When is the Eurovision Song Contest final 2021 and what channel is it on?

When is the Eurovision Song Contest final 2021 - and what channel is it on? All you need to know about this year's competition...
The Eurovision Song Contest is back for 2021 and while the contest hardly ever sees the UK entry score highly, it's still one of the great entertainment shows of the year. Now people can meet indoors (opens in new tab), it's a great excuse to have a couple of friends round to watch with a few drinks.
But the question on everyone's lips is when is the Eurovision Song Contest final for 2021 taking place? Well, fear not for we have all the details of the 65th edition of the singing competition...
When is the Eurovision Song Contest final 2021?
The Eurovision Song Contest final for 2021 takes place on Saturday 22nd May. The contest is being held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, following the country's victory at the 2019 contest held in Tel Aviv with Duncan Laurence's song Arcade. If you'll be cheering on the UK's entry, just make sure you hang your Union Jack flag the correct way around. (opens in new tab)
The Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, so the Netherlands' chance to host the show had been held over until now. It is the fifth time that the Netherlands hosts the contest, having previously done so in 1958, 1970, 1976, and 1980.
What channel is Eurovision 2021 on?
There are a variety of ways to watch the Eurovision Song Contest over the world but in the UK, the show is being streamed on BBC One as usual with broadcasts starting at 8pm. It will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in a programme hosted by Ken Bruce.
Will Eurovision 2021 have an audience?
As the UK restrictions ease to allow more people to meet up inside and outdoors, this year's contest in Rotterdam will have a socially distanced audience of 3,500 people - that's 20 per cent of the usual capacity. Regardless of whether there would ever be a live audience organisers claimed, "We always said no matter what happens with the pandemic we will have a song contest.”
Lateral flow tests (opens in new tab) are one way of testing for Covid, those attending on the night will have to show a negative test certificate to gain entry.
Is Graham Norton doing Eurovision 2021?
Yes, Graham Norton will be reprising his role as presenter and commentator of Eurovision 2021 for the BBC viewers. Graham is renowned for his witty remarks and entertaining lines, making the viewing experience a giggle when it comes to understanding what is going on whilst reading out all the interesting facts and figures that are worthy answers to any tricky pub quiz.
What is the UK entry for Eurovision 2021?
Thirty-five-year-old James Newman is the UK entry for Eurovision 2021, and will sing his song Embers in the hope of receiving the highest points from other countries voting on the night.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPDx7SkHQNE/
When is the Eurovision 2021 Semi final?
Ahead of the final, the second part of the semi-finals for Eurovision 2021 will next be broadcast on BBC Four on Thursday, May 20. Resident hosts Scott Mills and Sara Cox who is covering for Rylan Clark-Neal after he fell ill, and will present live from London, and are this year joined by Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and footballer Chelcee Grimes.
A semi-finals show was held on Tuesday, 18th May. With the remaining countries put forward to compete against each other in the live finals this weekend.

Selina is a Senior Entertainment Writer with more than 14 years of experience in newspapers and magazines. She currently looks after all things Entertainment for Goodto.com, Woman&Home, and My Imperfect Life. Before joining Future Publishing, Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism. She is fully NCTJ and NCE qualified and has 100wpm shorthand. When she's not interviewing celebrities you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories.
-
-
House of the Dragon: Release date and meet the cast of the Game of Thrones spin off
Game of Thrones fan will find everything to know about prequel House of the Dragon in our handy guide. Giving you the low down on release date, cast members and the book it's based on.
By Robyn Morris • Published
-
Who killed Seth Rich? The murder that spurred several conspiracy theories as told in Netflix's Web of Make Believe
Separating fact from fiction, we break down the Seth Rich murder case as explored in the hit Netflix internet docu-series
By Emily Stedman • Published
-
House of the Dragon: Release date and meet the cast of the Game of Thrones spin off
Game of Thrones fan will find everything to know about prequel House of the Dragon in our handy guide. Giving you the low down on release date, cast members and the book it's based on.
By Robyn Morris • Published
-
Who killed Seth Rich? The murder that spurred several conspiracy theories as told in Netflix's Web of Make Believe
Separating fact from fiction, we break down the Seth Rich murder case as explored in the hit Netflix internet docu-series
By Emily Stedman • Published
-
Who left The Great British Sewing Bee this week? The latest sewer to leave revealed
Is your favourite contestant still in the show? Find out who has been eliminated this week...
By Selina Maycock • Published
-
Where was Spiderhead filmed? The penitentiary building plus other locations in the Netflix film
The sparkling blue water, lush greenery and sandy beaches in Spiderhead has caught many a viewer's eye. Here's where the Netflix movie was filmed.
By Robyn Morris • Published
-
You Don’t Know Me: Ending explained and will there be a season 2?
The BBC drama series has earnt more viewers on Netflix - all eager to understand THAT dramatic finale.
By Robyn Morris • Published
-
When could the Love Island final be? Possible 2022 end date and season 8 length
We've shared the possible air date for the Love Island final 2022 and where it's set to be filmed.
By Robyn Morris • Published
-
Where is Tyler Barriss now and what happened to Shane Gaskill and Casey Vaner? The swatting crime in Web of Make Believe explained
Your questions answered about the gamers behind the Swatting crime as explored in Netflix's Web of Make Believe docu-series.
By Robyn Morris • Last updated
-
Who is on Loose Women today? The stars on today's panel
Who is on Loose Women today? This is who to expect on the panel...
By Selina Maycock • Published