A month ago the Ukrainian band “Kalush Orchestra” won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Turin by far. This means that the musicians’ home country actually has the right to organize the upcoming ESC as the host nation. But in view of the ongoing Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, nothing will come of it. After the victory, a lot of time was taken for a feasibility study, says the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in a statement With. The public service broadcaster of Ukraine was involved, as were external specialists who assessed security issues. After the analysis, it was concluded “with deep regret” that the ESC would have to be held in another country next year.
The Eurovision Song Contest is “one of the most complex TV productions in the world”, with thousands of people – those who work on the implementation and those who take part in the event. The statement said it would take twelve months to prepare for this. “To ensure the continuity of the event,” talks will now start with the BBC to possibly host ESC 2023 in Great Britain – because the United Kingdom made it to second place behind Ukraine in May. However, the European Broadcasting Union emphasizes that Ukraine’s victory at ESC 2022 should be reflected in the shows.
The BBC says they saw the announcement. “These are clearly not circumstances that anyone would wish for,” a channel spokesman was quoted as saying on the BBC website. But they will “talk about the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest”. The British government also welcomes the opportunity for Britain to host the ESC and promises to ensure the show “reflects overwhelmingly Ukraine’s rich culture, heritage and creativity,” a government spokesman said.
A winner who does not become a host – that has already happened
The decision should be more than disappointing for the fans in Ukraine. Many war-torn Ukrainians enthusiastically celebrated the ESC victory in Turin, Italy, in front of the screens. “Kalush Orchestra” was clearly ahead, especially in the audience ratings from all over Europe. Against the background of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, the event had not been more political than it had been for a long time, and the clear victory was also understood by the international audience as a signal of solidarity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote euphorically on Telegram: “Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision! For the third time in our history.”
It is a good tradition at the ESC that the winning country is allowed to host the following year, but it is not a mandatory obligation. In the past, winners have waived their right because of the high cost of the spectacle. The British BBC jumped in as early as 1974: at that time, Luxembourg had renounced because a Grand Prix had already taken place there in 1973. According to the rules, Australia is never even allowed to host the ESC. If it ever wins, another host country will be automatically selected.
With material from the dpa.