Eurovision Rules of the Contest 2024

Implications

• A maximum of 44 Members can participate in the contest.
• 26 countries compete in the Final, including the "Big 5" (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom) and the Host Broadcaster.
• The contest consists of three live Shows: two Semi-Finals and one Final.
• Shows are presented in English and French and include live performances, Postcards, and Interval Acts.
• Songs must be original and not released or publicly performed before September 1, 2023.
• The maximum duration of each song is three minutes.
• Each performance can have up to six artists on stage, with no live animals allowed.
• Contestants must be at least 16 years old on the day of the Final.
• No Contestant can compete for more than one country in the same year.
• Voting is a combination of National Audience Voting, National Jury Voting, and Rest of the World Voting.
• National Audience Voting is compulsory in all participating countries.
• Voters cannot vote for the song of their own country.
• The EBU centrally manages all marketing and exploitation of the ESC.
• The ESC is a non-political event, and all participants must ensure it is not politicized.
• The EBU and ESC values include universality, diversity, equality, and inclusivity.
• The EBU owns all broadcasting rights to the ESC and manages sales centrally.
• The ESC logo and artwork cannot be used without EBU's written permission.

Things to watch out for

• Ensure your song has not been released or performed publicly before September 1, 2023, to avoid disqualification.
• Be aware that the performance in the Semi-Finals and Final must be live with no lip-syncing or live instruments.
• Remember that the ESC is a non-political event, and any political gestures or statements could lead to disqualification.
• Understand that the EBU has exclusive control over the marketing and exploitation of the ESC, limiting individual commercial use.

AI recommendations

When participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, it's crucial to adhere strictly to the rules regarding song originality, release dates, and live performance requirements. Pay special attention to the voting process and ensure that your national audience is aware they cannot vote for their own country's entry. Additionally, maintain the non-political nature of your performance to uphold the integrity of the contest. Lastly, be mindful of intellectual property rights associated with the ESC, particularly in the use of logos and artwork, to avoid any legal issues.

FAQs

Can I use a song that has been performed at a concert before September 1, 2023?

No, the song must be original and not released or publicly performed before September 1, 2023. If it has been, you must inform the ESC Executive Supervisor for eligibility assessment.

Can I have live instruments during my performance on stage?

No, live instruments are not allowed on stage during the performance. All music must be pre-recorded on backing tracks.

Can I use the Eurovision logo for my own promotional materials?

No, you cannot use the Eurovision logo or other distinctive elements without the prior written permission of the EBU.