How to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 and what time does Eurovision start?

It's that time of year again—Eurovision 2022 is upon us. 

The 66th edition annual songwriting competition will grace our TV screens on Thursday, May 12, much to the excitement of its devout superfans. 

This year's contest takes place at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, the home country of the Eurovision 2021 winner, Roma rock band, Måneskin. Its second Semi-Final will see 18 acts from across Europe compete for one of the coveted 10 remaining spots in the Grand Final on Saturday, May 14. 

The performers who are voted through by the public will join the 10 qualifiers of the first Semi-Final, which took place at the Italian arena on Tuesday, May 10. 

These 20 acts will share the stage with the five countries that automatically secure a spot in the Eurovision every year. Known as 'the Big Five', France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom are always given a place in the Grand Final because of their financial contribution to the competition. The host country is also guaranteed to perform, by default of winning the previous year. 

Which European countries qualified for Eurovision 2022 in the first Semi Finals? 

The European countries that qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in the first Semi-Final include Armenia, Greece, Iceland, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, and Ukraine. 

The second Semi-Final, which will take place on May 12, will see the following countries take to the stage at Turin: Finland, Israel, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Malta, San Marino, Australia, Cyprus, Ireland, North Macedonia, Estonia, Romania, Poland, Montenegro, and Belgium. 

How to watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in the UK 

If you haven't managed to score tickets to the feel-good event, don't fear—there are still plenty of ways to get your Eurovision fix. 

Hardcore UK fans can watch all the excitement unfold in real-time by tuning in to the second Semi-Final on BBC Three on Thursday, May 12 at 8 PM (GMT), and the Grand Final on BBC One at 8 pm (GMT) on Saturday, May 14. The show will also be available to enjoy live on BBC iPlayer, where it will remain after the event has finished for any latecomers.

How to watch Eurovision Song Contest 2022 from USA 

There was once a time when it was near-impossible to watch the Eurovision Song Contest from the US, but luckily, those dark days are over. 

American streamer Peacock will stream the second Semi-Final on May 12 and the Grand Final on May 14 at 3 pm ET (2 CT), marking its second year in the row to share the glitzy competition exclusively. As is the case with BBC iPlayer, stateside fans will also be able to catch up on the show after it's finished with Peacock's on-demand viewing.