David Farnor | On 13, May 2023

Tonight’s the night, as 37 countries compete in the world’s biggest music competition broadcast live around the world from Liverpool. Yes, the UK is hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, following the victory of Ukraine in 2022 – and after two semi-finals during the week, the grand final takes place at 8pm on Saturday 13th May.

Mae Muller is singing for the UK, hoping to live up to Sam Ryder’s success last year, when he came in second place. On stage to present the grand final will be Graham Norton, Alesha Dixon, Emmy Award-winning actress, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer-songwriter, and frontwoman of The Hardkiss, Julia Sanina.

Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc will take turns to commentate for viewers at home, while Scott and Rylan will be commentating on BBC Radio 2.

But while 37 countries have competed in total this year, only 26 got through to the grand final, which means you’ll have missed out on several bangers and curious from the two semi-finals during the week, if you’re only tuning in for Saturday night.

Fortunately, we’re here to single out the highlights of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest so far, picking out the 16 best songs from the semi-finals, all of which are available in perpetuity on YouTube. Read on below to get a taste of what’s in store for this evening’s final, plus the best of what you won’t get to see. (For a full list of who qualified and who didn’t, click here.)

Who The Hell Is Edgar? by Teya & Salena – Austria

“There’s a ghost in my body and he’s a lyricist.” Sometimes, you only need the first line of a song to know you’ve got an instant Eurovision classic. If you like Edgar Allan Poe, even more so.

We Are One by Wild Youth – Ireland

Earnest singing? Check. Sweet sentiment? Check. Gold jumpsuit? Check and check.

Ai Coração by Mimicat – Portugal

Lady Gaga meets Abba in this foot-stamping ditty that’s entertainingly energetic.

Cha Cha Cha by Käärijä – Finland

When a bloke appears on a stage trapped in a giant wooden box, you know you’re in for a memorable time. Especially when that bloke starts rapping in a neon green top.

Mama ŠČ! by Let 3 – Croatia

If you think the hats, moustaches and coats are something special, wait until you see what’s underneath them.

Because of You by Gustaph – Belgium

There’s a catchy beat to this impressively sung anthem – but you’ll mostly be watching so you can work out where he bought that hat.

Break a Broken Heart by Andrew Lambrou – Cyprus

How do you make a falsetto voice better? Add fire. Lots and lots of fire.

Promise by Voyager – Australia

Tim Minchin’s evil cousin shows Australia has a dark side with this rock number that builds up to a killer guitar and keytar solo.

Blood & Glitter by Lord of the Lost – Germany

This year’s audition for Mad Max: Fury Road’s sequel. Yes, there’s also fire.

My Sister’s Crown by Vesna – Czechia

This empowering anthem has the strongest ponytail action of this year’s tournament.

Heart of Steel by TVORCHI – Ukraine

Say hello to the best use of a video screen in this year’s competition.

Samo Mi Se Spava by Luke Black – Serbia

Timothee Chalamet finds a surprising new career in this bizarre sci-fi odyssey that just keeps getting weirder.

Dance (Our Own Party) by The Busker – Malta

If you’ve ever had to put cardboard cut-outs out at a party to make it look like you have friends, you’ll relate to this funky number, which also has cheesy fake car driving, video game-style graphics, 90s-tastic knitwear and a saxophone. What more could you want?

Unicorn by Noa Kirel – Israel

Inception meets Nicolas Winding Refn in this head-spinningly neon pop bop that goes full Blackpink in its stomping final act. You won’t expect it, even when you know it’s coming.

Évidemment by La Zarra – France

The world’s tallest sparkling dress is just the tip of the sassy iceberg with this gloriously, unapologetically French bop. Attitude aplenty.

Queen of Kings by Alessandra – Norway

If Flash Gordon was a Broadway veteran, you’d end up with something like this oddly enchanting number that gives you an idea of what airport runway workers do in their spare time.

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