Semi Final 1

S56 E01 • Tuesday, May 10, 2011 • May 10 • 2h 9m

Semi Final 2

S56 E02 • Thursday, May 12, 2011 • May 12 • 2h

Final

S56 E03 • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • May 14 • 3h 28m

Germany hosted the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time since 1983, with Düsseldorf being chosen as the host city after an open selection process. A total of 43 countries participated. The biggest news was Italy's return after a ten-year absence. Italy joined France, Germany, Spain, and the UK, expanding the "Big Four" into the "Big Five," with all five nations automatically qualifying for the Grand Final. The return was triumphant, as Italy's Raphael Gualazzi took second place with "Madness Of Love". The event was hosted by comedienne Anke Engelke, TV anchor Judith Rakers, and entertainer Stefan Raab, who had been part of Germany's winning team in 2010.