Eurovision bosses announce HUGE voting changes for 2023 contest

Now that the world knows the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Liverpool next year, after Glasgow narrowly missed out back in October, excitement is heating up for the huge contest on Saturday 13th May.

Although details have so far been sparse about the 2023 contest, including tickets or acts, bosses have now given fans a major update about the voting system.

How does voting work in the Eurovision Song Contest?

For the first time in Eurovision history, countries across the rest of the world will be able to take part in voting during the finals, with the European Broadcasting Union also confirming that only viewer votes will count in the semi finals.

In past years, a mix of both viewer and jury votes have concluded which countries make it through to the final.

Martin Osterdahl, Eurovision’s Executive Supervisor, said: "Throughout its 67-year history the Eurovision Song Contest has constantly evolved to remain relevant and exciting.

"These changes acknowledge the immense popularity of the show by giving more power to the audience of the world’s largest live music event.

"In 2023 only Eurovision Song Contest viewers will decide which countries make it to the Grand Final and, reflecting the global impact of the event, everyone watching the show, wherever they live in the world, can cast their votes for their favourite songs.

"By also involving juries of music professionals in deciding the final result, all the songs in the Grand Final can be assessed on the broadest possible criteria."

Check out the most watched Eurovision performances of all time on YouTube:

Following Ukraine's victory at the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year, the decision was made that the 2023 contest would take place in the UK, after Sam Ryder finished in second place with his track 'Space Man'.

After the EBU announced a shortlist of seven UK cities, they later confirmed Liverpool had won the bid to host Eurovision 2023.

2022 winners Kalush Orchestra said at the time: 'We are very pleased that next year’s Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Liverpool. Though we haven’t had the privilege of visiting yet, the musical heritage of the city is known all over the world. Playing in the same place that The Beatles started out will be a moment we’ll never forget!

'Although we are sad that next year’s competition cannot take place in our homeland, we know that the people of Liverpool will be warm hosts and the organisers will be able to add a real Ukrainian flavour to Eurovision 2023 in this city.'

More information about the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest is expected in the coming months.

The Eurovision Song Contest final will take place on Saturday 13th May 2023.

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

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• Eurovision Song Contest
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