The 'most loved' Eurovision country has been revealed

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 is nearly upon us, with the Semi Finals taking place on 9th and 11th May and the Grand Final taking place on 13th May. Now, as we're just days away we thought it was rather appropriate to find out which country is the continent's 'most loved' when it comes to Eurovision songs.

Throughout the years that Eurovision has been around there have been some fantastic songs such as the UK winner Buck's Fizz with 'Making Your Mind Up', or Sweden's winner from ABBA in the shape of 'Waterloo'.

In 2022 alone, there were more than 161 million viewers tuning in to see the competition, which ended with Ukraine winning the crown, and the UK's Sam Ryder receiving a very respectable second place with 283 points. That gave Sam the third-highest jury vote score in Eurovision history.

Totting up the points handed out in each Eurovision final, the music and behavioural science experts at Startle have released the Top 5 most loved countries, and the UK is ranked pretty high up!

While here in the UK we do have an advantage, being part of the Big Five, that always get a place in the Grand Final, some other countries do particularly well, despite having to battle it out in the Semis.

Although they have never won the competition, Bulgaria has an impressive average, with Kristian Kostov receiving the highest score (615 points) ever for Bulgaria in 2017.

Whilst the UK has been competing since 1957, Ukraine are relative newcomers with just 19 performances under their belt, but a massive 17 appearances in the final, with Kalush Orchestra picking up the win in 2022.

This year's Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Liverpool, hosted by Hannah Waddingham, Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina. Eurovision favourite Graham Norton, will also join the line-up commentating, with Mel Giedoryc of Bake Off fame.

This year's UK contestant is Mae Muller performing her song 'I Wrote a Song'.

Take a look at some of the most watched Eurovision performances of all time:

Now read:

Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Everything we know so far

Who is Sam Ryder? Everything you need to know about the UK's Eurovision star

Mae Muller announced as UK's Eurovision 2023 entry

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.

• eurovision