Since 2008, the Eurovision Song Contest consists of three live shows, aired prime-time to millions of homes across Europe. During two Semi-Finals, viewers and juries across Europe determine which countries will be represented in the Final.

The first Semi-Final (Tuesday, 14th of May, 2013, 21:00 CET) will be broadcast live in some 20 countries represented in the show and several other nations. Artists from 16 countries will compete in the first Semi-Final, as ten spots for the Final are at stake. Viewers and professional juries each have a 50 percent stake in the outcome. The professional juries will feature six members in each country. The televoting window will be opened after all the songs have been performed. In addition to the participating countries, also the United Kingdom, Sweden and Italy will vote in this Semi-Final. The 10 qualified acts will be announced in random order, and to raise the excitement the ranking and other voting results will not be announced until right after the Final.

The second Semi-Final (Thursday, 16th of May, 2013, 21:00 CET) will be broadcast live in the some 20 countries represented in the show and several other nations. Artists from 17 countries will compete in the second Semi-Final, as ten spots for the Final are at stake. Viewers and professional juries each have a 50 percent stake in the outcome. The professional juries will feature six members in each country. The televoting window will be opened after all the songs have been performed. In addition to the participating countries, also Spain, Germany and France will vote in this Semi-Final. The 10 qualified acts will be announced in random order, and to raise the excitement the ranking and other voting results will not be announced until right after the Final.

The Grand Final (Saturday, 18th of May, 2013, 21:00 CET) will be broadcast live in all participating countries. Viewers and professional juries in 39 participating countries will vote. Viewers and professional juries each have a 50 percent stake in the outcome. The professional juries will feature six members in each country. The televoting window will be opened after all the songs have been performed. The running order of the represented countries in the Final will be determined by draw, right after each of the two Semi-Finals.