Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have announced tweaks to the voting process for next year's edition.
The 2023 contest is being hosted by the United Kingdom in Liverpool on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine, who are unable to host themselves due to the invasion of their country by Russia.
The first change involves the two semi-finals, where the national juries are to be dropped from the process, meaning that viewer votes alone will determine which countries make it through to the grand final.
The move follows revelations in recent years that jury members from some countries had bandied together to vote for each other and ensure that their acts made it through.
Meanwhile, viewers from around the world outside of Europe and Australia will be able to officially vote for the first time. Countries not part of the overall competition, such as the USA, Canada, Japan and South Korea, will be able to vote for their favourites online, after which they will be combined and treated as one 'Rest of the World' country.
ESC executive supervisor Martin Osterdahl said: "Throughout its 67-year history the Eurovision Song Contest has constantly evolved to remain relevant and exciting. These changes acknowledge the immense popularity of the show by giving more power to the audience of the world's largest live music event.
"In 2023 only Eurovision Song Contest viewers will decide which countries make it to the Grand Final and, reflecting the global impact of the event, everyone watching the show, wherever they live in the world, can cast their votes for their favourite songs.
"By also involving juries of music professionals in deciding the final result, all the songs in the Grand Final can be assessed on the broadest possible criteria.
"We can also maintain the tradition of travelling around Europe and Australia to collect points and ensure a thrilling voting sequence with the winner only revealed at the very end of the show."
The 2023 contest will be held on May 9, 11 and 13.
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