Need a refresher on the electrifying European entertainment competition? We've got you covered.&nbsp;

It's that time of year&mdash;Eurovision is trending on <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/meghan-markle-opens-up-about-social-media-harassment-at-sxsw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social media</a> again, ranking far above MLB players and <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/jackson-wang-birthday-facts-got7-kpop" target="_blank" rel="noopener">K-pop</a> idols, a feat that seems nearly impossible these days, which signals the beginning of the contest. Whether you mark your calendar every year for the start of the competition or you're used to seeing bits and pieces of it online, be sure not to miss out on the festivities this year, as the stakes have never been higher.&nbsp;
After winning the competition in 2023 with Loreen's song, "Tattoo," the country of Sweden stepped up to host the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. The Malm&ouml; Arena in Malm&ouml;, <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/royals-lost-titles-family-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sweden</a> has acted as the hub for all things Eurovision since the beginning of the contest on May 7. 2024 marks the 68th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest. Ever since contestants in this year's competition walked the "Turquoise Carpet" in Malm&ouml;, the Internet has been abuzz with excitement.
This year's competition is of particular importance to Sweden, as beloved pop group <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/music/abba-70s-photos-new-album-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABBA</a> made their debut&mdash;and first win&mdash;at the contest exactly fifty years back. In honor of the occasion, several honorary sights have gone up in Malm&ouml;, paying homage to the first Swedish act to win the competition.&nbsp;

Mae Muller performing during Eurovision 2023. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Sam Ryder performing during Eurovision 2023. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The Eurovision Song Contest typically lasts four days, making Saturday, May 11 the final competition. Other stages of the <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/lvmh-prize-young-fashion-designers-2024-finalists" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contest</a> prior to the finals include the initial performances and two days of semi-finals.
For the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, 37 countries are taking place in the competition. This year, Luxembourg is making its first appearance in the <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/met-gala-after-parties-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">festivities</a> since 1993 and Romania has elected to sit out this year, marking two major shifts in the national makeup of the contest.
<a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/f1-formula-one-miami-grand-prix-weekend-things-to-do" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fans</a> online are furious after news broke that Joost Klein, of the Netherlands, would not be allowed to continue performing. The European Broadcast Union, which is responsible for organizing the contest, stated that the Swedish Police were actively investigating &ldquo;a complaint made by a female member of the production crew&rdquo; about Klein, so the performer would not be able to continue in the competition. Although it is currently unknown what the nature of the complaint is, fans have speculated an incident between Klein and performers from another country's delegation.&nbsp;
Other fan favorites ahead of the finals are Baby Lasagne, of Croatia, and <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/meghan-markle-will-not-join-prince-harry-uk-trip-royal-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK</a>-born Olly Alexander. Curious to see who wins? Tune into the finale tonight and prepare for an avalanche of Eurovision Song Contest 2024 content across your social media feed, no matter who wins.&nbsp;

Melissa Naschenweg during Eurovision 2023. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Fifty Years After ABBA Debuted at Eurovision Song Contest, Sweden Hosts the Event Again

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