Eurovision Explained: How the Show Comes Together

Eurovision: how it works

The Eurovision Song Contest captures a universe of mystery through its intricate song regulations, along with the structure of semifinals, jury assessments, and voting processes that prolong the suspense until a champion emerges.

Tourists snap photos with the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 mascot named "Lumo" before the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, on May 3, 2025.

(Copyright: Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP TO ACCOMPANY THE AFP STORY)

Here is a look at how the competition is put together, how artists are chosen and how the voting system works:

- Organisers -

The competition is organised by the European Broadcasting Union, the world's biggest public service media alliance.

Founded in 1950, the EBU has 113 member organisations in 56 countries, plus 31 associates in Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Americas.

Combined, they have access to an audience totaling over one billion individuals.

- Hosts -

Winners host the following year's competition. Switzerland won the right to host the 2025 edition after Swiss vocalist Nemo triumphed at Malmo in 2024 with "The Code". Basel was selected to stage the event.

- Who takes part? -

Contestants are chosen by representatives of EBU-member TV stations from each participating nation.

The choice of both the song and the performing artist may occur via televised national selection programs, an internal selection procedure, or a combined approach for selecting songs along with their performers.

This year, participation includes 37 nations: out of these, 31 compete in the semi-finals, with 26 advancing to perform at the grand finale on May 17.

Even though it is not located in Europe, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation holds membership with the European Broadcasting Union. Israel made its debut in 1973 and has emerged victorious four times since then.

Australia's SBS is an associate member and has been invited to join in since 2015, with Eurovision popular Down Under.

- Who does not? -

Unhappy with voting changes, Turkey pulled out after 2012.

The Belarusian state broadcaster was suspended from the EBU in 2021 after repeatedly submitting songs disqualified for being overtly political.

The EBU's Russian members were suspended following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Vatican Radio is an EBU founding member but has never entered Eurovision.

- The rules -

Given there are 26 acts to get on and off the set, songs must be under three minutes long, and no more than six performers can be on stage.

The lead vocals must be live, performed to a pre-recorded backing track.

Songs must be original, and since 1999 can be in any language. The lyrics and performances must avoid political, commercial or offensive content.

- Big Five -

Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain form the so-called Big Five. The main financial backers of the competition are duly given guaranteed places in the final, along with the hosts.

The idea of The Big Four was initiated in 2000, and Italy expanded this group in 2011.

The semi-finals took the place of the former relegation system in 2004.

Eurovision enthusiasts discussed whether automatic qualification for the finale was beneficial or detrimental: these nations have triumphed just twice this century, and participating in a semi-final aids performers in preparing themselves, potentially gaining traction with audiences as well.

Starting from last year, both the Big Five countries and the host nation also have the opportunity to compete in the semi-finals.

- Semi-finals -

The leftover participating countries are divided between two semifinals. There will be fifteen countries competing in the first semifinal on Tuesday, followed by sixteen nations in the second semifinal on Thursday.

The highest 10 scorers from each semi-final advance to the finale on May 17.

Viewers' votes from the participating nations in each semi-final determine which contestants advance. The scoring system is not used.

- Participating in the finale vote -

Each of the 37 involved nations has the opportunity to cast a vote in the finale.

There are two groups of points, equally weighted, originating from each nation.

One set is given by a jury of five music industry professionals, who vote in advance after watching the second dress rehearsal.

The other set is given on the night by viewers voting via telephone, text message or the official app.

Each gives a maximum 12 points to their favourite act, 10 to their second favourite, then 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 in declining order.

The rest of the world also has a viewer online vote, counting as an additional voting country.

Countries cannot vote for themselves.

- Winner -

Each country's jury votes are revealed in turn, with only the maximum 12 points recipient announced verbally.

Advancing to the next phase, the total number of points from all 38 audience votes is calculated for every contestant. These scores are subsequently revealed individually, beginning with the lowest rank according to the jury’s decision — thus prolonging the excitement right through to the final announcement.

The victor is awarded a trophy and has the opportunity to perform their song once more.

The nation will have the entitlement to host Eurovision 2026.

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