While the European Union prizes uniformity and technical consensus, the Eurovision Song Contest celebrates difference and emotion â with brutal competition, a colossal volume of glitter and an LED light spectacular thrown in for free.
Itâs the worldâs largest non-sporting event, generating both undying devotion and derision in equal measure.
Think of Eurovision as the original âmulti-speed Europeâ â only with a few extra members, including far-flung Australia.
The final 26 competitors were whittled down from 26 EU and 17 non-EU countries, all of them members of the European Broadcasting Union, the contest’s organizer.
Forged in the shadow of the Cold War and never far from political drama, this year’s Eurovision comes to you from Kiev, Ukraine.
In the latest line-up â the contest’s 62nd â keep an eye out for a military-chic yodeler, a former Playboy cover star, masked drummers and a horse on a ladder. We’ve got our fingers crossed that a piano or two will go up in flames.
Dust off the disco balls, mix those cocktails and don’t forget to suspend your sense of disbelief.
Watch the show live here or follow along on the Eurovision app. And we’ll be here until the bitter end, of course. Happy Eurovision!