Eurovision 2015: The Grand Final

It's the night every Eurovision fan has been waiting for – the Grand Final. 20 countries won their place after battling it out in the semi finals, while seven countries – UK, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, special guests Australia and last year's winner Austria – get to show off their staging for the very first time.

There'll be twists and turns, lots of voting, some jokes we probably won't really get and probably a bum note or two. All we can hope for is that Electro Velvet swing their way to the top of the leaderboard – or the top half at least, right? 

The action starts at 8pm on BBC 1 tonight with Graham Norton at the helm. Here's the running order and a few essential facts about this year's Eurovision finalists.

Quiz: How much do you know about Eurovision?

1. Slovenia

Image: Ziga Culiberg

Finishing 25th last year with zany flautist Tinkara, have turned to real life couple Maraaya – Marjetka and Raay to their nearest and dearest – in the hope of victory. And you'd better get used to the sight of those headphones: Marjetka hasn't let them go since arriving in Vienna.

What’s the song like? Here For You features lyrics from Charlie Mason, who wrote 2014’s winner for Conchita Wurst. It’s a jaunty pop number with a super-catchy chorus, and while the semi-final performance didn't set the stadium alight, it was a hit with viewers at home.

2. France

Image: Nathalie Guyon

Lisa Angell – who gives us serious Maggie Gyllenhaal vibes – has had a few hits in her homeland and trained as a classical singer.

What’s the song like? Perhaps the only ballad in this year’s contest that packs a punch as big as Conchita’s 2014 winner, the emotional N’Oubliez Pas (Don't Forget) is a tribute to men and women who have served their country in battle. It's bound to strike a chord with viewers across the world, but can it win?

3. Israel

Image: Ronen Akerman

He's the Golden Boy! Arguably scoring one of the most famous Eurovision victories in 1998 with Dana International, Israel are putting their hopes in French-born 16-year-old Nadav Guedj. Nadav won The Rising Star, a huge talent show in Israel.

What’s the song like? Possibly one of the catchiest songs of the night – seriously its chorus is a total earworm and with a spirited performance, this "Justin Timberlake meets Middle Eastern banger" is bound to be a favourite of anyone who loves Eurovision for the fun factor.

4. Estonia

Image: Stina Kase

Last winning in 2001, it’s all down to Elina Born & Stig Rästa. Well-known in his home country, Stig spotted Elina singing a Christina Aguilera song on YouTube. It’s Stig’s fifth attempt to get one of his songs on Eurovision. Chances look good – they ran away with victory in the Estonian selection vote.

What’s the song like? There was some serious eye-acting in the semi-final performance of folky duet Goodbye To Yesterday that certainly got Eurovision tweeters' attention. Could they be staring in the face of victory?

5. United Kingdom

Image: BBC/Sarah Dunn

Formed especially for the contest, twosome Alex Larke and Bianca Nicholas aka Electro Velvet are among many male-female duos in tonight's final. Alex is a primary school teacher and also a Mick Jagger tribute act, while Bianca has appeared on The Voice and The X Factor.

What’s the song like? As ever, the UK entry has divided the British public. The '20s-style track is one of the most upbeat songs in this year’s competition and, thanks to an innovative scat section in the middle eight, is likely to stand out to the audiences at home. The feel in Vienna is fairly positive – it seems like we could be winning everyone round. Can being a little bit different grab us the trophy? Only one way to find out…

Eurovision’s Electro Velvet: “We’re marmite, but that could work in our favour”

6. Armenia

Genealogy claim to be “united by the blood in their veins”, but they’re not related – they’re actually from five different continents. The band prepare for going on stage by holding hands and saying ”random Armenian words”, and it worked – their qualification was something of a surprise. 

What’s the song like? 
Face The Shadow starts off as an emotional ballad with members sharing lead vocals and showing off their different singing styles. It all gets pretty loud toward the end of the song, so have the remote control for your sound bar handy.

7. Lithuania

Image: LRT

Monika Linkytė has tried out for the Eurovision selection every year since 2009, and this collaboration with the not-exactly-unattractive Vaidas Baumila has done the trick.

What's the song like? This Time is a happy, bouncy guitar-led duet that really gets going once the drums come in – there’s even a big “HEY!” near the end. It kicked off Thursday's semi-final and was a fan favourite.

8. Serbia

Image: Slobodan Sarić

Bojana Stamenov was a finalist in Serbia’s Got Talent and won over her home country – not to mention the audience of the first semi-final – with her powerful voice.

What’s the song like? 
Beauty Never Lies was written by Charlie Mason, who also co-wrote last year’s winner Rise Like A Phoenix. Bojana’s track starts off pretty similarly, before turning into a solid gold, hands-in-the-air, "find a podium and get dancing on it" banger. Keep your eye on this one, we reckon it's going a long way.

9. Norway

Image: NRK and Kim Erlandsen

It’s six years since Norway took the trophy home, though they’ve had a few Top 10 placings. Mørland is from Norway originally but has actually lived in the UK most of his life – he was an opening act for Girls Aloud on tour. Debrah Scarlett, who never met Mørland before this collaboration, came second on the Norwegian edition of The Voice in 2013.

What’s the song like? Dark ballad A Monster Like Me is an atmospheric slow burner – and barely even a hint of percussion until over two minutes in. And then it all kicks off. Like, whoa. Another one that could be in for a good night with the judges.

10. Sweden

Image: Per Kristiansen

Måns Zelmerlöw is a well-known singer and presenter in Sweden; it took three attempts for him to be selected for Eurovision. His staging is possibly the most impressive you will see all night, with Måns pulling off some Beyoncé-style graphic interaction and, to be honest, a bit of dad-dancing.

What’s the song like? Ladies and gentlemen, a rare banger. Heroes has more than a hint of Avicii in its verses and its powerful chorus is bound to get the crowd going. The bookies love it – but will you?

11. Cyprus

Image:  Louis Loizides Mitsu

Another of the Junior Eurovision alumni, 20-year-old John Karayiannis says his influences are Ed Sheeran and John Mayer – and you can tell.

What’s the song like? One Thing I Should Have Done is a lyrically impressive acoustic ballad in the vein as One Direction’s Little Things or Story of My Life. And John (Yiannis to his family) seems like a lovely bloke. One of the best ballads of the night.

12. Australia

Image: SBS

No, your eyes don’t deceive you – Australia are in the Eurovision Song Contest. To celebrate the contest’s 60th anniversary, and to acknowledge Australia’s huge fandom for the show, for one year only, our pals from Down Under are allowed to compete.

Guy Sebastian, the first winner of Australian Idol, has been selected to represent his country – he’s had six Number 1s in Australia, so will be perfectly at home on the Eurovision stage. UK viewers may recognise him from winning Christmas special World Idol. Or the fact he looks a bit like Seth MacFarlane.

What’s the song like? It’s a mega-catchy uptempo number with a soaring performance from Guy, and a very Olly Murs, upbeat vibe. Could we be heading to Sydney next year?! (Well, no actually – if he wins, it will still be held in Europe, but they can come back and perform.)

13. Belgium

Image: Josh Brandão

It’s 29 years since Belgium took home the big one, but chiselled Loïc Nottet hopes to end the drought. Finishing as a finalist in Belgium’s version of The Voice, Loïc also bagged himself a record contract into the bargain. 

What’s the song like? 
Kicking off with some distinctly Lorde-esque vibes, Rhythm Inside is a low-key track with a chorus you can chant along to. He has the cool factor – and there's an ace bit in his performance where he basically has a nice lie-down.

14. Austria

Image: Thomas Ramstorfer

In contrast to Austria’s 2014 winning entry from Conchita Wurst, the Makemakes’ I Am Yours certainly feels more understated. Though thankfully beards are present and correct.

The band have supported Bon Jovi on tour and say “we wear jeans so tight they look painted”.

What’s the song like? Those tight jeans come in handy, as lead singer Dodo has a few high notes to reach. I Am Yours is a rocky “hands in the air” track that could well see Austria placing high once more.

15. Greece

Image: Sophia Dranidou

It’s exactly a decade since Helena Paparizou gave Greece their first ever win, and this year’s participant Maria Elena Kyriakou has already triumphed in the Greek version of The Voice. She also co-wrote the song.

What’s the song like? 
While it’s not quite as dramatic, there are more than a few nods to last year’s winner from Conchita Wurst. Maria Elena's vocals in the semi-final were pretty impressive, so hold on to your hats – there is some serious lung power coming your way!

16. Montenegro

Image: Bojan Stanic

Something of a surprise qualifier, bestselling artist Knez’s career goes back 20 years, and his 11th album is out later this year.

What’s the song like? There’s a heck of a long intro with some traditional sounding strings and when Knez finally kicks in, a mournful ballad gives way to a midtempo track with some faint beats. Nice to have him along, but we can't see a high placing for our Knez.

17. Germany  

Image: Rolf Klatt

London-born Ann Sophie grew up in Hamburg and has studied in New York so she is truly international, just like Eurovision! Eager for pop success, she produced her own demo and was soon discovered by scouts looking for an entry for Germany.

What’s the song like? Black Smoke may feel familiar, probably because it was co-written by none other than Ella Eyre! Yay! It’s got soul and plenty of sass, and Ann certainly belts out the chorus.

18. Poland

Image: Stanisław Leszczyński

She closed Thursday's semi-final with a rousing performance and now she's in a prime spot to get plenty of votes. Monika Kuszyńska, who was partially paralysed following a car accident, was lead singer of Polish band Varius Manx.

What’s the song like? In The Name Of Love was written by Monika herself and yep, it’s an empowering ballad, but it's a pretty good one. Could be popular.

19. Latvia

Image: Martins Cirulis

Latvia last won in 2002 but talented singer Aminata is the first Latvian act to make the Grand Final since 2008.

What’s the song like? Love Injected is a little different for Eurovision. Obviously there's the usual drama, but the track’s experimental beats – which never quite break out into a dubstep wobble but clearly want to – and sparse synths, teamed with Aminata’s powerful vocals, set this apart from other entries. The chorus is a wow moment – let's hope she can win over the mainstream Saturday night crowd too.

20. Romania

No wins for Romania yet, but veteran rockers Voltak might be just about to change that. The MTV Europe Music Award winners have picked a song with a theme close to their hearts – it’s about children left alone when their parents leave Romania to seek work abroad.

What’s the song like? 
De La Capat (or All Over Again in English) is an emotional midtempo that was popular in the stadium at Tuesday's semi-final.

21. Spain  

Image: TVE

You can always rely on Spain to bring out the big guns and the hgh drama. This year’s contestant Edurne is well-known for her appearance in popular talent show Operación Triunfo.

What’s the song like? Featuring the RTVE Symphonic Orchestra, Amanecer counts among its co-writers Thomas G:son, the man behind Sweden’s triumphant Euphoria in 2012. Amanecer is in the same vein, swapping out techno beats for military drums.

22. Hungary

Image: Enikő Várai

Hungary finished fifth last year, and will be hoping internationally successful Boggie – who surprised many when she made it through Tuesday's semi-final – is the one to make it happen this time. They've never finished above fourth.

What’s the song like? 
Wars For Nothing is a stripped back acoustic ballad which would get you holding your lighters aloft in a second.

23. Georgia

Image: Levan Leko Chkoni

Solo artist Nina Sublatti is famous for her modelling career in her home country and working on Georgian Idol. She's also been giving good interview, memorably holding her own with the lovely Mel Giedroyc.

What's the song like? Nina wrote Warrior herself along the themes of fighting back against adversity. With battling drums and powerful vocals from Nina, it could almost be a Florence and the Machine track. Her staging is pretty big too – can she take it all the way?

24. Azerbaijan

Image:  Magnus Ragnvid

If Elnur Huseynov is a winner of the Turkish edition of The Voice and his qualification on Thursday means that Azerbaijan have made it through to every Grand Final they've entered.

What’s the song like? It’s another ballad, but Hour Of The Wolf is bringing out the big guns: there’s even a choir on board.

25. Russia

The Tomalchevy Sisters took Russia to the top 10 last year, but can they add a second win this year with Polina Gagarina, who’s already a star in her home nation?

What’s the song like? 
Another song concentrating on themes of peace and empowerment, the rocky A Million Voices has inspirational lyrics and lets Polina show off her rather – dare we say – Aguilera-esque vocals. Russia may attract a few boos, but it certainly won't be down to Polina; she gives it her all.

26. Albania

Image: Orsola Mema by Class Photography

Albania have missed out on a Grand Final place the last two years, so they'll be thrilled to make it through this year! Elhaida is a talent show veteran – she won Star Academy in 2009 and romped to victory in The Voice Of Italy in 2013.

What’s the song like? 
We’re back in acoustic territory again with I’m Alive, which builds to a rousing chorus.

27. Italy

Image: Daniele Barraco

Closing the show, which didn't do the UK much good when we performed last in 2014, pop opera trio Il Volo are already big stars in Italy, after being spotted on musical variety show Ti Lascio Una Canzone, and have toured with Barbra Streisand.

What’s the song like? If there’s one thing Italy does well – apart from food and fashion and art and, oh well, everything – it’s opera. Grande Amore is packed to the rafters with drama, emotion and roof-lifting vocals. Italy hasn’t won since 1990 – is it time they reclaimed their crown?

Want to watch all the songs?

The songs that qualified automatically:

Everyone from semi-final 1:

Everyone from semi-final 2:

Relive every UK entry into Eurovision ever, ever, EVER in our gallery below…