The Eurovision Song Contest rule book has some quirks: not all acts have to hail from Europe (*cough, cough*), and not everyone needs to qualify for the finals.
Spain, France, Italy, Germany and the U.K. are the 'Big Five' countries that are spared the drama of having to perform in semi-finals and semi-final jury shows, and thus enjoy an express ticket to the grand final, every year. It's a sweet deal - just ask those unsuccessful semi-finalists who are having a pity party right now at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport departure lounge. Speaking of Israel, they, too, have automatic entry in the final this year. It's a special privilege for the host country every year, because let's face it, it would be a tad embarrassing to host Eurovision and have your own artist knocked out in the semis.
To date, we've only seen glimpses of this year's Big 5 + 1. Here they are, for your listening pleasure:
MEET THE ARTISTS AND WATCH THEIR VIDEOS
The artists of Eurovision 2019: Italy
Watch them perform in Sunday's grand final. It starts LIVE at 5am on Sunday 20 May on SBS and SBS On Demand. At this time you will be able to vote for your favourite act (other than Australia). Or you can watch the prime-time broadcast at the more respectable time of 8:30pm on Sunday.
