Over the last few days, Israel’s hosting of Eurovision 2019 has been in jeopardy. The rhetoric between the government and the state broadcaster has escalated and now there’s even threatens to shut down KAN. In this scenario, the question is ineludible: will Israel be able to host in the end? And who should take the job if they decline?
In the past, other countries have taken over the Eurovision Song Contest when the winner declined to host for various reasons. This situation has happened five times: in 1960, 1963, 1972, 1974 and 1980 when Israel declined after having won for the second time in a row.
Now let’s take a look at some of the diverse options EBU might take into account if they eventually have to pick another host country.
Cyprus
Second-place-finishers, Cyprus may seem like the obvious country to talk with in case Israel refuses. This was the scenario in 1960, when The Netherlands declined to host after having done so two years earlier, and so the contest travelled to the UK, who had finished second. Cyprus has never won Eurovision and so the contest has never travelled to the island, but they did host Junior Eurovision in 2008. On the downside, Cyprus does not currently have a suitably sized indoor venue to host the event.
Austria
Third-placed Austria may also be an option. Cesár Sampson won the jury vote this year, so it wouldn’t seem out of place for them to take the job. Austria has hosted twice before, the last one being in only three years ago in 2015, after Conchita’s victory. In fact, wouldn’t it be a statement if Conchita hosted next year’s contest after TRT’s complaints?
Germany
Germany came in fourth place at Eurovision 2018. A member of Big Five, Germany undoubtedly has the infrastructure and the preparation to take the job. It’s no secret that Germany has been rumoured to be the back-up country in case the winner of Eurovision steps down from its duty. Will this be the case in 2019?
Portugal
Why not? They have just hosted, but both RTP and EBU were pleased with the result, and so were we! Lisbon was all kinds of amazing this May so… maybe we can go back and have Filomena Cautela hosting solo?
The United Kingdom
In the 1960s and ’70s, the UK was the go-to nation for picking up unwanted hosting gigs. They took on the role four times, including the iconic 1974 Brighton show (following Luxembourg’s win) that set the scene for ABBA’s career-launching victory with “Waterloo”.
A country that has never hosted
What if EBU decided to switch things up? A country that has never had the honour of hosting Eurovision could be delighted to take the job. Malta, Cyprus and Iceland have long been waiting for their first victory at Eurovision so this could be a nice gesture. Or maybe go the other way round and pick the Czech Republic, who debuted not so long ago and have seen interest grow in recent years. Maybe someone who has been waiting since the 90s to win, like Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovenia…?
All of this post is wishful thinking, and these have been only several options. Many others could also take the job: the Netherlands already did it in the past; France, Italy or Spain are big five members who could take the job; Sweden has already hosted twice this decade and has the ambition to do it again.
Now it’s your time to vote: where would you like to fly to next year if we’re not going to Israel? You can choose as many options as you want, but you can only vote once!
[polldaddy poll=10079586]Do you think Israel will get to host Eurovision in the end? Which other country is your favourite in case they decline? Where would you like to be headed next year if we’re not bound for Tel Aviv or Jerusalem (or Haifa or Eilat)? Tell us in the comment section below!
ensalda de topicos marinada con aceite de mala calidad
I think the winner should host. Always, as long it’s possible. But as the past has proven, it’s not always possible. In case it won’t go to Israel…
“In fact, wouldn’t it be a statement if Conchita hosted next year’s contest after TRT’s complaints?”
>>> I’m totally IN for THAT!
“maybe we can go back and have Filomena Cautela hosting solo?”
>>> Wouldn’t say no either. Filomena is amazing!
Cyprus. They came second and never hosted before. But I hope Israel can work things out. They won it and so they should host it.
Why is the UK third? The UK should NOT host ESC 2019 if Israel cant host. I do not see why a country that does not take it seriously, does not support their acts properly, has a joke of a national final, a farcical budget for eurovision, blames poor results on politics and other nonsense, and is backed by a broadcaster that could not care less about eurovision. The only reason they compete every year is because its cheap entertainment and gives them more viewers. Give it to a country that deserves it and will take it seriously. GERMANY 2019!!
We already hosted in 2011 and it just wouldn’t feel right. We’re not even second or third place.. The winning Country should host. Always. Not some replacement. And if that is out of Question than – at least – the next place.
Russia of course! Because they won televoting in 2016! lol
It’s quite simple: Let the order of finish determine who takes Israel’s place; and if the next in line can’t afford to host, or can’t prepare for the show in time, we go further down the list: Cyprus (never hosted), Austria (last hosted 2015), Germany (2011), Italy (1991), Czech Republic (never hosted), Sweden (2016), Estonia (2002), Denmark (2014), Moldova (never hosted),… …And if that is not satisfactory enough, put in a hat the names of all the countries that have NEVER hosted the contest, and draw them one by one. The first country that comes out of the hat gets… Read more »
Germany so we can have Anke hosting again
I just don’t want the minimum age to be raised to 18.
I’m certain things will work out and the contest will go to Israel, despite the difficulties. Tel Aviv is the best option, but they are only talking about Pavilion 2. I’m sure it’s very modern, but it’ll seem more like a typical JESC arena or the place that had Congratulations in 2005 (not that it would be the end of the world if the contest downsizes for one year). Why aren’t they talking about the Menora Mivtachim Arena? Will it be unavailable? If the worst comes to the worst, I say a big five country should step in, but the… Read more »
menora arena would reduce to 6k in eurovision format. It has a tiny pitch
Voted for Austria, France, The Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Hungary and Finland.
Austria did a great job in 2015 – Vienna is according to “Mercer” Studies and “The Economist” the most livable city in the world.
And …. we have the Eurovision Queen, Conchita – superbly hosted the international Life Ball the last 2 years in Vienna.
I don’t care who hosts it, as long as they have LED screens! Portugal… Obrigado nao nao!
La decision de leds o no corresponde en mas de un 50% a ebu/uer y su produccion junto con la tv organizadora, y me parece una decision masmaudaz que tu comentario…… leds los hay en cualquier centro comercial , y,los hubo en lisboa.
i loved the stage without LED screen
I think we all hope that Israel will host. The drama is just wonderful and keeps Eurovision in peoples minds even through off-season.
If it doesn’t work in ISR I’d really love to see one of the big five to host, so the host-country would automatically qualify for the final and Netta’s win would ISR also allow to be a contestant straight in the final without all other contestants loosing another spot to qualify for the final…
Tirana 2019, as long as Arena Kombetare can install an enclosed roof in time for the contest. 🙂
Hopefully San Marino #ValentinasBackyard2019
If another country ends up hosting (say, Cyprus), who would get to go straight to the final? Israel, the winners from last year, or the host country? Or both?
Host because they’re spending the money, Israel should even get banned for a year for screwing up the streak.
“Israel should get banned” Henry you are disgusting and i cant cosider you a Esc fan
I don’t like the idea Cyprus wouldn’t be a good host because they don’t have ” a suitable venue”. Which basically means all smaller countries like (Malta, Iceland, Cyprus, Slovenia, Macedonia, Moldova, Lithuania…) have absolutely NO CHANCE of ever organizing the contest. This is very wrong In My Opinion. Countries are what they are. If Cyprus only has a smaller venue, then Cyprus only has a smaller venue. That’s just it. That shouldn’t prevent them from being granted the right to organize the contest. The contest should adapt to the country and not the other way around. What would be… Read more »
Is anyone else on the edge of their seat today just waiting for the announcement? Also would like it to be held in the UK but can’t see it because of their low position last year (every time they have stepped into host, I believe they have been within the top 5 and the other countries declined to host)
Any country but with Filomena hosting! Filomena FTW!
1) Cyprus? Pro: Second Place. Contra: No suitable venue.
2) Austria? Pro: Third Place and experience, structure, team of 2015. Contra: A bit boring cause only three years ago.
3) Germany? Pro: Forth Place, experience and team of 2011, rumored to be the possible “backup” for Australia, Big 5 Nation. Contra: Also a bit boring cause of hosting twice this decade.
4) UK? Pro: Big 5 Nation, rumored also as backup for Australia. Contra: Do they want cause of Brexit?
Difficult question!
germany twice this decade? MAybe I am wrong but I only remember them winning in 1982 and then again with Lena in was it 2010?
@Tobias Henrik: Yes, we won in 2010 and hosted in 2011. And 2019 would be the second time, if you consider Germany to host. And that would be a bit boring, because that would be twice this decade. So that is my con argument to host in Germany again 🙂
Romania!
I voted Cyprus.
Voted for San Marino just to troll 🙂
If Romania hosts the contest, either Arena Nationala in Bucharest or BT Arena in Cluj. If it was to take place in Poland, it has to be in Krakow. Limasol Cyprus can host the contest. If U.K. was to host it would be anywhere. Prague Czech Republic has the O2 arena . If ESC will be in Germany it can be any city (Düsseldorf, Munich, Berlin, Hanover etc.) If it will be in Austria then we should be back in Vienna and the 2015 venue. The Netherlands hasn’t host ESC in a while so I’m gonna pick Amsterdam Arena in… Read more »
I think in the case Amsterdam would host, they’d pick the Ziggo Dome, an indoor events arena with a capacity of 17,000.
The host should be Israel, because they won and those are the rules. Unless they reject hosting it, they should be the host.
As much as it would be nice for Cyprus, I don’t think they have the venue or funds, Germany is the obvious and logic solution. It would be absolutely cool to see Munich and Bavaria now, rather than some dull industrial city in the NRW (like Düsseldorf 2011) or Berlin. The only other real candidate is of course Sweden, but I really dislike the idea (3 times in a decade?).
Düsseldorf a dull industrial city? Pfff… Have you ever been there?
I really couldn’t care less which city would host, as long as it fits the requirements (suitable venue, hotels etc.). Every city has its own beauty, and every city should be given equal opportunity to show it.
Istanbul 2019!
IF Turkey returns. 😉
Bandiaterra 2019
I think the only real competitor here is San Marino. I’m not even talking about the amazing capacity of their arenas and their money supply, but the idea of a show hosted by Valentina should definately convince everyone. Case closed, in my opinion.
We already made clear that the San Marino venue will be in Valentina’s house backyard.
I love you Wiwibloggs, but sometimes I feel like y’all jump the gun on polls and op-eds.
Wait for the Israeli mess to close tomorrow before starting a poll like this. An entire country is hoping to see their culture placed on a world stage, and it might be taken away from them over pointless politics. This poll just adds to the frustration and embarrassment.
Please have some sensitivity for the situation from all prospectives.
Love y’all,
An Israeli Fan
LOL, it¨s all a bit of fun! They are asking who should host if Israel can’t host which looks like a plausible option and a fair question. We have never had a situation like this!
Chill out. It’s clear they want it to be in Israel, this poll is for fun.
Pointless poll, because the contest will take place in Israel.
Iceland should host, because they aren’t winning anytime soon, but they have a pretty secure backing for a contest.
If they convince Björk to be their interval act, I’m with you.
it will not good to host be only 2nd . Iceland wait 9 months to be second 3 rd time in Eurovision . first second was in Israel 1999, second 2 nd place was in 2009 in Russia.
Bring it to UK as I’d love to see Eurovision in either O2 or Wembley arena
And cancel everything that’s probably already planned for 6 weeks?
10 votes for San Marino, lol. Personnally, If it isn’t in Israel, I really would like to go in Stockholm again. 2016 was a fantastic year, in many domains, and maybe Stockholm will appeal good songs again just like in 2016. Maybe we could see again Petra and Mans ? At least, we would have a stage with a led screen, lol. I’m doing movies in my head and I’m gonna be disappointed if Israel actually organize the contest, lmao. Anyway, we can say a lot of things about Swedish acts but one thing you can’t withdraw them is that,… Read more »
la decision de leds o no, concierne a ebu al menos en un 50% y no solo a la tv organizadora, dicho esto me parecio audaz la ausencia de led y el enfoque de realizacion, a años luz de cutre malmo ? tb sin leds y de un monton de pastillas insulsas con leds en la mayoria de los casos. En cualquier caso tu mentalidad ayuda a un “fireworks” mediocre y masivo carente de creatividad, ve al teatro podria ayudarte
ESC 2013 in Sweden without LED screen too
To be honest im kind of disgusted by this poll…. wait untill Israel announces that they wont host… then publish this poll
In addition a solution might be on the horizon as Tel avivs mayor Ron Huldai said that If Tel Aviv will be picked as the host city the city will found 70% of the contest so…. guys chill
100% agree.
Agree, this poll is shame (I’m not Israeli btw)
Well now this poll looks stupid as Israel solved the issue and according to leading media newspapers in Israel Tel Aviv won the bidding as they pronised to fund most of the show XD
San Marino 2019!
Valentina’s backyard!
Keep Dreaming Haters! The Eurovision will be in Israel I guarantee! Jerusalem 2019
Just because you guys make things difficult doesn’t mean we are haters.