05/10/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/09/2022 18:05
Italy will play host to the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 following their victory in 2021 in Rotterdam with Måneskin who performed 'Zitti E Buoni'. This year marks the 66th edition of the competition and 40 countries will be competing.
The UK's Eurovision entrant is TikTok sensation and singer-songwriter Sam Ryder, who's ready to rock Turin with his song SPACE MAN.
"I'm excited," he says. "I'm trying to be focused about it and just getting nice and practiced singing wise and getting in the right headspace for it. It's really hectic in the lead up, so I think it's important just to try and find that focus and balance, and just remember that it's all about the singing, three minutes of singing!"
And just FYI, his dream Eurovision collaboration involves Abba and Lordi. Find out more about that - and how he's feeling about the Grand Final - here.
Rylan and Scott Mills have got you covered on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday 10 and Thursday 14 May from 8pm. They'll be overseeing proceedings as 35 countries compete for their place in the Grand Final.
We caught up with them to find out what to expect from their Italian adventure.
Graham Norton's taking charge for his 13th year at the helm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 14 May while Ken Bruce will be broadcasting live on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
They've been telling us what to expect on the big night in Turin.
But that's not all - there's a wide range of Eurovision programming to enjoy across the BBC throughout the week. Learn more about it here.
As one of the Big Five countries (United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Italy), the United Kingdom does not have to qualify from the semi-final stage of the competition and will gain automatic access to the Grand Final. Italy, as well as being in the Big Five, are guaranteed a place in the final due to them being hosts this year.
During Thursday's semi-final, UK viewers will be able to vote for their favourites. 10 acts from each semi-final will make it through to Saturday's Grand Final. You can find out more about voting from the UK here.
The result of the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest will be determined by a 50/50 vote. 50% of the votes come from the televoting in each participating country and the other 50% of votes will come from a group of five music professionals from each of the 40 countries taking part.
Good evening Europe, Salford calling! AJ Odudu's on hand to deliver the results of the UK jury vote on the big night and she'll be doing it from the North West!
And if that's not enough Eurovision excitement for you, don't forget to follow BBC Eurovision on Twitter(@bbceurovision), Instagram (bbceurovision) and Facebook (BBC Eurovision). And head to bbc.co.uk/eurovision for further information and even more Eurovision magic.