Kitsch, glitz and geopolitics the Eurovision Song Contest is back in two weeks' time, with Russia excluded and conflict-ravaged Ukraine the hot favourite to take the crown.
This year s Eurovision extravaganza kicked off on Tuesday with 10 acts securing their places in the grand finale. The second semi-final will take place on Thursday.
A total of 26 countries will take part in the finale on Saturday evening, which this year takes place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, following the country s victory in the 2019 edition. Last year s event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The global health crisis is still having an impact this year with only 3,500 people allowed to be in the audience. All have been tested.
The audience may be lacking in number but the melodrama is still present.