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CultureUkraine

Eurovision: Ukraine will not host song contest as planned

June 17, 2022

Ukraine's Eurovision win earned the country rights to host the 2023 event. Next year's contest will not take place on Ukrainian soil, with organizers tapping the UK, which claimed second place, as an alternative venue.

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Italien Eurovision Song Grand Finale
Kalush Orchestra won this year's Eurovision with 631 pointsImage: Luca Bruno/AP Photo/picture alliance

Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra last month took home the top spot in the Eurovision Song Contest. The orchestra's winning song "Stefania" alluded to the conflict in the country, with lyrics including: "I'll always find my way home, even if all roads are destroyed."

The honor to host the Eurovision song contest traditionally falls on the previous year's victor, but Ukraine does not meet the necessary guidelines to organize and produce the event, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said Friday.

"The EBU ... share their sadness and disappointment that next year's contest cannot be held in Ukraine," the Eurovision Song Contest said. "It is our full intention that Ukraine's win will be reflected in next year's shows." 

Devastation from the ongoing war in Ukraine has upended the daily life in the country of around 41 million people. The war has gone on since February with Ukraine's Donbas region emerging as a key focal point for Russian attacks.  

How did Ukraine react? 

Ukrainian Minister of Culture Tkachenko Oleksandr said his country disagrees with the decision. 

"Ukraine does not agree with the nature of such a decision — when we are confronted with the fact without discussion on other options," a statement signed by Tkachenko said. "But we strongly believe that we have every reason to hold further negotiations in order to find a joint solution that will satisfy all parties."

"Hosting Eurovision-2023 in Ukraine is a strong signal to the whole world that it supports Ukraine now," the statement added.  

UK tapped as next location

The EBU is instead eyeing the UK, which finished in second place in an event that tends to draw television audiences of around 200 million, to host the event.

The office of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the opportunity, according to AFP news agency. If selected the BBC, the country's national broadcaster, has committed to ensuring that the event is a cooperation between the two countries.  

"We will be committed to ensuring it overwhelmingly reflects Ukraine's rich culture, heritage and creativity, as well as building on the ongoing partnership," said a spokesperson for Johnson.  

The Eurovision Song Contest is a massive undertaking. The event takes 12 months to prepare and can cost in the region of €10 million to €20 million (roughly $10.5 million to $21 million) for the host broadcaster. 

asw,wd/msh (AFP, AP, Reuters)