Well, it just turned midnight in Central Europe, and with that, there’s only one thing we have to say
LET THE 2023 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST SEASON BEGIN!!!
Rewinding back to May, Ukraine won the competition in Turin with Kalush Orchestra and their entry “Stefania”. Normally, the winning country would win the right to host the competition the following year. Unfortunately, after extensive consultation, it’s been confirmed that Ukraine won’t be able to host next year’s competition. The hosting duties were then passed to the runners-up; the United Kingdom.
With it, we are only about eight months in, until we head to the United Kingdom for the 67th edition of the competitions. Host broadcaster BBC is certainly working hard to ensure we have a great competition. It has been over 20 YEARS!!! since the UK last hosted the competition in 1998, where Dana International won with her entry “Diva” in Birmingham.
What to expect in the United Kingdom?
After the confirmation that the UK will be hosting the contest, numerous cities have expressed their interest. At the time of writing, seven cities (Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield) have been shortlisted to host next year’s competition.
Who will we see or won’t see in the United Kingdom?
With the 2023 Eurovision season just starting, some countries have already confirmed that they will be participating in next year’s competition. However, despite confirming their participation, the selection method for their Eurovision 2023 entry, is yet to be confirmed:
- Albania – Submissions for Festivali i Këngës 61 have opened.
- Belgium – It’s been confirmed that a National Final will be used to select Belgium’s 64th representative.
- Cyprus – It has been confirmed that Cyprus will be internally selecting its 39th representative.
- Estonia – It is yet to be revealed how Estonia will be selecting its 28th representative.
- Finland – YLE will be using UMK once again to select its 56th representative.
- France – France Télévision has confirmed that C’est Vous Qui Decidez will be used to select its 65th representative.
- Georgia – GPB has confirmed that the latest season of The Voice of Georgia will be used to select its 15th representative.
- Greece – Greece is currently accepting proposals from record labels for the search of its 43rd representative.
- Iceland – Söngvakeppnin will be used to select Iceland’s 35th representative, with the final taking place on March 4, 2023.
- Israel – Noa Kirel has been announced as Israel’s representative, making her the first artist for this season.
- Italy – The dates for Sanremo 2023 have been announced, with the final taking place on February 11, 2023. It is yet to be confirmed if Sanremo will be used to select Italy’s 48th representative.
- Latvia – It is yet to be revealed how Latvia will be selecting its 23rd representative.
- Lithuania – It is yet to be revealed how Lithuania will be selecting its 23rd representative.
- Netherlands – AVROTROS has just closed submissions on the search for its 63rd representative.
- Norway – Melodi Grand Prix will be used to select its 61st representative.
- San Marino – It has been announced that Una Voce Per San Marino will return for a 2nd year to select San Marino’s 13th representative, with the final taking place on February 25, 2023.
- Serbia – It is yet to be revealed how Serbia will be selecting its 15th representative.
- Spain – Benidorm Fest will be used to select Spain’s 62nd representative, with the final taking place on February 4, 2023.
- Sweden – Melodifestivalen will be used to select Sweden’s 62nd representative, with the final taking place on March 11, 2023.
- Switzerland – SRF has opened the submissions for the search for Switzerland’s 63rd representative and will close on the 8th of September.
- Ukraine – It’s been revealed that a National Final will be used to select Ukraine’s 18th representative, which will take place in December.
- United Kingdom (Host Country) – It is yet to be revealed how the United Kingdom will be selecting its 65th representative.
The following countries have participated previously, but have not publicly confirmed their participation in next year’s competition:
- Armenia
- Australia – Australia has been granted the right to participate in the competition until 2023.
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia – North Macedonia’s HoD Meri Popova has outlined a report on how to improve the country’s participation in the competition in the long term.
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Turkey
The following countries have also confirmed that they will not be participating in next year’s competition.
- Andorra – Despite past Eurovision representatives supporting Andorra’s return, it’s revealed that a return is not currently in the cards.
- Belarus – BTRC’s EBU Membership was suspended, with the EBU confirming that this is indefinite, but is subject to continual review.
- Lichtenstein – 1 FLTV has announced that its no longer aiming to apply for an EBU membership.
- Luxembourg
- Russia – The EBU has permanently suspended the membership of its Russian members, this is indefinite, and will be reviewed regularly.
Are you excited about the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest? Which city do you think will be the host of next year’s competition? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tik-Tok as we gear up for Eurovision 2023!
News Sources: Various
Photo Source: EBU
