The following is a press release from the BBC.
We’re sounding the Eurovision news klaxon to reveal which Ukrainian and UK artists are performing in our Semi-Final shows live from Liverpool!
Rita Ora, Rebecca Ferguson, Mariya Yaremchuk, OTOY, Alyosha, Zlata Dziunka and more will be treating us to incredible live performances on stage in front of a global audience of millions.
Semi-Final 1 interval performances
To mark the start of the Eurovision Song Contest, Semi-Final 1 will open with host Julia Sanina performing part of ‘Маяк’ by her band The Hardkiss.Translating from the Ukrainian for ‘Lighthouse’, this performance – forming part of an incredibly powerful opening act – will symbolise in many ways how the UK is ‘United by Music’ with Ukraine through hosting the 2023 Contest on behalf of the 2022 winners.
Broadcast on Tuesday 9th May, Semi-Final 1’s interval sees global superstar Rita Ora deliver a show-stopping medley of some of her biggest hits. Holding the record for the most top 10 singles in the Official Charts by a British female artist and having accumulated 10 billion streams, Rita will also perform the world exclusive of her brand-new single Praising You to millions watching across the globe.
Ukrainian singer Alyosha – who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2010 – will perform alongside Liverpool’s very own critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter, Rebecca Ferguson. Like many Ukrainian women in 2022, Alyosha was forced to leave her country and loved ones behind to seek refuge; Alyosha will share her personal journey through a new, haunting arrangement of British musical heavyweight Duran Duran’s ‘Ordinary World’. Creatively led and produced by Freckled Sky and TRI.Direction, in partnership with BBC Studios and UA:PBC, Alyosha and Rebecca will tell a story of hope, courage, and support for the people of Ukraine from across the world.
Semi-Final 2 interval performances
‘Music Unites Generations’ explores the connection between generations of Ukrainians and the music they love. Mariya Yaremchuk, who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2014, leads a contemporary montage of some of the most well-known pieces of music from the country. As we travel through time, the piece ends with a stunning collaborative performance from rapper OTOY, 14-year-old Ukrainian Junior Eurovision representative Zlata Dziunka, and Mariya. Together, they show that for generations of Ukrainians, music is the light that overcomes darkness.
Also in the interval, a performance called ‘Be Who You Wanna Be’ celebrates how Eurovision is a place for everyone – no matter who you are. Three extraordinary drag performers lead into a jaw-dropping routine of high-end pop performances along with a troupe of eclectic dancers. They represent the huge spectrum of fans – regardless of age, nationality, or background – who revel in being a part of Eurovision every year. With a medley of fabulous songs and incredible staging, it’ll be a performance that viewers remember!
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, says: “There won’t be a moment to miss during these very entertaining and very tense Semi-Finals. “Good luck to all the countries involved as they compete for a place in what’s going to be an unforgettable Grand Final.”
The Drag content a part of the LGBT community was looking for in Eurovision desperately. There has to be one of that, obviously. This comment might be controversial… I mean, I’m ok if the performance really delivers and is blent in a way it makes sense, but it’s pretty clear it doesn’t help when it comes to open up Eurovision to everyone out there. And it’s not a matter of being “whatever”-phobe, it is more about how Eurovision is turning into a gay bait show just for the community. I understand Eurovision is a safe zone and a meeting point… Read more »
How exactly does drag stop people from watching? There is nothing to be scared of. The public are welcome to enjoy it as much as anyone else.
There is however a culture war happening even in Europe where drag shows are now a battlefield!
Soon that notion BBC can be seen as making a movie showing that it is nothing.
This can be a chance for the ignorant to learn, then… education.
What is hypocrite Rina Turn down do Eurovision your county needs uou 2009 years she’s been slagging off the contest now it’s in Liverpool using it to promote a new single what a disgraceful human being
I would not go that far, after all she has done very well with her decisions. But yes, she is in the Amanda Holden mould. Don’t support the contest yet take the cash / publicity when it comes your way.
OMG Alyosha AND Mariya Yaremchuk ??! I’m so hyped !
Rita Ora, Alyosha, Mariya Yaremchuk… sounds cool! The had me at Rebecca Ferguson, as my first instinct was: ”Wait, the star of Mission Impossible and Dune is also a singer? And isn’t she Swedish?” Then I discovered that there’s another famous Rebecca Ferguson. Each day you live, you learn. 🙂
Rita who?
I would prefer Dua Lipa
We’re preserving that for Tirana 2025
If FIK would pick something as good as Evita for 2024, sure. With entries like Duje and Sekret, I’m not feeling Tirana as the host city just yet.
What do you guys think about Blanka’s revamp? It’s kinda become even gayer despite being the gayest bop from the start 😀
Rita Ora 14 years after pulling out on Andrew Lloyd Webber to represent UK saying it wasn’t her thing she now decides to grace the Eurovision stage in the sunset of her career mmm! Bring on Sonia.
Sunset of her career? She’s only 32.
So…?
I mean, it’s not inaccurate, she hasn’t had a hit song in years
Finally, I’m glad we’re seeing BIG talent from the home countries as an interval act again.
It should be a tradition to have a star-studded lineup showcasing the home country’s greatest and most popular artists every year. Now, I know Rita Ora isn’t exactly big worldwide, but I believe she’s a household name in the UK, everyone knows her.
I think Rebecca Ferguson is a fantastic choice as the host city act. I presume she won’t perform one of her own songs, but something regarding the fact that Liverpool is hosting.
So excited for Alyosha and Mariya!!
OT: And a man in the hamster wheel…
Just hope it’s not Verka, who I’m sick to the back teeth of.
I hope the Beatles are at the final!
I hope the two remaining Beatles are there, or at least one of them, but if not – no Beatles stuff at all. No fakes allowed.
What about Paul and Ringo with a John and George holograms??
No, thank you. I can only stomach holograms if the people are still alive, like ABBA.
I’d like to see what they did at Festival da Canção and have a look at non-Beatles Liverpool music such as Frankie Goes To Hollywood. I also hope that The Brotherhood of Man will be there as they are the only UK winners who are intact as a group and / or have not slagged off the contest.
I hope the “jaw-dropping drag routine” is really that good and not just a Drag Race copy paste…
Most likely the Frock Destroyers so would be pretty great.
Most likely? the United Kingdolls were formed during a Eurovision challenge! Have em’ both I say.
I don’t think that they are actually a thing tho. The Frock Destroyers are actually an accomplished act that topped charts with original songs after the show. United Kingdolls were just them doing the challenge together.
At least Rita Ora will be at Eurovision somehow so I really can’t wait to see her!
Love Rita!!! yessss!!!
BTW Noa Kirel shared that the Eurovision performance will not be too colorful and happy, but more serious and dramatic, lots of movements, use of screens and her outfit will not be colorful with sparkels, she said that “the song is not a cute and happy song, It’s a statement!“. She wants to bring art to the stage that will make you say “WOW!”.
I’m interested to see already!
Sounds like Israel is sabotaging Nos at this point, my dear Ritoli
Ritoli , not everything is about Noa Kirel. World is not spinning around her
I love that we all collectively agree that this is just Ritoli lol
I was hoping that it wouldn’t be so much about the war, it was a downer for that 2020 show too when it was about covid instead of trying to have fun.
Getting Rita Ora is huge, though I remember she didn’t have the best opinion about ESC after she participated in the pre-selection in 2009.
And that drag act won’t bring back Hungary or Turkey anytime soon for sure, if there’s any hope for them at all.
Rita Ora’s huge?!? Really?!
That’s Hungary and Turkey’s loss, not ours.
If they don’t agree with the values of the contest , they don’t need to return. We’re fine.
Where is Sonia!
Great to hear Rebecca Ferguson will be performing, and representing Liverpool, as an interval act. The duet sounds really nice. Hopefully she can showcase a taste of her own music too, she has some great songs.
Doing my best HauteLeMode “voice” – Rita Ora, why are you here? Great to see Rebecca Ferguson will be there, though. Surely there could’ve been one or two more Liverpudlian acts, or did they all just say no?
Honestly, I’d LOVE to see Apollo 440 doing something. Doubt that’ll happen though lol
Lmaoo love that
Loooove that Rebecca Ferguson is going to be on it, she’s brilliant
Love that Rebecca is there
The Drag Queens really are bring that 2000s era cringe to Eurovision 2023
You can’t know that until you see it.
Oh wow, I love every single one of them! UK will be the best host of the decade, calling it. The show will blow off the roof
Even the interval acts for the semi finals are Semi 1 heavy
Funniest comment on here all week