UKRAINE have been crowned Eurovision Song Contest champions 2022 after winning the hearts of the European public.
But will they be hosting the event in 2023?
Who will host Eurovision 2023 for Ukraine?
Kalush Orchestra overwhelming won the public support to be crowned Eurovision Song Contest winners 2022.
This means, per tradition Ukraine are in line to host Eurovision 2023.
Kalush Orchestra rapper Oleh Psiuk said ahead of the event: “Eurovision next year will be in the free home and reconstructed and rebuilt and happy Ukraine.”
However, as Ukraine are currently at war this may not be possible.
If Ukraine is unable to host, another country, likely one of the “big five” Eurovision countries of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK, will host the event.
Psiuk said: “Well, yes, it’s true that 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.”
Spain, one of the “big five,” has reportedly offered to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
The Mayor of Stockholm is also reported to have offered to host the event on behalf of Ukraine.
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.
The UK has stepped up as a replacement host on four separate occasions.
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How is the host of Eurovision chosen?
The country that wins the previous Eurovision Song Contest traditionally hosts the event the following year.
Turin played host this year after Italy’s Måneskin won in 2021 with “Zitti e buoni”.
But there are additional requirements when selecting the host city.
Executive supervisor of the song contest, Jon Ola Sand, said: “Choosing a host city is one of the most crucial decisions to take when it comes to the Eurovision Song Contest.
“Everything has to be scrutinised, it is not only talking to the city once or twice, you need sit down and negotiate down to the finest detail.”
The venue should accommodate around 10,000 spectators and the city should be within easy reach of an international airport, with accommodation for at least 2,000 delegates, journalists and fans.
Who was Ukraine’s entry?
The Ukrainian rap group Kalush Orchestra represented Ukraine at this year’s Eurovision.
Formed in 2019, the band is made up of rapper Oleh Psiuk, multi-instrumentalist Ihor Didenchuk, dancer Vlad Kurochka, sopilka player Vitalii Duzhyk and vocalists Tymofii Muzychuk and Oleksandr Slobodianyk.
The group were not the first choice for Ukraine at Eurovision as they placed second in the nation’s selection process, losing out to Alina Pash.
However, they were offered first prize in February after news broke out that Pash had travelled to the annexed region of Crimea.
Speaking to Eurovision about their music, the band said: “We’re showing off our roots, and we’re showing how to take something from the past and make it work for the present.
“That’s why we’ve found success at home, and we hope that we can find that sort of reception internationally, as well.”
They finished by saying: “We take something old, and we make it sound modern.”
What was their song about?
The group performed the song Stefania which was written by Pisuk to honour his mother.
