Former Eurovision winner shares tips for acts ahead of second semi-final in Liverpool
Cheryl Baker won the contest with Bucks Fizz back in 1981
A former UK winner of Eurovision has shared some advice to the acts performing in this year's song contest.
Cheryl Baker, who won the competition with the group Bucks Fizz back in 1981, has spoken to us about the 2023 event in Liverpool.
On Tuesday night, 15 performers took to the stage at the city's M&S Bank Arena - but only 10 made it through to the Grand Final on Saturday.
Another 16 acts will fight for a place in the final on Thursday evening.
Asked what advice she would give to competitors, Cheryl said it's about much more than just the singing:
"It's all about the special effects, it's about the pyrotechnics, it's about the dance routines, it's about the lighting, and about the huge arena
"Everything now at Eurovision is big and brassy and bold and colourful, and I love that, that's what showbiz is all about.
"You have to do the absolute best in all genres, not just the writing of the song and the singing of the song but everything else, so the audience watch and go 'wow that was amazing I want to see it again'"
Thursday's semi-final takes place at 8pm and is expected to be watched by millions of people in Europe and around the world.
The UK, France, Spain, Germany and Italy are known as 'The Big Five' and automatically qualify for the final. Ukraine will join those nations because it won the 2022 contest.