The BBC has announced an impressive list of musical talent involved in the live performances we’ll be watching in the two semi-finals of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest.

Ukrainian and British stars, along with a host of Eurovision Song Contest legends, will perform at our two live semi-final shows in Liverpool.

With just weeks to go until the city welcomes the world to the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, the BBC has staged a stellar selection of musical performances for the semi-finals, to provide entertainment for all audiences, whether new to the Eurovision Song Contest or a long-time fan.

With a mix of storytelling and celebration on the performance schedule, we can expect to see familiar faces – both inside and outside the world of the Eurovision Song Contest – entertain us during these two first nights of live shows in May.

First semi-final

To mark the start of the Eurovision Song Contest, the first semi-final will open with host Julia Sanina performing part of Mayak by his band The Hardkiss. Translated from Ukrainian as “Lighthouse”, this performance – part of an incredibly powerful opening act – will in many ways symbolize how the UK is “united in music” with Ukraine, in organizing the 2023 competition on behalf of the 2022 winners.

Airing Tuesday, May 9, the first semi-final interval sees global superstar Rita Ora deliver a jaw-dropping mix of some of her greatest hits. Holding the record for the most Top 10 singles on the official charts by a British female artist, and having amassed 10 billion streams, Rita will also perform her brand new single, praise youto millions of people around the world.

Ukrainian singer Alyosha – who represented Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 – will perform alongside critically acclaimed Liverpool singer-songwriter Rebecca Ferguson. Like many Ukrainian women in 2022, Alyosha was forced to leave her country and her loved ones to seek refuge; Alyosha will share her personal journey through a haunting new arrangement by British musical heavyweight Duran Duran ordinary world. Creatively directed and produced by Freckled Sky and TRI.Direction, in partnership with BBC Studios and UA:PBC, Alyosha and Rebecca will tell a story of hope, courage and support for the people of Ukraine around the world.

Second semi-final

The second semi-final, which airs Thursday, May 11, sees two live interval performances.

Music unites generations explores the connection between generations of Ukrainians and the music they love. Mariya Yaremchuk, who represented Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, directs a contemporary montage of some of the country’s best-known pieces of music. As we travel back in time, the piece ends with a great collaboration between rapper OTOY, 14-year-old Ukrainian Eurovision junior representative Zlata Dziunka, and Mariya. Together they show that for generations of Ukrainians, music is the light that overcomes darkness.

Still in between, a performance titled Be who you want to be celebrates how Eurovision is a place for everyone, no matter who you are. Three extraordinary drag performers lead a jaw-dropping routine of high-end pop performances with an eclectic troupe of dancers. They represent the wide range of fans – regardless of age, nationality or origin – who look forward to participating in the Eurovision Song Contest every year. With a mix of fabulous songs and incredible staging, it will be a performance that viewers will remember.

Guest performances for the Grand Final of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest will be announced shortly.

Listen to all 37 songs from the Eurovision Song Contest via your favorite streaming servicesand watch the official music videos on our YouTube channel:

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