EUROVISION EXPLAINED
How Eurovision Semi-Finals work
Most Eurovision countries must qualify for the Grand Final through one of two Semi-Finals. The 2027 public rules set out who competes, how many advance and which voting components decide the result.
Two Semi-Finals
Eurovision uses two live Semi-Finals, traditionally broadcast on Tuesday and Thursday. For Burgas 2027 they take place on 11 May and 13 May, with the Grand Final on 15 May.
Who has to qualify?
Participating countries other than the five Big Five countries and the Host Broadcaster normally compete in a Semi-Final. The public rules allow a maximum of 38 countries across the two Semi-Finals.
How many countries qualify?
Ten entries qualify from each Semi-Final. That creates 20 Semi-Final qualifiers who join the guaranteed finalists in the Saturday show.
Who votes in the 2027 Semi-Finals?
The 2027 public rules confirm both National Jury Voting and Audience Voting for Semi-Final qualification. Audience Voting includes national audiences and the Rest of the World vote.
How are countries assigned to a Semi-Final?
The allocation of participating countries to the two Semi-Finals is decided by draw. The running order is handled separately later in the season once the field is known.
What happens if audience voting fails?
If a reliable audience result cannot be established in a participating country, the public rules allow that country's National Jury result to be used instead. The EBU also supervises the voting process and can address irregular voting patterns.
Who skips the Semi-Finals?
France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom — the Big Five — have guaranteed Grand Final places. The Host Broadcaster also qualifies automatically. For Eurovision 2027, that host place belongs to Bulgaria.