At "Eurovision 2024," the rules of voting and performances for the "Big Five" countries have undergone significant changes

The rules for Eurovision 2024, set to take place in May in the Swedish city of Malmö, are undergoing significant changes. SSPDaily learned more about the upcoming innovations.

These changes will impact the voting process for favorites and the performances of the founding countries of the international contest and last year's winner. From now on, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom will perform not only in the final but also in the semifinals. Previously, viewers could only watch video clips of the performances by the Big Five countries. Last year's winner, Sweden, will also join them.

The first semifinal will feature performances by Germany, Sweden, and the UK, while the second will include France, Italy, and Spain. The finalists will perform their tracks interspersed between the performances of the semifinalists, who will compete for a spot in the final. According to Eurovision organizers, these changes ensure fair conditions for all participants, as the audience will witness all performances and have the opportunity to choose their favorite.

Moreover, there are changes to the voting rules in the final. The voting period will be extended, allowing viewers to vote for their favorite immediately after the first participant takes the stage.

Additionally, voting will be open to fans of the song contest residing in non-participating countries. They will have 24 hours to cast their votes. Online voting for them will commence right after the second dress rehearsal of the contest and continue until the participants' live performances.

The organizers of Eurovision 2024 suggest that these changes are just the beginning. The Organizing Committee promises to announce another significant change to the contest soon.