It’s finally here! The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest OFFICIALLY begins this evening with the first semi-final of the competition, taking place LIVE from the Globe Arena in Stockholm. Let’s Come Together tonight to watch this grand event!

Tonight, the world’s biggest music event kicks off with the first semi-final of the event where a total of 18 countries will compete for a place in Saturday’s grand final, along with the 10 semi-final 2 qualifiers and the 6 automatic qualifiers.

Tonight’s show will be hosted by the 2013 Eurovision host, Petra Mede, along with last year’s Eurovision winner, Måns Zelmerlöw, who are both ready to entertain you all, both from the arena and at home!

Opening the show is Måns Zelmerlöw who will perform his entry Heroes (with a difference), with a further interval act taking place later in the evening with a special dance performance based on the current refugee crisis.

How to watch

Tonight’s show kicks off from 21:00 CEST and will run for around 2 hours.

• The show can be viewed through the participating national broadcasters
• A live stream will be available via the official Eurovision channel

Semi-final 1 participants

Eighteen artists will compete in the first semi-final, but only 10 will make it to Saturday’s grand final this weekend. Who do you want to qualify?

1. Finland: Sandhja – Sing it away
2. Greece: Argo – Utopian land
3. Moldova: Lidia Isac – Falling stars
4. Hungary: Freddie – Pioneer
5. Croatia: Nina Kraljić – Lighthouse
6. Netherlands: Douwe Bob – Slow down
7. Armenia: Iveta Mukuchyan – LoveWave
8. San Marino: Serhat – I didn’t know
9. Russia: Sergey Lazarev – You are the only one
10. Czech Republic: Gabriela Gunčíková – I stand
11. Cyprus: Minus One – Alter ego
12. Austria: ZOË – Loin d’ici
13. Estonia: Jüri Pootsmann – Play
14. Azerbaijan: Samra – Miracle
15. Montenegro: Highway – The real thing
16. Iceland: Greta Salóme – Hear them calling
17. Bosnia & Herzegovina: Dalal & Deen feat. Ana Rucner & Jala – Ljubav je
18. Malta: Ira Losco – Walk on water

Each of tonight’s 10 qualifiers will be decided via a public and national jury vote. Members of the public and the national jury from tonight’s participating countries will vote for their favourite acts, with the votes going on to be added together. The top 10 will qualify to Saturday’s grand final.

Voting instructions can be found via the official Eurovision website.