Ukraine tipped for glory in annual song-fest

While Ukraine is the favourite to win this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, it faces tough competition from Sweden, Italy and the UK.

This year’s final is in Turin, Italy and is expected to be as colourful and brash as normal.

Here are the acts to watch out for.

Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine) – a folk-rap group that secured its place in the grand final with an impressive performance in the first semi-final on Tuesday.

Its song, Stefania, is an ode to mothers and the trials they face raising families.

Sam Ryder (UK) – Ryder was selected in a new collaboration between the BBC and global music management company TaP Music, with the new strategy ensuring Ryder’s single, Space Man, got played on BBC Radio 1 instead of Radio 2 and targeting smaller countries, such as San Marino, Serbia, Croatia and Malta, which have the same voting powers as larger countries.

Cornelia Jakobs (Sweden) - Jakobs began her recording career as part of the short-lived girl band Love Generation, which released its debut in the summer of 2010.

She launched a solo career in 2018 and won the annual Melodifestivalen, which determines which act represents Sweden at Eurovision.

Mahmood and Blanco (Italy) – Two of Italy’s most popular young artists, Mahmood and Blanco, will represent the host nation this weekend.

Mahmood found fame on the Italian version of The X Factor while rapper Bianco’s 2021 single Mi Fai Impazzire topped the Italian charts.

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final airs at 8pm tonight on BBC One, BBC Radio 2 and BBC iPlayer.