It’s finally the day – tonight will see the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 take place in Malmö, Sweden – and it is set to be an eventful evening.
There will be 26 countries performing in Sweden, who is hosting the tournament for the first time since 2016 – and will be celebrating 50 years since Scandinavian pop sensations Abba won the contest in 1974.
Olly Alexander will be representing the UK with his song Dizzy,while Ireland’s Bambi Thug have emerged as surprise favourites after making it to their first Eurovision final in six years.
The run-up to Malmö has been clouded in the controversy surrounding the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to allow Israel – represented by Eden Golan – to compete in light of the war in Gaza, with artists taking part – including Olly Alexander – facing calls to boycott the event.
There has been further controversy in the build up as well after Dutch act Joost Klein was banned from performing at dress rehearsals after a probe was launched a probe into an ‘incident’ involving the Netherlands’ entry.
He was then axed from the final entirely while Swedish police continue to investigate a complaint of inappropriate behaviour.
It sets the stage for a tense finalnight for the Eurovision Song Contest, and we’ll be with you through it all as the proceedings kick off on BBC One and iPlayer from 8pm tonight.
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