Boys do cry…and Switzerland may host Eurovision 2023?
In an interview with Swiss website blick.ch, Yves Schifferle, Swiss Head of Delegation, says the central European nation hasn’t ruled out the possibility of hosting in the event Ukraine isn’t able to. The news site says formal discussions have not started, so there’s no sense of which city might get the honour if it came to it.
Will Switzerland host Eurovision 2023?
Ever since Ukraine climbed up the odds table ahead of Eurovision 2022, people have been wondering if Ukraine could host the next edition of the song contest amid Russia’s ongoing war. Those discussions heated up after Kalush Orchestra won this year’s edition in Turin — and with a landslide victory in the public vote.
A large portion of fans seem to think it’s finally the UK’s turn to host Eurovision again after they placed second at the contest and rumours about Glasgow 2023 are already swirling. But the Brits are not the only ones with their name in the air. Spain, Sweden and now even Switzerland – who came 17th at this year’s contest – are stating they’d be open to hosting instead of Ukraine or in cooperation with them.
Swiss HoD Yves Schifferle told Blick:
“Of course we are concerned about travelling to a country without really knowing how the situation will look a year from now. I’m sure the European Broadcasting Union will assess exactly how safe it would be to host the competition in Ukraine and, if so, what the requirements will be.“
Schifferle doesn’t rule out the Swiss hosting the contest.
“If there were a query by the EBU, we would look at whether Switzerland is the right place to host the event. At the moment there aren’t talks about it.“
The interview also states that the EBU will make an announcement in the coming months about the host country for 2023. This summer we will know more about next year’s contest and if Ukraine is able to host Eurovision given the current situation, according to Mr Schifferle.
Switzerland came 17th this year with Marius Bear’s jazz ballad “Boys Do Cry”. Despite being staged beautifully — with cinematic projections and emotional graphics — the performance failed to earn a single point from the public. Even so, Marius achieved Switzerland’s third straight qualification following Luca Hänni (fourth place) and Gjon’s Tears (third place).
Can you imagine Switzerland hosting Eurovision 2023? If so, which city gets your vote? If not, which country would you like to travel to next May instead? Let us know in the comments below.
I just want Barbara Schöneberger as the host for Eurovision 2023.
I think Switzerland are considering it because they have always been neutral in world wars and conflicts.
I can’t imagine Switzerland hosting the contest, our broadcaster, SRF, is funded by public money, and conservatives will have a field trip when SRF chooses to produce such an expensive show, without even having won this year.
Marius bear has misery written all over his performance and his face, no wonder he got 0
Rumours are swirling? You’re the ones who started the rumours.
Just like when they churn out article after article about Steps representing the UK
And The Frock Destroyers, and Little Boots, and and and…
Sorry. but what kind of nothing post is this. I’m very grateful to Wiwibloggs for getting me through the tough weeks and months after the final, until we get a restbite at December with the JESC. However, this post doesn’t make any sense. Switzerland could get the contest in 2023, but have not contacted the EBU to confirm this ???? There are several countries that could have the contest but have not confirmed this. Coming from the UK, I’m biased of course that we should host it. We have many state of the art venues dotted around the UK, and… Read more »
Can the wi wi crew please explain maybe in a Blog what went wrong in Turin this year behind the scenes. The reports were not a patch on Rotterdam. I know a lot of work goes on to bring us the best news but i could tell something was not right. No Deban or several other regulars. Reports made with distracting snooker players in the background and people not allowed to communicate with each other due to other commitments to other broadcasters!. I get the impression EBU were putting restrictions on fan based reports . Not having a go or… Read more »
Not a good idea for the eurofans though, just imagine the cost of accommodation in a country that already has the most expensive one in the Europe.
Zurich has the most well-known venue of the country
After the fiasco with Italy this year, give it to a country that loves and knows how to deliver a show, like Sweden.
Bad idea! Sweden organised the contest not one but two times not long ago. Why should the contest always be about Sweden?
How much is Christer Bjorkmann is paying you to post comments like that?
2 tickets to the golden vip booth, peasant
And another thing Christer Björkman forgot to warn you about: you don’t know what a true Italian fiasco in ESC is until you watch 1991 specially the voting and Carola … You can give 2022 some credit even though you saw Laura Pausini and not Petra Mede for the zillionth time or Alessandro in a green lycra outfit highlighting we all know what and not Måns Zelmerlöw naked with a fluffy teddy covering his we know what. You can go back and tell your boss Christer … we have all seen that before, move on!
Well at least we wouldn’t wait untill the day before the rehearsal to find out that the super duper spectacle of the stage, it’s impossible to use
People, this whole overdramatic and über-devastating for no reason look upon who should, could or going to host 2023 contest us just starting to sound like a Kardashian episode no one in their balanced mindstate is unwilling to keep up… If history serves us all right, no matter how boring it is for all those “too trapped in the 21st century” frame of mind, remember that whenever the hosting coutry had to be another than the winning entry from the previous year, everything happened smoothly and naturally and there was no bs drama or outcry back in the day. Everybody… Read more »
I think the main problem here is that people thin hosting would be an easy set up here. It’s not! You can’t rule out the fact that Ukraine wants to host but just isn’t able too. So it would be unfair if the country that is hosting the event will make it an neutral event. You can’t make it and Eurovision about the host city or country. You have to make it an Europe version. That why I only can see the Netherlands or Sweden orgnise it. They have the infrastructure, the right knowledge. The people and because they just… Read more »
There’s literally nothing in the Swiss HoD’s statement to suggest that the Contest will be held there. He says in case they are asked by the EBU (hypothetically), they will look at whether they’re the right ones to host it. He doesn’t even say that they are ready or willing to host it.
No thanks. Denmark, UK or Seden should host it if Ukraine won’t be able to
cute you think of Denmark. I have seen any talks in Danish media about this at all. I don’t think we want it unless we have won. The logical choice seems to be UK because they haven’t hosted for decades (1998), and maybe hosting after Sam’s wonderful second place could finally see the UK getting back on track. Besides this UK has proven to be Ukraine’s best friend in Europe (together with Baltics, Poland, Czech Republic and a few more). If Ukraine has a say in who should host I wouldn’t even bother to try if I was Germany, France… Read more »
Denmark has had issues with money since they went way over their budget in 2014 hosting it. It would not be wise to host it if your broadcaster has money issues and besides they already have a national selection that probably costs them loads of money. But anything can happen with the current situation, who knows anyone could host at this stage.
The most boring song ever at ESC with a deserved null points on the televote now the virtual winner LOL
Most boring song … according to you, you forgot to add. Despite the televoting null points, you do understand that subjective taste based on one’s own taste, is never gonna be turned into an absolute universal unquestionable truth. Trump and Hitler have tried it … but this is Eurovision… just add “in my opinion” to your statements and I am sure you won’t be seen as a jacka**. Unless your name is “2022 Televoting”, is it?
God not Switzerland please … would be the most expansive ESc ever .. a sandwich and a coffee on the swiss highway cost me 15 euros 🙂
I mean Switzerland hosted the very first ESC so it’s not so surprising under these circumstances.
No. Poland hosts ESC 2023??
another obvious option beside UK. Poland has proven to be a great friend of Ukraine and Poland has been very close winning but never managed. So if Poland wants I think it’s a great option too.
“Poland has been very close winning but never managed.” You mean once? Which was literally their debut almost 30 years ago? xD
If it can’t be held in Ukraine (which is realistically going to be the case) it does make a certain amount of sense to aim for neutral ground as it were. Too many fans seem to want the UK or Spain on the grounds they seem to think of one or the other as the ‘real’ winner. Better instead to go with a more obviously neutral host country. Ideally close to Ukraine but failing that centrally located within Europe.
Hosting Eurovision as close to Ukraine as possible makes the most sense for countless reasons. My top picks are Chisinau (Moldova), Poland or Germany. See below: Chisinau (Moldova) recently opened a modern 5,000 capacity arena. It’s less than 50km away from the Ukrainian border. It’s the closest (Eurovision) capital city to Ukraine. Moldova also took in a huge amount of Ukrainian refugees for its size, the same amount as neighbouring Romania I believe. Whilst Poland’s venues aren’t as close as Chisinau’s, they have countless options for hosting Eurovision. It also makes sense since the majority of Ukrainian refugees reside in… Read more »
I simply don’t see how hosting in the UK (an island on the opposite side of Europe with visa restraints for Ukrainians) or even Switzerland makes any sense. Indeed the UK came 2nd, but that doesn’t grant them the right to host Eurovision, obviously.
The EBU should focus on making next year’s contest easily accessible for Ukrainians and Ukrainian refugee’s across Europe. Period.
You clearly are unaware of the Eurovision history in time in which nobody was televoting … go back to 1980 and learn something.
I don’t want Eurovision 2023 to take place in Poland. I would like a Polish artist to bring Eurovision to my country.
Chisinau (Moldova) recently opened a modern 5,000 capacity arena.” Too small. Like I said to somebody else suggesting the National Opera House in Kyiv, the EBU have a capacity requirement of at least 10,000 for the host venue. I don’t see why Poland would be considered given the current scandal. The EBU will not want to be seen handing a country involved in one of the contest’s biggest instances of collusion the reins in organising said contest. Germany? Absolutely not. NDR have made it perfectly clear they have minimal interest in Eurovision at this stage. Plus, Germany finished last, both… Read more »
that would be undeserved considering their poor showing this year. please just leave it to the uk, they came 2nd and they’re a big 5 so there would be no need to push a non-aq into the final
The UK isn’t easily accessible for Ukrainians, or even Ukrainian refugees in continental Europe.
Surely, that will be one of the main factors for a contest which couldn’t be held in Ukraine due to war? I would rather push a non-aq into the final than have the contest on the opposite side of Europe, it’s inconvenient for Ukrainians.
I think we should let Ukrainians decide. Personally if I was Ukrainian Poland, Baltics, Czech Republic and UK would be my pick. They show true leadership in supporting UK. I am sure visa restrictions could be lifted (aren’t they???). In Denmark all Ukrainans can enter and take a job immediately and even travel for free in some public transport if they are refugees from Ukraine. Never seen Danish people treat any refugees this nicely…
No, visa restrictions are not lifted for Ukrainian refugees wishing to enter the UK. Shame.
Nonsense. Marius Bear gave an amazing performance. His song touched me. 0 points from the televote was very unfair.
The EBU headquarters are in Geneva so it would make sense.
Actually, Switzerland did not confirm anything or express interest. I think Switzerland would be a fair choice, a neutral place that could afford hosting the show even though my preference would be Poland due to the proximity to Ukraine and the number of Ukrainians living there but I don’t think Poland wants to host it.
At this point, Glasgow is hyped a lot but BBC has not confirmed interest….
I do not think in any aspect that Poland will host given the cheating scandal. Switzerland I would not be apposed to in any way. Glasgow I feel is just window dressing just because of the fact that May 2023 has been cleared from the arena schedule but that could be for maintenance or a something of that description.
In all honesty, Spain will be announced as Host Country within the coming weeks. Mark My Words.
At the end it will be in Sweden, mark my word.
Sweden will host anyway every 3-7 years when they win again. Therefore I would rather give it to a country that hardly ever wins. Iceland would be cool too, love Is it true from 2009…
Ukraine isn’t going to be able to host; it is common sense to see that. I understand that the Ukrainians and Zelensky want to host this in Ukraine (most likely either Kyiv or Lviv) however it is extremely unlikely for the situation in Ukraine to be resolved or quieted down to a level where the plausibility of Ukraine hosting doesn’t become farfetched. c The UK which is facing Social, Economic and Political crises at the moment and is in my opinion the wrong nation to host the contest in 2023. There is too much on the plate in the UK… Read more »
If Sam Ryder had won, then you couldn’t host?
That is different. If the UK had won then we would of host. But, given how things have panned out with Ukraine’s victory over the UK it gives us a option in hosting or not if that makes any sense. The country is facing unique challenges and we are not in a position where we can host it to a high enough standard that we have become accustomed to. So I stand by my comments but, I do see your point.
Oh pipe down, Liam Lindsay and stop being so dramatic. Of course the UK could host. What utter nonsense you are spouting. Pure conjecture.
What on God’s earth are you on about? Uk is perfectly able to host.
But would it be fair on the Ukrainians that want to attend to have to get a visa to attend a show that their country won
No. They are not. Granted they have the infrastructure but, given the crises we are facing in the country right now. We are unable to host.
Why? Or why not? It’s an unlikely choice, however we’re all concentrating on having it hosted in [insert popular city/country] but haven’t given a second thought to a country where the first contest started in 1956. So why couldn’t it be held there?
I guess my neighbor is also showing interest in hosting the contest in his backyard by the run of speculations and rumors rolling down here …
Could we at least have a break on this matter and allow definitive news to be shared and commented? It’s almost like tweeting every 5 seconds that I went to the restroom for no reason. We don’t need speculations … and if we can’t have final decisions just yet, WE can wait.
Imagine watching the news at 10 and its just guesswork and theoretical events
BREAKING NEWS: there is no news
Participant speculation: Lady Gaga might represent San Marino in 2023.
But talks are NOT under way…
Unrelated:
In the latest ”Eurovision This Month” when talking about the JESC 2022 the narrator pointed out that it will mark the contest’s 20th anniversary and said: ”Will there be any surprising participants? – Of course there will!”
Let the rumor mill churn!
*surprise
Not the United States lol
The fact it’s still going after twenty years is surprising.
i would love to see the UK debut or even better, scotland, england, and wales all competing as separate entities. coming off their 2nd place at ESC this year and the general success of big 5 countries at junior eurovision recently i think the UK or one of the countries within it will definitely be returning/debuting at JESC this year
I think its obvious that Ukraine will not host it. Therefore obviously, there are either 2 countries that would host it. Either UK since they came second and Poland since its Poland, Ukraine and Poland are like bffs. Like I would be surprised if any other country hosts it. But you never know, we can get like Georgia, San Marino or Slovenia hosting it and that would be a surprise.
Poland has not expressed interest, i don’t think they want to spend millions without winning.
BBC has not expressed interest either…
You have zero idea what the BBC have expressed to the EBU as it is all done confidentially. The BBC doesnt need to make media savvy comments hinting and jumping up and down saying ‘me sir, me sir’ ‘choose us sir!!’
Silly season is upon us with a rather pointless article, tbh
You guys have run out of content, haven’t you.
ABBA’s new show started in London last night. All four members were actually there together in person, and came out for bows at the end. This is something that deserves an article…
Absolutely!!!
I suggest Rekjavic- Iceland. Iceland hasn’t won yet,so it will be their honor to host. A beautiful country. Good luck.
OMG yes!
Reykjavík would be AMAZING!
but it’s not about the most beautiful country.
Iceland does not have a venue to host Eurovision.
Iceland has a venue, It’s the one they use for Söngvakeppnin.
It would be a smaller Eurovision than usual, but that necessarily isn’t a bad thing.
We have hosted big concerts in either Egilshöll or Kórinn before, its definitely doable and I believe the EBU has agreed on that
United Kingdom or Spain-places 2 and 3 are my choice. They deserve hosting the contest next year. Good luck.
Why are we all looking at random countries to completely take over hosting? Surely the second option should be Ukraine hiring a venue in Krakow / Bucharest (or somewhere else kind of close to Ukraine) and do the hosting duties themselves?
Journalist: “Sooooooo does Switzerland want to host???”
Swiss HOD: “uhh. What? Well I guess it’s not a hard no immediately, but really nobody’s ever discussed that or suggested it”
Headline: OMG SWITZERLAND 2023 IT’S HAPPENING
I personally think that if we need an alternative host city, it should be a on a Big 5 country. Reasoning is, it wouldn’t alter the B5 + Current Winner as direct qualifiers to the final without feel bad for the Host country having to go to the Semi and also, it would avoid for a Semi Country to have a possible ’embarrasment’ if they fail to qualify, or having a bad result at home.
I understand your reasoning, but I don’t agree with you. Because there is an alternative to that. We could have a contest where both Ukraine & the hosting country, in this case, Switzerland, get a direct qualifier spot. That would mean we would have a 27-country Grand Final. Just like we had in 2015. So, where you see a problem, I see no problem at all. Who says the Grand Final always has to be with 26 songs max?
Now THAT would be excellent. Another alpine contest. I’m here for it.
Ok we have in switzerland meany areanas for more as 10000 people
In zurich bern basel lausanne and geneva
Vaudousearena lausanne 10000
Palaexpo geneva 16000
Postfinacearena bern 17000
Hallenstadion zurich 12000
St jakobshalle basel 12000
But i think the uk come on second and must have the chance to host the esc when ukrain not can’t
Can’t wait for an article tomorrow, “Will San Marino host Eurovision 2023”, where we’ll learn that a member of their team had a talk to another member in a bar about their plan to host.
Exactly
Marius Bear being a eurovision winner after all, omg wow
I dont understand so much talking about this. If the winner cannot host then the 2nd one decides and if they dont want to we ask the 3rd and so on…
But… I hope Uk wants to host it bc i dont want Spain (my country) to do it. We got a good result this year and we need to focus on BeFest and try to keep this year’s good work.
they can still focus on both shows. Spain has confirmed interest to host Eurovision.
Yes,another sensible post UK then Spain then sweden
I will be very happy if the UK hosts next year, but… it’s not a question of who was 2nd or 3rd here. It’s a question of who is willing & ready (money-wise) to host next year’s contest. And also, who hasn’t organised the contest in a very very long time? Who’s turn is it to organise the contest if it is not safe for it to be held in Ukraine?
exactly. not everyone wants to spend millions on ESC without winning.
BBC has not expressed interest and it’s seriously underfunded.
Once again you have zero idea what the BBC has expressed…and the BBC turns over five billion a year and made 280mil profit on 2021. Stop talking nonsense.
Hold it in ukraine, they knew that was a possibility when they chose to participate. They should host and most importantly they should pay for it, too. Europe is already paying for everything else for them. Enpugh is enough.
Wow nasty..!!!
Maybe Monaco or Luxembourg?
They are safe, they HAVE money, and this will be a big comeback at eurovision for them, and they will be direct in the final
Monaco has no suitable indoor arenas, however. Luxembourg’s d’Coque might work, but it’s certainly on the smaller side of Eurovision-capable venues.
Monaco would host in Cannes or Nice.
that’d be the first host country (aside from 1956) that did not compete the previous year. Interesting
With respect, Yves Schifferle said there are no plans or talks. This does not deserve an article.
Than you for, once again, stating the facts.
Ukraine, UK.
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland… Guess Slovenia and Serbia are next.
Actually Eurovision organized in Belgrade (Serbia) was one of the best when in comes to organization as said by the press and other delegations.
I also read that somewhere. Which is impressive given that there was a record number of countries that year, first time 2 semis and an addition of jury wildcarts.
that’s not true, the arena in the semifinals was half empty and had to give away tickets. also no one spoke any English. hosts were boring and bland. but i’;m happy it took place in Balkans!
I think RTS/SRF wouldn’t like to organise Eurovision in Switzerland for several reasons. First, the expense of the organisation would be more elevated than it would be in neighbouring countries. Second, I believe that the Swiss public would not be the fan of this idea, again because of the expenses. They would end up making a referendum about it, in order to rule out that they wouldn’t host Eurovision.
However, regarding the Swiss neutrality and Geneva being the center of EBU, ever if Switzerland hosts Eurovision next year it would take place in Geneva surely.
I don’t think the locals would care enough to say no plus they can afford it.
If the Swiss wouldn’t want to host it because of the costs, what makes everyone think that BBC, RTVE would want to host it? lol
I live in Switzerland and I spoke with some EBU members (obv gays) who told me that this was initial talk because if HQ and also „neutral“ ground. However, it wouldnt be Geneva, it would be Zurich – airport is very close to venue and between airport and venue is hotel area (also residential building Joyn). Additionally it has proximity of Basel airport too for cheap lines.