ESC Explained

What are the "Big 5" at Eurovision?

The evolution of the Big 5 concept at Eurovision: a history of prestige and controversy

Eurovision is much more than just a competition. It is a showcase for culture, creativity and international cooperation in broadcasting. At the heart of the event is a group of countries known as the Big 5. But why do these countries enjoy direct access to the final, regardless of their previous performance? The answer lies in their role as crucial financial supporters of the competition, and in the organisation and coordination provided by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Big 5

The Fantastic 5 (or not)

The Big 5 concept was born in 2000. By this time, it had become clear that certain countries were making significant contributions to the financing of Eurovision. These countries, initially France, Germany, Spain and the UK, were referred to as the "Big Contributors". Their financial support was vital to guarantee the continuity and quality of the contest.

The idea of the Big 4 was well received, but over the years an update has been necessary to reflect the evolution of Eurovision. In 2011, Italy joined the band, transforming the Big 4 into the Big 5. This expansion was welcomed by fans and participants alike, further enhancing the prestige associated with these nations.

Advantages and controversy surrounding Big 5 status

For the Big 5 countries, the main advantage is obvious: they can skip the semi-final stage and qualify directly for the final. This gives them maximum visibility and an opportunity to compete for victory without having to go through the preliminary stages. However, this automatic qualification has also been a source of controversy.

Some critics have accused the Big 5 of enjoying an unfair advantage, arguing that their automatic qualification could make them less motivated to put in high-quality performances. In addition, some members of the Big 5 have had disappointing results in recent years, calling into question their privileged place in the competition.

The evolution of the concept over the years

Despite the criticism, the Big 5 concept continues to evolve. In 2016, the EBU introduced a new rule allowing Big 5 countries to choose their running position in the final, offering flexibility and additional control over their performance. In addition, the EBU announced a few days ago that the Big 5 countries would now perform live during the semi-finals, adding a new dimension to their participation. Previously, the selected countries were only allowed one appearance in the final, which didn't really give the title time to settle in. At most, they were allowed a 20-second extract during the semi-finals.

The introduction of semi-finals in 2004 also led to adjustments in the participation rules. From 2004 onwards, the maximum number of participants allowed in the final was limited to 24 (2004-2007) and 25 (2008-2010). Since 2012, this maximum has risen to 26, including the members of the Big Five (with the famous 20-second extract), the host country and the 10 qualifiers from each semi-final.

Exceptions to this rule were made in 2011, 2015 and 2022. In 2011 and 2022 respectively, Germany and Italy (as hosts) were both members of the Big Five, limiting the number of entries to 25 in the final. This rule applies to any Big Five country that wins the competition in the future.

When Australia made its debut in 2015, it also gained automatic access to the final as a guest country, bringing the total number of participants to 27.

The members of the "club of five

Despite the controversies, the Big 5 remains a symbol of prestige at Eurovision. These countries represent the cultural and musical diversity of Europe, and their direct participation in the Final is an honour of which they are proud. As members of the Big 5, they have a responsibility to represent their country with dignity and excellence, and to contribute to the greatness and tradition of Eurovision.

The current members of the Big Five are :

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy since 2011
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom

The new rules for 2024

With the introduction of new rules allowing artists from the Big 5 to perform live in the Eurovision semi-finals, a new era of fairness and experimentation is opening up for these countries. Whereas previously their automatic qualification for the Final could be seen as an undeniable but sometimes controversial advantage, from now on they will have the opportunity to share their music with a wider audience from the preliminary stages onwards.

Last year we saw La Zarra struggle a little as the rehearsals approached. At Eurovision and Friends, we believe that this development offers the Big 5 artists the opportunity to experience the electrifying atmosphere of the Semi-Finals, to confront the reactions of the audience, to establish their song with a large audience and to benefit from increased visibility with Eurovision fans around the world. This also helps to reduce perceived inequalities between the candidates and to strengthen the fairness of the contest.

While their place in the Final remains guaranteed, this new approach offers them a unique chance to connect with the Eurovision audience in a more direct and immersive way. It demonstrates Eurovision's determination to continue evolving and adapting to offer a rewarding experience for artists and audiences alike.

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