It hadn't happened for twenty-four years.

Next year, the UK will host Eurovision.

The country has agreed with Ukraine, winner of the competition last May, to host the next edition in its place due to the Russian invasion, the British government announced on Monday.

"Following a request from the European Broadcasting Union and the Ukrainian authorities, the BBC has agreed to host the competition next year," British Culture Minister Nadine Dorries said in a statement.

“I am sorry that due to the bloodbath still caused by Russia, it was not possible to host the event in Ukraine, where it should take place,” she insisted.

In June, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, considered that the security conditions were not met for Ukraine to organize the competition and launched negotiations with the United Kingdom, came second in Turin in May.

Reluctance from London

kyiv had initially denounced the decision to withdraw its hosting of the next edition, calling for additional negotiations.

London had expressed its reluctance to deprive Ukraine of the event, followed by tens of millions of fans of pop and glitter.

A spokesperson for the British government assured Monday that outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson was of the opinion that Ukraine should organize Eurovision and that "all options" had been considered for this, without success.

“But we are confident that the BBC and the UK will do their utmost to ensure the event celebrates and honors the country, people and creativity of Ukraine,” he said. precise.

A large part devoted to "the culture of Ukraine"

The BBC said the contest would give a big focus to "the culture and heritage of Ukraine".

The British public audiovisual group, which has been broadcasting Eurovision since 1956, will launch the selection process for the host city of the competition this week.

The EBU said Ukraine would automatically qualify for the final next year.

Big favorite, Kalush Orchestra had won the final of the competition in May with the song

Stefania

mixing hip-hop and traditional music, a very symbolic victory in the midst of the Russian invasion.

Briton Sam Ryder and his title

Space Man

had obtained second place, an unexpected place for the British accustomed to the bottom of the table in recent years, with even zero points in 2021. The United Kingdom has not hosted Eurovision since 1998, then in Birmingham, central England.

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  • Eurovision 2022

  • War in Ukraine

  • UK

  • Britain

  • Television