The Global Song Contest 05

## Voting

### System

Each country awards a set of points in the final of 20, 17, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6–1 points to twelve songs + Televoting (50/50)

### Winner

 **Belgium**
**"Empire"** by *Blanche*

**The Global Song Contest 05** was the fifth edition of the contest. It took a place in **Antwerp, Belgium** following the win of Lea Rue in Charlotte-Amalie with the song *"Watching You"*. Organised by **VRT**, the contest was held at the **Sportpaleis.** The contest was hosted by Kedist Deltour, Loîc Nottet & Mentissa.

46 countries have confirmed their participation.

17 debuted in the fifth edition, while 20 withdrew.

The contest was won by **Belgium** for the second time in a row with the song "*Empire*" by Blanche, with 660 points.

## Location

The Sportpaleis of Antwerp, Belgium, stood as the prestigious venue for The Global Song Contest 05, captivating audiences with its grandeur and modernity. The Sportpaleis, also known as the Antwerps Sportpaleis or the Sportpaleis Antwerpen, is a renowned indoor arena that has earned its place among Europe's premier event venues. With a seating capacity of over 23,000, the Sportpaleis provided an impressive space to showcase the talent and performances of The Global Song Contest.

The Sportpaleis boasts a striking architectural design, blending sleek lines with cutting-edge facilities. Its state-of-the-art sound systems, lighting technology, and acoustics create an immersive experience, enhancing the performances and captivating spectators. The venue's versatility enables it to host a wide range of events, from concerts and sporting competitions to large-scale entertainment productions.

Antwerp, the vibrant and culturally rich city where The Global Song Contest 05 took place, adds to the allure of the event. As Belgium's second-largest city, Antwerp is renowned for its historical significance, artistic heritage, and thriving fashion and design scene. The city seamlessly combines its rich past with a contemporary flair, creating a captivating atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

Antwerp is celebrated for its outstanding architecture, with landmarks like the Cathedral of Our Lady, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece, and the Antwerp Central Station, an architectural gem considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. The city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a treasure trove of well-preserved medieval buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and lively squares.

The city's vibrant music scene further contributes to its cultural richness. Antwerp hosts a diverse range of music festivals, from jazz and classical music to electronic and contemporary genres, attracting both local and international talents. Its lively nightlife scene encompasses a multitude of music venues, clubs, and bars, offering something for every musical taste.

Antwerp is also renowned for its culinary delights, with a thriving gastronomic scene that showcases both traditional Belgian cuisine and innovative culinary concepts. From mouthwatering Belgian waffles and chocolates to renowned Flemish dishes like mussels and fries, Antwerp entices food lovers with its diverse culinary offerings.

The selection of the Sportpaleis in Antwerp as the venue for The Global Song Contest 05 highlighted the city's reputation as a cultural and entertainment capital. The combination of the arena's impressive infrastructure and Antwerp's architectural splendor, artistic heritage, and vibrant atmosphere created an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators. This event solidified Antwerp's position as a premier destination for music, arts, and cultural events, showcasing its unique blend of history, creativity, and modernity.

## Participating countries

#### First Semi-Final

**Czechia** won the second chance and qualified for the Grand Final.

##### Second Semi-Final

**Germany** won the second chance and qualified for the Grand Final.