Great Britain instead of Ukraine! The decision on hosting the Eurovision Song Contest next year has been made. Second-placed Great Britain will host the singing competition in place of ESC winners Ukraine. This was confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the two broadcasters UA: PBC and BBC in a statement. It is not yet clear in which city the competition will be held. A decision should be made in the coming months.
The Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Turin. In mid-June, the EBU said: “Following its victory at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in May, the EBU has been exploring options for hosting next year’s competition with Ukrainian public broadcaster UA:PBC.”
Given the ongoing war since the Russian invasion, the EBU has taken the time to conduct “a full assessment and feasibility study.” After an objective analysis, it was “with deep regret that we came to the conclusion” that the requirements could not be met.
As a result of this decision, talks with the BBC finally began. British singer Sam Ryder (32) took second place in Turin. In a collaboration between UA: PBC and BBC, Ukrainian elements are set to be incorporated into the show in the UK. As the winning country, Ukraine remains qualified for the final.