Eurovision 2019: From Madonna to Kate Miller-Heidke … what you need to know about famous ‘song contest’

It’s the song contest known for its truly stunning — and often, bizarre — performances. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the 2019 Eurovision final.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2019 Eurovision Song

Contest final.

HOW TO WATCH IN AUSTRALIA

You can get up super early with a post election hangover. Or you can valiantly attempt to avoid spoilers by cocooning yourself from all mediums of communication to watch the prime time replay.

The live broadcast kicks off from 5am (AEST) on May 19 on SBS, with live streaming at SBS On Demand.

The prime-time broadcast airs from 8.30pm and will also be available to stream afterwards at SBS On Demand.

Australian singer Kate Miller-Heidke has dazzled at Eurovision, being held in Tel Aviv, Israel, this year. Picture: Getty Images

WHO IS IN THE GRAND FINAL?

The Big 5 — Italy, Germany, Spain, France and the U.K. — and host country Israel all automatically qualify with 10 countries advancing from each semi final.

Semi-final one qualifiers — Greece, Belarus, Serbia, Cyprus, Estonia, Czech Republic, Australia, Iceland, San Marino and Slovenia.

Semi-final two qualifiers — North Macedonia, The Netherlands, Albania, Sweden, Russia, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and Malta.

MADONNA

After the last minute hustle of contract negotiations, Eurovision FINALLY confirmed Madonna she would perform during the final. As if she was not getting on the stage.

Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest made the official statement an hour before the second semi final kicked off on Friday morning AEST.

“We are pleased to finally confirm that the incomparable music icon

Madonna will join us at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest,” he said.

Madonna has finally confirmed she will perform at the Grand Final of Eurovision. Picture: Getty Images

“Performing live during the biggest entertainment show in the world will be a special moment for everyone — not least the fans.

“The talent on display in the competition this year is phenomenal and I’m sure the artists will further be inspired by her incredible performance and staging.

“We know that it will be an evening to remember and can’t wait to share it with everyone watching.”

KATE MILLER-HEIDKE STUNS IN SEMI

Not quite sure how inspired the artists will be considering their performances have been in the works for months. Madonna, however, may be a little jelly of our Kate performing on the

bendy pole designed by Strange Fruit.

The Melbourne performing arts company helped stage a bendy pole segment on her Rebel Heart tour but only her dancers graced the acrobatic apparatuses.

Kate Miller-Heidke performs her song Zero Gravity during the first semi-final. Picture: AFP

AUSTRALIA IN EUROVISION

2015, Vienna, Austria — Guy Sebastian, 5th

2016, Stockholm, Sweden — Dami Im, 2nd

2017, Kiev, Ukraine — Isaiah Firebrace, 9th

2018, Lisbon, Portugal — Jessica Mauboy, 20th

WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES?

The Netherlands representative Duncan Laurence and his anthemic power ballad Arcade has been leading the field for weeks.

Let’s just say the hype just isn’t worth it for a song which is, to quote Courtney Barnett, is pedestrian at best.

Also factoring high in the polls in the countdown to the final is Sweden’s John Lundvik with his stirring gospel pop song Too Late For Love. The former athletic champ also co-wrote the UK entry and has been consistently rated No. 2 in this year’s field.

The cast of Eurovision 2019, on stage in Israel this week. Picture: AFP

Our Kate was running at third favourite to take out Eurovision 2019 after her supreme semi performance and ahead of the second semi. But late after the second semi, she inexplicably leapfrogged Sweden to No. 2.

Other countries to keep an ear on, even as the polls and betting fluctuate in the lead-up to Saturday morning’s jury final and Sunday’s televised final, include the Russian pop star Sergey Lazarev with Scream and Italy’s Mahmood with Soldi, one of the edgiest songs in

this year’s field.

Personal favourites include THE experimental industrial techno anti-capitalists Hatari and Azerbaijan’s robot pop Truth.

Kate Miller-Heidke has won new fans for her incredible production at Eurovision. Picture: AFP

HOW TO VOTE

The bad news for Australian fans is you can’t vote for Kate Miller-Heidke and her song Zero Gravity.

Before the televised final on Sunday, half the vote will have been decided by the professional juries of each country contesting the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.

The remaining 50 per cent comes from fans, with voting after all 26 countries have performed.

The easiest way for Australian fans to vote is via the official Eurovision Song Contest app and you can cast up to 20 votes.

Originally published as Eurovision 2019: From Madonna to Kate Miller-Heidke … what you need to know about famous ‘song contest’