Ukraine Kalush Orchestra Eurovision 2022 winner
EBU / Corinne Cumming

Eurovision’s organising body the European Broadcasting Union has confirmed that Ukraine will not host the 2023 contest. In a statement released on Friday 17 June, the EBU said that discussions will now begin with the United Kingdom.

EBU Statement on Eurovision 2023 host country

Key Points

  • Since Kalush Orchestra’s victory in May, the EBU has been exploring options with Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC.
  • The EBU conducted a full assessment and feasibility study with the broadcaster and third-party specialists on multiple areas including safety and security.
  • The Reference Group, Eurovision’s governing board, has concluded that, given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster to host, organize and produce Eurovision cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC.

  • The EBU will now begin discussions with 2022 runners up the United Kingdom about potentially hosting the contest.

  • It is intended that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority.

 
 
 
 
 
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Full Statement

Following their win at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in May the EBU has been exploring options for the hosting of next year’s competition with Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC, who previously staged the event in 2017 and 2005.

It has become a well-known tradition that the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest hosts the competition the following year, providing certain criteria including ensuring the viability of staging the event and the safety of all stakeholders, including the public, are met.

Given the ongoing war since the Russian invasion of this year’s winning country, the EBU has taken the time to conduct a full assessment and feasibility study with both UA:PBC and third-party specialists including on safety and security issues.

The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most complex TV productions in the world with thousands working on, and attending, the event and 12 months of preparation time needed.

Following objective analysis, the Reference Group, the ESC’s governing board, has with deep regret concluded that, given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster to host, organize and produce the Eurovision Song Contest under the ESC Rules cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC.

The EBU would like to thank UA:PBC for their wholehearted cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios in the weeks since Kalush Orchestra’s win on 14 May in Turin and share their sadness and disappointment that next year’s Contest cannot be held in Ukraine.

The EBU has been supporting UA:PBC across a whole range of areas since the invasion. We will ensure that this support continues so UA:PBC can maintain the indispensable service they provide to Ukrainians.

As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year’s runner up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom.

It is our full intention that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts.

BBC replies to Eurovision hosting news

The BBC was quick to react. Its press office issued the following statement that “these aren’t a set of circumstances that anyone would want” and that it will “discuss” the opportunity. 

280 Comments
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sucof
sucof
1 year ago

BoJo provides weapons and assistance and Ukraine must hand over Eurovision to him!
The usual blackmail of the English as in the time of the colonies!
The Organization should be given to a neutral country like Switzerland for example, so as to eliminate any conflict of interest!

Dawid
Dawid
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

Neutral to invasion?

Matthew
Matthew
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

What utter rubbish!

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

The Swiss wouldn’t want to host.

Neither would Europe’s other neutral countries: Austria and Ireland.

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

It doesn’t seem like an especially serious demand to me– the obstacles to making it work are many and obvious. They’re probably just trying to get as many concessions as they can for the show to be as Ukrainian as possible. It should be a propaganda boon (not in a pejorative way, more in a ‘marketing and messaging’ way) but who knows for how long Ukraine will be in the forefront of their allies’ minds… I’m pessimistic that it will be 12 months, so strike will the iron is hot

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

Ukraine is going to win Eurovision 2023. I’m calling it.

They’re forcing the UK to work Ukraine into the show. More pity votes, yay!

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Well, the UK just stole their right to host the show. The least they could do is to ensure Ukraine win again to make it up. It’s a win-win situation if you ask me…

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

The UK didn’t steal sh!t. The EBU asked them to host.

Lucas
Lucas
1 year ago

If anything, Ukraine stole the UK it’s trophy back in may out of sympathy votes.

Moonstar
Moonstar
1 year ago
Reply to  Lucas

The Ukrainian song and performance were strong.

Mr X
Mr X
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

No, Ukraine sends on purpose a really weak song with no chances to win.

Eurovision Geek
Eurovision Geek
1 year ago

Kalush Orchestra + Sam Ryder + Katrina singing “Love Shine a Light” in the opening of the Grand Final: I can almost feel/hear it! ?

Me Me
Me Me
1 year ago

Sam Ryder did not win. Why would he be a part of the grand final?

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

Eleni Foureira was part of the grand final in Tel Aviv?

Me Me
Me Me
1 year ago
Reply to  Thallo

So what?

Im so fab
Im so fab
1 year ago

Since the w*r won’t stop anytime soon and Ukraine is gonna win again next year, who will host ESC 2024? Let’s place our bets. I bet on Sweden.

Vova
Vova
1 year ago
Reply to  Im so fab

Ukraine had war for 9 years. Educate yourself.

Dawid
Dawid
1 year ago
Reply to  Vova

War on the borders. A few months ago Russia was going after capital…

Mariia
1 year ago
Reply to  Dawid

It does not change the fact we had war for 9 years.

Dawid
Dawid
1 year ago
Reply to  Mariia

War ON BORDERS for 9 years =/= bombing capital

Eurofan
Eurofan
1 year ago
Reply to  Dawid

War is always war.

Extinguir
Extinguir
1 year ago

UK(Raine). They should play on the countries name, I find it quite interesting. Looking forward to the BBC job after so many years.

I was expecting some Spanish drama here considering the hosting duty went to the UK, the runner-up, which conquered the 2nd place (466p) only 7 points behind Spain (3rd place – 459p) in a year with 6 corrupted juries and therefore 6 results that were not the original ones.

Eurovision Geek
Eurovision Geek
1 year ago
Reply to  Extinguir

Oh they will come, wait for it

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago
Reply to  Extinguir

Spain doesn’t want to host for Ukraine.

Spain know’s know they’re due to win soon thanks to the success of Benidorm Fest, so why would they bother hosting now?

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
1 year ago

Best news since 14th of May.

Gurl
Gurl
1 year ago

Thank you very much. Now please make UK+raine 2023 happen.

Oy oy
Oy oy
1 year ago

ESC 2023 hosted by UK/raine <3

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago
Reply to  Oy oy

I’m already cringing…

sucof
sucof
1 year ago

I hope the Irish can take the place of the British in organizing Eurovision 2023, they are much more professional and technologically advanced than the BBC!

Nina
Nina
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

RTVE? I don’t think so.

Nina
Nina
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

RTE******** *facepalm*

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Nina

1994, 1995, 1997 were better than 1998.

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

Totally disagree, yes the 1998 stage perhaps wasn’t the best but it was a slick production nonetheless. And the BBC are world class broadcasters, probably about the best in the business and remember it’s going to be 25 years after their last hosting. If this goes to the UK, it will be the best staged contest in years – they’ll go all out. As for RTE being more technologically advanced, each to their own, but I don’t agree at all.

sucof
sucof
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie

The BBC produces and broadcasts formats like all other Western countries, they don’t produce anything technologically special on their TV channels, you don’t have to be British to build the stage for xfactor or dancing with the stars!
So let’s stop exalting the normal!

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

Their outside broadcasts and their graphics etc are far superior in my opinion. They are of course the oldest broadcaster in the world and have vast experience. World class I believe and the envy of many broadcasters, most of whom buy programming and material from them on a regular basis.

Hebbo
Hebbo
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

You’re utterly dumb. The BBC has an industry leading technological research department called BBC Research has invented many things such as NICAM and the blue print for modern streaming platforms… so please stfu.

Hebbo
Hebbo
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

Are you having a laugh? RTE is more professional and technologically advanced than the BBC? L O L. Ok dude. Keep smoking whatever you’re on, it sounds like good sht.

Liam
Liam
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

You clearly know nothing of RTE

Emmo
Emmo
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

RTE and the word ‘professional’ don’t go together

Azuro
Azuro
1 year ago

Don’t get the hype surrounding Glasgow, then again didn’t understand fans falling over themselves for Turin last year either.

Seems like each year fans will pick a random city out of a hat in the host country and then all pile in behind it.

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Azuro

The hype is around the fact that there is down time in the schedule for May next year and it was the venue in the fictional Netflix movie.

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago
Reply to  Henno

But this is reality, not movie.

Mark Jeary-Fairbairn
Mark Jeary-Fairbairn
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

And they are the odds-on bookies favourites to host at 8/13, London 10/3, Birmingham 9/2, Manchester 6/1 – I think it will be either Glasgow or a central UK city. BBC will shoot themselves in the foot with London.

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago
Reply to  Azuro

Glasgow is probably the friendliest city in the UK, it has the infrastructure, the arena, the airport and the Glaswegians will be so welcoming and throw the best Eurovision party ever. I think it’ll come down to either Glasgow or Manchester : both got BBC facilities on their doorstep.
Glasgow, probably better equipped in all honesty as they have the adjoining SECC complex next to the Hydro for press centre etc and plenty venues for Eurovillage, opening ceremony etc.
All said and done, does it really matter which city they choose as long as we get a great show?

Eurovision Geek
Eurovision Geek
1 year ago
Reply to  Azuro

Well, it was no surprise at all Turin would be the Eurovision 2022 city: they had experience hosting the winter olympics (which is a way bigger event than ESC), and Pala Olimpico is still the most modern arena in Italy. There’s much more in Italy than just Rome and Milan you know?

Henno
Henno
1 year ago

A Sam Ryder – Kalush mash-up to start the party… I can see it now, Fantastic.

Mr X
Mr X
1 year ago
Reply to  Henno

Me too !

Me Me
Me Me
1 year ago
Reply to  Henno

No, Sam Ryder did not win and he shouldn’t be a part of anything next year.

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

You must have devastated to see Eleni perform at the 2019 contest then, since she didn’t win in 2018.

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

Verka Serduchka did not win in 2007 either yet she has done more apperances in ESC after that than the actual winner

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago
Reply to  Henno

I want to see a celebration of all the UK runners-up. All those living, that is

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago

Great news, it was obvious, you just had to let the process unfold and wait but some drama queens here have hard time to understand that …Congrats The Uk, and congrats wiwi to get Eurovision on your home soil, less expenses for you next year I guess 😉

Pauly
Pauly
1 year ago

wow that was fast, i thought they would give it a try until August. Maybe there was pressure that they could not book the arenas in UK and other countries for too long. Wonder how the Ukrainian ministers feel now after being too confident about hosting ESC.

Me Me
Me Me
1 year ago

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS

Ethan1994
Ethan1994
1 year ago

Unsurprising. A part of me does feel really sad for Ukraine, though. At least the EBU was fair and gave an actual evaluation of Ukraine’s capabilities to host right now.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

I don’t think it’s about who came second. I think the EBU are just lucky it happened to be the UK, and now can use that as a reason to get them to host.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

A Big Five country like The UK coming second certainly helped in sorting things out. If for example Moldova, Croatia, North Macedonia or San Marino came second, I think that venue options conversation would’ve been even longer.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

I think the EBU would be happy with BBC as host wherever place they came, this is just a good way of making it harder for them to say no.

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

Croatia has very big arena tho

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

In any case, they’ve set a precedent. So if something like this were to happen again, they would have to offer it to the runners-up.

wjdifj
wjdifj
1 year ago

rme, ofc ukran can’t afford to host. they shouldn’t have participated to begin with, now not only did they ruin this year’s contest with their fake pity “victory” but now UK has to host for them too. instead of getting to host as an actual winner. that’s just bs. they won’t even be allowed to make their own show, without ukrains trashy acts like verka and whoever else. it’s gonna be a mess for sure. hard pass.

James
James
1 year ago
Reply to  wjdifj

UA:PBC was already deep into its Eurovision preparations, it may not have make sense for them to withdraw by that point, especially as they were fortunate that Ukraine itself didn’t fall quickly as previously expected.

Most broadcasters can’t technically “afford to host” the contest by themselves for they are publicly-funded. That’s why organizers would bring in sponsors and local government support to bring it all together.

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago
Reply to  wjdifj

I doubt it’ll be a mess to be fair. Let’s keep things in perspective.

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago

Nice, but without Ukrainian influence. If it is UK then let it be UK. Ukrainian and British cultures are different and that would feel messy all over the place.

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

I wanna enjoy the contest with flavour of precious British culture

Efthymios
Efthymios
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

Why not both, to be honest? After all, Ukraine was the people’s winner this year so they could also share a piece of the cake with the UK in terms of promoting their country’s cultural aspects.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

So we do organize a fish and chips Eurovision? The fans without tickets will rush and the gates and push to enter fighting with the stewards? All the fans will be completely full of beer till the nipples and thrash the bus stops as they do in Ibiza each year? Will they serve tea at 5pm during family show? I am curious. Sorry, we have eaten “british culture” from ages. Considering Russia would like to cancel Ukrainian culture, citizen and traditions from the map of Europe, I prefer to see an Ukrainian ESC in UK, because it may be the… Read more »

Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  Vincenzo

Perhaps an unnecessarily rude comment, but it made me chuckle and you’ve got a point. God bless you!

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Nils

Thank you dear! As Italian, you know, I have to bear most of clichés and stereotyped comments like Italy, Pizza, Pasta, Spaghetti, Mandolin..
and mafia. So I joked a little with this fight between Ukrainian culture and English culture. Showing there could be stereotypes everywhere, also on UK people. Well, Jan Smith, the host of Rotterdam 2021,said “Next year eurovision will be in Italy, land of Pizza and Sanbuca” so in joked with the english culture.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Nils

Additionally, it’s ages UK breaks our balls with their Royal Family. No other royal family in the world is so overhyped, with each and every marriage/divorce, death, first poo of the little Prince, first sexual experience, etc. Most of Europe is a democracy (except such eastern europe country having zero historics memory of the Iron Curtain times, when USSR was sending tanks in Budapest, etc. Se it makes us completely shocked to see an important country like UK depend completely and a-critically to such a relic of ancient story. So I like to tease the Great Britaners (brexiters) on how… Read more »

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago
Reply to  Vincenzo

Yea during the family show is a great idea – how quintessentially British!
To be fair though you’re being extremely rude generalising the British stereotype!

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie

(Tea!)

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Robbie

Come on. I was funny. And all things really happened and are real, so why rude? You know, I am Italian and supporter of Juventus Turin. So I have some rust with English supporters of Liverpool for what happened to the Heysel Stadium during a Champions League’s final years ago. Britons can be the coolest people and most polite persons in the world. But beer can turn them in an league of barbarians. I don’t drink wine or beer, so I’m in no way ever under influence of alcohool, especially when I write my nonsensical statements here.

Ugnius
Ugnius
1 year ago

Well, I’m not enthusiastic about UK hosting for two reasons:
1) As of now, Britain doesn’t provide visas to Ukrainian citizens, meaning that we will end up in an unique situation where people from winning country is not allowed to entry the hosting country
2) The Queen can die at any moment now. What if she dies at Eurovision week ? BBC will cancel the contest immediately because they will not find it suitable to broadcast the show which has ‘celebratory tone’

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Ugnius

Totally agree

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Ugnius

Your first point is a good one, your second one is not. The UK can’t be expected to come to a halt while they wait around waiting for one woman to die.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

The UK do actually provide visas, though, at least some. They just don’t waive them, like other countries with a heart.

Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  Ugnius

I’m sure the EBU will have waterproof contracts that make sure there’s no way the BBC could get out of it. I mean … it’s a multi-million euro business after all.

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Ugnius

If the Queen passed away at this time, it would likely go to ITV, who has been a EBU member for years. The BBC has the Royal Charter, ITV does not – so it is a good alternative solution.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Henno

I doubt that would happen. The Queen would need to die late April or early May for it to impact the contest, at which time the BBC would have already done all the work and be ready to go. It would probably just be moved to their secondary channel, BBC Two. Even if the state funeral happens to be on the day of the final, they can’t just renege on their obligation to the rest of the continent.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Good health to you, your majesty, sorry if you’re reading this…

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago
Reply to  Ugnius

Glad you pointed that out, we’ll just pull out of Eurovision until our Queen dies – and then Prince Charles will be in his late 70’s : better not participate in case he passes away too!!! I don’t think the BBC will not host just in case Her Majesty dies, that’s just crazy.

Mark Jeary-Fairbairn
Mark Jeary-Fairbairn
1 year ago
Reply to  Ugnius

Her mother was 102 when she died. She doesn’t look on deaths door just yet!

Helena
1 year ago

So BBC and United Kingdom are ready to host Eurovision 2023?
And what will happen in the Queen dies and there is a mourning period?
Long live the Queen

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Helena

If the Queen passed away at this time, it would likely go to ITV, who has been a EBU member for years. The BBC has the Royal Charter, ITV does not – so it is a good alternative solution.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Helena

The kings and queens of Norway, Denmark, Sweden are in their seventies and eighties… every country has a head of state that could die at any time.

Helena
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Oh come one, the death of Elizabeth will be a global event. We don’t even know who is queen of Norway or Sweden.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Helena

Sonja and Silvia.

Extinguir
Extinguir
1 year ago
Reply to  Helena

Simply BBC wouldn’t broadcast it live on Tv, I imagine. But still producing it for the rest of the world. In any case, that would be really unfortunate. Let’s hope it won’t happen

Patrick
Patrick
1 year ago

No surprise!

Joe
Joe
1 year ago

I apologize if I might’ve gotten a bit…er…heated on this matter. I get VERY annoyed when people delegitimize Ukraine’s win and I might’ve gotten a wee bit ticked off. I will have my morning coffee and take some deep breaths, as should we all. Sorry, folks.

Liam
Liam
1 year ago

wheres the moron from my country that always comments on wiwi articles that we (uk) are “completely unable to host eurovision” you’re a moron mate

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam

Shares the same name as you, as it happens! Are you that Liam? 😀

UpinSpaceFan
UpinSpaceFan
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam

One of the first things I thought when I read the statement was “Ooh Liam Lindsay’s not going to be too happy about this” haha

sucof
sucof
1 year ago

How is the BBC going to produce this event, it has financial problems!

Jack
Jack
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

Its one of the biggest public broadcasters in the world. You wish they had problems but guess what, they will at least make a stage that works. Get a life now

sucof
sucof
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

Your statements are past history, a thing of the past, the BBC has been in crisis for years, has great economic difficulties that will be accentuated with the elimination of the fee, and has managerial management problems (source BBC news). I am afraid that England cannot afford to produce a good edition of Eurovision.
Just look at how they produced the queen’s jubilee show, it felt like a low-cost country party.

Jack
Jack
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

It still looked better than this year contest with a black background, broken cameras and people standing up and blocking the cameras lol

Jack
Jack
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

do you need a 3 hour compilation of RAI mistakes? stop being pathetic

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

Yes, I want it. Send us the link of the youtube video of the RAI mistakes.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

Sucof! Ti amo. Sposiamoci! Non so se ti piace il caccio o la patata, ma io ti voglio, ti desidero, ti anelo. Pensa le nostre discussioni durante l’amplesso sui vari modi per sbertucciare Jack! Sono tuo! ???

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

My dear, people standing up and blocking the cameras is the fun part of the Eurovision. At least there was no invader to block Surie like in Lisbon, or in Kyiv showing his ass during Jamala performance. 🙂 Strange, one of the rants before the shows in Turin was “what a shame, there is no public in front of the stage”. Then public was there, a 200 people at least, and now Jack (always him, he must have something bitter against Italy, maybe he was trying to fancy an Italian girl and she answered he was too ugly) says there… Read more »

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Vincenzo

Life = camera.

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

Were you watching something different to the rest of the planet. It was an amazing production – the use of drones and the images projected onto Buckingham Palace. It was superbly produced

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

It isn’t one of, it is the biggest full stop. By some margin!

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

You have no idea what you are talking about. The BBC is the oldest and largest broadcaster in the world… just last year their revenue was £5.064 billion and it made nearly £300 million profit!

nycforever
nycforever
1 year ago

It is the most logical solution and the most expected ofc. Very excited to see what kind of show Britain will give us.

Héctor
Héctor
1 year ago

It was only the obvious decision, tbh. Even though the safety of everyone involved was being put on the line because of some banal pride and nationalism. This whole Eurovision thing and pretending to host it next year has been a nasty political move from Ukraine to remain under the spotlight. I wouldn’t want my country to host it for another country; my country put the money but then another one takes the glory and the opportunity to shine. Even worse if it is under these circumstances, as the UK is going to be totally eclipsed by Ukraine. With all… Read more »

Héctor
Héctor
1 year ago
Reply to  Héctor

On another topic: of course Ukraine should get the ticket to the final as they are the current winners. Even better if the UK is doing it as the numbers won’t change.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago

I love this website, I deeply appreciate the people who run it and all they do for the contest and the fandom. Everyone badmouthing Ukraine in the comments is doing them and this contest a disservice. Have some respect for all of them and keep it classy.

Efthymios
Efthymios
1 year ago

OOOHHH, YEEEEESS!! Theoritically, the UK was this year’s ethical winner so, if they’re at last given this opportunity to impress Europe with their efforts, we will definitely be seeing them making a comeback in the contest’s win contenders map in the upfollowing years. Plus, it’s been 25 whole years since they last hosted! This is going to be huge!

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Efthymios

Ethical winner my hole. Ukraine won fair and square, and I say this as someone who was waving a British flag through the whole final. I am beyond sick of people delegitimizing Ukraine’s win just ‘cuz they’re bitter about their country not winning. They wouldn’t have won if the juries hadn’t also appreciated their song.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Joe

(And for what it’s worth, damn near every British person I’ve met has been completely congratulatory to Ukraine, so either you’re a poor representative of the UK or you’re speaking on their behalf when they don’t need anyone to).

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Joe

Stefania was a great song whose right to win I’m going to defend forever (I really wish I didn’t have to, but these stupid “it only won cuz politics” arguments are never going to go away, are they?). And you know what? I don’t care if some of those votes were out of sympathy for Ukraine! If anything, I’m glad! We should all be showing love to Ukraine in their time of need, even if it “infiltrates” our precious song contest. Eurovision is just as much a reflection of the world as it is an escape from it, and seeing… Read more »

Efthymios
Efthymios
1 year ago
Reply to  Joe

No need to be so irritated from a simple statement, even if it’s controversial or “annoying”, just saying. 🙂 Also, does my name even sound British to you? This, for making false assumptions.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Efthymios

Way to completely miss my point

Efthymios
Efthymios
1 year ago
Reply to  Joe

No problem, my friend!

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Efthymios

No, no, no, don’t get glib with me. What’s with all that “ethical winner” business? I took the time to write out a whole thing deconstructing why your argument isn’t worth taking seriously and you’re not even going to meet me in the middle here.

Efthymios
Efthymios
1 year ago
Reply to  Joe

You see, Joe, the thing is that I simply don’t care. Just because you wrote an entire essay to cancel my original statements doesn’t mean that I am obliged to read the rest of your arguments. I haven’t been in the Wiwibloggs site for almost a whole week, I only opened the site today to see the final news about the next contest’s host and expressed both my hapinness about the topic and also my thoughts about who deserved the win the most in the end (no matter how bad that may seem/sound to most). I’ve also been experiencing Covid… Read more »

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Efthymios

That is fair, especially the last point. Sorry you got Covid. I strongly disagree with the term “ethical winner” (if the matter was just “I would’ve preferred if the UK won,” I wouldn’t have minded at all, that’s just personal preference; I don’t like the idea that Ukraine winning was a moral failing of some sort on Europe’s part but that’s another debate for another day) but other than that we should just make our peace and let bygones be bygones.

Robbie
Robbie
1 year ago
Reply to  Efthymios

The winner this year was Ukraine, period!!! Just like any other year the country with the most points won – end of!!! We ALL need to move on from this “real winner” nonsense and get over it.

Joe
Joe
1 year ago

I wanna see Ruslana, Jamala and Kalush as interval acts. And hopefully they send Maruv or Alina Pash

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago
Reply to  Joe

I’m pretty sure Maruv and Alina Pash have burned their bridges with Suspilne, we won’t be seeing them.

nikki
nikki
1 year ago

We all knew that was going to happen eventually. So happy that the UK will get its chance to host ESC

Milla
Milla
1 year ago

No surprises here..

Ffgsg
Ffgsg
1 year ago

I read in Wikipedia that Ukraine’s automatic qualification is not yet guaranteed
I thought that was obvious
Well if a non big 5 country hosts then we gonna have 27 countries in the gf again

Joe
Joe
1 year ago
Reply to  Ffgsg

I don’t see the math. If the UK hosts it’d be 25 countries like this year with Italy hosting. Add Ukraine( if they even participate) and it’s 26 per usual

Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  Joe

But he has a good point. According to the rules, Ukraine wouldn’t be pre-qualified. I think the EBU should clarify that as well. Ukraine won, so they have to be guaranteed a spot in the final.

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Nils

Only the host broadcaster plus big 5 are guarantee. If confirmed BBC will be next years broadcaster and therefore finalist.Ukraine would have to qualify if they are not hosts

Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

I think that would definitely have to change for 2023.

Denis
Denis
1 year ago
Reply to  Nils

Why? I do think it makes sense. The host broadcaster should naturally be finalist since they are hosting

Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  Denis

Yes, but’s that not my point. All I’m saying is Ukraine should be guaranteed a spot in the final, as they are the defending champions.

Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  Nils

Like … I … already wrote.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

This is the only logical solution. For safety reasons, ESC should be held outside of Ukraine. As a runner-up and a Big Five country, UK sounds ideal for the job. That said, UA: PBC should still be heavily involved with the organization, send some of their hosts, and have interval acts and slideshows mostly showcasing Ukraine. Also, I think it’s obvious that the Ukrainian represantative should be an automatic finalist just like any other entry from the previous winner.

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

UA:PBC shouldn’t be heavily involved.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

Why? Ukraine is the one who won in 2021. The contest won’t be there for security reasons, not because UA:PBC was irresponsible or because they deliberately passed on the opportunity.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin
  • I mean in 2022, ofc.
Milan
Milan
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

Current practice is that the actual host broadcaster is not heavily involved and that everything is decided by EBU, which is why one contest edition looks exactly like any other one – no individuality as there used to be before. So, even BBC won’t have much of a say there, let alone UA:PBC.

sam
sam
1 year ago

personally i think the cities most suitable to host esc 2023 in the UK are glasgow and manchester. i really don’t want to see london or any city of it’s size and influence host eurovision because i think it’s just too spread out and populated to be a eurovision-friendly city

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago

Looking forward to ESC 2023 in the UK : )

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago

On thing is sure. If this was held in Ukraine, war or no war, I would have done everything to be there, participate, and say fu.. to Putin in order to suppory Ukraine. If O have to go to UK, pay for a Visa, show both ID Card and Passport because British don’t trust Europeans anymore, I will stay at home and watch it on TV. Finally UK has got the nth organization of an Eurovision Song Contest, this time bot because they won in. Slava Ukraine.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Vincenzo

Sorry for the typos. And thanks for downvotes. Obviously all from UK residents. Sorry to be bitter, but it should have beenbetter for UK if they won the hosting for a winning result, clean and neat. UK has been in low tier of the final results for a long time. Hosting even if they didn’t win it (and with more than 400 hundred points of televotes for Ukraine, it’s clear you didn’t win it, and hosting is not deserved and fair. Like being pregnant thanka tl the Holy Spirit. Hope UK will remember this ESC is for Ukraine, not for… Read more »

Milan
Milan
1 year ago
Reply to  Vincenzo

Not all from UK residents.

Liam
Liam
1 year ago
Reply to  Vincenzo

literally every european country except ukraine has visa free access to the uk shut the hell up

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam

Strange, there were plenty of newspapers claiming lowcost flight companies are asking to Italian travellers both ID card and Passport to fly in the Uk. Maybe I had dream that during nighttime. Below the link, in another reply.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Liam

So it’s a wonderful decision to have the Ukrainian Eurovision in UK! All Ukrainian will need to spend money to get a visa. Will your nationalist Boris Johnson open up to fans from Ukraine to enter without a Visa or will he have the same resistance he displays in welcoming Ukrainian refugees? And what you have to tell about the shame of your government willing to deport UK Ukrainian refugees in Africa with charter flights? Do you have an explanation also on that? It seems Europeans are more informed than Britons of the tons of shame your government is exposing… Read more »

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

The announcement: ‘It is with deep REGRET…’

Everyone: Awwwww…

Me:YES!!! THIS PROVES THERE’S NOTHING BUT SPACE MAN!!!!

Joe
Joe
1 year ago

You were the one who was still defending Polina Gagarina, right?

Joe
Joe
1 year ago

Sam wouldn’t want to claim folks like you as a fan if that’s your attitude. You’re in the complete opposite headspace he was in through the whole season. Shame on you.

Alfie28
Alfie28
1 year ago

Fair. And I agree. UK hosting in conjunction with Ukraine is the most sound option. Glory to Ukraine. And God save the Queen.

Nicky
Nicky
1 year ago

goodbye eurovision, not watching it next year then

Mqe
Mqe
1 year ago

Good call! A joint production by both broadcasters and a heavy emphasis on Ukraine and its culture would be the best way to go. Like a joint hosting from the top 2 countries from the year before with an emphasis on solidarity and friendship.
It just does not make sense to host it in Ukraine. Should the war (hopefully!) end by next year, Europe should focus on helping Ukraine rebuild and rehouse its people, not burden them with an expensive production.

Dolly
Dolly
1 year ago
Reply to  Mqe

Well said

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
1 year ago

I’m flabbergasted.

Ukraine is robbed of their hosting right… I guess it’s true—cash is king.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
1 year ago

Hopefully UA:PBC will host a parallel song contest so that countries have the option to boycott the one that will be held in the UK next year.

Robert
Robert
1 year ago

Don’t be like that man! It’s not about money, It’s about safety.. spreading all that ignorance like It’s sunshine..

Jercel11
Jercel11
1 year ago

So you’re saying artists from 35+ countries should be made to travel to a warzone to compete just so Ukraine won’t be offended? The safety of the participants should always be top priority, and this is exactly what the EBU is doing, putting safety first.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

The only person who was robbed was Sam Ryder!!!

Jonny
Jonny
1 year ago

No, he wasn’t.

MollieLouise
MollieLouise
1 year ago

‘robbed’? Ukraine is a warzone, be sensible! The EBU are thinking of the safety of its contestants and fans, it makes perfect sense to me.

Ffgsg
Ffgsg
1 year ago

After the war ends we shouldn’t get Ukraine. To host something so expensive
They need time to re build their country so I’m not sure how they can even do this
Plus
Many countries may not feel safe

Jack
Jack
1 year ago

There was never a chance that the contest will be held in a warzone. BBC will do 100 times better than RAI, last time they hosted was remarkable.

sucof
sucof
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

Rai made an excellent Eurovision
If there had been only the giant LED wall there would have been no controversy.
The sun rotated perfectly, it was the EBU that decided to keep it still for just 15 seconds more!
You are just envious. And before we compliment the BBC, let’s see if they won’t have any problems too!

sucof
sucof
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

T he kinetic sun in operation during Eurovision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRy4vtOa3Xc&ab_channel=EurovisionVisuals

Ffgsg
Ffgsg
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

The problem was it took 15minytes to do a full rotation
And there was absolutely no way EBU would give us a 15 min gap between performances

sucof
sucof
1 year ago
Reply to  Ffgsg

This statement of yours denotes the ignorance behind the unfounded accusations against the Rai. The sun turns in 45 seconds, 15 seconds more than the 30 seconds of postcards. Did the diodato exhibition (and not only that one), where the sun worked and rotated, lasted 15 minutes? The presentation of the songs in “sanremo style”, as it was assumed at the beginning, was used to give the sun time to rotate for the various performances, but the EBU has decided not to allow 15 seconds more ‘to avoid problems of time. On the other hand, it cannot be expected that… Read more »

sucof
sucof
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

Just watch this video to see that the sun rotates in a few seconds, this is the evening of the first semifinal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRy4vtOa3Xc&ab_channel=EurovisionVisuals

Jack
Jack
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

lol you are hilarious, the sun was the cherry on the cake, RAI did a terrible job and those of us there can only confirm this. I am so thankful that nothing bad happened in the overcrowded eurovillage that run out of water and had no proper security.

sucof
sucof
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

ahahaahah bla bla bla
you forgot the fan shootings and alien abductions! ahahahah
Troll

Jack
Jack
1 year ago
Reply to  sucof

someone else is the troll here. So relieved we wont deal with Italy hosting anytime soon. At least everyone else had a stage that worked.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

In Rotterdam the stage was working but the props weren’t as we all saw the props of Gjon’ Tears moving during jury rehersals. And probably also during grand final. And Gjon’s Tears was even complaining but brought to silence by EBU. So come on. I agree Turin 2022 was not perfect, but no one cares about your envious complaints. This time it was not the disaster you were dreaming of, such as Rome 1991, but you still complain about the broken sun, because you are like a kid, if you don’t have your giant ledwall at the back, you cry… Read more »

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

Last time they hosted was ages ago. Eurovision has changed a lot and it’s much more technological and expensive now. Ho doubt BBC will do a good job. I don’t spit on BBC as you spit on RAI for each comment you write, also when you are commenting on topics miles away from Italian Eurovision. Anyway, In Rotterdam the stage was working because it was a giant ledwall and a flat stage. The props weren’t working well or were poorly positioned on the stage, as we all saw the props of Gjon’s Tears moving during jury rehersals. And probably also… Read more »

Jack
Jack
1 year ago
Reply to  Vincenzo

“Problem is that also the floor rotates, so it’ clear it was impossible to change the scene in 40 seconds“

Then why on earth did they built it hahahaha I love your lengthy text trying to turn a disaster into something that worked. Actually I don’t care about the stage. I am looking forward to a great contest next year. All these comments about nationalism and racism is your pathetic need to be the the victim :*

musica
musica
1 year ago
Reply to  Vincenzo

You make it seem like the criticism is all about the rotating system that didn’t work. Let me quote last year’s Eurovision director, who was the director for S10’s performance this year, and say that the camera crew working on this year’s Eurovision just wasn’t very professional. They couldn’t do it. The shots were different every time. This is a guy with decades of experience in television who couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

It was just a messy show altogether. And, since everything is about nationalism with you, this also involved Dutch people so everyone shares the blame.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  musica

Musica, if you read my previous comments in all the platforms (Wiwibloggs, Eurofestival News, IG and FB), I admitted there were too many mistakes/errors. in the multicam direction in Turin. I was also discussing about it on groups of professional cameramen on Facebook and on Messenger with some friends who were cameramen for RAI in the past. I was surprised because Duccio Forzano is a wonderful multicam director (the best in Italy for music shows) and his Sanremos were the best. Look at 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, and especially the ones in 2018 and 2019 as he used Cue Pilot… Read more »

Vova
Vova
1 year ago
Reply to  Jack

Ukraine have already hosted during a war on the East

Zee Mann
Zee Mann
1 year ago

Didn’t Zelenskyy say it would be in Mariupol?

Me Me
Me Me
1 year ago
Reply to  Zee Mann

Next time don’t believe that warmonger.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Me Me

Well, at least I know you are aware to be a stupid fu.. Thank.

david
david
1 year ago

come on time for a welsh city to host

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
1 year ago
Reply to  david

I’d love that, but think we’d have to wait for the new Cardiff Bay arena to be built, that’ll take a few years. They need to demolish the Red Dragon centre first (funnily enough I was at the casino there recently).
or were you hoping for something like the Ryder Cup concert?

Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  HarpyDarper

Why not go big and do it at the Millennium Stadium? One good thing about the Düsseldorf edition was the sheer size of the audience. Cardiff could even double it.

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
1 year ago
Reply to  Nils
Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  HarpyDarper

Oh, thanks, yes! Sorry, I wasn’t familiar with that concert.

Samo
Samo
1 year ago

Fair enough that they won’t host it in Ukraine (they could’ve waited a month or two before making the decision, but it’s unlikely that the situation would significantly improve by then) but the UK as a host country doesn’t make sense. It’s one thing to host it outside of Ukraine, but it should still be an Ukrainian show and it would make sense to host it in culturally and geographically close place. UK makes no sense at all.

Kal
Kal
1 year ago
Reply to  Samo

UK was the runner-up.

Samo
Samo
1 year ago
Reply to  Kal

But Ukraine was the winner. Thus I’d expect them to host it somewhere close.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago
Reply to  Samo

The UK won…

Jonny
Jonny
1 year ago

Yeah, in 1997 not in 2022.

quetzal
quetzal
1 year ago
Reply to  Samo

moldova, poland, and romania aren’t ukraine.

it’s not like denmark hosted 2013 because malmo is less than an hour drive from copenhagen.

Marc
Marc
1 year ago

And when the scores drama happened and some of us were talking about how serious it was considering this possibility, some people here acted like we shouldn’t talk about it, as if this wasn’t the most predictable result. Ukraine can’t host this competition, those thinking this was an option were just delusional.

Elbie
Elbie
1 year ago

I think it is for the best, but do think they should investigate the possibility to have some of they opening/interval acts from Ukraine, either live or pre-recorded. Also include a Ukrainian host in the hosting team would be a good option. In the best solution the contest should be a co production between BBC and UA:PBC held in the UK

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago
Reply to  Elbie

Pre-recorded would be the most realistic. I would also like to see Sam Ryder’s fabled collaboration with Kalush.

Elbie
Elbie
1 year ago
Reply to  Elbie

Another Idea to reflect Ukraine, for the postcards let artist visit UK sites together with Ukrainian refugees now living in the UK

Hello hi
Hello hi
1 year ago

I can see Manchester getting this event . I would prefer London

Henno
Henno
1 year ago
Reply to  Hello hi

I’d love it to be in London too

Hello hi
Hello hi
1 year ago

If the U.K. host this I would love to see them push ever further with their 2023 entry and win next year . A full turnaround

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago
Reply to  Hello hi

Tbh, I thought we already won!

Nils
Nils
1 year ago
Reply to  Hello hi

I’d love that to happen!