The never-ending story that was the Eurovision 2017 host city decision has finally come to a close, with Kyiv emerging as the winner. Now we can finally focus on other important matters, including who will host the three live shows. Thankfully Ukraine has plenty of presenting talent to choose from as it plans one of the biggest shows on the planet.
The last time that Ukraine hosted the contest — back in 2005 — the broadcaster gave the honour of presenting to Maria Efrosinina and Pavlo Shylko. While they did make it through the night, they didn’t really leave a long-lasting impact on fans (as evidenced by the fact a lot of you have paused to Google who they are. Let us help you).
In recent years hosts have had a more prominent role in the contest, with the likes of Petra Mede and Anke Engelke raising the bar for hosts with their humour and comedic timing. Contrast that with Azerbaijan 2012, where the hosts deployed questionable English and at times came off as wooden.
In any event, here are some Ukrainians we think NTU should seriously consider if they want to light our fire and feel our hearts beat…
TIMUR MIROSHNYCHENKO
Our first and perhaps most obvious choice is Timur, whose career includes several Eurovision gigs. He’s been Ukraine’s commentator for Junior Eurovision since 2005 and adult Eurovision since 2007, and he also hosted two editions of Junior Eurovision, held in Kyiv in 2009 and 2013. He did so alongside Eurovision stars Ani Lorak and Zlata Ognevich, so he knows the terrain very well indeed. The man’s got experience — and plenty of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent!
TANYA TEREKHOVA
Tanya is Ukrainian TV presenter who, along with Timur, has provided commentary for Ukrainian Eurovision viewers since 2011. The pair complement each other well and have plenty of fun as a duo, as you can see during the announcement of Jamala’s victory below. She’s not just a pretty face: Tanya is also fluent in English! According to her LinkedIn page, she holds a Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism from the University of Southern California. We better spellcheck this post!
RUSLANA
She’s Ukraine’s first Eurovision winner, a former MP and a deeply-respected figure in both musical and political spheres. Producers initially selected her to host Eurovision 2005, but owing to her poor English replaced her with Maria Efrosinina. Ruslana was relegated to the green room instead. We’re not sure if her English has improved since then, but surely producers will at least consider her. And we’re willing to bet she’ll play a role in some capacity if not as a host.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFITdfShO4Q
NATALIE BURN
Born Natalia Guslistaya, she’s a rising Hollywood actress — and a ballerina, choreographer and singer. At age 8 she was admitted into the Bolshoi Ballet School in Moscow before moving to London to pursue her education at the Royal Ballet School. After having a successful dancing career she moved to L.A and has appeared in several movies, including the action flicks The Expendables 3 and Mechanic: Resurrection.
OLHA FREIMUT
Beauty, brains, experience — Ukrainian TV presenter, journalist and model Olha has it all. She received a master’s degree in journalism from Lviv University and then moved to London, where she graduated from City University and later worked at the BBC. She returned to Ukraine where she worked as an international journalist, before transitioning to TV, where she’s hosted a spate of programs. Among her more prominent gigs was hosting “Holos Krainy”, the Ukrainian version of “The Voice”, in 2014.
KATYA OSADCHA
Katya worked as a model from the young age of 13, but retired her professional stilettos at the age of 18. Now a journalist and presenter, she’s currently the host of the popular program “Svitske Zhyttja” (High Life) on the 1+1 TV channel, but also “Holos Krainy”. She’s considered one of the most influential women in Ukraine, so would command domestic respect, no doubt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IhQsMP85pk
ZLATA OGNEVICH
Ukraine’s 2013 representative and Junior Eurovision 2013 host, Zlata Ognevich, has the Eurovision pedigree to smash this gig. She did a fine job hosting JESC alongside Timur Miroshnychenko, and she previously demonstrated grace under fire when she was carried on stage in Malmö by the world’s tallest living giant. She would likely pull a Måns and sing during the interval, something we are totally cool with.
Verka Serduchka
She’s a cult icon who placed second at Eurovision 2007. And since then she’s become a Eurovision fan favourite who never seems to be far from the spotlight. She presented Ukraine’s Eurovision points in Stockholm this year, and before that her real-life persona — the comedian Andriy Mykhailovych Danylk — served as a juror in Ukraine’s national selection. She even had a cameo in the Hollywood blockbuster Spy. Judging from our interview with Verka in Malmö, and her hilarious points presentation, her English isn’t up to scratch to host. And then there’s the potentially controversial detail of her getting banned from Russia for a year following Eurovision 2007. But surely she’s a consideration to host the green room, where humour and an ability to diffuse tension matter most?
Those are our top candidates to host Eurovision 2017. Who do you think is worthy of the task? And how many presenters do you want to see share the stage? You can let us know in the comments box below.
This Timur guy seems boring, but most importantly his accent is terrible. It’s so hard to listen to him, hurts my ears. Ukraine has so many emigrants, isn’t there anyone who grew up in the USA or UK and sounds bearable?
Zlata and Verka for the WIN!
Definitely Zlata!
Zlata Ognevich)))
Timur plus … somebody, I don’t care.
But he definitely should host.
Agree, I’m so surprised, at least EBU should ask to change the title, it happened before some other year with other country, but to just have the title 1944 is so weird.
the winner of 2016 is infamous and face of war
im french
its same we sing about 1940
I’m thinking Verka and Ruslana. I have a feeling that the 2 of them together would make for some interesting comedy.
If Verka Serduchka will host anywhere (green room or main stage) we will notice that behind that charming lady is a shy man. This year Verka was the presenter for Ukranian points and she/he forgot what to say, even had problems with reminding that 12 points from Ukraine are for Lithuania. I am not talking about english level, is just that Verka is shy.
I was thinking Zlata Ognevich, Ani Lorak, and Timur Miroshnychenko as the main hosts, much like the “2-female/1 male” back in 2012. 🙂
Zlata solo plus Verka from green room.
So Jamal will not host?
Ruslana could be great choise, Ithink!
Anyone but Verka!
Oxana Marchenko – definetely. She is the icon of Ukrainian X Factor.
Only Lesya Nikityk
I don’t care who hosts as long as they’re lively and cheerful like Jovana who hosted in Serbia in 2008!
I mean is good whatever english level, I had no problem with Azerbaijan hosts in 2012, only that they were too shy.
I want to see a combination of ruslana and Timor myroshenko. I’m sure ruslana’s english has improved enough she also judged a few shows on the belgian esc selection before.
Carolina Ashion
ESC fans are proud, just like they didn’t wanted Justin Timberlake, they will not want any international stars. I don’t care about the level of english the hosts will speak, it should not be perfect.
I am already missing Måns.
Maybe Zlata and Maria (Ukraine in ESC 2013 and 2014)
It should be Olga Freimut and Verka Serduchka….. believe me I know what I’m saying…..it would be blow out
Zlata, please!
Zlata and Verka would be perfect ahah
Petra=Lesya Nikityuk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhdIFfB–J0
@James – My bad, although she still relared enough to be involved. Of course, as mentioned, the presenter doesn’t have to be famous and if they are conneced to the public, speak good English and can deliver, it’s great. But I was thinking that last year ESC went really high in standards, and for example, was for the first time broadcasted in USA, world’s largest music and film industry. Then there is the stellar appearance of Justin Timberlake, a man who is an icon for almost two decades. Ukraine has some great singers, but when speaking of worldwide famous, I… Read more »
Tina Karol, surely should have been given a mention?!
Milla Jovovich would be a good choice
Forget about Diva Petra or Mila Kunis. That will be so tacky.
How about we go way left field for someone who was born in Ukriane speaks English very well, is extremely popular, and quite charismatic.
I’m talking of course, about the ever lovely Mila Kunis.
Never gonna happen… EXCEPT SHE STARRED WITH JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE IN FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS THERES A CONNECTION SOMEBODY GRAB THE PHONE AND MAKE THIS CALL
I love how you never let go of a chance to take a dig at Azerbaijan XD.
To be honest, I prefer a host that does too little to a host that does too much. For me the presenters in Baku were better than Petra in Malmö, because she looked too attention-hungry.
Petra with Mans in Stockholm were pretty good, though. He kept her well in check.
I think Timur would the the best choice in terms of ability and experience. Verka would be too Petraish as a host, but I’m all for having an interval with her.
Petra
Regina Todorenko – ukrainian singer, former member of the pop group «Real O», composer and TV presenter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QltPc5yUtS4
I think a contrast of a funny wacky host like Verka paired with someone more serious and better in English would work really well
CHOSE VERKA PLEASE IN THE DIFICULT TIMES WE MUST TO SMILE
Zlata and Timur present the main show whilst Jamala and Verka in the green room.
Jamala!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I still have nightmares after I saw Ruslana in that fur, I’m sure that there are many talented hosts in Ukraine. Please don’t sing, it will look like you are copying Sweden and it looks arrogant to make jokes about others.
Oh, and I’d like too if Jamala will be somewhat involved. :3
Btw there’s an error, Ruslana wasn’t hosting because she was involved in a charity concert for Chernobyl victims, not for her poor english.(or at least I know this – I’m italian-albanian so not really sure)
I’d like a lot if the hosts will be Ruslana and Timur, with Zlata in Ruslana’s place on semifinals. Plus Verka on the green room. 🙂
If Verka is involved, it needs to be in a minimal capacity. That schtick gets old fast.
I feel like it will be Timur, and the co-host is up for grabs. Judging on this article, Tanya Terekhova would be a good host, but that would leave no commentators.
Also, Ruslana and Verka NEED to be involved.
Yeah, let’s have the most competent and professional person get the job. Not a model, or a singer, or a celebrity…simply the person with the best credentials for the job. We don’t have to have heard of them before. They don’t have to be a comedian. They don’t have to be an “international superstar” (Hayden Panettierre? Seriously?) – just get somebody with some class, language skills, an ability to interact with other people. Let’s not go for some young & unexperienced “star”, there has to be some television professional in Ukraine fit for the job. I don’t care if they’re… Read more »
If Verka Serduchka hosted the contest, it would be so amazing and funny! 😀
@Colin
Wrong Klitschko. The mayor of Kyiv is Hayden’s brother-in law. 😀
Out of the ones that were mentioned above I would like to see Verka Serduchka somehow being involved in hosting. Other then that I would like to see Ani Lorak, Vera Brezhneva, Anna Sedokova, Maks Barskih or Alekseev.
No matter how much I like Verka as an entertainer, we have to admit he was pretentious and annoying as a jury member on their nationals. Ruslana wasn’t much better either.
My dream option would be Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko: she has personality, looks and charisma. Also, why not Hayden Panettiere, she is an international superstar and wife of mayor Klitschko.
I predict that the final could be host by Zlata Ognevich and Timur Miroshnychenko since both are popular hosts in Ukraine, plus Timo was the presenter at JESC 2009 and 2013 when both events was held in Ukraine.
But Katerina Odacha could be good host for semifinals and Verka for the green room 🙂
I honestly think Ukraine should be the first on having one male host hosting the three shows. Every time we’ve had a solo presenter its been a woman so it would be cool to see a solo male host. He’s cute, knows how esc works and speaks really good English and I think he can handle hosting solo like Petra did in 2013. But realistically, I just want the female host to have a good level of English, cause when the level of English is not very high, the presenters tend to be very shouty and it can get annoying… Read more »