Eurovision 2024 will bring significant changes to its traditional dynamics. For the first time in their history, the Big Five countries – Germany, Spain, France, Italy and the United Kingdom – along with the host country, Sweden, will perform their songs live during the semi-finals of this edition.
“Viewers who tune in to the semi-finals will be able to enjoy an extra element of entertainment – or three, to be more precise!” declared the European Broadcasting Union.
Until now, only a recorded fragment of the performances of these six countries was offered during the semifinals, but in Eurovision 2024 they will appear live at the galas on Tuesday, May 7 and 9 at the Mälmo Arena. However, they will be excluded from the competition for qualifying for the grand final on Sunday, May 11, maintaining their right to vote in this preliminary phase.
Ebba Adielsson, executive producer of Eurovision 2024, commented: “We believe this will give a fairer playing field in the final for the Big Five countries and the host country. It is also a win for both the audience in the stadium and the fans. spectators from their homes, as they will be able to see all the candidates competing this year before the grand final. Martin Österdahl, executive supervisor of the festival, believes that the strategic decision “means more entertainment for fans and spectators.”
In addition, changes have been announced to the voting period in the final. Voting will open just before the first performance of the night begins, allowing viewers to vote as the songs follow each other.
On the other hand, fans from non-participating countries will have about 24 hours to vote for their favorite candidates before each gala.
Eurovision anticipates further changes for this edition, although certain aspects of the mechanics, such as the qualification of the top ten of each semi-final for the final and the presentation of the results, will remain unchanged.
