They say that Eurovision is like the World Cup for pop culture, and we concur. After all, the event gathers nations across the continent (and our beloved Australia) every year, through music alone. And just so that a reigning country can claim that highly coveted glass mic trophy (and a whole load of street cred of course).
PAUL ELLIS
PAUL ELLIS
If you’re a bit of a Eurovision stan you’re probably dressing your dining room with Union Jacks and bunting as we speak. Or perhaps you’re putting together a sparkly number for your mates’ viewing party if you’re not one of the lucky few attending the event in Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena IRL.
Whichever tribe you’re in, and whoever you’re rooting for to win, beware that you’re about to embark on a historic day for European Pop culture.
I went backstage at the Eurovision 2023 semis – here’s the tea.
What date is the Eurovision 2023 final?
The event consists of two semi-finals and then a grand final taking place on May 13th *tomorrow night.
As you may know this year’s Eurovision is particularly special as it marks the first time the UK has hosted the competition since 1998. This is of course thanks to Sam Ryder’s historic runner-up finish in last year’s final, seconded only to Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra.
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, they were unable to host this year’s competition as stated by the hosting rules. However, as runner’s up, the UK has graciously stepped in to make it happen, and the home hub of The Beatles – Liverpool – won the bid.
What’s happening backstage
GLAMOUR got first dibs to experience the explosive and electric energy backstage and learned a whole lot.
Firstly, the show would be nothing without the 1800+ people working together like a well-oiled and well-lit machine. In fact, for every spotlight shining on your favourite act, or those colossal moving props, there is one lighting engineer or a Liverpudlian student-intern moderating it, and keeping the show on track.
Liverpool took its duties as the host very seriously, and it has accommodated Ukraine’s history and heritage through and through – from the logo colours representing the Ukrainian flag to 12 giant Soloveiko Song birds dotted across the city (symbolising different Ukrainian regions bringing their songs and stories to the city) and stage lights resembling a big warm hug. It’s all very thought out.
Backstage organisation ran like a military mission. I was quickly made aware of human traffic, as there are people literally running around the narrow backstage corridors and there are no speed limits set in place. I made myself small to not get in the way and I felt like a true fly on the wall.
Security is tight, passports are mandatory for entry passes, and collecting accreditation was like going through airport security. Safety first.
Once you through, the world of glam is masked by trailers, grey walls and then the shining light that is The Bubble. The Bubble is the safe space dedicated for the delegations and contestants to get ready, chill, eat, drink and just exist in chaotic peace (a paradoxical safe haven).
This is where you will find Mae Muller, the young Brit representing the UK in this year’s contest. You will also brush shoulders with the likes of Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham and Graham Norton, who looked relaxed and in incredibly good spirits. Who wouldn’t? This event really does bring out the joy in anyone.
Anthony Devlin
Anthony Devlin
While in The Bubble, you will also find a colossal sized glam room. MoroccanOil, being the main headliner of the event, has decked out the space with 18 styling stations and 31 stylists; there was no shortage of hairdos being whipped up left, right and centre.