Glimpse into Eurovision song contest

The Eurovision Song Contest evokes a world of intrigue with its song rules and system of semi-finals, juries and votes that draw out drama until a winner is crowned.

- Citizen reporter

Here is a look at how the competition is put together, how artists are chosen and how the voting system works:

The competition is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the world's biggest public service media alliance.

Founded in 1950, the EBU has 113 member organisations in 56 countries, plus 31 associates in Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Americas.

Together they reach a potential audience of more than one billion people.

Winners host the following year's competition.