The Eurovision Song Contest 2005 took place at the Palace of Sports in Kiev, Ukraine, following Ruslana's win in the 2004 Contest with the song "Wild Dances". 

The contest consisted of two shows: the semi-final and final, which took place on 19 and 21 May 2005, respectively. The shows were hosted by Maria Efrosinina and Pavlo Shylko. Thirty-nine countries participated, including the debuts of Bulgaria and Moldova and the return of Hungary, which was last represented in 1998.

Organizers hoped that this event would boost Ukraine's image abroad and increase tourism, while the country's new government hoped that it would also give a modest boost to the long-term goal of acquiring European Union membership.

SRS Group provided the 50th annual Eurovision Song Contest with custom-made Power distribution units with special hydro-magnetic protection system and various cable systems.