The keys to Eurovision 2022: participating countries, how the semifinals work, where it is held and the winner’s prize

The festival of Eurovision 2022 It is just around the corner. The musical competition has already started its engines and the artists are preparing for the grand finale of the contest that serves as a showcase for multiple singers and musical groups from different parts of the world.

On this occasion, Spain part as one of the favorites with Chanel Terrero as representative. The young woman was chosen for this work in the benidorm fest, a TVE initiative that was plagued by controversy due to its voting system and the work of the professional jury. Now the actress, singer and dancer is challenged to dazzle in a hotly contested and potentially career-changing musical competition.

When is Eurovision 2022 and which countries participate

The Eurovision Song Contest is held on May 10, 12 and 14. The grand finale of the contest, the moment with the highest audience ratings, is the one that takes place on the last date mentioned. However, on the 10th and 12th, the Eurovision semi-finalswhich are essential to determine which countries advance to the grand final.

In the first semifinal Albania, Latvia, Lithuania, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Moldova, Portugal, Croatia, Denmark, Austria, Iceland, Greece, Norway and Armenia participate. Initially, Russia He was also part of this group, but the invasion of Ukraine caused him to be expelled from the contest.

In the second semifinalorganized on May 12, Finland, Israel, Serbia Azerbaijan, Georgia, Malta San Marino, Australia, Cyprus, Ireland, North Macedonia, Estonia, Romania, Poland, Montenegro, Belgium, Sweden and the Czech Republic compete.

For their part, Italy, Spain, Germany, France and the United Kingdom have already qualified for the final. This is because they are part of the Big Fivethat is, the grouping of five countries that contribute the most money to EBU, European Broadcasting Union. In the final there will be 25 countries present, which means that only the 10 most voted from each semifinal will reach the Grand finale of May 14.

Where is Eurovision 2022 being held?

After Italy’s victory in 2021 thanks to the group Måneskin, the country earned the right to hold the festival on its territory next year. After an internal process, in which various political leaders from Italian cities expressed their interest in organizing Eurovision 2022, finally Turin was the location chosen by the RAIItalian public radio and television company, and the EBU.

This is why Chanel and her team have had to move to Italian lands, where they have carried out their tests. The representative of Spain in Eurovision and her dancers have already stepped on the stage of Eurovision 2022, designed by the Italian set designer Francesca Montinaro, which has given some other headaches to the participants due to the mechanical failures of its mobile structures inspired by the movement of the sun. Finally, to avoid problems, these kinetic suns will remain static, something that has affected the performances of some countries.

This controversial scenery is located in the Alpitour shovel of Turin, a sports and exhibition pavilion that has capacity for 18,000 spectators and an area of ​​34,000 square meters.

What prize does the winner of Eurovision win?

The winner of Eurovision 2022 will not receive any specific prize beyond the crystal microphone. This trophy, symbol of the contest, emulates a radio microphone. However, the real reward for the artists comes right after the festival.

The international recognition It allows many of the participants, especially the winners, to obtain great repercussions in the media of various countries, followers on social networks, a greater volume of listeners and concerts around the world.

A clear example of this is the group Måneskin who, after taking victory at Eurovision 2021, gained global fame. So much so that they have performed at festivals of the stature of Coachella 2022 and they are immersed in their own international tour.

On the other hand, the winning country obtains the right to host the celebration of the festival next year, which is a excellent opportunity in economic terms and tourism promotion.