The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 has been kicked off its 68th edition in Malmö, Sweden. Eurovision 2024 began in the Swedish city of Malmo on Sunday when 37 contenders walked the "Turquoise Carpet" amid heightened security and calls for boycotts due to Israel's participation.
The 68th version of the song contest, which is always billed as non-political, is taking place against the backdrop of the devastating Israeli military campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Much focus is expected to be on Israeli contestant Eden Golan, when she performs her song "Hurricane" in the second semi-final on Thursday, with bookmakers placing the entry among the top 10 to win the competition.
Eurovision 2023 winner country
Sweden stood victorious at the 2023 contest with Loreen's captivating performance of "Tattoo".
Eurovision 2024 schedule
Scheduled to span across three nights, the contest will kick off with semi-finals on May 7th and May 9th, leading up to the grand final showdown on May 11th, 2024.
Eurovision contest presenters
Esteemed presenters Petra Mede and Malin Åkerman are set to grace the stage, with Mede returning to her hosting duties after her previous stints in 2013 and 2016.
Eurovision 2024 tickets
Eurovision 2024 tickets can be purchased HERE.
How many countries are participating in Eurovision 2024?
A total of 37 countries are poised to participate in this year's event, with Luxembourg marking a triumphant return after a 31-year hiatus since 1993. Meanwhile, Romania has opted out of participation after its appearance the previous year.
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Criticism on Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision
Controversy brews over the inclusion of Israel in the lineup, given the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict. This contentious decision has sparked protests and petitions calling for Israel's removal from the competition, prompting organizers to bolster security measures for the event.
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Malmö – Sweden’s cultural hub
Set against the backdrop of Malmö, Sweden's cultural hub, the contest will unfold at the Malmö Arena, a renowned venue that previously hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013. With its capacity to accommodate 15,500 spectators, the arena promises to provide an electrifying atmosphere for the musical spectacle.
Malmö will play host to a myriad of side events, including the Eurovision Village at Folkets Park and the EuroClub at Malmö Live. The city will also feature a special "Eurovision Street" along Friisgatan, offering an array of music performances and festivities for fans and visitors alike.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is primed to unite music lovers from across Europe.
Eurovision 2024: All Songs - Official Music Videos
The Israeli delegation did not attend the carpet on Sunday due to Holocaust Memorial Day in Israel, said Swedish broadcaster SVT, which co-organises the contest with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Israel agreed to modify the lyrics of its original song "October Rain", which the EBU said made reference to the Oct. 7 Hamas onslaught.
A child sits on a sign, ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo, Sweden May 4, 2024. TT News Agency/Johan Nilsson/via REUTERS/ File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
The contest comprises three live shows, with half a dozen countries having a shot at the title this year, according to fans and bookmakers.
Sweden's Loreen won the 2023 competition in Liverpool, northern England, with her song "Tattoo", granting the Nordic country an automatic entry into next Saturday's grand final.
The "Big Five" of the EBU - the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy - are also automatically given a spot in the final, while the other contenders will compete in semi-finals for the remaining places.
It will be the seventh time Sweden is hosting the song contest after last doing so in 2016, and the third time Malmo will stage the competition.
Sweden's participants for this year, twins Marcus & Martinus, were drawn in March to open the final with their dance pop song "Unforgettable".
