Eurovision viewers were left unimpressed during the opening minutes of the Song Contest on Saturday after being unable to hear Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc‘s commentary on BBC One.
While Ukraine won last year, this year’s competition was held in Liverpool as the war-torn country was deemed too dangerous to host the event, and the UK’s Sam Ryder came in second place in 2022.
As the broadcast began this weekend, comedian Graham, 60, and television presenter Mel, 54, gave a running commentary on what was happening on screen from their box at the M&S Bank Arena.
However, many people were left unable to hear what they were saying during the opening minutes, with viewers taking to Twitter to complain.
One person wrote: ‘Is it just our telly or is graham norton’s commentary really quiet???’
‘We can’t hear him!’ Eurovision viewers were unimpressed during the opening minutes of the Song Contest on Saturday after being unable to hear Graham Norton’s commentary
Speak up! As the BBC One broadcast began, comedian Graham and TV presenter Mel, 54, gave a commentary on what was happening on screen from their box at the M&S Bank Arena
While someone else shared: ‘It’s in Liverpool but the sound department have decided Graham Norton should sound like he’s presenting the Moscow Olympics from 1980.’
Someone else posted: ‘Don’t think l can stand 4 hours of Rylan, Mel is great though, but Graham Norton sounded like he was commenting from the bottom of the Mersey…’
And another person tweeted: ‘@BBCOne turn Graham Norton up, we can’t hear him over the background #Eurovision2023.’
‘Can’t hear a thing Graham Norton is saying,’ remarked another viewer.
While someone else shared: ‘@TheGNShow @bbceurovision @Iromg graham norton voice over is annoying. It’s blurry. !!! Ffs. Sort it out Bbc!!!’
Another viewer wrote: ‘@BBCRadio2 Please sort out the sound on BBC1, we can’t hear Graham Norton or the commentary!’
While someone else posted: ‘Someone turn Graham Norton’s mike down pleas – it is distorted.’
One other viewer tweeted: ‘Watching BBC1 and the Eurovision Song Contest in 5.1 via a SkyQ box and Graham Norton is nearly inaudible.’
Miffed: Many people were left unable to hear what they were saying during the opening minutes, with viewers taking to Twitter to complain
Graham made an appearance on stage at the start of the final ceremony as he welcomed viewers alongside alongside co-hosts Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina.
Hannah said the UK was ‘so very proud’ to be ‘taking the reins’ and hosting on behalf of Ukraine, while Julia thanked the British public.
Norton added: ‘United we are, well out here. But backstage the competition is fierce.’
Alesha looked glamorous as she wore a one-shouldered blue sequinned dress, while Julia wore a full-length yellow dress with a structured neckline.
Hannah wore an off the shoulder purple metallic dress and Graham donned a black suit with silver detail.
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in Liverpool with a flag parade featuring the countries vying for its coveted glass microphone trophy.
The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance playing the piano in a pre-recorded opening video featuring last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra.
They were also joined by 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder playing guitar on the top of the Liver Building with Andrew Lloyd Webber on piano.
All stars: Graham (right) made an appearance on stage at the start of the final ceremony as he welcomed viewers with co-hosts (L-R) Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham
Patriotic: The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in Liverpool with a flag parade featuring the countries vying for its coveted glass microphone trophy (UK entrant Mae Muller pictured)
In the auditorium, a troupe of drummers joined Kalush Orchestra on stage to open the grand final as pyrotechnics lit up the arena.
The Chemical Brothers track Hey Boy Hey Girl was played as the countries competing in the final began to walk onto the stage with their national flags.
Former Ukrainian contestants Go-A, Tina Karol and Jamala, who won for Ukraine in 2016, performed in between the contestants appearing.
The UK’s Mae Muller walked out onto the stage before the crowd were treated to a performance from Verka Serduchka, who entered the contest for Ukraine in 2007.
Graham Norton welcomed viewers to the final alongside alongside co-hosts Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina.
Hannah said the UK was ‘so very proud’ to be ‘taking the reins’ and hosting on behalf of Ukraine, while Julia thanked the British public.
Graham added: ‘United we are, well out here. But backstage the competition is fierce.’
Twenty-six were set to perform at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool to an expected global audience of 160 million viewers, according to the BBC.
Dynamic duo: Music duo Tvorchi, who are competing for Ukraine this year, appeared on stage during the final of the Eurovision Song contest 202
Animated: Joker Out of Slovenia were seen during the flag ceremony during the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool
Born to perform: Teya and Salena from Austria posed on stage at the start of the Grand Final of the 67th annual Eurovision Song Contest
The city is hosting on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, who won last year’s contest but are unable to host due to the Russian invasion.
Austria’s Teya and Salena were first on stage with quirky dance-pop tune Who The Hell Is Edgar? – about being possessed by the ghost of 19th century Gothic author Edgar Allan Poe.
Mae Muller will close the show with I Wrote A Song – a slot generally considered a disadvantage.
But they all face tough competition from previous winner Loreen, representing Sweden, and Kaarija, representing Finland, both favourites to win.
Champs: Last year’s winners, Kalush Orchestra of Ukraine, performed at the start of this year’s Eurovision
