Eurovision Song Contest — Season 56
United by Music
About this season
For the first time since 1983, Germany hosted the Eurovision Song Contest. The 2011 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Düsseldorf following an open selection process.
Episodes (3)
1. Semi Final 1
3.0Aired 10 May 2011 • 129 min
2. Semi Final 2
3.0Aired 12 May 2011 • 120 min
3. Final
3.0Aired 14 May 2011 • 208 min
Germany hosted the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time since 1983, with Düsseldorf being chosen as the host city after an open selection process. A total of 43 countries participated. The biggest news was Italy's return after a ten-year absence. Italy joined France, Germany, Spain, and the UK, expanding the "Big Four" into the "Big Five," with all five nations automatically qualifying for the Grand Final. The return was triumphant, as Italy's Raphael Gualazzi took second place with "Madness Of Love". The event was hosted by comedienne Anke Engelke, TV anchor Judith Rakers, and entertainer Stefan Raab, who had been part of Germany's winning team in 2010.