Eurovision final kicks off in Liverpool; Israel’s Kirel will be 23rd to perform

The grand final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest is kicking off now in Liverpool, with 26 finalists vying for the top prize.

Israel’s Noa Kirel is slated to perform in the 23rd slot with her song “Unicorn.” For the first time this year, viewers from around the world can vote, even in countries that are not participating in the Eurovision.

Netta Barzilai, the singer who brought Israel the win at the 2018 Eurovision with her song “Toy,” will also hit the stage tonight in Liverpool, performing with a handful of other past contestants as the votes are being cast and tallied.

Bookmakers have predicted that Sweden’s Loreen — a past winner — will take the trophy again with her song “Tattoo,” while Kirel will finish in a respectable 4th place.

Israel’s Kan public broadcaster says it will air the contest unless the security situation requires the network to switch to news broadcasts, in which case the competition will be aired on Kan Educational (Ch. 80) and on its website.