The planning for the next Eurovision Song Contest is underway, marked by a significant decision that will shape the event in the coming year. Despite Kalush Orchestra winning for Ukraine, the Eurovision stage in 2023 will not be hosted by Ukraine, the European Broadcasting Union announced in a press release on Friday. The decision reflects the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the challenges the country faces amid its war with Russia. The panel responsible for Eurovision decisions stated with regret that under the current circumstances the operational and safety guarantees required by the Contest Rules for a broadcaster to host, organize, and produce Eurovision cannot be met, as outlined by UA:PBC, Ukraine’s public television broadcaster.
In an interview with El Periódico, a publication of the Prensa Ibérica group, José Manuel Pérez Tornero, head of RTVE, explained that the EBU has begun conversations with the British Broadcasting Corporation, which finished second this year. England is positioned to host Eurovision in 2023, while the Kalush Orchestra milestone continues to be celebrated. RTVE signaled that Ukraine’s victory should be acknowledged in the next year’s shows, and hosting arrangements will be a key priority in talks with the eventual hosts.
The EBU expressed gratitude to UA:PBC for its full cooperation and willingness to explore all stages after Kalush Orchestra’s Turin win on May 14. The federation also acknowledged the sorrow and disappointment that next year’s Festival could not take place in Ukraine. The alliance emphasized that support to UA:PBC will continue to ensure the broadcaster can provide essential services to the Ukrainian people during this difficult period.
Ukraine earned victory in Eurovision 2022 with the song Stefania, obtaining 439 points from the jury and 192 from the professional panel, a performance that captured a broad television audience. The United Kingdom finished in second place with Sam Ryder, followed by Spain, which achieved a historical high score of 459 and secured a strong third position. The year also featured a moment that will be remembered for its controversy and the handling of votes. The organizers noted an irregular voting pattern detected among six participating countries and subsequently applied a proxy aggregate method to determine a final ranking.
Despite the confusion around the voting process, the EBU maintained that the solution was appropriate and reaffirmed the final standings of Eurovision 2022. The incident underscored the importance of transparency and clear procedures in a competition watched by millions around the world, including fans in North America who follow the event closely through international broadcasts and online platforms. The decision to move hosting duties to another nation was framed as a prudent step to preserve safety, broadcast quality, and event integrity without compromising the celebratory spirit of Eurovision.
From the perspective of North American audiences, the shift in hosting responsibilities does not diminish the appeal of Eurovision. The contest continues to showcase a wide range of musical styles, dramatic performances, and cultural moments that resonate across the United States and Canada. Viewers in these markets can expect continued access to the competition through local broadcasters and digital platforms, with extended coverage that explains the context of Ukraine’s situation and the ongoing support from the Eurovision community. The release also highlights the value of international cooperation in a global event, where partnerships with broadcasters in the United Kingdom and other countries help ensure a high standard of production and a memorable experience for fans worldwide. The Eurovision family remains committed to honoring Ukraine’s past victory while planning a compelling and inclusive edition for audiences in North America and beyond.