When Will We Know the Eurovision Semi-Final Results?

The nail-biting wait after the Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals is almost as dramatic as the performances themselves! Unlike the grand final, the results of the semi-finals are not revealed immediately after the show concludes. The suspense is deliberately drawn out to build anticipation for the final and to protect the viewing figures of all three shows.

The Big Reveal: Grand Final Night

The announcement of which countries have qualified from the semi-finals to the grand final happens during the grand final itself. Specifically, the names of the 10 qualifiers from each semi-final are announced in a random order at the end of the grand final’s voting procedure, before the points from the jury and televote for the grand final songs are revealed.

Why the Delay?

There are a few key reasons behind this strategic delay:

• Increased Grand Final Viewership: Keeping the results a secret encourages viewers to tune in to the grand final to discover which countries made the cut. This is crucial for broadcasters and the Eurovision Song Contest organization (EBU) as it boosts viewership and advertising revenue.
• Maintaining Excitement: The suspense keeps the excitement levels high throughout the entire Eurovision week. The mystery surrounding the qualifiers adds to the overall drama and intrigue.
• Protecting Semi-Final Viewing Figures: Revealing the results immediately after each semi-final could potentially decrease viewership for the second semi-final, as viewers might feel less compelled to watch if they already know half of the qualifiers.
• Fairness and Security: While not the primary reason, delaying the announcement allows for thorough verification of the voting results and ensures the integrity of the competition.

No Specific Time Guarantee

It’s important to note that the exact time the qualifiers are announced during the grand final can vary slightly each year. It typically happens after all the grand final performances and the initial voting window has closed. Expect the announcement to occur sometime within the final hour of the grand final broadcast, but before the detailed breakdown of points is given for the grand final songs.

Staying Updated

If you’re desperate to know the qualifiers and can’t wait for the grand final, many unofficial sources, fan forums, and social media accounts often speculate on potential qualifiers based on voting patterns and performance reception. However, remember that these are just predictions, and the official results are the only ones that matter.

So, grab your snacks, settle in for the grand final, and prepare for the moment of truth! The unveiling of the semi-final qualifiers is an integral part of the Eurovision experience.