Make a Europop Date: Here's When and Where You Can Watch Eurovision 2022 This Week

Sorry, whatever's been getting a workout on your playlist over the past few weeks. May is here, which means that Eurovision is here — and so is a whole bunch of Europop tunes that'll worm their way into your head. That's one of the joys of this time of year, which is basically Christmas if you love pop songs belted out competitively in a glitzy ceremony filled with eye-catching outfits.

It started back in 1956 as a singing contest between a mere seven nations. Now, more than six decades later, Eurovision is a glitter-strewn and spandex-fuelled global musical phenomenon. Forty countries not only in Europe but from elsewhere will compete in 2022 — hello Australia — and viewers tune in en masse to watch, sing along and add new pop tunes to their queues.

This year's host city: Turin in Italy. The theme: "the sound of beauty". The Aussie talent you'll be cheering on: Sheldon Riley, the former The X-Factor Australia, The Voice and America's Got Talent contestant who is flying the flag with his dark pop sound, avant-garde style and passionate performances. He'll be singing the song 'Not the Same' in his quest for Eurovision glory — and you have plenty of chances to see the results.

 

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Come 5am AEST on Wednesday, May 11, Eurovision will return to SBS as part of the broadcaster's usual annual celebration of all things Europop. That's when you can get up early to watch the first semi final, although Riley won't take to the stage until the second semi final at 5am AEST on Friday, May 13. He'll be up against performers from 17 other countries, including The Rasmus from Finland, Sweden's Cornelia Jakobs, Brooke from Ireland, the Czech Republic's We Are Domi, Stefan from Estonia, Krystian Ochman from Poland and Azerbaijan's Nadir Rustamli.

If Riley makes his way through to the grand final — with only 21 acts making the cut, and France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom automatically guaranteed spots — you'll also want to get up early on Sunday, May 15. Or, even if he doesn't, that's when this year's winner will be anointed. Of course, for those who can't tear themselves out of bed before it's light and can somehow manage to avoid the internet and social media, both semis and the grand final will also screen in primetime on the same dates.

SBS' usual local hosts Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey are once again overseeing the Australian coverage. And if you can't decide whether to beat the sun or wait and host a party at sensible hour, it's worth remembering that Australians can indeed vote for Eurovision, but only during the live broadcasts. For the semi finals, you're limited to voting during the event that features Riley — and you can only vote in the grand final if the singer gets through. Also, there's another caveat: you're not actually allowed to vote for Australia's entry, which you can nonetheless check out below.

EUROVISION 2022 BROADCASTS:

LIVE BROADCASTS:
Semi final one: 5am AEST on Wednesday, May 11 on SBS
Semi final two: 5am AEST on Friday, May 13 on SBS
Grand final: 5am AEST on Sunday, May 15 on SBS

EVENING REPLAYS:
Semi final one: 8.30pm AEST on Friday, May 13 on SBS
Semi final two: 8.30pm AEST on Saturday, May 14 on SBS
Grand final: 7.30pm AEST on Sunday, May 15 on SBS

DAYTIME REPLAYS:
Semi final one: 11.30am AEST on Saturday, May 14 on SBS Viceland
Semi final two: 11.30am AEST on Sunday, May 15 on SBS Viceland
Grand final: 12pm AEST on Monday, May 16 on SBS Viceland

SBS' Eurovision 2022 coverage runs from Wednesday, May 11–Monday, May 16. For more information, head to the broadcaster's website.

Top image: Jess Gleeson.