.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Next week is the 60th anniversary of the first album by The Beatles, with May being the anniversary of when it reached No.1. I think an interval performance is called for! In support of Ukraine.

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Nah, I want Matt Smith. Or one or preferably both of Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Jimmy

Patricia Routledge?

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Hey, sure!

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Jimmy

If Nigella Lawson can do it, there are no rules!

Tomi
Tomi
1 year ago
Reply to  Jimmy

Sorry, you’re gonna have to be happy with Dawn French. They have chosen her.

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago
Reply to  Tomi

I’m always happy with Dawn French!

Tomi
Tomi
1 year ago
Reply to  Jimmy

Good to hear that.

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Gary Lineker? Might be too political even for Eurovision ?

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Jimmy

Okay, well then Meghan Markle. Eurovision legend.

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

I think she’s available.

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

The Sussexes could come back for Eurovision, but not the Coronation.

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  Fatima

Well I hope their application for tickets was more successful than mine

James
James
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Usually the BBC would have someone from their news or entertainment division deliver the points. It’d be a stretch to get a sports personality to do so.

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago
Reply to  James

I’m sure if you loaned the right person enough money, the current BBC Chair will make it happen for you.

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

He would probably charge us taxpayers an extra one million pounds

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

About time he did something worthwhile for the obscene amount of money he costs the taxpayer.

Craig
Craig
1 year ago

Good spot for UK, that song will make a good closer.
Nice slot for Ukraine

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago

Good positions for Ukraine and the UK. Having the hosts later in the show is generally considered better for their viewing figures. Having Ukraine later in the show will probably help keep some casual viewers too. Going last might give a little creative edge to the UK delegation for any elaborate staging they might want to use. I think Mae could do really well closing the show, it’s a strong position for her to leave a lasting impression.

ANDREW BROWN
ANDREW BROWN
1 year ago

It always makes me smile when the writer says various songs have won singing in the first half. Yes but they are placed at the back end of the first half as they know they are fans favourites from semi finals and finished high in the semis accordingly.

James
James
1 year ago
Reply to  ANDREW BROWN

Or for logistical reasons, it’s easier to set up the stage for some acts that require less props, etc. So spacing them out with those that are difficult to put up are the way to go.

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  ANDREW BROWN

Unless you are Malta

MrBrightside
MrBrightside
1 year ago

It bugs me that after two-year hiatus it’s again the big5 country to close the show!
2014 – the UK
2015 – Italy
2016 – Armenia, but second to last was the UK
2017 – France
2018 – Italy
2019 – Spain
XD

Th16
1 year ago
Reply to  MrBrightside

It was a draw tho. It wasn’t intended to put the UK last.

Oy oy
Oy oy
1 year ago

Great draws for both countries! I know many fans isn’t too keen on UK but I actually think they will do very good from this position. Performing last isn’t always the best spot but for this kind of song in particular it couldn’t be better. It’s s good song but doesn’t stand the most out in a big crowd, being the last of the night ensure it does!

XOOOD
XOOOD
1 year ago

Both got great positions, I’m afraid the audience would snub Mae and be treated like La vinda back in 2019.

Alfie28
Alfie28
1 year ago

Good positions for each country.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago

Don’t mind much whether or not this was done in public, as I feel Mae’s song is actually a good closer for this year’s show! 😀

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago
Reply to  Benito Camelo

I mean, yeah, I hate the idea of the producers choosing the running order instead of a draw, though

XOOOD
XOOOD
1 year ago
Reply to  Benito Camelo

I actually prefer the producers setting the positions.
You don’t wan all the favorite in a row to cancel each other, and you don’t want the snooze fest entries opening/closing.

Leif
Leif
1 year ago
Reply to  XOOOD

Both of you have valid points.

Perhaps they should have half the countries draw… maybe every other position? Every song that placed the best the year before perhaps? Then the producers could fill in the gaps.

It would lessen the producers power but still help facilitate a smooth show that way. Somthing ought to be possible here as a compromise.

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
1 year ago

Noa Kirel will open the final very likely, i expect Serbia’s superstar Luke Black to perform around slot 14 or 15

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago
Reply to  Anonymous91

Depends on whether they qualify (which they most likely will) and if they draw the positions you expect them to draw
If Noa draws 2nd half, no opening the final for her

Pat
Pat
1 year ago
Reply to  Anonymous91

If she qualifies…

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
1 year ago
Reply to  Pat

Her show is gonna be phenome phenome phenomenal!

However my top 3 is
1. Moldova
2. Romania
3. Croatia

Hellohi
Hellohi
1 year ago

The big advantage this gives U.K. is props . The won’t be a rush to clear the stage for next act . Hope they do this wisely

Nikita Zhukov
Nikita Zhukov
1 year ago

I’m pretty sure the part about #2 being the only non-winning slot is not accurate
I think nobody has ever won from spots 16, 25, 26, and 27
And these are all in 2nd half

Dave
Dave
1 year ago

UK singing last will help the song to get even more votes I do not believe the UK will come 15th or 20th I think this could even win it now

Dave
Dave
1 year ago

No way 15 or or more in top 10

deni_Al
deni_Al
1 year ago

For those who don’t believe that this was drawn in public
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cpu8kYnJXNv/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Rambo Amadeus
Rambo Amadeus
1 year ago

So that means we’re not going to end the show on a high note, unfortunate.

Fan eurovision
Fan eurovision
1 year ago

playing in 26th is often average songs which just ensures the end of the show so United Kingdom which takes this place is rather a good choice but will finish between 15th and 20th place. on the other hand Ukraine is very well placed is it a coincidence or a false draw to support Ukraine, no one can verify since the draw is not live. So make 2 places less in the 2nd part of the evening aie aie aie

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

Why didn’t they just do this on camera at St. George’s Hall, with all the rest?

I’m not suggesting anything, just wondering.

XOOOD
XOOOD
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

It was publicly done, so no conspiracy here.

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  XOOOD

Unless all the balls were number 19 or 26

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago
Reply to  Jofty

So no matter how many balls you had in your hands, you would always have the same two balls.

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
1 year ago

It’s going to be such a party in Liverpool with Mae closing the show! Also looks like her song us going to break into the top 40 in her debut week which I don’t think has ever happened with a UK act!

ANDREW BROWN
ANDREW BROWN
1 year ago
Reply to  Trocatroc

Check your history always happened charting high in 60’s and 70’s

Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
1 year ago

Ok 2 of the big 6 already in the second half, it means it remains only one spot in the 2nd half for the others 4…it’s rude…and Italy, France and Spain were already in the first half last year…

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
1 year ago

I mean not really rude if they had just as much chance to land in the first half.

Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
1 year ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

1 chance out of 4 to perform in the 2nd half is kind of rude and unfair imo.

Nicolas
Nicolas
1 year ago

Doesn’t work like that if I’m correct. It only means there will be when the big 5 remaining 4 countries will draw their halves the pot will contain 13 1st half vs 11 2nd half. That’s just give higher probability to draw 1st half but technically all of them can still draw 2nd half.

Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

Maybe but I thought the big 5/6 were shared equally in the two halves..

Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

Ok my bad you’re right I’ve rewatched the press conference where the big 5 draw their half, sorry

Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
1 year ago

Ok my bad I made a mistake it’s not how it works, sorry, I complained for nothing.

Nicolas
Nicolas
1 year ago

Every country should draw their running order.

Nicolas
Nicolas
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

wow, producers manipulating the show really works on some minds that seem to agree with it. No wonder how year after the contest is losing its identity. When full playback will be allowed there will still be some people to agree with it.

Alfie28
Alfie28
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

I get the idea, but to counter that point, can you imagine having to listen to 5 slow songs in a row? Might as well tune out for a while.

Oliver
Oliver
1 year ago
Reply to  Alfie28

As in… positions 13-18 last year?

Lera
Lera
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

I feel like they should draw ranges, not final spots. For example, say Spain draws spots 4-6. That gives the producers some freedom to place Span in spot 4, 5 or 6 depending on the other songs, but they will not be able to put them at the extreme beginning or end of the first half and unfairly ruin their chances.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

Wait…we’re performing last? Why am I seeing stars in my eyes ALREADY? It’s a good catchy song regardless but this will be ending the show with a bang. Hopefully Mae will give a good performance and the staging will be second to none – because this has the potential to do EXTREMELY well with this draw!

Voix
Voix
1 year ago

UK is the best closing act. She is coming for the top 3 in the televote

Lucille
1 year ago
Reply to  Voix

No.

Miliyoly
Miliyoly
1 year ago
Reply to  Voix

What if people thought she was an UK interval act and not vote for her lmao,

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
1 year ago

No hate to these two but in general it’s becoming kinda sus how the host country never draws a bad spot in the running order.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
1 year ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

That is a good spot in the first half. If you have a winning song in the first half you get put from places 9 to 13 with some filler in between.

Th16
1 year ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Yes but it wasn’t drawn according to which half it is. I mean that Italy was indeed in a good spot in the first half , but the first spots in the second half are better. If the draw wasn’t reliable, they could have put the host country in the last spots of the second half which they didn’t.

Donkey
Donkey
1 year ago

Remember, 26th in the running order does not guarantee a good place. While Italy 2018 got 3rd in the televote I believe, Spain 2019, San Marino 2021, UK 2014 and many other entries that performed last did not score very well. So I’m sceptical about how this will play out for UK

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago

I was wondering if both Ukraine and United Kingdom were both going to get randomly selected running order slots, and it looks like they both did.

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Yes, I was wondering too. Hope you are well. At least the “producers” can’t put Loreen last lol

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Jofty

Thank you for thinking of me. I do have good news. For those that don’t know, I have been battling cancer recently, and last week I had my doctors appointment, and I am officially in full remission! I feel so good about being cancer free.

Jghtl
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Im happy for you!

Th16
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

That’s great news, I hope everything goes well!?

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Glad to hear it! Keep fighting!

Jimmy
Jimmy
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Aw that’s awesome, wonderful news! I had remembered your appointment last week and had been wondering how it went, really glad to hear you got the best news possible. Well done getting through it 🙂

Marlinken
Marlinken
1 year ago

Once I’d got over not getting Birdy, I realised that the UK song is actually perfect for them. They don’t want to host two years in a row but still want to show that they’re now taking the competition seriously and are making progress. It does all of that and more. Get your spoons ready – the UK is SERVING!

Teddy M
1 year ago

This is a great draw for the Uk.
Let’s hope this helps mae get the votes she deserves. She will be brilliant in the night.

BlueZone
BlueZone
1 year ago

Producers typically like to have uptempo songs last, so UK will be the perfect show closer. I don’t think it’ll hurt them too much. If anything, it’ll be better than performing in the first half. Especially if the performance and staging is impressive, it will be fresh in voters minds when they come to vote.

Amesc
Amesc
1 year ago

That’s a very good spot for both countries! Especially for the UK, not only because the show will be closed with a banger, but also because it will not be lost or forgotten among other entries that are “loud” (even if they are few)

Sam
Sam
1 year ago

Sometimes closing the show seems to kill a song’s chances and there’s a risk of this happening with the UK now…

CasperDiCaprio
CasperDiCaprio
1 year ago
Reply to  Sam

It worked just fine for Johnny Logan

Darren
Darren
1 year ago
Reply to  CasperDiCaprio

Johnny Logan didn’t perform last either time?

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  Darren

Perhaps he meant when Johnny was an interval act. Or competing in the Castlebar or Charleville Cheese Song Contests.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago
Reply to  Sam

I don’t see why that would affect this song…it would do the opposite as Mae is bringing the party.