The organisers of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, SVT and the EBU, have revealed the running order for the Grand Final on Saturday. 

The running order was proposed by the producers of show (SVT) and approved by the EBU Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand and by the Chairman of the Reference Group, Dr. Frank-Dieter Freiling.

The Eurovision Song Contest official website today reported that Ira Losco celebrated Malta being named number one in Europe for LGBTI equality.

It was yet another attempt by the Maltese team to win the contest “at all costs” – as reports emerged today that there is a ‘limitless budget’ allocated to PBS in a bid to bring the title home for the first time in history.

Malta next year will hold the presidency of the European Union and no stone is being left unturned to host the contest while holding office – but Ira has to win in Stockholm for this to be achieved.

The Eurovision Song Contest official website quotes Ira Losco as saying: “If I win I will be thrilled, of course, but Eurovision fans will be winners too, because they would be able to look forward to a brilliant contest next year in a country that is genuine about LGBTI equality. Malta would be turned into a Eurovision sunshine island.” 

Malta is already making preparations to host Junior Eurovision for a second time in November 2016.

The running order for the Grand Final

1.    Belgium

2.    Czech Republic

3.    The Netherlands

4.    Azerbaijan

5.    Hungary

6.    Italy

7.    Israel

8.    Bulgaria

9.    Sweden

10.  Germany

11.  France

12.  Poland

13.  Australia

14.  Cyprus

15.  Serbia

16.  Lithuania

17.  Croatia

18.  Russia

19.  Spain

20.  Latvia

21.  Ukraine

22.  Malta

23.  Georgia

24.  Austria

25.  United Kingdom

26.  Armenia

Photo Andres Putting (EBU)