Eurovision Song Contest 2019: date, start time, performers & how to watch

9 April 2019, 17:02 | Updated: 17 May 2019, 15:30

The 64th Eurovision Song Contest takes place this weekend, find out which countries have qualified and when and how you can watch the show.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2019 is almost upon us and it will be hosted in Tel Aviv by last year's winners Israel.

The annual competition, which sees eclectic acts from across over 56 member countries battle against each other for the grand prize and the chance to host the ceremony in their own country, will take place this weekend on Saturday 18 May 2019.

Find out everything you need to know about the contest, in which Madonna will give a special performance, including its date, start time and how to watch it. Plus find out who is competing for Great Britain.

When will the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 take place?

This year, the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place on Saturday 18 May 2019 from 8pm BST.

How can I watch or stream the Eurovision Song Contest 2019?

You will be able to watch the marathon show from 8pm on BBC One from or stream it on the BBC iPlayer.

Where is the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 taking place?

This year's competition will take place in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Who is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2019?

British commentary will be provided by Graham Norton, while the show itself will be hosted by two male and two female presenters in Bar Refaeli, Erez Tal, Assi Azar and Lucy Ayoub.

Who will be performing at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019?

Madonna has been confirmed to perform during the interval of the event.

Which countries are competing in the Eurovision Song Contest this year?

According to the Eurovison website, the following 10 countries will participate in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv alongside reigning champion Israel's effort, Kobi Marimi with Home: 

Greece - Katerine Duska with Better Love

Belarus - ZENA with Like It

Serbia - Nevena Božović with Kruna

Cyprus - Tamta with Replay

Estonia - Victor Crone with Storm

Czech Republic - Lake Malawi with Friend Of A Friend

Australia - Kate Miller-Heidke with Zero Gravity

Iceland - Hatari with Hatrið mun sigra

San Marino - Serhat with Say Na Na Na

Slovenia - Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl with Sebi

They will be joined by the "Big Five," which are the countries who are members of the European Broadcasting Union and automatically get through to each contest, below:

Germany - S!sters with Sister
Italy - Mahmood with Soldi
UK - Michael Rice with Bigger Than Us
Spain - Miki with La Venda
France - Bilal Hassani with Roi

Who is competing for the UK?

Britain's Michael Rice will be competing in the final with his Bigger Than Us track.

Watch him perform it here at Eurovision: You Decide:

Eurovision 2019 UK entry Michael Rice reprises 'Bigger Than Us' after You Decide victory - BBC

Who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2018?

Israel's Netta won last year's contest with Toy.

Watch her winning performance here:

Netta - Toy - Israel - LIVE - Grand Final - Eurovision 2018

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