UK could host Eurovision Song Contest next year

Ukraine won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, but due to the invasion of Russia, will have to give up their duties as next year’s host.

by Maria Lattila |
Sam Ryder

Ukraine won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, but due to the invasion of Russia, will have to give up their duties as next year’s host.

The Eurovision Song Contest was a tight one this year. For once, the UK actually had a chance to win, with Sam Ryder placing second with his catchy tune ‘Space Man.’ But it was Ukraine who won in the end, with the Kalush Orchestra just sneaking past us with their song ‘Stefania’ after a huge outpour of public support. 

Russia invaded Ukraine in February after a long period of conflict and tension, with no clear end in sight. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Facebook after the win that the country would host next year’s competition, but it seems that will not happen now. 

The European Broadcasting Union has released a statement today that has declared Ukraine unfit to host the ceremony currently. 

“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.”

It’s difficult news for the war-torn country, where the victory served as a much needed morale boost, but EBU promises that the ceremony will highlight Ukraine next year and reflect their win. The ceremony will now potentially take place in the UK. 

“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.”

There’s no news on where the ceremony might take place next year, but the BBC press office said they are entering talks with EBU. 

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