13 May 2023 , 19:00
708
0
The Eurovision Song Contest is back for 2023 - with a brand new voting system.
The show is being broadcasted live from Liverpool, England tonight. The UK, having placed second last year, are hosting this year's contest on behalf of Ukraine, whose Kalush Orchestra won last year.
There has been another change this year, and for the first time, there will be a Rest of the World vote, allowing everyone to participate in the voting - no matter where you are. The usual Eurovision juries are still in the mix too but this time they only get a chance to vote in the final rather than in the semi-finals too.
The Eurovision Song Contest is being broadcasted from the UK this weekend (AFP via Getty Images)The Jury votes from each country who has participated in the contest will be combined with the public vote to help choose the winner, but for the first time, the rest of the world will get a chance to have their say too.
Those watching the show from a non-participating country will be able to vote using a secure online platform. These votes from the rest of the world will all be combined and the votes will give the same weight as one participating country.
John Lydon loses bid to represent Ireland in Eurovision with song honouring wife
How to vote from the UK?
Those based in the UK can vote as usual through phone and SMS - as well as with the official app and official website.
The Kalush Orchestra, representing Ukraine, won last year's contest (Getty Images)The app is available on both IOS and Android, with the telephone and / or SMS numbers being revealed during the final and will be shown on the screens with the various charges (if applicable) at the time of broadcast.
After all the songs have been performed, the voting will then open for a period before the hosts announce when it is closed.
What time is the winner announced?
Mae Muller is representing the UK (SplashNews.com)The show begins at 8pm, with 26 acts to perform across the night. It is likely that the last performance - which happens to be the UK's entry Mae Muller - will take place between 10pm and 10.30pm, but of course it is live TV so things could change.
The votes will then take place, with the broadcast ending at midnight. It is therefore expected that the winner will be announced between 11pm and midnight, but there are a lot of countries to register their vote so this could be delayed.
Whoever wins, it will be a great Grand Final as the countries battle it out to be crowned the Eurovision champion for 2023.