Switzerland's Nemo wins Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with their song The Code, in Malmo, Sweden
Last year's winner Loreen handed Nemo the iconic crystal trophy before the Swiss artist performed their song one last time
It was a nail-biting finish, as Croatia's Baby Lasagna came second while Ukraine, France and Israel trailed close behind
In a shock turn, the UK took home zero points in the public portion of the final's voting
Eurovision will now be heading to Switzerland when the contest returns in 2025
Earlier in the day, Joost Klein, the Netherlands' delegate, was disqualified from the final after a backstage incident
Helen Bushby
Culture reporter
Image source, getWe've just been welcomed by Sweden's heir apparent, Crown Princess Victoria.
"I hope you enjoy the show and I wish all the contestants the best of luck," she said.
Here we go!
Mark Savage
Music correspondent in Malmö
Image source, ReutersAnd as the Eurovision fanfare rings out in Malmö, the show begins.
Sweden is keen to show off its musical heritage tonight - proving there’s more to the country than its 1974 Eurovision champion Abba.
In an effort to showcase those broad talents, the grand final kicks off tonight not with Waterloo, but with another hit from 50 years ago: Blue Swede’s Hooked On A Feeling.
Though it was the first-ever Swedish song to top America’s Billboard charts, it’s better known to generations from its inclusion in Reservoir Dogs, Ally McBeal and Guardians Of The Galaxy.
The band’s original singer Björn Skifs is here to Ooga-Chaka us into the Eurovision mood.
Helen Bushby
Culture reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe UK’s Sam Ryder came second in 2022
The UK has won Eurovision five times and come second a record 16 times.Here are its wins:
The UK's Sam Ryder, singing Space Man, lost out in 2022 to Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra with Stefania.
But Ryder still became the UK's highest-scoring entrant when he finished in second place with 466 points.
The UK went on to host the contest in Liverpool, as Ukraine was unable to because of the Russian invasion.
And if you want to read even more, read BBC Radio 2’s guide: How we got here - remembering the 27 years since the UK last won Eurovision
Image source, .Helen Bushby
Culture reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesAbba, performing at Eurovision in 1974
It’s the 50th anniversary of the Swedish group Abba's Eurovision win with Waterloo - surely that’s a moment worth celebrating!
But when the BBC asked Abba members Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson about tonight's final, they both said they would neither perform at the final, nor compose the song for Sweden's entry.
This doesn’t, however, mean we won’t be seeing any of the iconic Swedes tonight. Nothing is guaranteed, but we’ll be the first to say if we spot them.
Image source, .If you fancy a bit more Abba fun, try Radio 2’s Ultimate ABBA Quiz!
Image source, Getty ImagesHosting is Malin Akerman and Petra Mede
This will be the seventh time Sweden hosts the contest and this year it'll be hosted by a Hollywood star and an iconic Eurovision-veteran.
Malin Åkerman and Petra Mede will together lead the show live from the Malmö Arena. Åkerman is a Swedish-American actress who gained recognition for her role as Silk Spectre II in the 2009 superhero film Watchmen.
Speaking to eurovision.tv, she said she was “very excited and a little nervous, but in a positive way” about her hosting duties.
She added that she’d always liked Eurovision and it was “fantastic” to be on the show with her co-host Mede, “a dream come true”.
Mede is a Swedish comedian, dancer, actress and television presenter. Outside Sweden she’s most well known for hosting the Eurovision song contest, but to her fellow Swedes she is known for her several roles in comic shows.
Sarah Rainsford
BBC Eastern Europe Correspondent in Central Malmö
Thousands of people joined the march in Malmö
The march through central Malmö was large and loud, but it was peaceful. Thousands of people joined the protest, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and condemnation of the war in Gaza interspersed with chants of "Boycott Eurovision!"
Many were waving giant Palestinian flags, while others had them draped over bicycles and children’s prams. At several points, men in the crowd set off smoke flares in the red and green of the Palestinian flag, as the drumming and chanting intensified.
The protesters streamed past cafes and Saturday shoppers, who stood back and watched.
The march was authorised by the city authorities and although there were many police on duty - we saw vans of riot police, and both plain-clothed and regular officers - most kept a vigilant distance.
The atmosphere was calm - although the chants were passionate, sometimes ear-splitting.
At one point a woman unfurled a sign demanding the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza, telling the BBC she felt they had been forgotten in the noise of the pro-Palestinian rallies.
Several police officers stood close by, as if shielding her from the crowd across the street.
An Israeli man, in town for Eurovision, told the BBC the protests went beyond condemning Israeli military action, with calls for "intifada, revolution" and other chants.
"This is not about ‘ceasefire now!" he argued and said he and other Israelis would keep their distance. The rally ended after about four hours, the crowd apparently dispersing peacefully.
People carried flags as they walked
Helen Bushby
Culture reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesRim Tim Tagi Dim by Croatia's Baby Lasagne is proving popular
It's all to play for - but - as things stand, Croatia are currently the bookmakers' favourites to win, with catchy number Rim Tim Tagi Dim, by Baby Lasagne.
Israel's Eden Golan, singing power ballad Hurricane is second-favourite, followed by Switzerland, with Nemo's song The Code, described by the BBC's Mark Savage as "a drum and bass EDM opera".
France are fourth-favourite to win, with love song Mon Amour by Slimane, and Ireland's Bambi Thug is fifth, with electro-goth number Doomsday Blue.
Don't be fooled by who's topping the leader board after the jury votes are announced though - it can change rapidly when the viewers' start to be added!
Will Vernon
Reporting from New York City
Image source, Getty ImagesSnoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson hosted the American Song Contest in the US
What happens when you try and take the Eurovision Song Contest to America?
That’s what the US network NBC tried to do two years ago, when it launched a Eurovision-style competition with one singer from fifty-five US states and territories - plus one from Washington, DC.
Hosted by music stars Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg, The American Song Contest was sadly a flop, and was cancelled after just one series due to disappointing viewing figures.
But with interest in Eurovision apparently growing in the US, there have been rumours in recent years that America could eventually join the competition.
Who knows, perhaps we could see Taylor Swift or Megan Thee Stallion bopping on the Euro-stage?
Emma Saunders
Culture reporter
Image source, PA MediaLast year's runner-up and fan favourite Kaarija has stepped down as the spokesperson for Eurovision's Finnish jury, saying that announcing the points for his country "does not feel right".
Posting on his Instagram story, Kaarija wrote: "I have decided not to participate as the spokesperson for the Finnish jury in tonight's Eurovision finale.
"Giving out the points does not feel right."
Also ahead of the grand final, Alessandra Mele posted to her Instagram to say she would no longer be the person who announces the points awarded by Norway.
In the video, the former Eurovision contestant said that though she was "thankful" for the opportunity to award points from Norway, she had ultimately "taken the decision to withdraw".
"United by music - Eurovision's motto - is the reason why the music unites people," she says.
"But right now, those words are just empty words... I'm asking you all to please open up your eyes, open up your heart, let love lead you to the truth... Free Palestine."
We made it, it’s the Grand Final.
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Sarah Rainsford
Reporting from Malmo
Image source, TT/ReutersA few dozen Israeli Eurovision fans have travelled to Malmo despite security warnings by the Israeli authorities.
One of them, Adam, told the BBC he was keeping a low profile, forgoing his normal blue and white face paint and glitter and only displaying the Israeli flag inside the contest venue.
He said he felt safe in Malmo, there are a lot of police in town, but described the situation for Israeli fans as tense: "I do really feel animosity from a lot of different Eurovision fans. It can be disturbing sometimes."
Adam, who is from Tel Aviv – but tells people here he’s from Malta, or elsewhere in Europe – said he understood the strength of feeling over the war in Gaza that has fuelled major protests in central Malmo in recent days.
But he believes calls to ban Israel from the song contest are wrong: "Israel has a right to be heard, and that’s why I think we should be here and represented."
He is also upset at the hostile reaction to Israel’s contestant herself, Eden Golan, during her performances.
"You get grown adults closing their ears, walking out of the hall, turning their backs, the amount of booing," he told me.
"She’s 20 years old. Does she deserve that?"
With the Israeli song now one of the favourites to win, Adam admitted he was nervous. "I should be happy, but I am nervous about the crowd reaction."
There is certainly a party atmosphere in Malmo among fans as they queue to enter the Malmo Arena ahead of tonight's final.
Many are waving flags of their home countries or are donning outfits that show their allegiance for their favourite act.
The costumes are eye-catching...sequins, glitter and camp.
Image source, EPA
Image source, EPAThis man is backing UK to win
Image source, EPA
Image source, EPAAustralia didn't make the final this year, but fans are still in the streets cheering after their country's failed bid.
Mark Savage
Music correspondent, in Malmo
Eurovision is a tightly-run ship, so today's drama feels highly unusual.
Contestants dropping out, breaking protocol and being sent home - that simply doesn't happen.
But if there's disarray behind the scenes, the Malmö Arena is surprisingly serene. The roads are clear, fans are well-behaved and, even though a small group of protestors has arrived outside, the atmosphere is one of calm competency. Very Swedish.
Inside the media centre, we're being served free cake while the assembled journalists unfurl their flags.
But the contestants are feeling the pressure. Italy's Angelina Mango says there is "a lot of tension" backstage.
The controversies surrounding this year's contest, and Israel's participation in particular, have made it "difficult to be in the present and enjoy every moment", she says.
And there's also a sobering sense of finality: Once tonight's show ends, her Eurovision dream comes to an end.
"I'm so sad because it's the last time I go on stage." she says. "But I want to enjoy it, I want to have fun, and I want to give everything I have to the audience."
Image source, EPAHelen Bushby
Culture reporter
Host country Sweden will be hoping to continue its winning streak, after Loreen’s winning success last year with Tattoo.
Can they manage it again? Not too long to wait to find out!
Image source, .
Image source, .
Image source, EPAThe former Years and Years frontman will hope to improve on the UK’s disappointing performance last year, when its entrant Mae Muller came second to last.
Alexander is already known around Europe for hits including Desire, King and If You're Over Me.
He is also a Bafta-nominated actor, having played the lead role in Channel 4's hard-hitting Aids drama It's A Sin.
His 2021 Brits performance , externalof the song of the same name, striding across Sir Elton John's piano, was one of the ceremony's most memorable performances in recent years. So we’re expecting good things from him tonight.
Speaking to the BBC about what he wants to achieve this year, Alexander said: “I think what's important at Eurovision is to stand out, and so I am aiming for my performance to be truly unforgettable, to surprise the audience and to intrigue them."
Quote MessageI want to leave them with something that they will never forget and, of course, I hope to bring an element of dizziness to the performance and capture the feelings of the song.”
Image source, Getty ImagesWe're a bit of a way off from voting getting under way, but in case you need a bit of a reminder about how a country is crowned the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, we've broken it down for you here:
*As a reminder, UK viewers aren't able to vote by SMS.
Helen Bushby
Culture reporter
Thirty-seven countries were competing, but after the two semi-finals earlier this week, they’ve been whittled down to 25 entries - it was 26, but as we've been reporting, Dutch artist Joost Klein was disqualified earlier.
The finalists include host country Sweden, which automatically qualifies after Loreen’s win last year with Tattoo, plus the Big Five - France, Germany , Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
They are the five countries who make the biggest financial contributions to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Here is the list in full:
Image source, .If you’re still keen for Eurovision fun, try BBC Radio 2’s Ultimate Eurovision Quiz.
Or try this quick one from BBC Bitesize.
Image source, EPAPeople attend a pro-Palestinian rally against the participation of Israel in the Eurovision song contest, in Malmo, Sweden, on Saturday
It’s been quite the week leading up to the contest, with Israel making it through Thursday’s semi-final, hours after thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in the streets of Malmö, where the contest is being held, to show their support for Gaza.
Earlier on Saturday, there was more drama after the Dutch contestant Joost Klein was disqualified.
During a rehearsal, France’s contestant Slimani gave a speech about peace and unity and was greeted by cheers from the audience.
And Ireland's contestant, Bambi Thug, was also noticeably absent from Friday night's dress rehearsal due to "a situation" they said needed "urgent attention" from organisers.
The Eurovision organisers said the matter was "being discussed" and hoped that it would be "resolved shortly and Bambie Thug will appear in the grand final show as planned".
Emma Saunders
Culture reporter
Image source, EPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockThe iconic glass microphone awarded to the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest is up for grabs again
Join us for the biggest night of the Eurovision calendar.
The biggest night in Europop kicks off from Malmo at 20:00 BST.
Graham Norton will be multi-tasking tonight as presenter as well as commentator, and will be leading the television coverage on BBC One and online on BBC iPlayer.
You can also listen to the final with Rylan and Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.There’s plenty of other BBC Eurovision content to catch up with, too.
And of course, you can follow along with us here, too.
We'll be bringing you a live build-up ahead of the final, and if you are in the UK you can watch the show live by pressing the Play button at the top of the page from 20:00 BST.
Mark Savage
Music correspondent, in Malmö
Image source, PA MediaDutch contestant Joost Klein was dramatically disqualified from this year’s contest, with less than 12 hours to go before the grand final.
The singer has been one of the favourites to win with his song Europapa, a happy hardcore anthem dedicated to his late father.
But he was pulled out of rehearsals on Friday night, following an unspecified “incident”.On Saturday morning, Swedish police confirmed he was being investigated over an allegation of unlawful intimidation.
In a statement, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has said the incident involved a female member of the show’s production crew. It added that Klein could not continue in the contest while legal proceedings continued.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest.
"In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.”