:Eurovision Song Contest 2018

File:View of MEO Arena 2014 from North.jpg, host venue of the 2018 contest.]]

The Lisbon Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena built for the Expo '98 and has a capacity of 20,000 attendees, making it the largest indoor venue in Portugal and among the largest in Europe.{{cite web|title=MEO Arena – History|url=http://arena.meo.pt/en/meo-arena/history/|publisher=MEO Arena|access-date=25 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731035521/http://arena.meo.pt/en/meo-arena/history/|archive-date=31 July 2017|df=dmy-all}} It is located in the Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) riverside district in the northeast of Lisbon, which was completely renovated to host the 1998 world's fair. It is connected by metro to the nearby international airport and by train (Oriente Station) to the rest of the country and Europe.{{cite web|title=MEO Arena – Location|url=http://arena.meo.pt/en/meo-arena/location/|publisher=MEO Arena|access-date=25 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731041701/http://arena.meo.pt/en/meo-arena/location/|archive-date=31 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}

{{Location map many |Portugal |width=200 |float=right

| caption = Locations of the candidate cities: the chosen host city is marked in blue, while the eliminated cities are marked in red.

| label1 = Lisbon

| coordinates1 = {{coord|38|46|6.79|N|9|5|38.45|W}}

| mark1 = Blue pog.svg

| label2 = Guimarães

| coordinates2 = {{coord|41|27|0|N|8|18|0|W}}

| label3 = Gondomar

| coordinates3 = {{coord|41|9|0|N|8|32|0|W}}

| label4 = Santa Maria da Feira

| coordinates4 = {{coord|40|56|0|N|8|32|0|W}}

| label5 = Braga

| coordinates5 = {{coord|41|33|4|N|8|25|42|W}}

| pos5 = left

}}

On the day of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 final, it was reported that Portuguese broadcaster {{lang|pt|Rádio e Televisão de Portugal|i=unset}} (RTP) would accept the challenge of organising the 2018 contest in case of a victory.{{cite web|last1=Costa|first1=Nelson|title=ESC2017: Organização da Eurovisão falou com a RTP na hipótese de vitória|url=http://www.escportugal.pt/2017/05/esc2017-organizacao-da-eurovisao-falou.html|website=escportugal.pt|publisher=ESC Portugal|access-date=14 May 2017|date=13 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515090800/http://www.escportugal.pt/2017/05/esc2017-organizacao-da-eurovisao-falou.html|archive-date=15 May 2017|df=dmy-all}} Following Sobral's triumph, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)'s Executive Supervisor for the Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand, issued the hosting invitation to RTP during the winner's press conference. The following day, the director-general of RTP, Nuno Artur Silva, confirmed that the broadcaster would organise the contest in 2018 and mentioned the Lisbon Arena as a likely venue to host the contest.{{cite web|last1=Granger|first1=Anthony|title=ESC'18 organisers suggest MEO Arena as venue|url=https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/14/esc18-organisers-suggest-meo-arena-venue/|website=eurovoix.com|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=15 May 2017|date=14 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516161817/https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/14/esc18-organisers-suggest-meo-arena-venue/|archive-date=16 May 2017|df=dmy-all}} On 15 May 2017, RTP appeared to have confirmed Lisbon as the host city,{{cite web|title=RTP vai organizar o próximo Festival da Eurovisão|trans-title=RTP will organise the next Eurovision Song Contest|url=https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/cultura/rtp-vai-organizar-o-proximo-festival-da-eurovisao_v1001780|language=pt|publisher=Rádio e Televisão de Portugal|access-date=22 May 2017|date=15 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520012915/https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/cultura/rtp-vai-organizar-o-proximo-festival-da-eurovisao_v1001780|archive-date=20 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|last1=Granger|first1=Anthony|title=Lisbon confirmed as host city of Eurovision 2018|url=https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/15/lisbon-confirmed-host-city-eurovision-2018/|website=eurovoix.com|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=15 May 2017|date=15 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516174813/https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/15/lisbon-confirmed-host-city-eurovision-2018/|archive-date=16 May 2017|df=dmy-all}} but clarified the following day that no final decision had been taken regarding both the host city and venue.{{cite web|last=Andrade|first=Sérgio|title=RTP ainda não escolheu palco para o Festival Eurovisão 2018|trans-title=RTP has not yet chosen the venue for the Eurovision Song Contest 2018|url=https://www.publico.pt/2017/05/16/local/noticia/rtp-ainda-nao-decidiu-palco-para-o-festival-eurovisao-2018-1772375|language=pt|newspaper=Público|access-date=22 May 2017|date=16 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517080653/https://www.publico.pt/2017/05/16/local/noticia/rtp-ainda-nao-decidiu-palco-para-o-festival-eurovisao-2018-1772375|archive-date=17 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}

The basic requirements to select a host city were set out in a document presented by the EBU to RTP following their win in Kyiv:{{cite news|last1=Jordan|first1=Paul|last2=Zwart|first2=Josianne|title=What does it take to become a Eurovision host city?|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/what-does-it-take-to-become-a-eurovision-host-city|access-date=30 July 2017|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730143222/https://eurovision.tv/story/what-does-it-take-to-become-a-eurovision-host-city|archive-date=30 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}

• A suitable venue that can accommodate around 10,000 spectators.
• An international press centre for 1,500 journalists with adequate facilities for all the delegates.
• A good distribution of hotel rooms, at different price categories, able to accommodate at least 2,000 delegates, accredited journalists and spectators.
• An efficient transport infrastructure, including a nearby international airport with readily available connections with the city, venue, and hotels.

Besides Lisbon, other cities signalled their interest in bidding to host the 2018 contest: Braga, Espinho, Faro, Gondomar, Guimarães, and Santa Maria da Feira.{{cite news|title=Afinal onde se vai realizar o festival da Eurovisão 2018?|trans-title=Where is the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 be held?|url=https://sicnoticias.sapo.pt/especiais/portugal-vence-eurovisao/2017-05-16-Afinal-onde-se-vai-realizar-o-festival-da-Eurovisao-2018--1|language=pt|work=SIC Notícias|date=16 May 2017|access-date=23 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729173245/http://sicnoticias.sapo.pt/especiais/portugal-vence-eurovisao/2017-05-16-Afinal-onde-se-vai-realizar-o-festival-da-Eurovisao-2018--1|archive-date=29 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|title=Espinho entra na corrida para receber Festival Eurovisão em 2018|trans-title=Espinho joins the race to host Eurovision Song Contest in 2018|url=https://24.sapo.pt/atualidade/artigos/espinho-entra-na-corrida-para-receber-festival-eurovisao-em-2018|language=pt|work=SAPO Notícias|date=31 May 2017|access-date=31 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604144011/http://24.sapo.pt/atualidade/artigos/espinho-entra-na-corrida-para-receber-festival-eurovisao-em-2018|archive-date=4 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|title=ESC2018: Braga quer conhecer caderno de encargos da Eurovisão|trans-title=ESC 2018: Braga wants to know the terms and conditions to host Eurovision|url=http://www.escportugal.pt/2017/06/esc2018-braga-quer-conhecer-caderno-de.html|language=pt|website=escportugal.pt.vu|date=5 June 2017|access-date=6 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803100824/http://www.escportugal.pt/2017/06/esc2018-braga-quer-conhecer-caderno-de.html|archive-date=3 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} The mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira, declared he would not be interested in "spending millions of euros" to host the contest, but he would support a bid from the Metropolitan Area of Porto (Espinho, Gondomar, and Santa Maria da Feira).

On 13 June 2017, RTP representatives met with the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group at the EBU headquarters in Geneva. During the meeting, RTP officials attended a workshop covering several topics related with hosting the Eurovision Song Contest and learned from the experience of the Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC. They also had the opportunity to present their first plans for the 2018 contest, including multiple proposals for the host city and venue.{{cite web|last1=Jordan|first1=Paul|title=A new chapter: Portuguese delegation meets the Reference Group|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/2018-host-broadcaster-meet-at-the-ebu|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=27 June 2017|date=14 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614143452/https://eurovision.tv/story/2018-host-broadcaster-meet-at-the-ebu|archive-date=14 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}

On 25 July 2017, the EBU and RTP announced that Lisbon had been selected as the host city, overcoming confirmed bids from Braga, Gondomar, Guimarães, and Santa Maria da Feira.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2018-dates-and-host-city-confirmed|title=Lisbon revealed as Host City of the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest!|date=25 July 2017|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=25 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725224631/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2018-dates-and-host-city-confirmed|archive-date=25 July 2017|df=dmy-all}} In addition, RTP indicated the Parque das Nações, where the Lisbon Arena is located, as the site for the shows.{{cite news|title=Festival Eurovisão da Canção 2018 vai decorrer no Parque das Nações|url=https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/cultura/festival-eurovisao-da-cancao-2018-vai-decorrer-no-parque-das-nacoes_n1016980|access-date=25 July 2017|publisher=Rádio e Televisão de Portugal|date=25 July 2017|language=pt|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725211013/https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/cultura/festival-eurovisao-da-cancao-2018-vai-decorrer-no-parque-das-nacoes_n1016980|archive-date=25 July 2017|df=dmy-all}}

Key:

{{Color box|#CEDFF2|{{dagger}}|border=darkgray}} Host venue

{{location map+

|Portugal Lisbon

|width=250

|caption=Location of host venue (red) and other contest-related sites and events (blue)

|places=

{{Location map~|Portugal Lisbon

|lat=38.768553

|long=-9.094014

|label=Lisbon Arena

|position=left

}}

{{Location map~|Portugal Lisbon

|lat=38.707778

|long=-9.136389

|label=Eurovision Village and EuroClub

|position=right

|mark=Blue pog.svg

}}

{{Location map~|Portugal Lisbon

|lat=38.77552

|long=-9.13545

|label=Airport

|position=left

|mark=Ic_local_airport_48px.svg

|marksize=12

}}

{{Location map~|Portugal Lisbon

|lat=38.6959278

|long=-9.1966416

|label=Opening Ceremony

|position=top

|mark=Blue pog.svg

}}

}}

The Eurovision Village was the official Eurovision Song Contest fan and sponsors area during the event weeks, where it was possible to watch performances by contest participants and local artists, as well as the live shows broadcast from the main venue. It was located in Lisbon's downtown Praça do Comércio (also called Terreiro do Paço), a large central square open to the Tagus river.{{cite web|title=Eurovision Village – Eurovision Song Contest Lisbon 2018|date=23 April 2018|url=https://eurovision.tv/fans/eurovision-village|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-date=12 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512233845/https://eurovision.tv/fans/eurovision-village|url-status=live}}

The EuroClub was the venue for the official after-parties and private performances by contest participants. Unlike the Eurovision Village, access to the EuroClub was restricted to accredited fans, delegations, and press. It was located at the "Ministerium" club, next to the Eurovision Village.{{cite web|title=EuroClub – Eurovision Song Contest Lisbon 2018|url=https://eurovision.tv/fans/euroclub|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-date=12 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512231735/https://eurovision.tv/fans/euroclub|url-status=live}}

The "Blue Carpet" event, where all the contestants and their delegations are presented before the accredited press and fans, took place on 6 May 2018 at the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) in Lisbon's Belém district. This preceded the official Opening Ceremony of the 2018 contest, which took place at the nearby Electricity Museum.{{cite web|last1=Jiandani|first1=Sanjay|title=Eurovision 2018: RTP reveals Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception venue|url=http://esctoday.com/152786/eurovision-2018-rtp-reveals-opening-ceremony-welcome-reception-venue/|website=esctoday.com|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=24 February 2018|date=12 January 2018|archive-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417212329/http://esctoday.com/152786/eurovision-2018-rtp-reveals-opening-ceremony-welcome-reception-venue/|url-status=live}}

{{Further|List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest}}

{{ESC 2018 participants}}

Eligibility for participation in the Eurovision Song Contest requires a national broadcaster with active EBU membership,{{cite web|title=Which countries? GFAQs |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/about/which-countries-can-take-part#Which_countries? |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |access-date=22 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522144052/http://www.eurovision.tv/page/about/which-countries-can-take-part |archive-date=22 May 2014 }} or a special invitation from the EBU as in the case of Australia.

It was initially announced on 7 November 2017 that forty-two countries would participate in the contest. {{Esccnty|Russia}} confirmed their return after their absence the previous edition, while {{Esccnty|North Macedonia|t=Macedonia}}'s participation was provisionally blocked by the EBU due to unpaid debts by its national broadcaster MRT.{{Cite news |title=All Aboard! Lisbon welcomes 42 countries to Eurovision 2018 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/all-aboard-slogan-for-eurovision-2018 |url-status=live |access-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107202315/https://eurovision.tv/story/all-aboard-slogan-for-eurovision-2018 |archive-date=7 November 2017 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|last1=Herbert|first1=Emily|title=FYR Macedonia: MRT Will Not Participate in Eurovision 2018 As Things Stand – Eurovoix|url=https://eurovoix.com/2017/10/30/fyr-macedonia-mrt-not-participate-eurovision-2018/|website=eurovoix.com|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=26 December 2017|date=30 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030220651/https://eurovoix.com/2017/10/30/fyr-macedonia-mrt-not-participate-eurovision-2018/|archive-date=30 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} However, ten days later, it was announced that Macedonia would be allowed to enter the contest, raising the number of participating countries to forty-three, equaling the highest number of participants with the 2008 and 2011 editions.{{cite web|title=43 Countries will participate|url=https://eurovision.tv/video/news-43-countries-will-participate-and-tickets-will-go-on-sale-on-30th-november|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=17 November 2017|date=17 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117175131/https://eurovision.tv/video/news-43-countries-will-participate-and-tickets-will-go-on-sale-on-30th-november|archive-date=17 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}

The contest featured two representatives who also previously performed as lead vocalists for the same countries. Alexander Rybak won for Norway in {{Escyr|2009}} performing "Fairytale" (and also sang entry No. 1500) and Waylon placed second for the Netherlands in {{Escyr|2014}} as part of The Common Linnets performing "Calm After the Storm".{{cite web|title=Video: Waylon will represent The Netherlands at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest!|url=https://eurovision.tv/video/waylon-will-represent-the-netherlands-at-the-2018-eurovision-song-contest|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=9 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110004858/https://eurovision.tv/video/waylon-will-represent-the-netherlands-at-the-2018-eurovision-song-contest|archive-date=10 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}

The contest also featured Jessica Mauboy, representing Australia, after taking part in 2014 as the interval act for the second semi-final, performing "Sea of Flags".{{cite web|last=Storvik-Green|first=Simon|title=Australian superstar to sing at Eurovision|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=australian_superstar_to_sing_at_eurovision|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=11 February 2015|date=25 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810212203/http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=australian_superstar_to_sing_at_eurovision|archive-date=10 August 2014|df=dmy-all}} In addition, the contest featured four lead singers previously participating as backing vocalists, two of them for the same countries. Lea Sirk backed for Slovenia in 2014 and off-stage in {{Escyr|2016}},{{cite web|last=McCaig|first=Ewan|title=Slovenia: Lea Sirk to Include English or Portuguese in Hvala, ne! for Eurovision|url=https://eurovoix.com/2018/03/03/slovenia-lea-sirk-include-english-portuguese-hvala-ne-eurovision/|website=eurovix.com|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=3 March 2018|date=3 March 2018|archive-date=20 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020223901/https://eurovoix.com/2018/03/03/slovenia-lea-sirk-include-english-portuguese-hvala-ne-eurovision/|url-status=live}} and Equinox member Vlado Mihailov backed for Bulgaria in 2017.{{cite web|last1=Jordan|first1=Paul|title=EQUINOX release 'Bones' for Bulgaria – Eurovision Song Contest Lisbon 2018|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/equinox-bones-for-bulgaria-eurovision-2018|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=13 March 2018|date=12 March 2018|archive-date=6 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906052657/https://eurovision.tv/story/equinox-bones-for-bulgaria-eurovision-2018|url-status=live}} Cesár Sampson, representing Austria, backed for Bulgaria in 2016 (also as a dancer) and off-stage in {{Escyr|2017}}. SuRie, representing the United Kingdom, backed for Belgium in {{Escyr|2015}} (also as a dancer) and was the musical director again for Belgium in 2017.{{Cite web|title=Who is the UK's Eurovision 2018 entry SuRie?|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/eurovision-2018-uk-entry-surie-profile-song/|access-date=2021-05-21|website=Radio Times|language=en|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521201547/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/eurovision-2018-uk-entry-surie-profile-song/|url-status=live}} Sara Tavares, who performed in the interval act, was the representative from Portugal in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, with the song "Chamar a música" reaching 8th place.

Active EBU member broadcasters in {{Esccnty|Andorra}}, {{Esccnty|Luxembourg}} and {{Esccnty|Slovakia}} confirmed non-participation prior to the announcement of the participants list by the EBU.{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/14/andorra-no-return-eurovision-song-contest-2018/|title=Andorra: No Return To The Eurovision Song Contest in 2018|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=14 May 2017|website=Eurovoix|access-date=15 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516163629/https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/14/andorra-no-return-eurovision-song-contest-2018/|archive-date=16 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web |url=https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/22/luxembourg-will-not-participate-eurovision-2018/ |title=Luxembourg: Will not participate in Eurovision 2018 |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=22 May 2017 |website=eurovoix.com |publisher=Eurovoix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522142525/https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/22/luxembourg-will-not-participate-eurovision-2018/ |archive-date=22 May 2017 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2017/09/11/slovakia-no-return-eurovision-2018/|title=Slovakia: No Return to Eurovision in 2018|last=Farren|first=Neil|date=11 September 2017|website=eurovoix.com|publisher=Eurovoix|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911180545/https://eurovoix.com/2017/09/11/slovakia-no-return-eurovision-2018/|archive-date=11 September 2017|df=dmy-all}} Despite hopes expressed by past {{Esccnty|Turkey|t=Turkish}} representatives Sertab Erener (2003 winner), Hadise (2009) and maNga (2010),{{cite news|url=https://www.escxtra.com/2017/07/13/turkey-will-return-eurovision-2018/|title=Turkey will return to Eurovision in 2018 announces former winner Sertab|publisher=Ryan Cobb|date=13 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220055614/https://www.escxtra.com/2017/07/13/turkey-will-return-eurovision-2018/|archive-date=20 February 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |url=http://esctoday.com/149124/turkey-turkey-returning-eurovision-manga/ |title=Turkey: Is Turkey returning to Eurovision with maNga? |last=Jiandani |first=Sanjay (Sergio) |date=2 August 2017 |website=esctoday.com |publisher=ESCToday |access-date=5 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802204624/http://esctoday.com/149124/turkey-turkey-returning-eurovision-manga/ |archive-date=2 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }} Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Bekir Bozdağ and Turkish broadcaster TRT denied any plans for a return of the country.{{cite web |url=http://escrazzi.com/is-turkey-coming-back-turkish-vice-prime-minister-answers/ |title="IS TURKEY COMING BACK?" – TURKISH VICE PRIME MINISTER ANSWERS |last=Belgeli |first=Burak |date=7 August 2017 |website=escrazzi.com |publisher=ESCrazzi |access-date=7 August 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807200245/http://escrazzi.com/is-turkey-coming-back-turkish-vice-prime-minister-answers/ |archive-date=7 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://esctoday.com/149221/turkey-trt-confirms-non-participation-eurovision-2018/ |title=Turkey: TRT confirms non participation in Eurovision 2018 |last=Jiandani |first=Sanjay (Sergio) |date=7 August 2017 |website=esctoday.com |publisher=ESCToday |access-date=7 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807192342/http://esctoday.com/149221/turkey-trt-confirms-non-participation-eurovision-2018/ |archive-date=7 August 2017 |df=dmy-all }}

{{Esccnty|Kazakhstan|t=Kazakh}} broadcaster Khabar Agency became an associate member of the EBU on 1 January 2016. This opened up the possibility of their participation since 2017,{{cite web|url=http://wiwibloggs.com/2016/01/30/dimash-kudaibergen-kazakhstan-eurovision-2017/120249/|title=Should Dimash Kudaibergen sing for Kazakhstan at Eurovision 2017?|date=30 January 2016|website=Wiwibloggs|last1=ten Veen|first1=Renske|access-date=15 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505142528/http://wiwibloggs.com/2016/01/30/dimash-kudaibergen-kazakhstan-eurovision-2017/120249/|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} under the condition of a special invitation, as for Australia.{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/150113/kazakhstan-will-khabar-agency-debut-eurovision-2018/|title=Kazakhstan: Will Khabar Agency debut in Eurovision 2018?|date=25 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011210253/http://esctoday.com/150113/kazakhstan-will-khabar-agency-debut-eurovision-2018/|archive-date=11 October 2017|df=dmy-all}} The country was not invited in 2017 but broadcast all the shows. Turkvision Song Contest 2014 winner Zhanar Dugalova expressed interest in representing her country at the 2018 contest;{{citation|periodical=Eurovoix World|title=Kazakhstan: Turkvision Winner Zhanar Dugalova Would Compete at Eurovision – Eurovoix World|date=28 April 2017|url=https://eurovoix-world.com/kazakhstan-turkvision-winner-zhanar-dugalova-compete-eurovision/|access-date=16 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429030553/https://eurovoix-world.com/kazakhstan-turkvision-winner-zhanar-dugalova-compete-eurovision/|archive-date=29 April 2017|url-status=dead}} however, the country was not invited in 2018 either and it did not appear on the final list of participants.{{cite web|last1=Jordan|first1=Paul|title=All Aboard! Lisbon welcomes 42 countries to Eurovision 2018.|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/all-aboard-slogan-for-eurovision-2018|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=7 November 2017|date=7 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107202315/https://eurovision.tv/story/all-aboard-slogan-for-eurovision-2018|archive-date=7 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}

{{Esccnty|Kosovo|t=Kosovan}} broadcaster RTK, with the support of national broadcasters across the Balkans (except for {{esccnty|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} and {{esccnty|Serbia}}), expressed hopes to become an EBU member in order to debut at the 2018 contest;{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/30/kosovo-rtk-hopeful-eurovision-debut-2018/|title=Kosovo: RTK Hopeful Of Eurovision Debut in 2018|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=30 May 2017|website=Eurovoix|access-date=30 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831121655/https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/30/kosovo-rtk-hopeful-eurovision-debut-2018/|archive-date=31 August 2017|df=dmy-all}} however, the EBU clarified that this was not possible due to the limited international recognition of Kosovo and the country not being a UN member.{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/150081/kosovo-rtks-statement-kosovos-debut-eurovision-2018/|title=Kosovo: RTK's statement about Kosovo's debut in Eurovision 2018|last=Jiandani|first=Sanjay|date=27 September 2017|website=esctoday.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927221148/http://esctoday.com/150081/kosovo-rtks-statement-kosovos-debut-eurovision-2018/|archive-date=27 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}

The theme for the contest, "All Aboard!", was unveiled on 7 November 2017 in a press conference held at the Lisbon Oceanarium.{{cite web |date=6 November 2017 |title=ESC 2018: RTP anuncia amanhã novidades sobre a Eurovisão |trans-title=ESC 2018: RTP announces tomorrow more details about Eurovision |url=http://www.escportugal.pt/2017/11/esc2018-rtp-anuncia-amanha-novidades.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225092433/http://www.escportugal.pt/2017/11/esc2018-rtp-anuncia-amanha-novidades.html |archive-date=25 December 2017 |access-date=25 December 2017 |website=escportugal.pt |publisher=ESC Portugal |language=pt |df=dmy-all}} Its visual design features oceanic motifs that allude to Lisbon and Portugal's location on the Atlantic coast and to the country's seafaring history. Alongside the main emblem, which depicts a stylised seashell, twelve supplemental emblems were designed to symbolise different aspects of the marine ecosystem.

File:The Flag Parade at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018.jpg

The stage design for the 2018 contest was revealed on 5 December 2017 and was designed by German production designer Florian Wieder, who also devised the stage concepts for the 2011–12, 2015 and 2017 contests.{{Cite web |date=5 December 2017 |title=Exclusive: The stage for Lisbon 2018 is revealed! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/2018-stage-design-revealed |url-status=live |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |archive-date=5 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205234051/https://eurovision.tv/story/2018-stage-design-revealed }} Drawing inspiration from Portugal's nautical heritage and culture, the circular stage consisted of a series of overhead LED edge-lit concentric circles depicting an armillary sphere, with 28 pairs of 4.5m × 13.5m vertical wooden 'ribs' at the rear of the stage to represent sea waves.{{cite magazine |author= |date=June 2018 |title=Light & Sound International |url=https://digital.lsionline.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=c8b13574-28fd-4bdf-8e6d-a0fc58ae9f20 |magazine=Light & Sound International |publisher=PLASA Media |issue=376 |pages=31–42 |access-date=30 December 2023 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524020410/https://digital.lsionline.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=c8b13574-28fd-4bdf-8e6d-a0fc58ae9f20 |url-status=live }}

Unlike in previous years, RTP decided against implementing LED screens or projections into the stage design, influenced by the stage performance of "Amar pelos dois" the year prior and Sobral's comments upon receiving the winner's trophy, where he stated "music isn't fireworks, music is feeling."{{Cite web |date=2017-12-08 |title=Žada kardinaliai kitokią eurovizinę sceną: įkvėpė S. Sobralis |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/veidai/14/196128/zada-kardinaliai-kitokia-eurovizine-scena-ikvepe-s-sobralis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230201622/https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/eurovizija/31/196128/zada_kardinaliai_kitokia_eurovizine_scena_ikvepe_s_sobralis |archive-date=2023-12-30 |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=lrt.lt |language=lt}}{{Cite news |date=2017-05-13 |title=Eurovision 2017: Portugal's ballad wins contest |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-39911839 |access-date=2023-12-30 |archive-date=5 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605155637/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-39911839 |url-status=live }} The decision was not embraced by all participating countries; some delegations opted to continue using video content, computer-generated graphics and "more [props] than ever before" during performances, which was met by mixed reaction.{{Cite web |last=Frost |first=Adam |date=2018-05-28 |title=Eurovision 2018 - Lighting Europe's Biggest Party |url=https://www.lightsoundjournal.com/2018/05/28/eurovision-2018-lighting-europes-biggest-party/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Light Sound Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524020411/https://www.lightsoundjournal.com/2018/05/28/eurovision-2018-lighting-europes-biggest-party/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Rothenberg |first=Ben |date=2021-12-01 |title=This year, Eurovision tried to tone things down. It did not work. |language=en |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/05/11/this-year-eurovision-tried-to-tone-things-down-it-did-not-work/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230213525/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/05/11/this-year-eurovision-tried-to-tone-things-down-it-did-not-work/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Stephens |first=Heidi |date=13 May 2018 |title=Eurovision 2018: five things we learned |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/may/13/eurovision-2018-five-things-we-learned |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109001849/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/may/13/eurovision-2018-five-things-we-learned |url-status=live }}

The postcards, filmed between March and April 2018, involved the act emerging from a door into Portugal to take part in a themed activity, such as mountain biking, making a salad or pastel de nata, or visiting popular attractions. The location where the activity took place was written in Portuguese at the start of the postcard. At the end of the postcard, the act posed for the camera, the slogan's hashtag appeared on the bottom corner of the screen, and song information was printed onto the country's flag.{{Citation |title=Postcard of Sennek from Belgium - Eurovision 2018 | date=26 May 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4zVsme9V7Q&list=PLni1Hab8Dv3CyPRLT4vLn-aUzt3ehfzbv&index=7 |access-date=2021-06-23 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/_4zVsme9V7Q |url-status=live |language=en |archive-date=2021-11-17}}{{cbignore}} All the postcards had the same score, composed by Luis Figueredo.{{Cite web |date=2018-04-13 |title=Portugal's RTP publish the official soundtrack for Eurovision 2018 |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2018/04/13/portugal-rtp-publish-official-soundtrack-eurovision-2018/221170/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911002916/https://wiwibloggs.com/2018/04/13/portugal-rtp-publish-official-soundtrack-eurovision-2018/221170/ |archive-date=11 September 2020 |access-date=2021-06-23 |website=wiwibloggs |language=en-US}}

{{div col}}

• {{flagu|Albania}}{{snd}}Aveiro
• {{flagu|Armenia}}{{snd}}Grândola
• {{flagu|Australia}}{{snd}}Lisbon
• {{flagu|Austria}}{{snd}}Monsanto
• {{flagu|Azerbaijan}}{{snd}}Monsaraz
• {{flagu|Belarus}}{{snd}}Praça do Comércio, Lisbon
• {{flagu|Belgium}}{{snd}}Tagus River, Lisbon
• {{flagu|Bulgaria}}{{snd}}Lisbon
• {{flagu|Croatia}}{{snd}}{{ill|Talasnal|pt}}
• {{flagu|Cyprus}}{{snd}}{{ill|Mercado da Ribeira|pt}}
• {{flagu|Czech Republic}}{{snd}}Podence
• {{flagu|Denmark}}{{snd}}Mafra
• {{flagu|Estonia}}{{snd}}Sintra
• {{flagu|Finland}}{{snd}}Albufeira
• {{flagu|France}}{{snd}}Viana do Castelo
• {{flagu|Georgia}}{{snd}}Lisbon
• {{flagu|Germany}}{{snd}}Calheta
• {{flagu|Greece}}{{snd}}Ílhavo
• {{flagu|Hungary}}{{snd}}Óbidos
• {{flagu|Iceland}}{{snd}}Eduardo VII Park and Museu da Marioneta, Lisbon
• {{flagu|Ireland}}{{snd}}Porto Santo Island
• {{flagu|Israel}}{{snd}}A rooftop bar, Lisbon
• {{flagu|Italy}}{{snd}}Porto
• {{flagu|Latvia}}{{snd}}Benagil
• {{flagu|Lithuania}}{{snd}}Caramulo
• {{flagu|Macedonia}}{{snd}}Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira, Lisbon
• {{flagu|Malta}}{{snd}}Alter do Chão
• {{flagu|Moldova}}{{snd}}Vidago
• {{flagu|Montenegro}}{{snd}}A flea market, Lisbon
• {{flagu|Netherlands}}{{snd}}Lisbon
• {{flagu|Norway}}{{snd}}Lisbon
• {{flagu|Poland}}{{snd}}Ericeira
• {{flagu|Portugal}}{{snd}}Tagus River
• {{flagu|Romania}}{{snd}}Arouca
• {{flagu|Russia}}{{snd}}Lisbon Oceanarium, Lisbon
• {{flagu|San Marino}}{{snd}}Funchal
• {{flagu|Serbia}}{{snd}}A winery, Porto
• {{flagu|Slovenia}}{{snd}}Faial Island
• {{flagu|Spain}}{{snd}}São Miguel Island
• {{flagu|Sweden}}{{snd}}Serra da Estrela
• {{flagu|Switzerland}}{{snd}}Porto
• {{flagu|Ukraine}}{{snd}}Vila Nova de Milfontes
• {{flagu|United Kingdom}}{{snd}}São Miguel Island

{{Div col end}}

File:Eurovision 2018 Hosts.jpg, Sílvia Alberto, Catarina Furtado and Filomena Cautela]]

RTP and EBU announced on 8 January 2018, that the contest would be hosted for the first time by four female presenters, consisting of RTP hosts Sílvia Alberto, Filomena Cautela, and Catarina Furtado, together with actress Daniela Ruah.{{Cite news |title=Here come the girls! Presenters of Eurovision 2018 revealed! |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/hosts-for-eurovision-2018-revealed |url-status=live |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108162642/https://eurovision.tv/story/hosts-for-eurovision-2018-revealed |archive-date=8 January 2018 |df=dmy-all}} It was the first time since {{Escyr|2015}} that the contest did not feature a male presenter, and the second consecutive year that the presenters were all the same gender.{{cite web |last1=Farren |first1=Neil |date=8 January 2018 |title=Eurovision 2018: Four Women to Host |url=https://eurovoix.com/2018/01/08/eurovision-2018-four-women-host/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108190308/https://eurovoix.com/2018/01/08/eurovision-2018-four-women-host/ |archive-date=8 January 2018 |access-date=8 January 2018 |website=eurovoix.com |publisher=Eurovoix |df=dmy-all}} It was confirmed on 4 May 2018 that Cautela would also host the green room.{{cite web |last1=Granger |first1=Anthony |date=4 May 2018 |title=Eurovision'18: Filomena Cautela Revealed as Green Room Host |url=https://eurovoix.com/2018/05/04/eurovision18-filomena-cautela-revealed-as-green-room-host/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627173431/https://eurovoix.com/2018/05/04/eurovision18-filomena-cautela-revealed-as-green-room-host/ |archive-date=27 June 2018 |access-date=4 May 2018 |website=eurovoix.com |publisher=Eurovoix}}

The Blue Carpet opening ceremony was hosted by actress {{Ill|Cláudia Semedo|pt}}, radio host {{Ill|Inês Lopes Goncalves|pt}}, actor/TV host {{Ill|Pedro Granger|pt}} and actor/director {{Ill|Pedro Penim|pt}}. Granger and Penim moderated the press conferences, as well.{{cite web |date=23 April 2018 |title=Eurovision 2018: They will host the Blue Carpet! – Eurovision Song Contest Lisbon 2018 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/hosts-blue-carpet-lisbon-2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513005753/https://eurovision.tv/story/hosts-blue-carpet-lisbon-2018 |archive-date=13 May 2018 |access-date=24 April 2018 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}

On 27 April 2018, the EBU announced changes to the jury voting system for the 2018 contest.{{Cite web |date=2018-04-27 |title=Subtle but significant: EBU changes weight of individual jury rankings |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/subtle-significant-ebu-changes-weight-individual-jury-rankings |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=eurovision.tv |language=en |archive-date=27 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427202749/https://eurovision.tv/story/subtle-significant-ebu-changes-weight-individual-jury-rankings |url-status=live }} Each ranking position between first and last would be assigned a predefined value, starting with the value of 12 for a first rank and decreasing exponentially for lower ranks. The sum of these scores for all twenty-six songs from the five jury members then create the national jury result for each participating country. The exponential weight model gives more weight to higher-ranked songs, thereby lessening the impact of an individual juror placing a song lower in their rankings on the final result.{{Cite web |last=Veen |first=Renske ten |date=2018-04-27 |title=EBU unveil new method to calculate jury scores at Eurovision 2018 |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2018/04/27/ebu-announces-new-exponential-jury-model-eurovision-2018/222094/ |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=wiwibloggs |language=en-US |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524020410/https://wiwibloggs.com/2018/04/27/ebu-announces-new-exponential-jury-model-eurovision-2018/222094/ |url-status=live }}

File:ESC 2018 Semi-Finals 2.svg

The draw to determine the allocation of the participating countries into their respective semi-finals took place on 29 January 2018 at 13:00 CET, at the Lisbon City Hall. The thirty-seven semi-finalists were divided over six pots, based on historical voting patterns as calculated by the contest's official televoting partner Digame. The purpose of drawing from different pots was to reduce the chance of "bloc voting" and to increase suspense in the semi-finals. The draw also determined which semi-final each of the six automatic qualifiers – host country Portugal and "Big Five" countries {{Esccnty|France}}, {{Esccnty|Germany}}, {{Esccnty|Italy}}, {{Esccnty|Spain}} and the {{Esccnty|United Kingdom}} – would broadcast and vote in. The ceremony was hosted by contest presenters Sílvia Alberto and Filomena Cautela, and included the passing of the host city insignia from Vitali Klitschko, mayor of Kyiv (host city of the previous contest) to Fernando Medina, mayor of Lisbon.{{cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=12 January 2018 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/all-aboard-for-eurovision-2018-semi-final-allocation-draw |title=All Aboard for the Semi-final Allocation Draw |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |access-date=12 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112185133/https://eurovision.tv/story/all-aboard-for-eurovision-2018-semi-final-allocation-draw |archive-date=12 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}

With the approval from the contest's reference group, Italy broadcast and voted in the second semi-final following a request from Italian broadcaster RAI, as the date of the first semi-final coincided with the scheduled final of the fifth season of The Voice of Italy.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurofestivalnews.com/2018/01/25/the-voice-of-italy-2018-finale-l8-maggio-2018-sara-scontro-con-eurovision/|title=The Voice of Italy 2018, finale l'8 maggio: sarà scontro con Eurovision|publisher=eurofestivalnews.com|date=25 January 2018|access-date=30 January 2018|language=it|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220055615/https://www.eurofestivalnews.com/2018/01/25/the-voice-of-italy-2018-finale-l8-maggio-2018-sara-scontro-con-eurovision/|archive-date=20 February 2018|df=dmy-all}}

The first semi-final took place on 8 May 2018 at 20:00 WEST (21:00 CEST).{{cite web|url=https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/2018/event|title=Eurovision Song Contest 2018: Lisbon|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-date=14 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514065007/https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/2018/event|url-status=live}} Nineteen countries participated in this semi-final, with the running order published on 3 April 2018.{{Cite web |date=2018-04-03 |title=Running order for Eurovision 2018 Semi-Finals revealed |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/running-order-eurovision-2018-semi-finals-revealed |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=eurovision.tv |language=en |archive-date=3 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403010101/https://eurovision.tv/story/running%2Dorder%2Deurovision%2D2018%2Dsemi%2Dfinals%2Drevealed |url-status=live }} Israel won the most points, followed by Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Austria, Estonia, Ireland, Bulgaria, Albania, Lithuania and Finland. The countries that failed to reach the final were Azerbaijan, Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, Armenia, Belarus, Croatia, Macedonia, and Iceland. All the countries competing in this semi-final were eligible to vote, plus {{Esccnty|Portugal|y=2018}}, {{Esccnty|Spain|y=2018}}, and the {{Esccnty|United Kingdom|y=2018}}.{{cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=29 January 2018 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/results-of-the-semi-final-allocation-draw-2018 |title=Which Countries Will Perform in Which Semi-final at Eurovision 2018? |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |access-date=29 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129182557/https://eurovision.tv/story/results-of-the-semi-final-allocation-draw-2018 |archive-date=29 January 2018 |df=dmy-all }}

The interval, which solely consisted of pre-recorded segments, included a performance of "{{lang|pt|Amar pelos dois|i=unset}}" by {{Escyr|2017}} entrants Alma, Blanche, Kristian Kostov, Manel Navarro, Martina Bárta, Norma John, and Svala; "Planet Portugal", a video sketch inspired by National Geographic featuring Herman José; and "Esclopedia", a video skit about the contest's history. The Portuguese, Spanish and British artists were then interviewed, and clips of their competing songs were played.{{Cite web |last=West |first=Rosé |date=2018-05-07 |title=First semi first dress musings - oneurope.co.uk |url=https://oneurope.co.uk/host-city/lisbon/first-semi-first-dress-musings/ |access-date=2024-01-03 |language=en-GB |archive-date=28 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728212104/https://oneurope.co.uk/host-city/lisbon/first-semi-first-dress-musings/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Diogo |first=Por João |title=ESC2018: "Planet Portugal", "1974", "Esclopédia" e "53 long years" serão apresentados durante a Eurovisão |url=https://www.escportugal.pt/2018/05/esc2018-planet-portugal-1973-esclopedia.html |access-date=2024-01-03 |archive-date=3 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103204533/https://www.escportugal.pt/2018/05/esc2018-planet-portugal-1973-esclopedia.html |url-status=live }}

{{Legend|navajowhite|Qualifiers}}

The second semi-final took place on 10 May 2018 at 20:00 WEST (21:00 CEST). Eighteen countries participated in this semi-final, with the running order published on 3 April 2018. Norway won the most points, followed by Sweden, Moldova, Australia, Denmark, Ukraine, Netherlands, Slovenia, Serbia, and Hungary. The countries that failed to reach the final were Romania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Russia, Montenegro, San Marino, and Georgia. All the countries competing in this semi-final were eligible to vote, plus {{Esccnty|France|y=2018}}, {{Esccnty|Germany|y=2018}} and {{Esccnty|Italy|y=2018}}.

The interval acts included a dance medley of "Puppet on a String", "Dschinghis Khan", "Making Your Mind Up", "Euphoria" and Riverdance, performed by the presenters; a pre-recorded segment depicting the recording of the postcards; a short documentary about the Portuguese 1974 entry "E depois do adeus" and its impact on the Carnation Revolution; plus new instalments of "Esclopedia" and "Planet Portugal". The French, German and Italian artists were then interviewed, and clips of their competing songs were played.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-10 |title=Tonight: Eurovision 2018 Semi-final 2 |url=https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/tonight-eurovision-2018-semi-final-2 |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=Eurovisionworld |language=en-gb |archive-date=3 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103204530/https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/tonight-eurovision-2018-semi-final-2 |url-status=live }}{{Legend|navajowhite|Qualifiers}}

The final took place on 12 May 2018 at 20:00 WEST (21:00 CEST). Twenty-six countries participated in the final, with all forty-three participating countries eligible to vote. The running order for the final was published on 10 May 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/exclusive-running-order-eurovision-2018-grand-final|title=Eurovision 2018: This is the running order of the Grand Final!|date=11 May 2018|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809041512/https://eurovision.tv/story/running-order-grand-final-2017|url-status=live}} Israel won the contest with the song "Toy", performed by Netta and written by Doron Medalie and Stav Beger.{{Cite web |title=Netta |url=https://eurovision.tv/participant/netta-barzilai |access-date=2024-01-03 |website=eurovision.tv |language=en |archive-date=10 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710130309/https://eurovision.tv/participant/netta-barzilai |url-status=live }} Israel won with 529 points, also winning the televote. Cyprus came second with 436 points, with Austria (who won the jury vote), Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Estonia, Denmark, and Moldova completing the top ten. Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom, Finland, and Portugal occupied the bottom five positions.

The final was opened by Portuguese fado singers Ana Moura and Mariza performing "Fado loucura" and "Barco negro" respectively. This was followed by the flag parade, introducing all twenty-six finalists, accompanied with music by Portuguese scratching duo Beatbombers. The interval acts included a medley of "Ter peito e espaço", "Nova Lisboa", and "Reserva pra dois", performed by DJ Branko and featuring Sara Tavares & Plutónio, Dino D'Santiago, and Mayra Andrade respectively; a video sketch about the history of Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest, featuring Suzy; an interview with Polina Bogusevich, winner of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2017; and Salvador Sobral, who performed his new single "Mano a mano" and his winning song "{{lang|pt|Amar pelos dois|i=unset}}", the latter in a duet with Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso, with both songs featuring piano accompaniment by Júlio Resende.{{cite web |last1=Ortiz |first1=Laura |date=12 March 2018 |title=Eurovisión 2018: Salvador Sobral, Ana Moura, Mariza, Branko y Beatbombers actuarán en la Gran Final |url=http://www.formulatv.com/noticias/77756/salvador-sobral-ana-moura-artistas-estaran-final-eurovision-2018/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312204946/http://www.formulatv.com/noticias/77756/salvador-sobral-ana-moura-artistas-estaran-final-eurovision-2018/ |archive-date=12 March 2018 |access-date=12 March 2018 |website=formulatv-com |publisher=Fórmula TV |language=es}}{{cite web |date=12 March 2018 |title=Salvador Sobral, Ana Moura e Mariza na final da Eurovisão |url=https://mag.sapo.pt/showbiz/artigos/salvador-sobral-ana-moura-e-mariza-na-final-da-eurovisao |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031612/https://mag.sapo.pt/showbiz/artigos/salvador-sobral-ana-moura-e-mariza-na-final-da-eurovisao |archive-date=13 March 2018 |access-date=12 March 2018 |website=mag.sapo.pt |publisher=Sapomag |language=pt}}{{cite web |last=Carrilho |first=Nuno |date=12 March 2018 |title=ESC2018: Conheça os artistas confirmados na Grande Final do Festival Eurovisão 2018 |url=http://www.escportugal.pt/2018/03/ultima-hora-conheca-os-artistas.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031606/http://www.escportugal.pt/2018/03/ultima-hora-conheca-os-artistas.html |archive-date=13 March 2018 |access-date=12 March 2018 |website=escportugal.pt |publisher=ESC Portugal |language=pt}}{{cite web |date=10 April 2018 |title=Salvador Sobral to perform with Caetano Veloso in the Grand Final |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/salvador-sobral-perform-with-caetano-veloso-grand-final-2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410202414/https://eurovision.tv/story/salvador-sobral-perform-with-caetano-veloso-grand-final-2018 |archive-date=10 April 2018 |access-date=10 April 2018 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}{{cite web |date=26 April 2018 |title=Branko, Sara Tavares, Mayra Andrade e Dino D'Santiago juntos para uma viagem pelo novo som da cidade |url=http://media.rtp.pt/eurovisao/noticias/branko-sara-tavares-mayra-andrade-dino-dsantiago-juntos-viagem-pelo-novo-som-da-cidade/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427173856/http://media.rtp.pt/eurovisao/noticias/branko-sara-tavares-mayra-andrade-dino-dsantiago-juntos-viagem-pelo-novo-som-da-cidade/ |archive-date=27 April 2019 |access-date=27 April 2018 |website=rtp.pt |publisher=Rádio e Televisão de Portugal}}{{cite web |date=12 May 2018 |title="Mano a Mano": Salvador Sobral estreia nova música |url=https://observador.pt/2018/05/11/mano-a-mano-salvador-sobral-estreia-novo-single/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701141120/https://observador.pt/2018/05/11/mano-a-mano-salvador-sobral-estreia-novo-single/ |archive-date=1 July 2018 |access-date=12 May 2018 |publisher=Observador |language=pt}}{{Cite web |last=Weaver |first=Jessica |date=11 May 2018 |title=Eurovision 2018: Follow our live updates from the grand final jury show |url=https://esctoday.com/166087/eurovision-2018-follow-our-live-updates-from-the-grand-final-jury-show/ |access-date=3 January 2024 |website=ESCToday |archive-date=3 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103204530/https://esctoday.com/166087/eurovision-2018-follow-our-live-updates-from-the-grand-final-jury-show/ |url-status=live }}

{{Legend|gold|Winner}}

The spokespersons announced the 12-point score from their respective country's national jury in the following order:{{cite web|title=May we have your votes please?|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/spokespersons-grand-final-eurovision-2018|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=11 May 2018|date=11 May 2018|archive-date=11 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511231702/https://eurovision.tv/story/spokespersons-grand-final-eurovision-2018|url-status=live}}

{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}

1. {{flagu|Ukraine}}{{snd}}Natalia Zhyzhchenko
2. {{flagu|Azerbaijan}}{{snd}}Tural Asadov
3. {{flagu|Belarus}}{{snd}}Naviband
4. {{flagu|San Marino}}{{snd}}John Kennedy O'Connor
5. {{flagu|Netherlands}}{{snd}}OG3NE
6. {{flagu|Macedonia}}{{snd}}Jana Burčeska
7. {{flagu|Malta}}{{snd}}Lara Azzopardi
8. {{flagu|Georgia}}{{snd}}Tamara Gachechiladze
9. {{flagu|Spain}}{{snd}}Nieves Álvarez
10. {{flagu|Austria}}{{snd}}Kati Bellowitsch
11. {{flagu|Denmark}}{{snd}}Ulla Essendrop
12. {{flagu|United Kingdom}}{{snd}}Mel Giedroyc
13. {{flagu|Sweden}}{{snd}}Felix Sandman
14. {{flagu|Latvia}}{{snd}}Dagmāra Legante
15. {{flagu|Albania}}{{snd}}Andri Xhahu
16. {{flagu|Croatia}}{{snd}}Uršula Tolj
17. {{flagu|Ireland}}{{snd}}Nicky Byrne
18. {{flagu|Romania}}{{snd}}Sonia Argint-Ionescu
19. {{flagu|Czech Republic}}{{snd}}{{ill|Radka Rosická|cs}}
20. {{flagu|Iceland}}{{snd}}Edda Sif Pálsdóttir
21. {{flagu|Moldova}}{{snd}}Djulieta Ardovan
22. {{flagu|Belgium}}{{snd}}Danira Boukhriss
23. {{flagu|Norway}}{{snd}}Aleksander Walmann and Jowst
24. {{flagu|France}}{{snd}}Élodie Gossuin
25. {{flagu|Italy}}{{snd}}Giulia Valentina Palermo
26. {{flagu|Australia}}{{snd}}Ricardo Gonçalves
27. {{flagu|Estonia}}{{snd}}{{ill|Ott Evestus|et}}
28. {{flagu|Serbia}}{{snd}}Dragana Kosjerina
29. {{flagu|Cyprus}}{{snd}}Hovig
30. {{flagu|Armenia}}{{snd}}Arsen Grigoryan
31. {{flagu|Bulgaria}}{{snd}}{{ill|Joanna Dragneva|bg|Йоанна Драгнева}}
32. {{flagu|Greece}}{{snd}}Olina Xenopoulou
33. {{flagu|Hungary}}{{snd}}{{ill|Bence Forró|hu|Forró Bence}}
34. {{flagu|Montenegro}}{{snd}}Nataša Šotra
35. {{flagu|Germany}}{{snd}}Barbara Schöneberger
36. {{flagu|Finland}}{{snd}}Anna Abreu
37. {{flagu|Russia}}{{snd}}Alsou
38. {{flagu|Switzerland}}{{snd}}Letícia Carvalho
39. {{flagu|Israel}}{{snd}}Lucy Ayoub
40. {{flagu|Poland}}{{snd}}Mateusz Szymkowiak
41. {{flagu|Lithuania}}{{snd}}Eglė Daugėlaitė
42. {{flagu|Slovenia}}{{snd}}Maja Keuc
43. {{flagu|Portugal}}{{snd}}{{ill|Pedro Fernandes (presenter)|lt=Pedro Fernandes|pt|Pedro Fernandes (humorista)}}

{{Div col end}}

The ten qualifiers from the first semi-final were determined by televoting and/or SMS-voting (50%) and five-member juries (50%).{{Cite web |date=2018-05-14 |title=The results of Eurovision 2018: Let's dive into the numbers! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-results-eurovision-2018-dive-into-numbers |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=eurovision.tv |language=en |archive-date=24 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624220456/https://eurovision.tv/story/the-results-eurovision-2018-dive-into-numbers |url-status=live }} All nineteen countries competing in the first semi-final voted, alongside Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The ten qualifying countries were announced in no particular order, and the full results of how each country voted was published after the final had been held.

{{Legend|navajowhite|Qualifiers}}

Below is a summary of all 12 points received in the first semi-final. In the jury vote, Israel received the maximum score of 12 points from seven countries, with Austria receiving three sets of 12 points. Albania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus were awarded two sets of 12 points each, and Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Estonia, Ireland, and Lithuania were each awarded one set of 12 points. In the public vote, Cyprus received the maximum score of 12 points from five countries, with Estonia and Ireland receiving three sets of 12 points. Czech Republic and Lithuania were awarded two sets of 12 points each, and Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Finland, Greece, and Israel were each awarded one set of 12 points.

The ten qualifiers from the second semi-final were determined by televoting and/or SMS-voting (50%) and five-member juries (50%). All eighteen countries competing in the second semi-final voted, alongside France, Germany, and Italy. The ten qualifying countries were announced in no particular order, and the full results of how each country voted was published after the final had been held.

{{Legend|navajowhite|Qualifiers}}

Below is a summary of all 12 points received in the second semi-final. In the jury vote, Sweden received the maximum score of 12 points from nine countries, with Australia and Norway receiving three sets of 12 points. Moldova and Romania were awarded two sets of 12 points each, and the Netherlands and Serbia were each awarded one set of 12 points. In the public vote, Denmark received the maximum score of 12 points from six countries, with Moldova receiving five sets of 12 points. Romania and Serbia were awarded two sets of 12 points each, and Hungary, Norway, Poland, Russia, San Marino, and Ukraine were each awarded one set of 12 points.

The results of the final were determined by televoting and jury voting in all forty-three participating countries. The announcement of the jury points was conducted by each country individually, with the country's spokesperson announcing their jury's favourite entry that received 12 points, with the remaining points shown on screen. Following the completion of the jury points announcement, the public points were announced as an aggregate by the contest hosts in ascending order starting from the country which received the fewest points from the televoting.

{{Legend|gold|Winner}}

Below is a summary of all 12 points received in the final. In the jury vote, Austria received the maximum score of 12 points from nine countries, with Sweden receiving eight sets of 12 points. Cyprus received the maximum score from six countries, Israel was awarded five sets of 12 points, and Germany received four sets of 12 points. Estonia was awarded two sets of 12 points each, and Albania, Denmark, France, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, and Serbia were each awarded one set of 12 points.

In the public vote, Israel received the maximum score of 12 points from eight countries, with Lithuania receiving five sets of 12 points. Serbia received the maximum score from four countries, and Cyprus, Denmark, Italy, and Ukraine were each awarded three sets of 12 points. Albania, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, and Moldova received two sets of maximum scores each, and Bulgaria, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Spain were each awarded one set of 12 points.