If Ukraine doesn’t host Eurovision 2023, then the United Kingdom will. That’s according to José Manuel Pérez Tornero, the president of Spain’s state broadcaster RTVE.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Faro de Vigo, Pérez Tornero said:
“We don’t want to be left with the mirage of a good result. We are going to go out to win next time. We were also interested in organising [Eurovision 2023]. But if Ukraine resigns, it will be the BBC that organizes it.”
Spain’s decision also stems from the broadcaster’s role in the Hispavisión Song Contest — a Eurovision for Latin America that’s being held in Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia, in 2023.
The BBC has not commented on the matter. The EBU remains in talks with Ukraine’s state broadcaster UA:PBC following their win in Turin.
The BBC will host Eurovision 2023 if Ukraine doesn’t
The comments from Spain’s TV boss come following weeks of rumours that the United Kingdom is the front-runner to host the event if Ukraine can’t. Brit Sam Ryder finished second at the contest in May — topping the jury vote — and the country has plenty of infrastructure to put on a fantastic show.
As we previously reported, eagle-eyed music fans in the U.K. have noticed that the OVO Hydro in Glasgow has events listed for next spring and summer — with the glaring omission of May, when Eurovision normally takes place. We see that it will host the Magic Mike arena tour on 25 April and Ozzy Osbourne: No More Tours 2 on 4 June.
Holding the contest outside of London would fit nicely with the BBC’s goal to reflect and serve communities all over the country – not just those in metropolitan London. Showcasing all of the country has been a huge talking point internally and among politicians, who frequently criticise the BBC for being London-centric.
Ukraine, however, is keeping its eyes on the prize. Earlier this week a top-level politician confirmed that the country had created an organising committee to start working on its plans.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Minister of Culture and Information Oleksandr Tkachenko said that he is confident that the country will host Eurovision 2023. Speaking at the Ukraine Media Centre, he said:
“We have no doubt that it should take place in Ukraine. The only thing is that no one has held Eurovision during the war… We are now looking for answers with colleagues to the most important conditions set by the EBU, but I think we will have to explain that some conditions need to be changed.”
There is a widespread concern among fans that Russia’s ongoing war will make it extremely difficult if not impossible for Ukraine to host the contest in the country next year. .
EBU just released a statement.
Sadly it won’t be in the UKraine
In discussions now with the BBC
EBU knew from the moment ESC was over that next year it will not be held in Ukraine and that it will be held in the UK. So stop playing cat and mouse game and make an announcement already .
Why do you think Robbie Williams put himslf an interval act for next year? He wouldn’t be doing that if Ukraine was hosting.
I don’t think we can really say he put himself forward with any seriousness. He was asked in an interview if he would ever do Eurovision and he replied he would as an interval act (rather than as the UK entry)
So while it’s only subtly different, it may have been a polite way of saying he wouldn’t “enter”
Tbh the statement by the RTVE president makes me believe the EBU have already made a decision, they are just waiting a bit longer before making it public for PR reasons.
But the exact same could be said for the UK, no?
They’ve hosted another 7 times! 8 times in total.
I am pretty sure it’s going to be UK after all and I am not mad about it all. As long as its far from the war zone and far from “mother r*ssia” – fine by me. Plus, I’ve been watching ESC since 2005 and I’ve never had the opportunity to see them host it, I am sure they’d do a great job
ukraine should host AND foot the bill. they wanted this pity “win” well it comes with responsibility. maybes they should’ve withrawn if they can’t afford to host the contest. nobody forced them to participate and it would be a thousand times better without them anyways.
Are you serious? Year after year they bring something different and interesting. Thankfully yours is a minority view
there are plenty of countries taking part in esc who would never be able to afford hosting
UK is helping Ukraine a lot, I can definitely see UK getting passed the rights to host. Even if Kyiv and Lviv are generally safe, absolutely no one can predict russia. Could they bomb the arena for no reason at all? History tells us yes. A hard yes.
I hope it goes to Glasgow. Its the ideal city for Eurovision
It is. The arena is fantastic.the city is vibrant And despite some comments about poor infrastructure it hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014, and with both Edinburgh and Glasgow airport served well from Europe and regular domestic flights from
Heathrow and Manchester
This years contest has been terrible for the image of the contest imo. Between political voting and countries blatantly cheating with zero repercussions for them. I am normally happy to defend the contest but it was really difficult to do this year.
Yet two countries with the worst track records came top 5 this year. Last year 3 songs in a native language took out the top spots. UK entry has been top ten for several weeks. I think our beloved contest is probably stronger than ever.
The UK has anything but the worst track record in Eurovision. 42 top 10 finishes, 29 top finishes, 16 2nd places and 5 wins : sounds like a phenomenal record to me – no other country has a record like it to be fair!
(Sorry, should read 29 top 5 finishes!)
Alright, but Italy, France and Portugal have sent many more good entries to the contest than the likes of Sweden, Ireland and the UK, regardless of the results.
Absolutely, I agree but nobody can say that the UK don’t have an impressive record in this contest. It’s irrelevant what peoples opinions are – the fact is that the UK have placed in the top 5 29 times out of 64 entries, that’s streaks above any other country and will take years to beat.
I’m rooting for the BBC! I’m talking about the tv channel though!
If nobody gets the joke, the Russian Air Force is called Voyenno-vozdushnye sily Rossii, VVS – which is BBC in cyrillic.
I’m sure the BBC will do a great job hosting it, but I kinda wish they focus their energy on continuing to send strong entries like they did this year, and then hosting after actually winning. I fear hosting next year might spoil their momentum.
Andrew Cartmell (HOD) has said the UK will continue to send strong entries.
I hope he’s right, but I do fear that hosting next year could hinder the BBC’s motivation to win.
Host entry track record- UK
1960 2nd/16
1963 4th/16
1968 2nd/17
1972 2nd/18
1974 =4th/17
1977 2nd/18
1982 7th/18
1998 2nd/25
1960 2nd/13*
WIWI get an edit button!
This was in the days when the UK made the top 5 almost every year, with 2nd places as far as the eye can see, and the above list is a reflection of that. The times have changed since then and the UK need to work hard if they want to maintain the momentum.
Let’s be honest, even if Eurovision 2023 takes place in Ukraine, I’ll say it’s not safe there. We will still hear the sounds of these bombs during the Opening Ceremony, the draw, and even the Grand Final
Yea, it will only be safe when Russia becomes democratic or vanishes from this planet. While this is inevitable, it will take a few years for sure.
I don’t like talking too much about politics on this site (precisely because I surf here as I try to escape that) but I agree, the Russian regime lost composure and relationships in Europe won’t be the same until some of that happens (also adding a possible balkanization of Russia to the mix)
The BBC to host if Ukraine can’t. Well obviously it’s the UK to host then. The Ukraine have zero chance to host unless the show is held in a secret lead lined studio and all performances are on tape. That’s going to be a terrible show. Seriously though the UK would put on a great show. If there’s one thing we British can do is to organise an event.
Surely it’s time “The Big Five” was scrapped. So unfair. They are “entitled” to qualification year after year. Why exactly? Seems some are more equal than others, as far as EBU is concerned.
They pay for it
Why does it matter when these countries have won in 2010 and 2021 since it was created in 2000. The big 5 contribute about 6 times the amount of smaller countries which enables smaller countries to enter.
Hoping the BBC hosts ESC.
same as they’ve not hosted it in a while!
Finger-crossed it will still be in Ukraine.
I think the biggest issue is money because we all want Eurovision to remain in glitz and glamour but it doesn’t have to always be that way… Why not make a Eurovision next year a smaller scale event? It will set up a great precedent in the future when all of Europe is at war and no where is safe to host Eurovision.
Ukrainian politicians need to keep their money for the rebuilt of their country and helping their people. Not wasting it for ESC. I hope they will give up on this idea and give the hosting to the UK.
YES!!! Do it!!!
OT: SARA JAMES FROM JESC POLAND 2021 GOT THE GOLDEN BUZZER FROM SIMON COWELL ON AMERICAS GOT TALENT!
Omg yass
I mean yeah, United Kingdom was second place and they would have probably won. But the thing is that it happened so early! I wanted UK to host Eurovision one day, but I didn’t expect them to host ESC so soon.
Hispanovision? wtf. the OTI was las held in 2000. I have to wait on that one. Amercavision was blah
American Songcontest had really some nice and memorable acts. You check out the entries of Texas and Oklahoma.
Yes it is another kind of show but it is a good start!
Desde su palabra al oídos de Dios.
For me the best option is for the UK to host but to have a “Europe united” theme.
Hosts from several countries and post cards featuring every country rather than the host. Maybe invite each broadcaster to produce their own post card.
Ukraine to feature in the interval act.
I’d love the UK to win one day and then the UK could bring more of a British theme to the contest the year after.
“Europe United” gives me Zagreb 1990 vibes.
I can still hear the silence as the hosts walked on stage that year ?
That is really up to BBC to decide. If they pay for it they will decide about it
Graham and Kateryna to host (maybe)?
“eagle-eyed music fans in the U.K. have noticed that the OVO Hydro in Glasgow has events listed for next spring and summer”
IT WAS YOU. THIS SITE STARTED THE RUMOR AND NOW YOU ARE PERPETUATING IT.
Yes. It’s getting ridiculous at this point…
Calm down! Take your tin foil hat off! The UK deserve to host it!
That’s incorrect, Arby. This was in the Scottish Express which wiwibloggs even link to in that article…https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/eurovision-fans-speculate-glasgow-final-27009864
What is happening in Ukraine right now is heartbreaking. People just like you and I who have had their lives destroyed by the craziness of one man. It is great to see the Ukrainian government and people so determined to host the 2023 contest, their hope and optimism is incredible in these times. Just read the comment above…“We have no doubt that it should take place in Ukraine.” But sadly, the EBU needs to give the Ukrainan government and Suspilne a dose of realism. To again quote from the comment above “The only thing is that no one has held… Read more »
If that happens , Will Ukraine be a direct qualifier or not?
No according to the rules only the host broadcaster and the big five are directly qualified for the Grand Final.
Rules can be changed at any time.
Can be and have been. Looking at some of the past contest rules, sometimes they say the host broadcaster qualifies automatically, sometimes they say the winning broadcaster from the previous contest qualifies automatically. So they just use the appropriate wording for 2023. We are used to six automatic qualifiers, so it’s no big deal.
Sometimes they say that the contest is for EBU members only, sometimes they say okay, except for Australia.
They already said in a press conference that it will be the big 5 + ukraine ,yes
I mean they can still be one of the host broadcasters together with the bbc
Why do people dislike a question?
Ukraine shouldn’t compete, they need to save their money
It’s so ovbious they gonna do it in UK
The show will be hosted by BBC so the presenters , postcards , interval acts will be related to UK as it should be
But Kalush and some Ukrainian artists will take part too.
Yeah, co-operation would feel messy in this case.
This is a farce, The UK right now is in no position to host it.
If the contest was dependent on stable politics and healthy economies, then no country would ever be able to host.
I understand that Jonas but, for a country that has openly mocked and ridiculed the contest for 20-ish years persistently and hasn’t bothered to at least make some small effort in the slightest to be seen to be rewarded with the honour of hosting it after 1 very good result; alongside the rest of what’s going on in the country right now that does not gel well with me at all.
not everyone in the UK openly mocks and ridicules eurovision. british media is incredibly toxic when it comes to celebrities and pop culture so anything they say should be taken with a million grains of salt and very clearly doont represent the views of all people living in the uk. your comments disregard the millions of british fans who adore the contest and finally got to see their country do well, i would love to see the UK host and finally start taking eurovision seriously again
I’m not necessarily saying I want to see BBC host, they would not be my first choice – but I do think they can. I actually think they would do a very high quality budget-conscious show.
That I don’t disagree with. IMO it just falls at the wrong time.
Take heed of how many downvotes your posts constantly receive. We don’t need to keep hearing your utterly nonsensical rants about ‘the state of the UK’ thanks – you’re a mood-hoover. A negatron. And there’s so much BS in what you say.
You ‘do think they can’? – they’re the largest and oldest broadcaster on planet Earth. They could do it with their eyes closed, as well as having the budget for it.
Every country has fractions who mock and ridicule the contest. In truth the uk loves it. It’s mainly just the press who hide behind the embarrassment of poor results by ridiculing it. The UK has massive viewing figures for the contest,. This year Sam has become a hero and the uk is really proud. As for only having one good result, well several countries have won in recent years after years in the wilderness while others have gone from near winning to zero the next year. The uk has entered every year faithfully since the second year of the contest… Read more »
And yet, you’ve also been saying Spain should host it.
I’m with Liam on this. The UK doesn’t deserve to host it.
The UK came second. Ukraine came first and won’t be able to host. So yes… yes the UK does deserve to host. Quite literally.
Why?
Who put 20p in Liam
You say this on every article related to the hosting situation, and frankly I’ve yet to understand your arguments. In what way is the UK in no position to host it? As Jonas said, economically no country is ever in an ideal state to hold Eurovision, it’s ridiculously costly for even the most solvent of nations, but that’s not traditionally a concern beyond the most extreme cases. As for your other points regarding the UK not taking the contest seriously for so long and now all of a sudden being “rewarded” with the possibility of hosting it, I’m sorry but… Read more »
There also is the point that they are the ONLY country that took part last year to require Ukrainian citizens to purchase visas to enter, that would simply not be feasible for many Ukrainian fans on top of travel costs considering the fact that they won.
Yes. It’s not really about cost, though, more that the country that has been the least welcoming to Ukrainian refugees should not really be the one to replace them.
I do not have any issue with the UK hosting it just falls at the wrong time. I have said that many of times and it has fell on deaf ears. The situation in the UK is precarious and uncertain. Yes, you and Jonas do make excellent points on the cost situation and I am not oblivious to that in any way. As someone who is British and is also dealing with financial hardships themselves due to the crises at hand, I know that when the costs of hosting next year are revealed, the British public are going to go… Read more »
ive seen you make this claim for weeks now you are being absolutely ridiculous our country is more than capable of holding eurovision next year
Infrastructure wise you are correct. It just falls at the wrong time, I’ve said this many times. But there are too many issues at hand in our country right now for us to do it properly. If I am being ridiculous fine, but that is my opinion I am voicing not the majority, and the likelihood is it will be in the UK next year, I just do not think in any aspect that it is earned or deserved especially after 20 years of mocking the contest before Sam this year
Bet you anything if it is held next year in the UK, you will be in the front of the queue for tickets.
The UK is one of the richest countries in the big 5 and the revenue from tourism will benefit the country. If Sam had won this year, nobody would be complaining about hosting next year so that’s a ridiculous statement. I hope I won’t see you in the queue for tickets.
How can the president of RTVE speak for the BBC?
Yes, that’s confusing. Maybe something was lost in translation? Maybe he said something like, “let the BBC host” and it was mistranslated as stating a fact?
“But if in the end that Ukraine declines, it will be the BBC who will organize it…”
“Será”/ is written there in the future indicative sense of “ser” (to be). So it definitely sounds like a strong indication but any confirmation will have to come from the EBU themselves.
I think sera translation is “would be” instead of “will be”
That would be would be sería, será is will be
The future tense in Spanish is very often used in the sense that something “might” happen, not so much as a fact. So, again, there’s a bit of a chance that something was lost in translation. Arguably, and judging only from that excerpt, I admit the meaning isn’t clear. I’d have to read the full statement to be sure.
Maybe there was EBU meeting with all broadcasters and he spoke from there?
If the BBC does host it I hope they can maybe have 1 Ukrainian presenter and maybe the interval acts are produced by Ukrainians or feature Ukrainians.
Not just a slight nod to Ukraine then masses of British acts and humour etc
I mean if UK hosts it the show should be UK-oriented.
But they didn’t win, Ukraine did and I think now more than ever we should be celebrating Ukrainian culture
But Ukraine will not be the host. It’s about host, not about last year’s winner.
At this point I’m just looking forward to the EBU announcement that Ukraine won’t host ESC next year. I understand that Ukraine wants to host the contest and ofc it should be like that since they won this year, but the situation is too much! Safety should be always first and hosting ESC in a war torn country could be SO risky to the people attending the event.
I also hope than in anyway Ukraine will be involved in the hosting of the contest no matter where it is
it’s only fair that the runner-up gets to host if the winner can’t (and, let’s get real, ukraine isn’t in the condition to host rn).
I partially agree. I’d rather dream of the war ending next month and Ukraine hosting next year… But realistically, even if the war did end next month, I think Ukraine should focus on rebuilding the country and not on the festival, especially from an economic point of view.
I’m not sure if it’s fair. Without a win, it’s really just a burden. Maybe last place should host.
Yes, just like ESC 1980 was hosted in the Netherlands.
We have to think about this logically, as much as I’d like Ukraine to host, it just don’t see it happening. The situation is far too dangerous and would put all the artists and delegations at a heightened risk.
Maybe if the UK did end up hosting (or someone else), UA:PBC should be allow to cooperate with the host broadcaster.
It would be the logical choice. And a very good one, too. Now I just hope Ukraine will ultimately accept that hosting Eurovision next year would be a terrible idea for numerous reasons.
On the other side, the BBC should at least give a nod to Ukraine. But actually, I think they should let UA:PBC co-host.
Just keep it apolitical next year. Ukraine’s victory was a good and important sign this year. But Eurovision can’t afford putting symbolics over music too often.
Nope… if the UK has to spend millions hosting, it’ll be a British show. End of.