Voting changes announced for Eurovision Song Contest 2023

Earlier today (22 November) the EBU announced some changes to voting that will be implemented for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine.

Some of the rule changes announced today include allowing viewers to vote for the winning song - which will be decided alongside votes from the professional music industry juries - and allowing viewers to select the countries that qualify for the semi-finals with no input from the juries. For the first time ever, viewers in non-participating countries will also be able to vote online.

Major changes to the Eurovision voting system have been announced by @EBU_HQ:⁰⁰

Viewers alone will decide the Semi-Final results
Jury/Viewers still decide the Grand Final results
Rest of the World invited to vote too

Find out more: https://t.co/PGlLJJs5lm

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) November 22, 2022

Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor, said, "Throughout its 67-year history the Eurovision Song Contest has constantly evolved to remain relevant and exciting. These changes acknowledge the immense popularity of the show by giving more power to the audience of the world’s largest live music event."

"In 2023 only Eurovision Song Contest viewers will decide which countries make it to the Grand Final and, reflecting the global impact of the event, everyone watching the show, wherever they live in the world, can cast their votes for their favourite songs," he continued. "By also involving juries of music professionals in deciding the final result, all the songs in the Grand Final can be assessed on the broadest possible criteria. We can also maintain the tradition of travelling around Europe and Australia to collect points and ensure a thrilling voting sequence with the winner only revealed at the very end of the show."

The UK was selected to host the 2023 Eurovision back in June after placing second in this year's contest. Ukraine was ruled out following a "full assessment" on "safety and security issues" due to the ongoing war.