EUROVISION is normally held in the country that won the previous edition, however, 2023 will be an exception because of the Russian-Ukraine war.
Ukraine cannot host Eurovision 2023 because of the crisis they’re in, which is why it will be held in the UK, who finished runners-up thanks to Sam Ryder.
When is Eurovision 2023?
The Eurovision Grand Final 2023 will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
The semi-finals leading up to the big night will be on Tuesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 11.
The song contest has been traditionally held in May since 1995.
Before this, the show would be held anywhere between March and May.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be held in Liverpool
The very first Eurovision Song Contest final was held on May 24, 1956.
Where will Eurovision 2023 be held?
The Eurovision Song Contest will be heading to Liverpool in 2023.
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Seven cities were taken into consideration to host the big event however the city of Liverpool had the strongest bid.
Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl said: “Liverpool is the ideal place to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine.
“The city is synonymous with music and Liverpool Arena exceeds all the requirements needed to stage a global event of this scale.
“We have been very impressed with the passion the city has shown in embracing the Contest and their inclusive ideas for placing last year’s winners, Ukraine, front and centre when thousands of fans visit next May.
“This will be the first Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the UK in 25 years and, as we work with our Host Broadcaster, the BBC, to celebrate Ukraine’s victory, this unique production promises to be a very special one indeed!”
Meanwhile, the BBC’s Director General, Tim Davie, said: “Congratulations to Liverpool.
“They will be an amazing host for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
“Liverpool is such an exciting, warm and vibrant city.
“It’s the undisputed capital of pop music and is celebrating the 65th anniversary of its twinning with the Ukrainian city of Odesa.
“I know the people of Liverpool will welcome Europe – and the rest of the world – with open arms, and in partnership, we will create something truly special.”
The official logo has also been released.
It will feature the Ukrainian flag within the iconic Eurovision heart while reflecting the city of Liverpool which will host the Contest on behalf of Ukraine.
Head of Managing Board of UA:PBC, Ukraine’s public broadcaster, Mykola Chernotytskyi said: “It is symbolic that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Liverpool, a tin city of Odesa.
“The organisation of a contest of this level sets super demanding requirements.
“I am confident that the city recognised as the capital of pop music will meet them in the best way and will deliver the celebration of music that will amaze both delegations and fans of Eurovision.”
Why is the UK hosting Eurovision 2023?
In a dramatic change during the public vote, Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra swept up the left side of the Eurovision leaderboard.
They secured their victory with over 400 points from the public for their song Stefania.
This meant, as is tradition, Ukraine would be hosting Eurovision 2023, but because of Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s invasion of Ukraine, this is not possible.
As runner-up and a member of the ‘big five’, the UK has stepped up to host the competition for the first time in 25 years.
Despite Ukraine’s hopes to rebuild before the competition, the decision was made to allow the UK to take over the hosting.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Last week President Zelensky and I agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine.
“As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly – and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends.”
The war in Ukraine means that the European Broadcasting Union and the Ukrainian authorities decided that the competition could not go ahead in the winning country.
From the time the 2022 winner was announced, many countries came forward to offer their hosting abilities to Ukraine, including Spain and the Netherlands.
For the first time in over 20 years, the UK came second in Eurovision, making them the natural choice for replacement hosts.
Sam Ryder broke a two-decade-long losing streak, solidifying his place with Eurovision icons like Bucks Fizz and Sonia.
As a member of the big five and the runner-up in the competition, it was suggested from the start that the UK aid Ukraine in hosting.
This is not the first time that the UK has acted as a replacement host in fact it will be the fifth occasion.
Ukrainian entry Oleh Psiuk said during the 2022 competition: “Well, yes, it’s true that the UK supports us a lot.
“The huge gratitude to the UK, of course, from all of the residents of this country to you.
“Lots of Ukrainians are expressing a very huge gratitude to your country as well.”
In Eurovision’s history, there have been several instances where a previous year’s winner didn’t host the contest.
The last time this happened was in 1980 when the Netherlands stepped in after Israel declined to host for the second year in a row.
