Eurovision 2024 is here and the semi-finals begin tonight, but why are the UK performing if they’ve already qualified?
Last year’s event in Liverpool was a roaring success, with Sweden’s Loreen crowned champion for the second time. It means the competition heads back to the country for the first time since 2016.
This year also marks 50 years since ABBA’s famous triumph with their song ‘Waterloo’ so it’s fitting that the event it being held in their home country.
The entry for the UK this year is former Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander, who is a bit of a household name. He will be performing his hit track ‘Dizzy’ in both the semi-final and the final.
You can find all the Eurovision 2024 odds on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise, here’s everything you need to know about why he’s performing twice.
Why is UK’s Olly Alexander performing in tonight’s semi-final?
The UK automatically qualify for the Grand Final because they are part of the so-called ‘Big Five’.
The group is completed by France, Germany Italy and Spain and they sail through to the showpiece because of their financial contribution to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) who run the event.
However, this year for the first time the countries will also be performing at the semi-final stage to give them a fairer standing in the eyes of the audience.
The pop banger ‘Dizzy’ is a hit among Brits, but can Olly Alexander defy the odds and win?
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Read More on the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
- Gallop over to Paddy Power News for all the latest television betting tips
- When is Eurovision 2024? Dates and odds for this year’s Song Contest
- Who is representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest?
- Eurovision running order for tonight’s semi-final featuring Ireland and the UK
- Eurovision Betting Tips: Our Expert’s 2024 5/1 antepost pick;
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