Over 30 Contenders Vie for Coveted Eurovision Crown as Competition Kicks Off

Eurovision 2023 began with 37 contenders walking the "Turquoise Carpet" in Liverpool, England as part of the competition's opening ceremony.
The competition seeks to unite the cultures of Ukraine and Liverpool under the banner "United by Music" after Ukraine won the competition last year but could not host due to conflict in the country.
Favorites to win include Sweden's Loreen, but Ukraine, Finland, and Germany also have promising candidates competing in semi-finals for the 20 spots in the grand final.
Hotel and ticket prices in Liverpool rose significantly for Eurovision 2023, though refugees from Ukraine can get discounted tickets to the event.
Kalush Orchestra won Eurovision Song Contest 2022 for Ukraine with "Stefania," earning them an automatic place in the grand final along with the UK and other "Big Five" members.