The 2013 Eurovision Song Contest season kicked off today with the formal draw for the Semi-Finals and the ceremonial handover of host city keys from Baku to Malmö. In addition, this year’s theme art and slogan were unveiled.

Proceedings began this morning in Malmö, with the ‘Host City Insignia Ceremony’ (pictured above), where the Mayor of Baku gave the keys to his city to his Swedish counterpart in a symbolic passing of the hosting honour.

Malmö has already begun preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest, but today officially marked its assumption of the role of Eurovision Song Contest host.

Thirty-nine countries will compete in the 58th edition of Europe's favourite TV show on 14, 16 and 18 May.

Afterwards, the draw took place to decide which countries will take part in the first and second Semi-Finals.

Sixteen contestants will take to the stage in the first Semi-Final, on 14 May, while 17 will take part in the second Semi-Final, on 16 May.

The results were as follows:

First Semi-Final

Second Semi-Final

Norway and Denmark were drawn in November for the first and second Semi-Finals respectively. This was to ensure fair distribution and availability of tickets in neighbouring countries.

Exceptionally, Israel has been preplaced in the second Semi-Final, because the other Semi-Final clashes with a national holiday.

The next part of the draw determined which Semi-Final the ‘Big Five’ automatic qualifiers – Germany, Spain, France, the UK, Italy – and Host Country Sweden will vote in and broadcast.

 

The whole process was overseen by EBU Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand and the official voting partner, Thomas Niedermeyer from Digame.

The final running order of the shows will be decided by this year’s show producers and approved by the EBU Executive Supervisor and the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group.

Theme art

Every year the Eurovision Song Contest logo is complemented by a unique graphic identity, which is developed by the host broadcaster.

Discussing this year’s butterfly image and ‘We are one’ slogan, the EBU’s Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand, said: "This year's theme reflects that timeless feeling millions of people will experience in May, when Europe comes together to celebrate its diversity.”

Click here for more about the theme art.