Eurovision 2024 final: Seven things to look out for

The Eurovision Song Contest reaches its grand final on Saturday night, with Croatia, Israel and Switzerland among the favourites to win.

The competition is back in its spiritual home in Sweden, 50 years after Abba's historic win in 1974.

Their winning entry, Waterloo, was the sort of oddity only Eurovision could produce: A glam rock anthem about the Napoleonic Wars, performed by two married couples in spangled trouser suits.

It just also happened to be one of the best songs ever written.

Abba's golden anniversary will be celebrated on stage in Malmö on Saturday, with former Eurovision winners Charlotte Perrelli, Carola and Conchita Wurst performing a special version of Waterloo.

But the competition has changed beyond recognition in the last five decades.

In 1974, only 17 countries took part in the competition, all accompanied by a live orchestra.

This year has seen 37 entrants, whose musical styles encompass heavy metal, hardcore techno, shimmering Europop and, in Norway's case, a gothic folk tale about a child who turns into a wolf and kills their stepmother. Fun times!

So here are some of the highlights to keep on your radar when the Grand Final kicks off on Saturday evening.