Everything you need to know about Eurovision Song Contest 2019 explained

The Eurovision song contest is back and if the past year’s performances are anything to go by, we’re in for one hell of a ride!

41 participants from 41 countries will head to last year’s winner and this year’s host city Tel Aviv, where contestants from the wacky, to the well very wacky, will compete for the crown.

But how much do you really know about the show and what can we expect this year?

The Eurovision Song Contest 2019 will take place from May 14 to 18, 2019.

Semi-Finals will take place in Tel Aviv on May 14 and May 16.

The Grand Final will take place on May 18.

What is the UK's song for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019?
Former X Factor contestant and winner of BBC's All Together Now Michael Rice, 21, has been picked to represent us in the contest this year.

He will travel to Tel Aviv, Isreal in May to sing the song Bigger Than Us.

Talking to the BBC, Michael said: "Bigger Than Us is about love, coming together, it's a really powerful song. You just connect with it. It's all about emotion."

Why is Eurovision being held in Tel Aviv?
It's because Israel's Netta Barzilai won 2018 and the event traditionally moves to the winner's country.

The Israeli government had talked about moving the show to Jerusalem to avoid backlash over America recognising the latter city as its capital.

But a Eurovision spokesperson said they decided on Tel Aviv in the end for its “creative and compelling bid”.

Mayor Ron Huldai commented: “Eurovision is a perfect fit for our city, which has been internationally acclaimed for its vibrant energy, creative spirit, its lively cultural scene and its celebration of freedom.

“We are looking forward to host a joyful and nonstop event in the spirit of Tel Aviv.”

When is Eurovision 2019 and why is the Song Contest being held in Tel Aviv this year?:

What’s the running order for the first Eurovision 2019 semi-final, which countries got through the semi-finals and when will the UK perform?:

How to watch Eurovision 2019: Dates, times and channels for the song contest finals:

When is Eurovision 2019 and why is Israel hosting the Song Contest?:

Rylan Clark-Neal is revealed as the UK’s voting spokesperson at Eurovision 2019:

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[thesun]

What topic would you like to see explained next week?

[Drabbo]

Eurovision? Hosted in Tel Aviv in the Middle East? MAKES SENSE

[deadpanbarry]

The late great commentator Terry Wogan treated the Eurovision like it comedic advent to be laughed along with and at.

[rowan]

The UK literally had NO competition, they became last whoops

[wobblewobble]

Let's make the Eurovision great again!!

[zanealam]

Parasites colony is the Worst place for this event

[bobdosomething]

The Eurovision song Contest was never about singing, rather just another propaganda tool for introducing a federal Europe state.

[ArrowValley]

Rather watch the International Paint Drying Championship then this garbage.
It’s not about good music (last years dreadful winning song is proof of that) but just about politics and who has the most neighbours they can vote for.

[Ravedaze.]

Thanks for reminding me NOT to watch this utter crap 👍