A GUIDE TO THE ESC - 39 Countries. More in 2 days.

Everything You Need To Know About:

EUROVISION

2021

It’s 2021 and… Eurovision is back! The COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the 2020 Contest.

Europe’s favourite annual music event is set to start on May 18. Here’s a guide to how the Eurovision Song Contest works.

39 Countries

There is a cost to competing in the Eurovision Song Contest, but many European nations are eager to participate every year. This year’s field also includes countries outside of Europe: Israel and Australia.

Originally, 41 nations were slated for the 2021 Contest. Armenia withdrew due to internal political and military issues. Belarus was disqualified as its entry was in breach of the rules: its song contained references to anti-government protestors and promoted disputed ‘President’ Lukashenko. As a result, there will be 39 competing countries in this year’s Contest.