A brief history…
Following the rebuilding of war-torn Europe in the 1950s, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) launched Eurovision as a project to unite the European countries with a light entertainment programme. Nowadays, Eurovision is the longest running annual international TV song competition. Since beginning in 1956, it has been one of the most watched events all over the world, continuously reaching over a few hundred million viewers worldwide. Notable winners who have built successful worldwide careers after winning the competition include ABBA (1974) and Celine Dion (1988).
What Happened Last Year?
Portugal won Eurovision 2017
The Eurovision Song Contest 2017 took place in Kiev, Ukraine, after Ukraine had one the 2016 contest in Sweden. Salvador Sobral of Portugal won the competition with the song “Amar pelos dois” (Loving for Both of US). In 53 years of participation, this was Portugal’s first win, and also the first time Portugal had been placed in the top five!
This Year – When and Where?
As Portugal won the competition in 2017, this year the 63rd edition of the annual contest will be held in Lisbon! The contest will be held at the Altice Arena and will consist of two semi-finals on the 8th and 10th of May. The final is scheduled to be held on the 12th of May. 43 countries will participate including Russia, who were absent last year.
Who is tipped to win?
This year, Israel is tipped to win with their song “Toy,” with odds at 6/4. Then followed by Bulgaria and Czech Republic. Unfortunately, Portugal are unlikely to win with the odds at 66/1 against them. San Marino, Slovenia, Iceland and Montenegro are all joint least favourites to win at 500/1. A combination of votes from each participating country and also a general vote made by the viewers watching decides the winner.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2018 will begin at 20:00 on Tuesday 8th of May. It will end on Saturday 12th of May. Be sure to tune in and vote for your winner!!
check out more at: https://eurovision.tv/
