Eurovision 2023 will be held in the UK and hosted by the British Broadcasting Corporation BBC (BBC). This is reported by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Ukraine, which won this year, immediately gets into the final of the competition. The event cannot be held in Ukraine for security reasons, the statement said.
Chairman of the Board of the National Public Television and Radio Company of Ukraine Mykola Chernotitsky said that the contest will be held not in Ukraine, but in support of Ukraine. BBC CEO Tim Davy expressed regret that colleagues in Ukraine cannot host Eurovision 2023.
“To be invited to host the largest and most challenging music competition in the world is a great honor. The BBC will strive to make this event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture and showcase the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process of finding a host city to partner with us to deliver one of the UK's most exciting events in 2023."
The BBC has hosted Eurovision in London in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977, Edinburgh in 1972, Brighton in 1974, Harrogate in 1982 and Birmingham in 1998.
Earlier, the EBU announced that Eurovision 2023 will not be held in Ukraine.
“The decision was dictated by the obligation of the EBU to ensure that conditions are met that guarantee the safety of all workers and participants in this event. Its planning must begin immediately in the host country.”
According to the results of voting by the audience and the jury this year, the participants from Ukraine scored 631 points. Moreover, it was the audience votes that became decisive: the Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra received 439 points out of 480.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the winners on his Instagram: “Our courage amazes the world, our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision! For the third time in its history. And I believe it won't be the last. We will do everything so that one day the participants and guests of Eurovision will be hosted by Ukrainian Mariupol. Free, peaceful, rebuilt!” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also congratulated the Ukrainians. “This is a vivid reflection not only of your talent, but also of your unwavering support for your fight for freedom,” he wrote on Twitter.
The second and third places were taken by Great Britain and Spain. Russia was not allowed to compete because of the war in Ukraine.