Eurovision 2023 – latest: Mae Muller shares message of ‘unity’ with Ukraine as running order revealed

Isobel Lewis
·4 min read
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The Eurovision Song Contest is finally upon us, with the annual celebration of European music heading into its grand final in Liverpool this weekend.

On Saturday (13 May), the UK will stage its first Eurovision final in 25 years, hosting on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine.

Earlier this week, 31 acts performed for the first time across two semi-finals, competing for 20 spots in the grand final.

The 20 selected acts will join Eurovision’s Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) and Ukraine, all of whom automatically progress to the final.

You can see all the acts who made it through to Saturday night’s final here.

The UK will this year be represented by Mae Muller, a 25-year-old singer from north London, with her track “I Wrote A Song”.

While Muller might not quite reach the same heights as the UK’s 2022 entry Sam Ryder, who finished in second place, the bookies still pin her among the frontrunners. You can read the latest odds here.

The competition is expected to be dominated by former champion Loreen, from Sweden, with her song “Tattoo”. Loreen’s 2012 track “Euphoria” is one of the most successful Eurovision songs of all time.

Key points

Mae Muller poses with Ukraine’s Tvorchi as she shares message of support

16:20 , Isobel Lewis

On Friday (12 May), Mae Muller posted a photo to Instagram posing alongside Ukrainian competitors Tvorchi.

She captioned the post: “We wrote the songs, sharing our life stories. Now our passion and hope are felt by millions, thanks to Eurovision. Today we unite our posts ahead of the contest, which this year is hosted by the UK on behalf of Ukraine.”

Who’s going to win Eurovision (according to the bookies)

15:45 , Isobel Lewis

All week, the bookmakers have been breaking down who they think will walk away with the Eurovision trophy on Saturday.

Throughout, one name has stood out as a clear frontrunner: that of Sweden’s entry, Loreen.

You can find out who she’s up against below.

Who will win Eurovision 2023? Latest odds and favourites

Hannah Waddingham steals the show in Eurovision semi-finals

15:15 , Isobel Lewis

During this week’s Eurovision semi-finals, all anyone has been able to talk about is presenter Hannah Waddingham.

Flanked by Alesha Dixon and Julia Sanina, the Ted Lasso star used the live shows to show off her “unreal” vocal skills, speak in fluent French, and generally get the party going.

Still, it’s no surprise, writes Jessie Thompson; Waddingham has always been a diva-in-waiting...

Eurovision host Hannah Waddingham was always a diva-in-waiting

Graham Norton’s most savage Eurovision comments

14:45 , Isobel Lewis

At this point, Eurovision is synonymous with one thing for UK viewers: Graham Norton’s sarcastic commentary.

Yes, it wouldn’t be Eurovision without the Irish comedian, who this year is sharing commentary duties with Mel Giedroyc, as well as co-hosting the live final in Liverpool.

Here, we’ve looked back at some of Norton’s most barbs from over the years, ahead of tomorrow’s final.

Graham Norton’s most savage Eurovision commentary moments

Mae Muller interview: ‘Eurovision 2023 is the year of the pop girlies!’

14:10 , Isobel Lewis

Mae Muller is the woman representing the UK at Eurovision this year, with her pop banger “I Wrote a Song”.

We spoke to the 25-year-old about political tweets, girl power and the UK (finally) taking Eurovision seriously.

Mae Muller: ‘Eurovision 2023 is the year of the pop girlies!’

Meet Australia’s Eurovision entry Voyager

12:13 , Isobel Lewis

Ahead of this year’s competition, we spoke to some of the most interesting acts competing in Liverpool.

First up: meet Voyager! Australia may be a relatively new addition to Eurovision, but don’t be fooled. This rock band know their stuff when it comes to the big competition, having “stayed up to ungodly hours just to simply watch Eurovision”.

Voyager: Meet the Eurovision die-hards finally representing Australia this year

How Eurovision voting works

11:05 , Isobel Lewis

If there’s one thing Eurovision loves, it’s a complex voting system. In 2023, things have got even more confusing, as countries outside of the competition will be able to vote for the first time.

Find out more below...

Who will win Eurovision 2023? Latest odds and favourites

Eurovision, this is Liverpool calling!

10:52 , Isobel Lewis

Welcome to The Independent’s Eurovision live blog!

We’ll be talking you through everything going on in this year’s competition, from interviews with the 2023 finalists to behind-the-scenes intel on social media.