Broadcasting to more than 100 million viewers across Europe and beyond, this year’s Eurovision final will see 26 countries compete for the honour of winning.
Six countries are already through to the final – the Big 5 of Spain, the UK, France, Italy and Germany as well as hosts Sweden – but they will face stiff competition from the 20 countries who battled it out to make it through the semi-final stages.
[Hopefully, Ireland will be one of the lucky 26, with Nicky Byrne competing in Thursday’s semi-final.]
This year’s contest is hosted by last year’s winning act Måns Zelmerlöw and comedian Petra Mede, who won praise when she hosted the contest the last time it came to Sweden in 2013.
Throwing a wry eye over proceedings for Irish viewers in the commentary box is the inimitable Marty Whelan.
For more information see here: http://www.eurovision.tv/page/stockholm-2016/about
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Eurovision Song Contest 2016 – Grand Final (confirmed countries so far):
| Representing country | Performer(s) | Song title, writer(s) and composer(s) |
| France
France 2 |
Amir | J’ai cherché |
| Germany
NDR |
Jamie-Lee | Ghost |
| Italy
RAI |
Francesca Michielin | No Degree Of Separation |
| Spain
TVE |
Barei | Say Yay! |
| Sweden
SVT |
Frans | If I Were Sorry |
| United Kingdom
BBC |
Joe and Jake | You’re Not Alone |