Privilege of Eurovision: Big Five
For years there have been a few countries that enjoy a special status at Eurovision. It is almost like a direct pass to the final. The group known as the Big Five currently includes Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. These nations have a guaranteed seat in the grand final every year.
Where does Spain come out in Eurovision?
Alongside the Big Five, there is a sixth participant who typically joins as the previous year’s winner. This arrangement does not apply when the winner already belongs to the Big Five, as Italy does after winning Eurovision 2021. In practice, the Big Five are those nations that consistently reach the final without needing to advance through the semi-finals.
But what exactly makes a country part of the Big Five? The key factor is financial support. The Big Five are the largest funders of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision every year. Their contributions help sustain the festival and its operations.
Date, time and where to watch the Eurovision final on TV
In the early part of the 2000s and again later, the structure around the Big Five has influenced how the competition is viewed by other participants. There were years when Italy did not participate, yet the presence of the Big Five, or the Big Four at times, affected the dynamics of the semi-final rounds and the route to the final. Some critics argued that this arrangement altered the level playing field, while supporters emphasized the stability and financial backbone it provides to Eurovision.
This is how the Eurovision voting system works
The voting system in Eurovision blends jury deliberations with public opinion. Each participating country awards points to their favorite performances, and the scoring across the semi-finals and final determines the winner. The Big Five, due to their funding role, participate in one of the semi-finals as part of the voting process, while the host country also has a vote. This structure aims to balance commercial support with the competitive spirit of the show.
History of the Big Five
The concept of giving the privilege of direct access to the final emerged as the festival grew more reliant on financial contributions. In the mid-1990s, the ranking of the largest funders began to influence participation formats. There were moments when a Big Five country faced challenges advancing through the semi-finals, which sparked discussions about reform and fairness. Yet the practical outcome remained: the Big Five enjoy a stable presence in the final, supported by their sustained investment in Eurovision.
Chanel does her first rehearsal with the audience at Eurovision 2022
As the contest evolved, the organizing body recognized the importance of including the major contributors in the main event. The Big Five not only participate in the final but also have a role in the semi-final voting process, and the host country shares in the voting rights. This arrangement reinforces the balance between financial backing and the democratic spirit of Eurovision.