The European Broadcasting Union has published, the new set of official rules and regulations for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in the United Kingdom. The new rules were written by the EBU (which organizes the competition) and approved by the Reference Group, the body that actually administers and supervises the competition.

While no substantial changes have been announced to the rules when compared to previous contests, the Reference Group has approved the somewhat controversial use of backing vocals for a third consecutive year.

This is done to keep the songs on stage “as faithful to the original version”. This innovation was introduced for Rotterdam in 2021 as part of Covid-19 measures.

Rule 2.2.3 states:

All songs shall be performed live on stage with a recorded Backing track complying with the requirements listed under par (iii) hereafter.

The lead singer(s) of the selected song (the “Lead Vocal(s)”) shall perform live on stage only.

• Eventual vocal support(s) for the Lead Vocal(s) (the “Lead Dub(s)”) shall perform live, on stage or off stage, only.
• All other backing vocal(s) performing vocal harmonies (the “Backing Vocals”) may perform either live on stage or off stage and/or on a Backing track compliant to the requirements under par (iii) hereafter.

No on-stage Contestant (whether Lead Vocals, Lead Dubs or Backing Vocals or dancers) shall be allowed to lip-sync (playback) in such a way as to make it appear that they are singing all or most of the song when they actually are not.

Should you be interested in reading through all the rules and regulations of the 2023 Contest, you can do so on their website.

Do you have an opinion about the place of backing vocals in Eurovision? Let us know below or on our social media @escbubble!