Eurovision fans get sneak peek of entrants at party ahead of Liverpool final

ITV's Victoria Grimes met Eurovision superfans and some of those competing in this year's contest

Hundreds of Eurovision superfans have cheered-on acts who will compete in this year's show, at a special party ahead of the event itself in Liverpool.

Entrants from across Europe, and Australia, played the songs they will perform when the UK hosts Eurovision on 13 May, on behalf of war-torn Ukraine.

Fans from Liverpool travelled to the party, held in London, to get a taste of the upcoming performances.

Georgia told ITV News why she had to be at the party: “A chance to see all the Eurovision acts so intimately, I’ve gotta get down for it!

“I haven’t got any tickets [for Eurovision itself] but - to be so close - it’s going to be amazing.”

Several of this year's Eurovision acts spoke to ITV News of their excitement at taking part in the world's biggest music event.

Käärijä, Finland's entrant, was asked how he felt about being the bookies' second favourite to win: "Yeah, it’s crazy. I don’t know what happened! I did something right!"

The singer, whose song is called Cha Cha Cha, said he was "excited" to be heading to Liverpool to perform in front of "so many people."

Australia's entry, Voyager, described how they have become suddenly accustomed to glitter over recent months.

One band-member said: "“I feel like a walking disco ball right now and, I gotta say, I love it.”

Hours after the fan party, Eurovision organisers revealed that the two biggest acts from last year's contest are to perform again.

Winners Kalush Orchestra, from Ukraine, and runner-up Sam Ryder - who represented the UK - will sing alongside the 26 competitors trying to win.

The current champions will open next month's final, with a performance titled Voices Of A New Generation which will include the folk rap group’s hit song Stefania.

Ryder will deliver a performance during the final’s first interval.

Another interval act will see six past Eurovision entrants celebrate Liverpool's contribution to the world of pop music.

The Liverpool Songbook will be performed by: Italy’s Mahmood, Israel’s Netta, Iceland’s Daoi Freyr, Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands and Liverpool’s Sonia, who came second at Eurovision in 1993.

Speaking about the Grand Final, Sam Ryder said: “What an honour to be invited back to the Eurovision stage for a second time.

“I can’t wait to be back amongst the beautiful chaos of it all and to watch the incredible artists perform this time around, while bringing you a special performance of our own. Big love.”

While Kalush Orchestra added: “We’ve been looking forward to performing in Liverpool ever since it was announced as host last year.

“We will perform for everyone in Ukraine to remind us that better days and our country’s victory is ahead, as well as to show the world what Ukraine is fighting for.”