Traditionally, Ukraine will host the upcoming song contest following the triumph of Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra with their song “Stefania” in May.
The UK came second in this year’s competition thanks to Sam Ryder’s performance of ‘Space Man’.
The BBC’s director general, Tim Davey, said in a statement on Monday: “It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are unable to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.”
“To be asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.”
He went on to say that the BBC was “committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture, alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity”.
Davey confirmed that the next steps will be to find a host city to partner with for the annual singing competition. Organizers said the bidding process will begin next week.
Although Ukraine’s victory will not be hosted, the country will automatically qualify for the grand final along with the so-called “big five”, organizers said. The Big Five, which includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, are the countries that contribute the most financially to the competition.
Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the board of Ukrainian television UA:PBC, expressed confidence that the two nations can work together to “add a Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite all of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebration diversity and talent.”
The BBC has staged the Eurovision Song Contest eight times – more times than any other broadcaster.
Following the announcement, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that the UK would host a “fantastic competition on behalf of our Ukrainian friends”.
Add Comment