Published: 29 April 2024
Updated: 30 April 2024
The world’s biggest music competition returns this May as the Eurovision Song Contest, one of the longest-running and most-watched non-sporting events in the world, is broadcast live from Malmö across the BBC. In celebration of the most spectacular music contest on the planet, the BBC is promising viewers and listeners a huge array of Eurovision content across TV, Radio, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds and Online.
Sweden will play host to the 2024 contest following the country's victory in 2023 in Liverpool with ‘Tattoo’ performed by Loreen. This makes it a particularly special year as it’s the 50th anniversary of ABBA winning for Sweden in Brighton in 1974.
This year marks the 68th edition of the competition, where 37 countries will compete, starting with two Semi-Finals that will be broadcast live on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th May on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, hosted by commentators Scott Mills and Rylan. Over on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, Richie Anderson will be taking the reins for the first time, and will be leading the commentary on the airwaves.
The Grand Final will be broadcast live on Saturday 11 May, where Graham Norton will be commentating over on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, Scott Mills and Rylan will be overseeing proceedings.
Multi-award winning music superstar Olly Alexander will be representing the UK with his single ‘Dizzy’, released by Polydor (part of Universal Music Group).
As one of the ‘Big Five’ countries (United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Italy), the United Kingdom does not have to qualify from the semi-final stage of the competition and will gain automatic access to the Saturday Grand Final. Sweden are also guaranteed a place in the final due to their victory at last year’s contest.
For the first time the ‘Big Five’ countries and this year’s hosts Sweden, will perform their songs in full during the semi-finals. Olly Alexander will perform his song ‘Dizzy’ in full for the first time on the Eurovision stage during the first Semi-Final on Tuesday 7 May.
These additional performances in each Semi-Final will be slotted in between the competing countries’ acts. The Big Five plus Sweden automatically qualify for the Grand Final, so whilst they will perform their song in full live, these countries will not compete for votes in the Semi-Finals and will not be part of the Semi-Final voting sequences.
Both viewers across Europe and professional juries in each country will vote in the Grand Final, and their combined scores will decide the winner of Eurovision 2024. For the 2nd year running there will be a ‘Rest of the World’ viewer vote too which will be incorporated into the total points of the viewer vote.
Director of Entertainment, Kate Phillips says: ‘‘Following a thrilling contest in Liverpool last year after hosting on behalf for Ukraine, the BBC proudly continues to be the home of Eurovision in the UK. We’re delighted to broadcast both the Semi-Finals and the Grand Final on BBC One and iPlayer, plus BBC Radio 2 continues to be the home of Eurovision on the airwaves and will broadcast all three live shows, as well as wall to wall Eurovision content on the day of the Grand Final. For all ABBA lovers, the BBC is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Waterloo with special content across BBC Four, BBC Two, Sounds and iPlayer. EastEnders are also getting into the Eurovision spirit as this year’s UK entrant, Olly Alexander pays a visit to Albert Square in a very special episode. We’ll also be going behind the scenes in an exclusive documentary for BBC One and iPlayer, Olly Alexander’s Road to Eurovision ’24. Plus there will be lots more brilliant content not to be missed this May on the BBC!"
The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals and Grand Final continue to be amongst the most popular Entertainment programmes on the BBC, with the Grand Final in 2023 reaching an average audience of 10.7 million (BBC 30 Day All Screens) in the UK.
Eurovision is also one of the most popular Entertainment programmes for younger audiences on the BBC, with 2 million 16-34 year olds tuning in for the Grand Final last year, making it the highest young audience we’ve seen for Eurovision since 2011.
The BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest 2024 coverage is a BBC Studios Entertainment production, commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producers are Andrew Cartmell and Lee Smithurst. The Creative Director for BBC Studios Entertainment North is Pete Ogden and Suzy Lamb is the Managing Director of Entertainment & Music at BBC Studios. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Ruby Kuraishe.
For the latest information on the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2024, follow @bbceurovision on TikTok and Instagram and BBC Eurovision on Facebook.
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Eurovision 2024 Semi-Finals
The Semi-Finals will be broadcast live on BBC One, featuring commentary by Eurovision superfans Rylan and Scott Mills.
For the first time the ‘Big Five’ countries and this year’s hosts Sweden, will perform their songs in full during the semi-finals.
Eurovision Semi-Final 1
Tuesday 7 May, 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer
In the first live semi-final, the first group of countries will compete for a place in Saturday’s Grand Final.
The 15 countries competing (in performance order) are: Cyprus, Serbia, Lithuania, Ireland, Ukraine, Poland, Croatia, Iceland, Slovenia, Finland, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Australia, Portugal and Luxembourg.
Plus, this year’s UK's act Olly Alexander will perform his song ‘Dizzy’ in full for the first time on the Eurovision stage.
Highlights of the first semi-final include Baby Lasagna who is representing Croatia with a very catchy song ‘Rim Tim Tagi Dim’ which is currently one of the favourites to win this year’s contest. Bambi Thug who is representing Ireland, who describes their sound as ‘Ouija pop’ and promises to bring a witchcraft vibe to the Eurovision stage. Plus Windows95man who is representing Finland is fast becoming a fan favourite with their catchy song and 90s inspired outfits.
UK viewers will be able to vote for their favourites and 10 countries will qualify for Saturday’s Grand Final.
Watch the Eurovision Semi-Final 1 on BBC iPlayer
Eurovision Semi-Final 2
Thursday 9 May, 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer
In the second live Semi-Final, the 16 countries competing (in performance order) are: Malta, Albania, Greece, Switzerland, Czechia, Austria, Denmark, Armenia, Latvia, San Marino, Georgia, Belgium, Estonia, Israel, Norway and Netherlands.
Highlights include, Nemo who is representing Switzerland with a song encompassing Drum ‘n’ Bass, Rap, Opera and a James Bond-esque sound, who is currently one of the favourites to win. Kaleen from Austria whose song ‘We Will Rave’ is a nod to 90’s dance anthems. Joost Klein is representing Netherlands and also bringing a 90’s dance vibe with a style of Dutch techno, called Gabba, in there song ‘Europapa’ after taking inspiration from Vengaboys and 2Unlimited.
10 countries will qualify for Saturdays Grand Final, and join the 10 finalists from the first Semi-Final as well as the ‘Big Five’ and Sweden, in competing in the Grand Final.
Watch the Eurovision Semi-Final 2 on BBC iPlayer
Eurovision 2024 Grand Final
Saturday 11 May, 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer
Graham Norton will provide the commentary on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for Europe’s biggest party night of the year!
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024, will be hosted by fan favourite Petra Mede, who will be hosting the competition for the third time, and Swedish-American actress Malin Åkerman.
The qualifying acts from the Semi-Finals will join the ‘Big Five’ countries, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom and Italy, as well as the host country Sweden - who are guaranteed a place in the final due to their victory in 2023. The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live from the Malmö Arena in Malmö.
Voting procedure
After viewers have cast their votes, each national spokesperson from the 37 participating countries will present the points of their professional jury live to the world. The UK spokesperson will be announced in due course.
After the presentation of the scores from the juries, the televoting points from all participating countries will be combined, providing one overall score for each song. These televoting results will then be announced by the hosts building towards a dramatic climax as the winner of Eurovision 2024 is announced.
More details regarding the voting procedure and how you can get involved can be found at bbc.co.uk/eurovision
TV and iPlayer
EastEnders
BBC One and iPlayer
The residents of Albert Square are in for a treat this spring as multi-award winning singer and actor, Olly Alexander, arrives in Walford for a surprise visit.
Having been rehearsing for Eurovision nearby, Olly makes a pit-stop at The Queen Vic to reconnect with old friend Johnny Carter, and is given a heroes welcome by Walford well-wishers ahead of his impending performance at the Eurovision Song Contest.
In true EastEnders style, Olly’s visit to the Square is not the only surprise of the night, as one Walford resident decides to pop the question having been buoyed up by the celebratory tone of the occasion, but the couple in question and the all-important answer is yet to be revealed…
Olly’s guest-appearance on EastEnders will air on Thursday 2 May at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
Olly Alexander’s Road to Eurovision ‘24
BBC One and iPlayer
This revealing film follows high profile pop star, Olly Alexander, as he navigates the road to representing the United Kingdom at the biggest song contest in the world, the Eurovision Song Contest.
In the months leading up to the competition, the cameras are given exclusive access to Olly as he prepares for one of the most important performances of his life. We see Olly embark on the Eurovision promotional circuit as he releases his song, “Dizzy”. He must juggle huge press attention, and perform at Eurovision Pre-Parties in Madrid and London, whilst preparing for the big event in May, at the Malmö Arena in Sweden.
A life-long fan of Eurovision himself, Olly is set on creating a spectacular performance in Malmö, and with behind-the-scenes access to Olly’s rehearsals, gruelling choreography and vocal sessions, the film offers a rare insight into the huge behind the scenes efforts required to stage a unique performance at the much loved annual competition.
However, Olly’s journey has highs and lows, and he is under pressure from the start. He speaks candidly about his hopes and fears, and as the competition draws closer, Olly finds himself at the centre of attention with protestors calling upon him to boycott Eurovision in response to Israel’s participation in the contest.
Olly Alexander’s Road to Eurovision ’24 will be available on iPlayer from Saturday 4 May and will air on BBC One on Tuesday 7 May.
Kelly Sweeney, Alice Webb and Andrew Cartmell are Executive Producers for Mercury Studios. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Ruby Kuraishe.
ABBA: Against the Odds
BBC One and iPlayer
This gripping feature documentary tells the epic story of ABBA’s battle against the odds and rise to global fame from their Eurovision win through to their break up. Facing protests in Sweden & UK radio bans, ABBA have to find their unique sound before conquering the global charts. But when ABBAmania kicks in, the pressure threatens the relationships at the heart of the band. Told through the timeless hits and stunning archive footage, this film captures the incredible journey that led ABBA to greatness. ABBA: Against The Odds is co-produced by a host of European broadcasters including BBC, ARD/WDR, France Télévisions, SVT and DR.
The programme is produced by multi-award winning documentary makers, Rogan Productions (Freddie Mercury: The Final Act), directed by BAFTA and Emmy Award winner James Rogan, and distributed worldwide by BBC Studios.
ABBA: Against the Odds will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Saturday 4 May, and on BBC One at 10.40pm on Wednesday 8 May.
Galaxy Dance
BBC Three
In a brand new animated short, the future of humanity hangs in the balance - imagine Eurovision 2989 now an interstellar dance competition with a myriad of alien groups and Earth’s human band competing for a prize fund so gigantic it could save our planet from extinction.
There's just one problem - Earth is on a notorious losing streak and ‘Galaxy Dance’ is the fiercest contest in the Milky Way. Enter Doyle, Jane and their team of misfits with nothing more to lose!
In a reckless act of hubris, Doyle overreaches with a manoeuvre so dangerous that he blows up the stage and draws the wrath of Astra - a wicked representative of The Galactic Establishment. But all is not lost and there’s still time on the clock. Backstage in their murky green room, a chance encounter with an old hand presents our heroes with a dance routine so simple that anyone could learn it. But will it be enough to qualify?
Starring Liam Bixby (Wreck, Uroborus), Lisa Dwyer Hogg (Dance First, The Fall) and Mukamajulé Michelo (The Lovers).
Galaxy Dance will air on BBC Three on Monday 6 May at 7.40pm, and will be available on iPlayer from 6am the same day.
Galaxy Dance (1 x 8’) is made by HaZimation and was commissioned for BBC Three and iPlayer by Fiona Campbell. The Producer for HaZimation is Paula Crickard and the Creator and Director is Ultan Courtney. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Gillian Burke.
Radio and Sounds
BBC Radio 1
Saturday 11 May
Danny Beard (10.30am - 1pm)
BBC Radio 1’s Danny Beard will be bringing you into the world of Eurovision and give you an insight into what to expect over the night ahead.
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 is the home of Eurovision 2024 on UK radio and Eurovision obsessives, Scott Mills, Rylan and Richie Anderson – who were in amongst all the action in Liverpool 2023 - will be in Malmö all week as the excitement builds to Saturday night.
Scott and Rylan will once again be the station’s presenters for this year’s Grand Final which will be broadcast live on the network. They paired up for the first time last year to host the Grand Final and will be back together again, broadcasting live from the centre of the action in Sweden and cheering on the UK’s entrant, Olly Alexander, as well as all the other countries of course! And following its radio debut last year, Radio 2 and BBC Sounds will again be broadcasting the Eurovision Semi Finals live, which will be presented by Richie Anderson.
Shows across the network will be building up the excitement across the week, with Richie speaking daily to Zoe on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show from Tuesday 7th May, sharing all the latest news, gossip and highlights from Sweden. Plus Rylan and Scott will be chatting to her the morning after each of the Semi Finals. Scott will be presenting his afternoon show on Wednesday 8th and Friday 10th May (2-4pm) from Malmö, with Gary Davies hosting from London on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th whilst Scott prepares to host the Semi Finals live with Rylan on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Super Saturday on 11th May will be non-stop Eurovision fun, with all the shows that day on Radio 2 sharing the nation’s excitement for the Grand Final that night. Presenters will be hearing from listeners, welcoming special guests and getting the Eurovision party started! Michelle Visage will be hosting, Michelle Visage’s Eurovision All Stars, where listeners can expect all the Eurovision classics. Also that day, Gary Davies hosts Your Ultimate ABBA Song, revealing the nation’s Top 30 ABBA songs as voted for by the UK public.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: “As the radio home of Eurovision in the UK, Radio 2 has been building the anticipation to the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest since early April, celebrating ABBA’s 50th anniversary of winning in Brighton in 1974 with their song, Waterloo. All those shows are available to listen to now on BBC Sounds. After their brilliant Eurovision Grand Final presenting debut last year, Scott and Rylan are back! Their passionate and hilarious commentary will be a must listen radio event for sure and, new for 2024, fellow Eurovision superfan Richie Anderson will be at the Semi Finals, bringing our listeners all the madness and mayhem as it unfolds.”
All shows which have been broadcast so far are now available on BBC Sounds, including Your Ultimate ABBA Song, Eras: ABBA, Sophie Ellis-Bextor: ABBA, My Supergroup, and ABBA at the BBC.
Sunday 5 May and 12 May
Sam Ryder's Greatest Voices (12-1am)
Join Sam Ryder as he revels in the joy of the greatest voices in popular music!
Sam takes us on a joyous journey through some of the greatest voices in popular music history. From Stevie Wonder to Karen Carpenter and SIA via Bruce Dickinson, Lady Gaga and Janis Joplin - we revel in what makes these voices unique, timeless, and instantly recognisable.
Sam shot to fame in lockdown by performing on social media, which led him to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, performing Space Man and finishing in second place. Later that year, he continued to spread musical joy with his performance at the Platinum Party at the Palace concert in May, and hosted Sam Ryder Rocks New Year’s Eve spectacular on BBC One in December. In 2023 Sam was nominated for the Best New Artist category at the BRIT Awards, the first Eurovision act to be nominated in this category, and he also sang to over 40,000 people at Radio 2 in the Park in Leicester.
This will be sheer singalong joy as we celebrate the most incredible voices in the history of popular music - in the wonderful company of Sam on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds!
Part 1 is now available on BBC Sounds.
A BBC Audio production
Tuesday 7 - Friday 10 May
The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show (6.30-9.30am)
From Tuesday to Friday this week, The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show celebrates Eurovision, with Zoe in London and Richie Anderson in Sweden. Richie will be chatting to Zoe live with all the latest news and views from Malmö. Rylan and Scott will be also speaking to Zoe on Wednesday 8th and Friday 10th May following each of the previous night’s Eurovision Semi Finals, which they are hosting live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
A BBC Audio production.
Scott Mills (2-4pm)
Scott Mills will be broadcasting his Radio 2 show live from backstage at the Malmö Arena on Wednesday 8th and Friday 10th this week, with Gary Davies in the hot seat presenting the show in London on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th (as Scott prepares to host the Eurovision Semi Finals on BBC One and BBC iPlayer with Rylan).
Scott will be bringing listeners all the gossip from the Semi Finals as well as sharing all the fun and excitement from Malmö. Expect to hear from Eurovision entrants, superfans, and even possibly his Eurovision other half, Rylan!
A BBC Audio production.
Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 May
Eurovision Semi Finals with Richie Anderson (8-10.15pm)
Richie Anderson hosts Radio 2’s coverage of the two Eurovision Semi Finals live from Malmö on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th May.
In Tuesday’s Semi Final, fifteen countries are taking part, with the best ten qualifying for the Grand Final on Saturday night. On Thursday, Richie returns with live coverage from the second of the Eurovision semi-finals, with sixteen countries taking part and the best ten qualifying for the Grand Final on Saturday night.
Richie says: “I cannot put into words how excited I am to be Radio 2’s Eurovision semi-finals commentator in Malmö. Eurovision is my favourite time of the year, it’s like my second Christmas, but in May! I can’t wait to bring all the colour and fun to our listeners and help with ‘making your mind up’ on who should advance through to the Grand Final. I’ll also spend the week as an out and about reporter for The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show bringing everybody back home closer to the action than ever before.”
A BBC Audio production.
Saturday 11 May
Dermot O’Leary (8-10am)
It’s Super Saturday on Radio 2, as all the presenters across the day build up the excitement and anticipation to tonight’s Eurovision Grand Final. Dermot will be playing his favourites and chatting to a former winner, Lulu, who won Eurovision in 1969 with her song, Boom Bang-a-Bang.
An Ora et Labora production.
Romesh Ranganathan (10am-1pm)
Romesh will experience his very first Radio 2 Eurovision Super Saturday as the nation prepares for the Grand Final. New to the world of Eurovision, Romesh will receive an education from the biggest superfans and he’ll welcome some special guests. Plus, of course, he’ll play the very best music to get listeners in the mood and fully behind the UK entrant, Olly Alexander.
A TBI Media production.
Your Ultimate Abba Song (1-3pm)
Gary Davies – who also hosts Sounds of the 80s on Radio 2 - counts down to the ultimate ABBA, song as voted for by the listeners, as part of the network’s celebrations of the group’s 50th anniversary of winning Eurovision in 1974 with their song, Waterloo.
There were 45 tracks to vote for from across ABBA’s entire career, including all of their singles which reached the Top 40 in the UK charts, as well as a selection of other classics as chosen by Radio 2’s panel of ABBA superfans, including presenters Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Sara Cox. But which one is Your Ultimate ABBA Song? Tune in to find out!
Gary Davies, presenter of Your Ultimate Abba Song, says: “Ever since I saw them perform Waterloo on Eurovision I was hooked. ABBA has been the musical backdrop to my life. I saw them live in Manchester in 1977 and it was one of the best concerts ever. I’ve got too many favourites to pick just one, so I can’t wait to find out what the British public vote as their ultimate ABBA song.”
This programme will be on BBC Sounds from Monday 29 April.
A BBC Audio production.
Michelle Visage’s Eurovision All Stars (3-6pm)
Michelle Visage is a lifelong Eurovision superfan and today will be both sharing and building the excitement as she throws her own Eurovision party leading up to the main event tonight!
Expect to hear non-stop Eurovision classics, past and present, including entries from ABBA, Lulu, Bucks Fizz and Gina G, to more recent hits by the likes of Loreen, Sam Ryder, Måns Zelmerlöw, Conchita Wurst, Måneskin and many more.
There will be surprise Eurovision stars past and present, including some fellow Radio 2 presenters, popping up throughout the show and Michelle will also hear from listeners, soaking up the nation’s excitement and playing the tunes no Eurovision party should be without.
A Mostest production.
All Request Eurovision Party (6-8pm)
As the nation gets closer to tonight’s Grand Final, Owain Wyn Evans gets the UK’s Eurovision excitement to peak level. He’ll be hearing from Eurovision parties happening across the country and playing two hours of requests from listeners before handing over to Scott and Rylan in Malmö.
A BBC Audio production.
Eurovision Grand Final with Scott and Rylan (8pm onwards)
Rylan and Scott Mills will be live from the Malmö Arena in Sweden as they are reunited in the commentary booth after co-hosting the Grand Final commentary for the first time live from Liverpool last year. They’ll be bringing the glitz and glamour of the Grand Final to Radio 2 listeners, and cheering on the UK’s entry, Olly Alexander, as he takes to the stage!
26 countries will be competing in this Saturday night spectacular, as the 68th Eurovision Song Contest comes to a close. 20 acts will have made it through the Semi-Finals to perform alongside last year’s winner, Sweden, and the Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom). Each act will have three minutes to impress the juries, made up of music industry professionals, as well as the voting public with the return of the ‘rest of the world’ vote.
Scott has been part of the BBC’s Eurovision presentation team since 2011, when he hosted the Semi Finals live from Düsseldorf. Broadcaster Rylan has been involved in the contest since Lisbon 2018. Both are life-long Eurovision fans and even have their own handbook with tips and tricks for behind-the-scenes at the competition! The Grand Final will be the culmination of a week in the city for them, as they are also hosting both the Semi Finals live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, so they will have all the gossip and excitement from the build-up to the competition. Plus, they will once again be continuing what has become a touching annual tradition, toasting broadcasting legend, former Radio 2 presenter and Eurovision commentator, Sir Terry Wogan, just before contestant number nine’s performance.
Scott says: "I'm so excited to be reunited with my Eurovision husband, Rylan, in the commentary booth in Malmö for my favourite time of the year. I can't wait to bring the glitz, the glamour and the frankly bizarre from the competition to the nation. Last year we ended up in fancy dress as Eurovision drag legends, Verka and her mum... so who knows what's going to happen this year?!"
Rylan says: “Malmö, watch out! I can’t wait to pop on a sequin and grab myself some glitter for the best week of the year. Being in the commentary booth for Loreen’s win last year was emotional, I actually cried, so to be returning – alongside my Eurovision husband, Scott Mills – is a proper honour. We’ll be flying the flag for our Olly as the eyes of the world descend on Sweden!”
A BBC Audio production.
OJ’s Eurovision After Party (approx. 11.20pm-2am)
OJ returns with his annual Eurovision After Party. He’ll be sharing his thoughts on what we’ve just seen in the Grand Final. There’s bound to be some huge talking points, maybe a shock win for one country or a particular performance that rocked us all... and of course, lots of chat about how the UK’s entry, Olly Alexander, has done! Keep the Eurovision love going on until the early hours with OJ!
A BBC Audio production.
Sunday 12 May
Good Morning Sunday (6-9am)
The Reverend Kate Bottley and Jason Mohammad spread hope and joy, sharing uplifting stories about life, love and modern spirituality, alongside a great soundtrack for your Sunday morning. Today, it's the morning after the night before, so Eurovision superfan Kate and Jason will be reflecting on Eurovision 2024 in Malmö. Kate brings in her scorecard for evaluation as she reveals her own scores on who were her favourites. But did they match up with the judges and the voting public?
An Audio Always production.
BBC Sounds
ABBA at the BBC
In April, the BBC celebrates 50 years since ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton on 6th April 1974 with their song, Waterloo. ABBA at the BBC features all the members of the group in interviews - spanning many decades on BBC Radio - with voices including Zoe Ball, Richard Skinner, Laurie Mayer, Tom Browne, producer Paul Williams, plus the late Ray Moore and Steve Wright.
The group talk about their lives here and in Sweden and their lengthy, huge success across the globe, from their worldwide debut in the 70s through to their recent surprise reunion album and revolutionary, hi tech, avatar-based show in London.
A BBC Audio production.
Listen to ABBA at the BBC on BBC Sounds
Eras: ABBA
On Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, the Eras podcast returns (following previous series’ on Kylie and The Beatles) telling the definitive story of ABBA in four era-defining chapters.
They’re known for their impossibly perfect pop songs, global stardom and a stratospheric revival, but how much do you really know about Sweden’s biggest musical export? With presenter Sara Cox as our guide and told in the group’s own words through rare BBC archive and new interviews with experts, insiders and famous fans, this is the story of how Agnetha, Anni-Frid, Björn and Benny went from Eurovision hopefuls to era-defining pop icons.
Eras: ABBA is a window into the musical genius and sheer perseverance that brought ABBA to their rightful place at the top. Set against their timeless back catalogue, listeners will get to know ABBA like never before.
Contributors include Kylie, Rylan, Dermot O’Leary, Elaine Paige, Paul Gambaccini, Olly Alexander, Mark Gatiss, ABBA historian Carl Magnus Palm, session musician Janne Schaffer, Rod Stephen - creator of Björn Again, ABBA Voyage producers, Ludvig Andersson and Svana Gisla, and its director Ballie Walsh, plus curator Ingmarie Halling, journalist Leif Schulman, costume designer Owe Sandström, Mamma Mia! writer and producer Catherine Johnson and writer Ian Hallard.
Episode one, Eras: ABBA - The Road to Waterloo, explores how ABBA’s lives changed forever when they won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, but that the win didn’t come easy. The road to Waterloo was a long one, taking years of hard work and the combination of four world-class talents - each of them already successful in their own right - to pull it off. Sara tells how Björn, Benny, Agnetha and Anni-Frid came together to become ABBA and follows their journey to ultimately winning Eurovision, following a number of failed attempts.
Episode two, Eras: ABBA - The Arrival, follows the band as they find their feet after Eurovision, when they were almost written off as one-hit wonders. Sara takes a look at how the group pulled themselves back from the brink of obscurity and went on to become global megastars, releasing an ever-growing catalogue of hits and finding legions of new fans a very long way from Sweden.
Episode three, Eras: ABBA - Said and Done, opens in 1979 and, whilst ABBA are one of the world’s most famous bands, beneath the surface things are changing. Sara follows the band’s story to the peak of their career and reveals how, as they released some of their most iconic and sophisticated music, their personal relationships come under incredible strain. The band plays on, but how long can they last? This episode chronicles the beginning of the end for the supergroup.
Episode four, Eras: ABBA - Thank You For The Music, tells how - after a wildly successful but gruelling decade - ABBA were no more. Their ‘indefinite hiatus’ allowed each member of the group to follow their own path. Nothing lasts forever though, not even endings, as Sara tells the story of a comeback like no other. From pop history’s greatest Greatest Hits, to theatrical smashes, Hollywood acclaim and futuristic entertainment experiences, ABBA are reborn to achieve a truly timeless legacy.
A Cup & Nuzzle Productions production.
Listen to Eras: ABBA on BBC Sounds
ABBA and Beyond: The Story of Eurovision 74 with Scott Mills
In this programme, Scott Mills takes listeners back to the Brighton Dome in 1974 when ABBA took Eurovision and the world by storm.
He hears from Björn Ulvaeus and Anni-Frid Lyngstad from the band talking about what they remember about that legendary night, and speaks to the people who were actually there, including composer and songwriter Mike Batt who performed as part of the half time show with The Wombles! Scott also chats to writer, producer and hit-maker, Pete Waterman, about what makes them so successful and iconic, and treats listeners to some of the other songs from the 1974 contest, including the UK's entry from Olivia Newton-John.
Plus, of course, Scott will play many of ABBA’s massive anthems from across the years, all of which prove they really are one of the greatest bands in the world... thanks in no small part to that Eurovision win 50 years ago.
This programme was first broadcast in 2014.
A BBC Audio production.
Listen toABBA and Beyond: The Story of Eurovision 74 with Scott Mills on BBC Sounds
Radio 1’s Guide to ABBA with Danny Beard
Danny Beard presents the ultimate beginners guide to ABBA. In this hour long special Danny plots their iconic history through the music and explores their continued influence on the sounds we hear today.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor: ABBA, My Supergroup
This month, the BBC celebrates 50 years since ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton in April 1974 with their song, Waterloo. Sophie Ellis-Bextor counts herself as one of ABBA’s biggest fans and in this hourlong special, reveals how their iconic tunes found their way into her life.
Sophie says: “I’ve spent thousands of hours singing and dancing to ABBA’s songs throughout my life since I first fell in love with them. This is my dream show, to share their music and the joy they bring to me and so many millions of others!”
By the time Sophie was of an age to truly appreciate music, ABBA had already broken up several years earlier, but their absence only made her heart grow even fonder of their music. She tells how she became familiar with their songs through 90s films such as Muriel’s Wedding and The Adventures of Priscilla – Queen of the Desert, and the TV show Knowing Me Knowing You, as well as her lifelong love of Eurovision.
The 1992 hits compilation, ABBA Gold, opened up their back catalogue of hits to a teenage Sophie and from there on she was a full-fledged fan, enjoying the ABBA journey through Mamma Mia! the stage musical, the movies which followed, and their eventual incredible avatar reunion.
This programme is packed with Sophie’s enthralling and delightful personal stories and gives a fascinating insight into how ABBA’s influence shaped the aspirations and sound of one of the UK’s most successful female artists of modern times, Sophie herself. It is soundtracked by over 20 of the group’s biggest hits as well as archive audio from interviews, film trailers and live performances.
A Mostest production.
Listen to Sophie Ellis-Bextor: ABBA, My Supergroup on BBC Sounds
Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Ultimate Eurovision Party Playlist
Sophie Ellis-Bextor brings listeners the Ultimate Eurovision Party Playlist in her Kitchen Disco. The programme features two hours of feel-good party hits, including the biggest Eurovision acts alongside modern pop classics and is the essential soundtrack for any Eurovision party.
A Listen production.
Eurovision 2024: All The Entries with Rylan & Scott
Radio 2’s Eurovision superfans look ahead to this year’s competition, previewing all the entries that are heading to Malmö in Sweden for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.
Both Scott Mills and Rylan are lifelong Eurovision fans, so who better to guide us through the 2024 contenders? They’ve been making mischief at the competition for years and know all the tips and tricks to success on the stage!
37 acts will compete in the competition at the Malmö Arena, with 20 acts making it through the Semi-Finals to perform alongside last year’s winner, Sweden, and the Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).
Together with Richie Anderson, also joining the commentary team in Sweden, they’ll launch a Eurovision sweepstake with the Radio 2 presenting family each getting a country from this year’s competition to champion… but which ones will make it through the Semis and into the Grand Final?
A BBC Audio production.
Available now on BBC iPlayer
When ABBA Came To Britain (BBC Two)
When ABBA Came To Britain looks at the magical time Agnetha, Anni-Frid, Benny and Björn spent in the UK from 1974 to 1982 and examines their ground-breaking legacy, from Eurovision to ABBA Voyage.
Featuring previously untransmitted interviews with ABBA, this documentary takes an affectionate look at the ongoing love affair between the UK and the Swedish supergroup and is produced by Wise Owl Films - the Leeds-based team behind BBC Two’s award-winning When X Came To Britain strand (Bob Marley, Nirvana, Motown, Tina Turner and Blondie) and The Hacienda: The Club That Shook Britain.
More ABBA at the BBC (BBC Two)
BBC Two says ‘Thank You For The Music’ with another voyage into the archives for more of the Swedish supergroup’s best appearances from shows including Top of the Pops, Wogan, The Late, Late Breakfast show and The Mike Yarwood Christmas Show. Plus a rare performance of ABBA’s song, So Long, which was broadcast by BBC Two on Saturday 6th April for the first time since its original broadcast on Top of the Pops in 1974.
ABBA at the BBC (BBC Two)
First broadcast in 2013, there is another chance to see the first compilation of ABBA's greatest performances at the BBC, including of Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Does Your Mother Know, Thank You for the Music, SOS, Fernando, Chiquitita and more.
ABBA in Switzerland (BBC Two)
In a show originally broadcast in 1979 on BBC One, ABBA star in their first European TV special, recorded on location in the Swiss Alps and also featuring special guests, Kate Bush and Roxy Music.
The Joy of ABBA (BBC Two)
Between 1974 and 1982, ABBA launched into the UK charts but divided critical opinion. This documentary explores how they raised the bar for pop music as a form and made us fall in love with the sound of Swedish melancholy. This programme was first broadcast in 2013.
Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final 1974, introduced by Hannah Waddingham (BBC Four)
The Eurovision Song Contest 1974 Grand Final saw Swedish group ABBA win the day with their song, Waterloo. They went on to become one of the only Eurovision acts (along with 1988 winner Celine Dion), to achieve international superstardom, selling more than 375 million records worldwide.
The programme will be given a new introduction from Emmy Award winning actress and Eurovision 2023 presenter (winning Best Entertainment Presenter at the Royal Television Society Awards on Tuesday 26th March), Hannah Waddingham.
Big Eurovision Party
Get ready for a spectacular show filled with some of the biggest names from the history of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Straight from the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Eurovision legends come together to celebrate the rich musical legacy of the iconic event.
The Big Eurovision Party is a celebration of music, energy and excitement as the artists take the stage to perform some of the most memorable songs from the past while Rylan catches up with some of them backstage.
With performances by Conchita Wurst, Johnny Logan, Käärijä, Måns Zelmerlöw, Cornelia Jakobs, Gjon’s Tears, Alessandra, Rosa Linn and many more. You do not want to miss this party!
Big Eurovision Party is available now on iPlayer and will air on Friday 10 May on BBC Three.
Eurovision at cinemas across the UK
For the second year running the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final show will be broadcast LIVE into cinemas across the UK. Offering a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and be ‘United by Music,’ celebrating the biggest, brightest, boldest music party of the year on the big screen.
