The allocation draw for the semi-finals will be drawn at this special occasion. It will be also the Host City Insignia which will be passed from Rotterdam to Turin. This event will broadcasted live at 12.00 CET from Palazzo Madama e Casaforte degli Acaja.

This special event is a very important one, because it’s to determine in which of the two Semi Finals the countries are allocated to. Among the 41 participating countries this year there the “Big5” countries France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom and the host country Italy which are already set for the Grand Final on May 14th. The remaining 36 countries are allocated to either Semi Final 1 on May 10th or Semi Final 2 on May 12th. This also means that the delegation of the countries which are allocated to the Semi Final 1 have to arrive in Turin two days earlier, due to the rehearsal schedule.

There are six pots with six countries inside, which is based on previous voting patterns. The running order will be determined by the host broadcaster RAI and the EBU reference group in March, when all songs are known.

Normally this allocation draw is also giving a first impression of the theme and artwork of the ESC, introduction videos will be shown and the EBU Executive supervisor Martin Österdahl together with the organization team, the mayor of Turin will be around.

The show will be broadcasted live on YouTube on Tuesday, 25th January 12.00 CET.

Author: Bernd LemmermannEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Public relations, Editor, Journalist

About me:
As one of the founders of eurovisionlive.com I am responsible for the interviews with the singers and the editorial content. My passion for the Eurovision Song Contest exists since my early childhood. The exotic music, different cultures and languages have given a lot of inspiration to me. Since my very first ESC in Dublin 1994 I particularly appreciate the get together and friendship of all the nationalities and Riverdance was a thrill!