Eurovision Song Contest 2018

Overview and format

The contest was staged in early May 2018 and followed the familiar format of two televised semi-finals and a grand final. Participating countries submitted original songs and performances were judged by a combination of national juries and public televote. The event brought together delegations, staging crews and millions of viewers across participating broadcasters.

Venue and organization

Organisers selected a major indoor arena in Lisbon to accommodate the production, rehearsals and live shows. The host broadcaster worked with the European Broadcasting Union to coordinate staging, technical requirements and the sequence of performances. The show combined live music, choreography and elaborate lighting and video designs.

Results and notable entries

The contest was won by Netta representing Israel with the song "Toy", a performance that combined quirky staging with a message of empowerment. The entry attracted widespread attention and topped the scoreboard in the grand final. Other high‑placing acts included strong pop performances that earned significant televote and jury support.

Impact and legacy

Eurovision 2018 continued the contest's role as a platform for emerging and established artists to reach a pan‑European audience. It generated chart success for several songs, lively fan discussion online and furthered the reputation of Eurovision as a showcase for diverse musical styles and theatrical staging.

Notable facts

• The 2018 edition maintained the split jury and televote scoring system introduced in previous years.
• Hosting in Lisbon marked Portugal's first time staging the contest.
• Performances ranged from minimalist ballads to high-energy pop numbers, reflecting the contest's eclectic nature.