When are the Eurovision semi-finals? Air date, acts, running order, voting details and more
Who will make it to the big final?
After being forced to take the year off last year, we are all thrilled that Eurovision 2021 will be going ahead and we already have our snacks and drinks ready for the big night.
But before the final starts, we have the semi-finals to enjoy where all but the 'big five' and last year's winner will duke it out to take to the stage on grand final night.
But which acts are competing in the semi-finals, when do they take place, and what order will they be performing in?
We've got you covered with all the information you need below.
When are the Eurovision 2021 semi-finals?
We have two semi-final events to look forward to before we get to learn who is in the final. They will be taking place a few days before the grand final itself.
The first semi-final will air on Tuesday May 18th at 8pm on BBC Four, and the second will be with us two days later on Thursday May 20th, also at 8pm on BBC Four.
How to watch the Eurovision 2021 semi-finals
While the main event will be on BBC One, the BBC have decided not to give up an extra two nights on the main channel for the semi-finals of the contest and will air them on BBC Four instead.
We don't care where they air as long as we get to watch them!
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Who are the acts in the Eurovision 2021 semi-finals?
The 'big five' countries automatically have a place in the final and they are the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Another one that goes straight through is the host nation which this year is The Netherlands.
So that leaves the rest to battle it out to join them and here is the full list of who they are and what songs they will be performing!
- Albania- Anxela Peristeri performing 'Karma'
- Australia - Montaigne performing 'Technicolour'
- Austria - Vincent Bueno performing 'Amen'
- Azerbaijan - Efendi performing 'Mata Hari'
- Belgium - Hooverphonic performing 'The Wrong Place'
- Bulgaria - Victoria performing 'Growing Up is Getting Old'
- Croatia - Damir Kedžo performing 'Tick-Tock'
- Cyprus - Sandro performing 'El Diablo'
- Czech Republic - Benny Cristo performing 'omaga'
- Denmark - Fyr og Flame performing 'Øve os på hinanden'
- Estonia - Uku Suviste performing 'The Lucky One'
- Finland - Blind Channel performing 'Looking Back'
- Georgia - Tornike Kipiani performing 'You'
- Greece - Stefania performing 'Last Dance'
- Iceland - Daði & Gagnamagnið performing '10 Years'
- Ireland - Lesley Roy performing 'Maps'
- Israel - Eden Alene performing 'Set Me Free'
- Latvia - Samanta Tīna performing 'The Moon is Rising'
- Lithuania - The Roop performing 'Discoteque'
- Malta - Destiny Chukunyere performing 'Je Me Casse'
- Moldova - Natalia Gordienko performing 'Sugar'
- North Macedonia - Vasil performing 'Here I stand'
- Norway - Tix performing 'Fallen Angel'
- Poland - Rafal performing 'The Ride'
- Portugal - The Black Mamba performing 'Love Is on My Side'
- Romania - Roxen performing 'Amnesia'
- Russia - Manizha performing 'Russian Woman'
- San Marino - Senhit performing 'Adrenalina!'
- Serbia - Hurricane performing 'Loco Loco'
- Slovenia - Ana Soklič performing 'Amen'
- Sweden - Tusse performing 'Voices'
- Switzerland - Gjon’s Tears performing 'Tout l’univers'
- Ukraine - Go_A performing 'Shum'
Eurovision 2021 semi-finals running order
As mentioned, the semi-final is split across two nights and here is the running order for each, with Lithuania kicking off the whole contest this year!
Eurovision first semi-final running order:
- Lithuania
- Slovenia
- Russia
- Sweden
- Australia
- North Macedonia
- Ireland
- Cyprus
- Norway
- Croatia
- Belgium
- Israel
- Romania
- Azerbaijan
- Ukraine
- Malta
Eurovision second semi-final running order:
- Estonia
- Czech Republic
- Greece
- Austria
- Poland
- Moldova
- Iceland
- Serbia
- Georgia
- Albania
- Portugal
- Bulgaria
- Finland
- Latvia
- Switzerland
- Denmark
How do you vote in Eurovision?
Here in the UK, we will just be spectators in the semi-finals for Eurovision as we go straight through to the final. (See how many times the UK has won Eurovision before.)
The nations who are competing will be able to vote from their homes on the night their act performs and they do so via the website or the Eurovision app. We'll get out chance to cast some votes on the night of the grand final.
The Eurovision Song contest 2021 will air on the BBC this May. Check out the full list of Eurovision winners here. If you're looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide. Visit our Entertainment hub for all the latest news.
