<Ul> <Li> Belgium </Li> <Li> Estonia </Li> <Li> Latvia </Li> <Li> Lithuania </Li> <Li> Netherlands </Li> <Li> Poland </Li> </Ul> <P> RTP released the first details regarding the opening and interval acts for the final on 12 March 2018 . The opening act featured Portuguese fado singers Ana Moura and Mariza performing "Fado Loucura" and "Barco Negro", respectively, which was followed by a parade of flags introducing the 26 finalist participants, with live music by Portuguese scratching duo Beatbombers . The interval acts included Salvador Sobral, who performed his new single "Mano a mano" and his Eurovision - winning song "Amar pelos dois" (the latter in a duet with Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso), and electronic music performances by Branko featuring Sara Tavares (Portuguese representative in 1994), Mayra Andrade and Dino D'Santiago . </P> <P> The EBU announced on 7 November 2017 that forty - two countries would participate in the contest . Russia confirmed their return after withdrawing from the previous edition, while Macedonia's participation was provisionally blocked by the EBU due to unpaid debts by its national broadcaster . However, ten days later, the EBU 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 . </P> <P> The contest featured two representatives who also previously performed as lead vocalists for the same countries . Alexander Rybak won for Norway in 2009 performing "Fairytale" and Waylon placed second for the Netherlands in 2014 as part of The Common Linnets performing "Calm After the Storm". </P>

How many countries are taking part in eurovision 2018