The essentials
- The 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place this Saturday evening in Liverpool (United Kingdom).
- The British are hosting the competition on behalf of Ukraine, winner last year with Kalush Orchestra.
- The France is represented by Quebec singer La Zarra, who performs "Obviously." She moved into 6th position around 21:38 p.m.
- Sweden, represented by Loreen, is the big favorite. The Zarra is currently 6th among bettors.
20:03
Before Zelensky, the previous Yushchenko
This is not the first time that Ukrainian politics has invited itself on the Eurovision scene. In 2005, the country organised Eurovision just a few months after the Orange Revolution, a pro-European democratic movement that brought Viktor Yushchenko to power. The new president then presented the trophy to the winner, Elena Paparizou.
"It was a mistake. The broadcaster, the EBU, then vetoed it, including when Vladimir Putin wanted to do the same, in 2009," Paul Jordan, author of a thesis on the competition, told Franceinfo last year.
20:00
No intervention by Volodymyr Zelensky
He will have done the Oscars, the Cannes Film Festival... But not Eurovision. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has refused the Ukrainian President's request to intervene in a brief message this evening.
"Mr. Zelensky's request ... Although made with laudable intentions, cannot regretfully be accepted as it would break the rules of the event, the EBU explained. One of the pillars of the competition is the non-political nature of the event. This principle prohibits political or similar statements during the contest. »
Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP
19:54
Who represents the France?
This is the moment of truth for Quebecer La Zarra, who dreams of victory this Saturday night at Eurovision, 46 years after the last coronation of the France. After more than six months of preparation, sometimes tumultuous, the singer locked herself in a bubble.
REUTERS/Phil Noble
19:49
An edition hosted on behalf of Ukraine
As a reminder, it was Ukraine that won last year with the song "Stefania" by the group Kalush Orchestra. Due to the war, it was decided that the contest would be relocated to the UK, which came second in 2022.
Ukrainian and British television co-organized this edition.
19:49
Good evening Europe!
Welcome to this live stream to follow the 67th edition of Eurovision, held this year in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
