What’s another year, eh? That’s what a significant proportion of Europe will be asking tonight as Eurovision 2014 kicks off in Copenhagen.

The first semi-final goes live across the world from 8pm GMT/ 9pm CET and if you’re not watching on RTÉ Two or BBC Three, you can catch all the action as it happens live on eurovision.tv.

Here are just a few things to expect from this evening’s proceedings:

1. A very special rendition of Emmelie De Forest’s Only Teardrops

Remember that wonderful little tune that brought us all to Copenhagen this year? Well, the Game of Thrones-esque songstress will be back to give us another blast of the tune, complete with a virtual Choir of Europe.

Never gets old now, does it?

2. That lad from Borgen

Denmark’s going ALL OUT for the competition and has drafted in not two but THREE hosts for both semi finals and the Grand Prix.

Danish TV host/musician Nikolaj Koppel and TV presenter Lise Rønne will be joined by actor Pilou Asbæk, who Scandinavian TV drama fans will recognise from Borgen. 

Photo: EBU

Well, they really worked the whole Bridge angle last year so it’s only fair that another show got a go right? At least they’re not going with The Killing…

The three of them have already been working hard on their own song ahead of the contest.

3. Your first look at the favourite for this year’s crown

The bookies aren’t often wrong when it comes to Eurovision winners and they’re all tipping Armenia’s Aram to take the top spot on Saturday night. Can he make it through the semi finals?

Yes. Most likely.

4. Chills from Sweden’s own Amanda Holden

Sanna Nielsen struck it seventh time lucky and won’t be holding back when she FINALLY represents her country tonight. Seriously though, her press shot would have you convinced that she’s the IMAGE of Britain’s Got Talent Judge Amanda.

If Undo doesn’t give you goosepimples then you don’t belong in my Eurovision hovel.

5. A craving for cake, courtesy of Latvia

The wonderful little Baltic nation’s entry is all about baking. Mary Berry would approve, I’m sure.

6. The Ugly Duckling

No seriously, that’s the interval act. Sure isn’t it a Danish tale after all? Courtesy of good old Hans Christian Andersen.

Here’s the charming first dress rehearsal.

7. No sign of Ireland

We’ll have to wait until Thursday to see how diddly-eye our entry is now. Have we learned NOTHING from last year?

It’s strange to think that Jedward’s Lipstick was actually the BEST thing we’d sent to Eurovision in years.

At least we can enjoy the douze points voting lark in peace tonight.