Eurovision Song Contest 2015 is up and running and the countdown is on to the grand final this weekend.
The first semi-finals took place last night and the second semi-finals take place tomorrow and then the moment we’re all waiting for, the grand final, takes place on Saturday.
Who is representing the UK and who is most likely to win? We try to answer those and any other questions you may have about Eurovision 2015…
Where is Eurovision 2015 being hosted?
This year’s event is taking place at the stunning Wiener Stadhalle in Vienna, Austria.
Austria won the right to host Eurovision after Conchita Wurst brought home the trophy with her Rise Like A Phoenix from Copenhagen last year.
2015 will be the second time Vienna has hosted the contest.
Who is competing?
- A total of 27 countries, from an original 40, will qualify for the Eurovision 2015 final.
- Austria automatically qualify as the reigning champions and this year’s hosts.
- UK, Spain, France, Germany and Italy all also automatically qualify for the final as the five biggest financial contributors to Eurovision.
- Australia will compete as a guest nation to celebrate the contest’s 60th anniversary.
- Serbia, Armenia, Belgium, Greece, Estonia, Hungary, Russia, Albania, Romania and Georgia all progressed from semi-final one to the Saturday night’s final.
- Another 10 countries will qualify from semi final two to join the party.
Who is representing the UK at Eurovision 2015?
Musical duo Electro Velvet will try to win the title for the UK with their entry Still in Love With You.
The newly formed Electro Velvet consists of of Alex Larke (35), and Bianca Nicholas (26).
Why are Australia entering?
Australia are taking part in this year’s Eurovision as a one-off celebration to mark the contest’s 60th anniversary.
They will be represented by Australian Idol winner, Guy Sebastian.
What time does it start?
The show will start at 7pm and run until 10.35pm by which time we will know who has the greatest singing voice in Europe… well, or Australia…
Who will win Eurovision?
Italy, Russia and Sweden are expected to fight it out for the Eurovision crown, while visitors Australia will also pose a challenge.
Sweden (shown in the video above) have been installed as 2/1 favourites with the bookies, while the UK effort is ranked an 80/1 outsider by most bookmakers.