There are many people who work to make Eurovision the contest that we know and love as it is today – the artists, the backing performers, the juries, the hosts, and everyone who works behind the scenes and backstage to make everything run as smoothly as possible. However, also amongst these are the commentators and spokespeople, who form an integral part of how all of us experience the contest at home. They bring a unique cultural standpoint, knowledge and humour to the broadcast. This article is to introduce and celebrate them.
If you’d like to find out more about who you’ll be seeing or hearing if you’re watching the contest at home, then look no further!
We’ll be updating this article as more news comes out about who will take viewers along for the Eurovision 2023 journey, and who will help deliver a final result at the end of it all!
🇦🇱 Albania: RTSH 1, RTSH Muzikë, Radio Tirana
Commentators: Andri Xhahu
Spokesperson: Andri Xhahu
Andri Xhahu does double duty for Albania this year as both their commentator and spokesperson. He has fulfilled both of these roles since 2012, as well as commentating on Albania’s first Eurovision broadcast in 2003. Xhahu is a television presenter and editor with RTSH. He has also been a juror for Festivali i Këngës and commentated on Festival di Sanremo for an Albanian audience. He can otherwise be heard as the host of radio show “Gjithçka Shqip”.
🇦🇲 Armenia: Armenia 1
Commentators: Hrachuhi Utmazyan and Hamlet Arakelyan
Spokesperson: Maléna
🇦🇺 Australia: SBS
Commentators: Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst
Spokesperson: Catherine Martin
Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst have been central to Australia’s Eurovision coverage since 2017, when both joined SBS’s commentary team. Since 2019, they have also been responsible for hosting Australia’s national final, Australia Decides. Outside of their Eurovision work, Joel Creasey is most well-known as a comedian and presenter, and Myf Warhurst as a presenter across radio and TV.
Catherine Martin is an Oscar-winning costume designer and production designer, most well-known for her work on Baz Luhrmann’s films. She is the most-awarded Australian in Oscar history.
🇦🇹 Austria: ORF 1, FM4
Commentators:
- ORF 1: Andi Knoll
- FM4 (grand final only, radio broadcast): Jan Böhmermann and Olli Schulz
Spokesperson: Philipp Hansa
Andi Knoll has provided Austria with Eurovision commentary almost every year since 1999! Outside of this, he is a radio and television presenter, and has been a regular host of Radio Ö3 since 1994.
Jan Böhmermann is a German comedian, presenter and satirist, known for his activism through a variety of publicity stunts. He currently presents Lass dich überwachen! and ZDF Magazin Royale on ZDF, alongside podcast Fest & Flauschig with Olli Schulz. Schulz is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and presenter, who found fame in indie rock group Olli Schulz & der Hund Marie. He regularly presents alongside Böhmermann, such as on ZDFneo show Schulz & Böhmermann.
Philipp Hansa is an Austrian radio presenter and actor. He has presented the jury votes from Austria every year since 2019, and is recognisable for his “EQUALITY” t-shirt. Outside of this, he has greeted Austria’s listeners on the morning show on HITRADIO Ö3 ever since 2015. He has also starred in a variety of independent films.
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan: İTV
Commentators: Azer Suleymanli
Spokesperson: Narmin Salmanova
Azer Suleymanli returns to the Azerbaijani commentary box this year, having previously commentated for iTV from 2016-2018. He is best known as the host of The Voice of Azerbaijan in recent years. However, he has a long history of presenting talent shows and music shows. He regularly hosts talks and education sessions about his work.
Narmin Salmanova is a newsreader, most well-known as the face of the 9pm news on iTV. This is the second year that she has presented Azerbaijan’s votes in the grand final. She is also one of the presenters on political commentary show “Diqqət Mərkəzi”.
🇧🇪 Belgium: VRT 1, Radio 2, Tipik, La Une
Commentators:
- VRT 1 (Dutch language, television broadcast): Peter Van de Veire
- Radio 2 (Dutch language, grand final only): Dirk Ghijs
- Tipik (French language television broadcast, semi-final one): Jean-Louis Lahaye and Maureen Louys
- La Une (French language television broadcast, semi-final two and grand final): Jean-Louis Lahaye and Maureen Louys
Spokesperson: Bart Cannaerts
Dutch-language commentator Peter Van de Veire has been providing Eurovision commentary since 2012 (with a one-year break in 2013). He is otherwise best-known for his music and children’s shows on Flemish radio.
Dirk Ghijs is a regular presenter on Radio 2, most often heard on morning show “Start Je Dag” and Saturday weekly review show “De Week Van Dirk”. he also describes himself on Twitter as a “party DJ” and voiceover performer.
Jean-Louis Lahaye has been one of Belgium’s French-language commentators almost every year since 2007, with Marueen Louys joining him almost every year since 2013. Maureen Louys has previously been Belgium’s spokesperson in 2007, 2009 and 2011. Lahaye is an actor and television presenter; Louys is a television presenter, best known for her work on The Voice Belgique, responsible for a few of Belgium’s most recent entrants!
Bart Cannaerts is a Flemish comedian and TV presenter. He is best known for his use of observational comedy and absurd humour. Last year, he came in second place in quiz show De Allerslimste Mens ter Wereld (The Smartest Person In The World).
🇨🇱 Chile: Canal 13
Chile will broadcast the grand final of Eurovision 2023 on Canal 13. Sergio Lagos and Rayén Araya will provide commentary.
🇭🇷 Croatia: HRT1, HR2
Commentators:
- HRT1 (television broadcast): Duško Ćurlić
- HR2 (radio broadcast): Zlatko Turkalj
Spokesperson: Maja Ciglenečki
Duško Ćurlić has provided commentary for Croatia at Eurovision almost every year since 2006, and was their spokesperson in 2002. He is an actor and television presenter, with his work including Dora, Croatia’s national selection show.
Zlatko Turkalj has provided radio commentary for Croatia almost every year since 2016. He is a journalist and radio presenter who has been gracing Croatian airwaves since the 1980s.
🇨🇾 Cyprus: RIK 1, RIK Sat
Commentators: Melina Karageorgiou and Alexandros Taramountas
Spokesperson: Loukas Hamatsos
Melina Karageorgiou and Alexandros Taramountas both return to the Cypriot commentary box this year, having commentated together for the first time in 2022. Karageorgiou previously provided both TV and radio commentary between 2008-2016. She is best known as a journalist and presenter for RIK News. Alexandros Taramountas made his debut last year as a Eurovision commentator, but is familiar to Cypriot viewers as host of RIK’s evening programming.
Loukas Hamatsos is a journalist and TV presenter, best known for being the face of RIK’s “We And Our World”. This year will mark his 11th time presenting Cyprus’ 12 points since 2000.
🇨🇿 Czechia: ČT2
Commentators: Jan Maxián
Spokesperson: Radka Rosická
Jan Maxián branches out solo this year, having commentated for the first time in 2021 alongside Lake Malawi’s Albert Černy. He is best known as a voice actor and musician, with roles under his belt including Frodo in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit, Edward Cullen in the Twilight saga, and Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
🇩🇰 Denmark: DR1
Commentators: Nicolai Molbech
Spokesperson: Tina Müller
Nicolai Molbech returns to the Danish commentary booth alone this year, having commentated alongside Henrik Milling for the past two years. However, he is not unfamiliar with the role; he previously commentated solo from 2008-2010. Molbech has been a radio presenter on Danish station P3 since 1992. Milling and Molbech have worked together previously on hit music show FunkShow’et på P3 from 1997 to 2001
🇪🇪 Estonia: ETV, ETV+, ETV2
Commentators:
- ETV (Estonian): Marko Reikop
- ETV+ (Russian): Aleksandr Hobotov and Julia Kalenda
- ETV2 will also provide signed commentary with multiple sign language interpreters
Spokesperson: Ragnar Klavan
Marko Reikop is a TV presenter who has provided Estonia’s Eurovision commentary since 1999. He is best-known for being one of the presenters on daily talk show Ringvaade. Aleksandr Hobotov has provided Russian-language commentary since 2016, and was first joined by Julia Kalenda in 2017. Both are TV and radio presenters.
Ragnar Klavan is a professional footballer, playing as a defender for clubs across Europe – including Liverpool! He is currently signed to Estonian team Paide Linnameeskond. He is the fifth most-capped player of all time for the Estonian national team, and has won the Estonian Footballer of the Year Award a record seven times.
🇫🇮 Finland: Yle TV1, Yle Areena, Yle Radio Suomi, YleX, Yle 3XM
Commentators:
- Yle TV1 and Yle Areena:
- Finnish: Mikko Silvennoinen
- Yle Areena
- Swedish: Eva Frantz and Johan Lindroos
- Inari Sami: Heli Huovinen
- Northern Sami: Aslak Paltto
- Russian (final): Levan Tvaltvadze
- Ukranian (final): Galyna Sergeyeva
- YleX (semi-final one and grand final): Sini Laitinen
- Yle Radio Suomi: Sanna Pirkkalainen
- Yle 3XM: Eva Frantz and Johan Lindroos
Spokesperson: Bess
Mikko Silvennoinen has been providing Finnish-language commentary for Eurovision since 2016. He is a journalist and TV presenter. He also provides commentary for Finland’s national selection, UMK.
Eva Frantz and Johan Lindroos have provided Swedish commentary together since 2011. Frantz is a journalist and author, most noted for her crime novels. Lindroos is the head of music at Yle Radio Suomi, as well as a video game commentator on YouTube. He describes himself on Instagram as a “C64 gamer, photoshopper & part-time Pöll-Johan”.
This year is second first time Finland have provided commentary in two Sami languages. Heli Huovinen, who will provide commentary in Inari Sami, is a Sami musician, actress and director. Aslak Paltto, who will provide commentary in Northern Sami, describes himself on his LinkedIn as a freelance journalist, reindeer herder and student. He is also a documentary filmmaker.
Levan Tvaltvadze is a journalist and songwriter, as well as the frontman of rock band Staroe kino. He first provided Russian-language commentary for Finland during the 2021 contest.
Galyna Sergeyeva will provide commentary in Ukrainian on Yle this year. She is a journalist who has previously worked for Ukrainian channel 1+1, before joining Yle in 2022 to present Yle Novyny News. Both she and Tvaltvadze provided commentary in their respective languages for this year’s edition of UMK.
Sini Laitinen is a YouTuber, best known as Papananaama – a name which references her freckles! She is also a radio presenter and trumpet player. She currently hosts the “Papananaaman K-Pop-show” on YleX, where she plays pop from South East Asia, an interest which she developed after studying abroad in Japan. Laitinen joined Janita Autio and Tuomas Kukkonen at Eurovision 2017 in Kyiv, where she provided social media content.
Sanna Pirkkalainen is a journalist and radio presenter. She is one of the hosts of podcast “Suuri tarina”, where guests tell stories about important events in their life, as well as radio show “Sanna ja Matti”. She provided radio commentary for this year’s edition of UMK.
Finland’s points will be presented by Bess, a singer well-known to Eurovision fans after she achieved third place in UMK 2022 with “Ram Pam Pam”. The song became a hit across Finland. She later won the Emma Award for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Pop of the Year and Most Streamed Domestic Song of the Year. Her second album, “Kädet ylös”, was released in April 2023.
🇫🇴 Faroe Islands: KVF
The Faroe Islands will broadcast all shows from Eurovision 2023. Commentary will be provided in Danish from Nicolai Molbech, and in Faroese by Gunnar Nolsøe and Siri Súsonnudóttir Hansen.
🇫🇷 France: Culturebox, France 2
Commentators:
- Culturebox (semi-finals): Anggun and André Manoukian
- France 2 (final): Stéphane Bern and Laurence Boccolini
Spokesperson: Anggun
Anggun will be recognisable to Eurovision fans as the French representative from the 2012 contest. She performed “Echo (You And I)” and finished in 22nd place. She has continued to be a major figure in both French and Indonesian TV and music, appearing as a singer, presenter and Got Talent judge across the franchises. In 2022, she appeared on Danse avec les stars.
André Manoukian is a French-Armenian musician who returns to the commentary box, having previously commentated for the semi-finals in 2018 and all shows for the 2019 contest. He is a jazz musician, actor and film composer. He may also be recognisable as one of the judges from Nouvelle Star, which he participated in for 15 years.
Laurence Boccolini is a French radio and television host who joined the French commentary team in 2021. She previously won the first season of The Masked Singer France, where she participated as Unicorn. Stéphane Bern made his French commentary debut in 2010, and joined the team as a regular fixture in 2015. He is a journalist, radio presenter and TV presenter, specialising in nobility and royalty according to his Wikipedia page!
🇬🇪 Georgia: 1TV
Commentators: Nika Lobiladze
Spokesperson: Archil Sulakvelidze
Nika Lobiladze has provided commentary for Georgia at Eurovision and Junior Eurovision since 2021. He is a journalist and TV presenter. He is a also co-founder, producer and presenter on Rugby TV, a channel dedicated to Rugby Union.
🇩🇪 Germany: One, Das Erste, DW Deutsch, DW Deutsch+
Commentators:
- One (all shows): Peter Urban
- Das Erste (final): Peter Urban
Spokesperson: Elton
Peter Urban has been Germany’s voice of Eurovision almost every year since 1997. He is a musician and radio host, currently at the helm for NDR’s Info-Nachtclub and NDR-2-Soundcheck Neue Musik. He has confirmed that 2023 will be his last year of providing commentary for Eurovision.
Elton is a presenter and comedian who rose to fame on Stefan Raab’s show TV Total. He is also an actor and voice actor, with credits including Puss In Boots, Beverly Hills Chihuahua and Halo 3.
🇬🇷 Greece: ERT1, Deftero Programma
Commentators:
- ERT1: Maria Kozakou and Jenny Melita
- Deftero Programma: Dimitris Meidanis, Maria Kozakou and Jenny Melita
Spokesperson: Fotis Sergoulopoulos
Maria Kozakou has been Greece’s Eurovision TV commentator almost every year since 2011, and for radio since 2006. Kozakou is a journalist, who teaches on Journalists About Journalism, an organisation focused on media literacy. She is joined by Jenny Melita, who makes her debut in the Greek commentary box. Melita is a presenter, radio host and YouTuber.
Fotis Sergoulopoulos is an actor and TV presenter who can most regularly be seen as one of the hosts of Proían Se Eídon tin Mesimvrían, alongside Melita. He previously provided commentary on the contest in 2007, and was a member of the Greek jury in 2021.
🇮🇸 Iceland: RÚV, RÚV2
Commentators:
- RÚV, RÚV2 (Icelandic television broadcast): Gísli Marteinn Baldursson
Spokesperson: Einar Stefánsson
Gísli has been Iceland’s Eurovision commentator between 2003-2005, and since 2016. He is a TV presenter and former politician, part of Reykjavík City Council as their deputy mayor. He currently hosts talk show Vikan með Gísla Marteini.
🇮🇪 Ireland: RTÉ One, RTÉ2
Commentators:
- RTÉ One (semi-final one and grand final): Marty Whelan
- RTÉ2 (semi-final two): Marty Whelan
- RTÉ 2FM (semi-final one ands grand final): Neil Doherty and Zbyszek Zalinski
Spokesperson: Niamh Kavanagh
Marty Whelan provided Ireland’s Eurovision commentary for the first time in 1987, and has done for every year since 2000. He is a TV and radio presenter, best known as the presenter of Marty in the Morning on RTÉ Lyric FM, which he has helmed for 13 years.
🇮🇱 Israel: Kan 11, Kan 88, Kan Educational, Kan Tarbut
Commentators:
- All shows: Asaf Liberman and Akiva Novick
- Grand final: Doron Medalie
Spokesperson: Ilanit
Asaf Liberman provided his first Eurovision commentary for Israel in 2018 before returning to the role in 2021, alongside Akiva Novick. He is a radio presenter and journalist, currently presenting morning radio show Kalman Liberman and investigative journalism shows Real Time and Everything Is Political. Novick is a journalist and podcast presenter.
Liberman and Novick will be joined for the grand final by Doron Medalie. Medalie is credited as one of the co-writers of Noa Kirel’s entry “Unicorn”, and has been involved in creating Israel’s Eurovision entry eight times. He is a songwriter, composer and artistic director. He is credited with being behind the “Revolution of Joy” which transformed Israeli pop music during the 2010s. In addition, has achieved 3 ACUM awards.
Ilanit was the first performer to represent Israel at Eurovision in 1973. She performed “Ey Sham”, finishing in fourth place. In 1977, she returned in the contest with “Ahava Hi Shir Lishnayim”. She was voted Israel’s top female singer every year from 1971 to 1977, and has recorded over 600 songs and more than 30 best-selling albums.
🇮🇹 Italy: Rai 1, Rai 2, Rai Radio 2
Commentators:
- Rai 2 (semi-finals): Gabriele Corsi and Mara Maionchi
- Rai 1 (final): Gabriele Corsi and Mara Maionchi
- Rai Radio 2 (radio broadcast): Mariolina Simone, Diletta Parlangeli and Saverio Raimondo
Spokesperson: Kaze
Gabriele Corsi made his Eurovision commentary debut in 2021. Corsi is an actor, comedian and presenter, part of the Trio Medusa. He is joined by Mara Maionchi, a music producer and presenter, who has been involved in the Italian music industry since the 1960s. She has recently been a judge on multiple seasons of The X Factor Italia. Additionally, she provided the Italian dub voice of Mamà Coco in Disney’s Coco.
Mariolina Simone is a television and radio presenter who can most regularly be found presenting Rai Radio 2 shows A tutto Radio 2 and Il momento migliore. She has acted as a juror at Sanremo and as a producer for Sanremo Giovani. Diletta Parlangeli is a journalist, author and presenter on Rai Radio 2. She regularly presents Prendila così. Comedian and presenter Saviero Raimondo returns to the commentary box, having made his debut in 2018. He has recently provided the voice for Ercole Visconti in Disney’s Luca – both the original English and Italian dub! He regularly hosts satirical show Caterpillar on Rai Radio 2.
Kaze is a singer, actor and nurse. She is originally from Kenya and Burundi, moving to Italy at 11. Her breakthrough role came in Amazon’s Dog Years in 2021, followed by Call My Agent Italia. She releases music in both French and Italian, and has recently released her latest single, “Sad”.
🇽🇰 Kosovo: RTK
Kosovan broadcaster RTK will show the 2023 edition of the contest. Commentary will be provided in Albanian by Jeta Çitaku and Ylber Asllanaj.
🇱🇻 Latvia: LTV1
Commentators:
- Semi-finals: Toms Grēviņš
- Grand final: Toms Grēviņš and Lauris Reiniks
Spokesperson: Jānis Pētersons
Toms Grēviņš is a DJ, presenter and music journalistm responsible for the creation of two of Latvia’s national radio stations – Radio 101 and Latvijas Radio 5, where he presents the morning show. He is responsible for the Give Five initiative, where listeners can request a song by donating at least 5 euros to charity. He has been Latvia’s Eurovision commentator since 2015, and was their spokesperson in 2016.
Lauris Reiniks, Latvia’s “King of YouTube”, joins Grēviņš for the grand final. Reiniks is no stranger to Eurovision, despite making his commentary debut this year. In 2003, he represented Latvia at the contest as part of the group F.L.Y. with Hello From Mars. He has since written songs for multiple preselections alongside his career as an actor, presenter, musician, and Dancing With The Stars winner.
🇱🇹 Lithuania: LRT televizija, LRT radijas
Commentators: Ramūnas Zilnys
Spokesperson: Monika Liu
Ramūnas Zilnys is currently the head of popular music at LRT. He is a journalist and music reviewer , who has been working in the Lithuanian radio and music industry since he was 13! In 2023, he was a juror in Lithuania’s national selection, Pabandom iš Naujo.
Monika Liu represented Lithuania at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest with “Sentimentai”. She achieved 14th place in the grand final. Following this, she has released two new solo singles and two collaborations, one with Jauti and one with a variety of other Lithuanian artists. “Sentimentai” was awarded Song Of The Year at the M.A.M.A. Awards in 2023.
🇲🇹 Malta: PBS
Commentators: Malta will not provide commentary as part of their Eurovision broadcasts in 2023.
Spokesperson: Ryan Hili
Ryan Hili is a singer who achieved second place in this year’s edition of MESC. He previously won Malta’s edition of The X Factor.
🇲🇩 Moldova: TRM
Commentators: Ion Jalbă
Spokesperson: Doina Stimpovschi
We don’t yet know much about Moldova’s Eurovision broadcasts, but we’ll update you as soon as we do!
🇲🇪 Montenegro: RTCG
Montenegro will broadcast all shows for Eurovision 2023 on TVCG 2. Commentary will be provided by Dražen Bauković and Tijana Mišković.
🇳🇱 The Netherlands: NPO 1, BVN, NPO Radio 2
Commentators:
- NPO 1 and BVN: Cornald Maas and Jan Smit
- NPO Radio 2: Wouter van der Goes and Frank van ‘t Hof
Spokesperson: S10
Cornald Maas has commentated on Eurovision in The Netherlands almost every year since 2004. He is a television presenter and was the creative advisor for the contest’s two(ish) years in Rotterdam. He was the spokesperson for The Netherlands in 2013. Jan Smit returns to his role behind the camera again this year, following his role as host of the 2021 contest in Rotterdam. He has commentated on Eurovision every other year since 2013, and is otherwise known as a singer and presenter. He is a current member of The Toppers.
Wouter van der Goes is a radio DJ. He began his work on radio aged 12 as he discovered a love of tinkering with audio equipment, and later begun working with local radio and pirate radio stations alongside his day job as an insurance broker. He is currently the programme director for Q-Music. Frank van ‘t Hof is a radio DJ and producer. Until 202, he could regularly be heard on NPO’s morning shows. He currently presents Wout & Frank alongside van der Goes on Friday afternoons on NPO Radio 2.
S10 represented The Netherlands at Eurovision 2022 with “De Diepte”. She ultimately finished in 11th place in the grand final. Following her time on the Eurovision stage, she released her third album, Ik besta voor altijd zolang jij aan mij denkt, which reached sixth in the Dutch album charts. She has also released collaborations with Froukje and Mula B.
🇲🇰 North Macedonia: MRT 1
North Macedonia will broadcast all shows for Eurovision 2023 on MRT 1. Aleksandra Jovanovska and Eli Tanaskovska will provide commentary.
🇳🇴 Norway: NRK1
Commentators: Marte Stokstad
Spokesperson: Ben Adams
Marte Stokstad is a journalist and presenter who has previously been involved with MGP and began her role as Eurovision commentator in 2021. Between 2013 and 2019, she headed the Adresse series at NRK , in which experts and Eurovision fans review the participating songs of each year prior to the contest.
Outside of a mask, Ben Adams is best known as a member of BRIT-Award winning boyband A1. Behind a mask, he represented Norway at Eurovision 2022 as one of the members of Subwoolfer with “Give That Wolf A Banana”. They achieved 10th place in the grand final.
🇵🇱 Poland: TVP1, TVP Polonia
Commentators: Aleksander Sikora and Marek Sierocki
Spokesperson: Ida Nowakowska
Aleksander Sikora and Marek Sierocki made their commentary debut together as a duo in 2021. Sikora is a presenter and actor, who may be recognisable to Eurovision fans as one of the presenters of Junior Eurovision 2019 in Gliwice. He was also one of the presenters for the 2022 and 2023 editions of national final Tu bije serce Europy! Wybieramy hit na Eurowizję! Sierocki is a journalist, singer, accordionist and artistic director. He began his career in the Polish music industry in 1980, and has hosted a variety of musical-themed programmes, concerts and festivals. Since 2010, he has published a variety of compilations under the Marek Sierocki przedstawia collection.
Ida Nowakowska is an actress, dancer and presenter. She was a finalist on the first season of the Polish edition of So You Think You Can Dance, then returned as a judge for the ninth season. She can also be seen as a presenter on the Polish editions of Junior Bake Off and The Voice Kids. Nowakowska also hosted the 2019 and 2020 editions of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, and presented Poland’s jury votes for the main contest in 2021 and 2022.
🇵🇹 Portugal: RTP, RTP Internacional, RTP África
Commentators: José Carlos Malato and Nuno Galopim
Spokesperson: Maro
Nuno Galopim has provided Eurovision commentary for Portugal since 2016, although this will be his first year as a solo commentator. He has also commentated on Junior Eurovision since 2017. Galopim is an author and presenter, who has worked across music, TV, radio and film in a wide variety of roles in front and behind the camera. He is joined this year in the commentary box by José Carlos Malato, a presenter, copywriter and college teacher. He has presented multiple editions of Festival da Canção since 2014.
🇷🇴 Romania: TVR 1, TVRi
Commentators: Bogdan Stănescu and Kyrie Mendel
Spokesperson: Eda Marcus
Bogdan Stănescu first provided commentary for Romania in 2014-15, then returned to the commentary box in 2019. He has commentated every year since. Stănescu is most commonly seen on TVR’s entertainment programming, having also provided commentary on events including the Oscars, the Grammys and the Golden Globes. He has also presented Selecția Națională. Kyrie Mendel is a singer who has previously participated in Romania’s national selections, most recently with “Hurricane” in 2022. He returns to the commentary box for the second year on a row.
Eda Marcus is a television presenter, who may be familiar to Eurovision fans as the presenter of Selecția Națională. She is also a sports journalist. She was due to announce Romania’s votes for the 2022 contest, but did not as the country’s jury votes were disqualified. Marcus has previously shared that she had been a lifelong fan of the contest, and that representing Romania has been a lifelong dream for her.
🇸🇲 San Marino: San Marino RTV, Radio San Marino
Commentators: Lia Fiorio and Gigi Restivo
Spokesperson: John Kennedy O’Connor
Lia Fiorio and Gigi Restivo have provided commentary for San Mario ever since their contest debut in 2008. Fiorio is a radio and television presenter, who has been heard on Radio San Marino since 1976. Restivo is a radio presenter and voice actor.
John Kennedy O’Connor returns to the Sammarinese spokesperson role for the third time, having presented their twelve points in 2013 and 2018. He also provided English-language commentary between 2014-2016. He is a broadcaster and author, currently most regularly seen as the news anchor for NBC and CBS Northern California channels KIEM-TV and KVIQ-LD. O’Connor is the author of The Eurovision Song Contest – The Official History and The Eurovision Song Contest: The Official Celebration.
🇷🇸 Serbia: RTS 3, RTS 1, RTS Svet
Commentators:
- RTS 3 (semi-finals): Duška Vučinić
- RTS 1 (grand final): Duška Vučinić
- RTS Svet (all shows): Duška Vučinić
Spokesperson: Dragana Kosjerina
Duška Vučinić lives and breathes Eurovision. She has provided Serbia’s commentary for the contest almost every year since 2003, has been the Head of Delegation since the same year, and was the Executive Producer for the 2008 contest in Belgrade. She is a presenter, journalist and director who currently serves as Head of Press and Public Relations at RTS.
🇸🇰 Slovakia: Rádio FM
Slovakia’s Rádio FM will provide a radio broadcast of the Eurovision 2022 final only. The commentators will be Daniel Baláž, Lucia Haverlík, Pavol Hubinák and Juraj Malíček.
🇸🇮 Slovenia: TV SLO 1, TV SLO 2, Radio Val 202, Radio Maribor
Commentators:
- TV SLO 2 (semi-finals television broadcast): Andrej Hofer
- TV SLO 1 (final television broadcast): Andrej Hofer
- Radio Val 202 and Radio Maribor (semi-final 2 and final radio broadcast): Maja Stepančič, Maruša Kerec and Neja Jerant
Spokesperson: Melani Mekicar
Andrej Hofer has provided Slovenia’s Eurovision commentary almost every year since 2008. He is a journalist and TV presenter, regularly found on breakfast TV shows. His Wikipedia page notes his first place at the 1985 Festivalu otroške popevke Zlati srček (Golden Heart Children’s Song Festival), aged 13 years old.
Maja Stepančič is a journalist and radio presenter who has been with RTV Slovenija since 2014. She is also a freelance translator. Maruša Kerec is also a journalist and radio presenter, who has been presenting since she was a student. She first provided radio commentary for Slovenia at Eurovision in 2011. Neja Jerant is a journalist at Val 202 and makes her commentary debut this year.
🇪🇸 Spain: La 1, La 2, TVE Internacional, Radio Nacional
Commentators:
- La 1 (semi-final one): Tony Aguilar and Julia Varela
- La 2 (semi-final two and grand final): Tony Aguilar and Julia Varela
- TVE Internacional (final): Tony Aguilar and Julia Varela
- Radio Nacional (final): David Asensio, Imanol Durán, Irene Vaquero and Ángela Fernández
Spokesperson: Ruth Lorenzo
Tony Aguilar joined Julia Varela on the Spanish commentary team in 2018. He is a radio DJ and TV presenter, currently hosting the 40 Global Show which airs across 12 Spanish-speaking countries. He also regularly appears as a guest on panel shows, or judging panels on a variety of television talent shows. Julia Varela begun providing Eurovision commentary in 2015, She is a presenter, newsreader and director, found presenting TVE’s current affairs programming. She released her first novel in 2019 – ¿Por qué me pido un gin tonic si no me gusta? (Why do I order a gin and tonic if I don’t like it?)
David Asensio and Imanol Durán return to the Radio Nacional commentary box from the 2022 contest. Asensio is a presenter who has been with RTVE since 2013. Durán is a journalist who first provided radio commentary for Spain in 20212. They are joined by newcomers Irene Vaquero and Ángela Fernández. Vaquero is a presenter and graphic designer. Fernández is a radio presenter, who can most often be found on RNE’s afternoon show and corresponding podcast.
Ruth Lorenzo achieved 10th place at Eurovision in 2014 with her song “Dancing In The Rain”. She will also be recognisable to UK viewers after achieving fifth place in the UK series of The X Factor in 2008. In the years since, she has released two albums (with a third on the way). appeared as a guest judge on Drag Race España and broken the Guinness World Record for the most concerts held in 24 hours, as she performed 8 concerts in different towns to raise money for breast cancer research.
🇸🇪 Sweden: SVT1, SR P4
Commentators:
- SVT1 (television broadcast, semi-finals): Edward af Sillén
- SVT1 (television broadcast, final): Edward af Sillén and Måns Zelmerlöw
- SR P4 (radio broadcast): Carolina Norén
Spokesperson: Farah Abadi
Edward af Sillén has presented Sweden’s Eurovision coverage almost every year since 2009. He is a screenwriter and director, who has been heavily involved in Eurovision’s production in the part, including being one of the writers responsible for 2016’s Love Love Peace Peace. His most recent success has been the film En del av mitt hjärta (A Piece of My Heart), a jukebox musical based on the work of Tomas Ledin. Måns Zelmerlöw won Eurovision in 2015 with “Heroes”. Following this, he hosted the contest in 2016 alongside Petra Mede, and joined the commentary team in 2017. He is currently presenting the Eurovisioncast podcast for the BBC.
Carolina Norén has provided radio commentary for Sweden at Eurovision since 1999, and also provides commentary on Melodifestivalen. She has been the head of chart show Svensktoppen since 2007, and regularly presents or appears on other music-orientated and panel radio shows.
Farah Abadi is a television and radio presenter who has hosted the last two editions of Melodifestivalen. She is well-known for her work on music-themed programmes, including Sommarlov and Musikhjälpen. In 2016, she was a reporter for the Eurovision preview show Studio Eurovision.
🇨🇭 Switzerland: SRF 1, SRF zwei, RTS1, RTS2, RSI La 1, RSI La 2
Commentators:
- German language commentary:
- SRF zwei (semi-finals): Sven Epiney
- SRF 1 (final): Sven Epiney
- French language commentary
- RTS 2 (semi-finals): Jean-Marc Richard, Nicolas Tanner and Priscilla Formaz
- RTS 1 (final): Jean-Marc Richard, Nicolas Tanner and Priscilla Formaz
- Italian language commentary
- RSI La 2 (semi-finals): Ellis Cavallini and Gian-Andrea Costa
- RSI La 1 (final): Ellis Cavallini and Gian-Andrea Costa
Spokesperson: Chiara Dubey
Sven Epiney has provided commentary on Eurovision for Switzerland since 2008. Outside of this, he is a TV presenter, radio host and editor, and has presented The Voice of Switzerland and former Swiss national final shows. He was the Swiss spokesperson for Eurovision in 2007.
Jean-Marc Richard has provided Eurovision commentary almost every year since 1992. He is a radio and television presenter, and hosts multiple music competitions on RTS, as well as Miss Switzerland. Nicolas Tanner has joined Richard in the commentary seat every year since 2008, and is also a radio and TV presenter. Priscilla Formaz makes her commentary debut this year. She is a comedian who is known for her musical parodies, as well as a jazz singer and musician. She has also learnt rotoscope animation for “Siffler c’est pas polite”, a project tackling harassment.
Ellis Cavallini is a radio presenter with RSI, who started a podcast about her passion for music in her teens. From this, she was offered a position with a national radio station. Gian-Andrea Costa is the head of the Italian language music department at RTS, and is a renowned bass player. Both make their commentary debuts this year.
Chiara Dubey is a singer and violin player. She has attempted to represent Switzerland in previous Eurovision selections – in 2012, 2013 and 2018. She has also been one of the members of the Swiss jury at the contest.
🇺🇦 Ukraine: UA:Kultura, Radio Promin
Commentators:
- UA:Kultura (television broadcast): Timur Miroshnychenko
- UA Radio Promin (radio broadcast): Timur Miroshnychenko
Spokesperson: Zlata Ognevich
Timur Miroshnychenko has been Ukraine’s Eurovision commentator almost every year since 2007 – with the notable exception of 2017, when he appeared in front of the camera as one of the three hosts of the contest. Famously, he provided commentary on the 2022 edition of the contest from inside a bomb shelter. He has also commentated on Junior Eurovision since 2005, and presented the contest in 2009 and 2013. He is also producing content this year in Liverpool, including as a presenter on this year’s Turquoise carpet and in material to be broadcast during the live shows.
Zlata Ognevich represented Ukraine at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest with “Gravity”. She placed third in the grand final. She has continued to release music since her appearance at the contest, and has also served as a member of the Ukrainian parliament. In 2021, she became the winner of the Ukrainian edition of The Masked Singer. She was awarded the Order of Princess Olga III in 2022 for her contributions to Ukrainian cultural life.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: BBC1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Merseyside
Commentators:
- BBC1 (semi-finals), BBC Radio 2 (radio broadcast, final): Scott Mills and Rylan Clark
- BBC1 (final): Mel Giedroyc and Graham Norton
- BBC Radio 2 (radio broadcast, semi-finals): Paddy O’Connell
- BBC Radio Merseyside (radio broadcast): Clare Sweeney and Paul Quinn
- BBC iPlayer will also provide sign language commentary for the grand final with various interpreters
Spokesperson: Catherine Tate
Scott Mills is a DJ and radio presenter who has commentated on the Eurovision semi-finals in the UK since 2011. He has also been the UK spokesperson in 2010, and from 2012-2014. He is the current presenter of the weekly top 40 chart show. Rylan Clark joined the semi-final commentary team in 2018, and has participated almost every year since. He, too, has been the UK’s spokesperson (in 2019). He is best known for his work as a presenter and participant in reality TV shows.
Mel Giedroyc returns to the UK commentary booth this year, having previously joined Scott Mills for the semi-finals between 2015-2017. She was also the spokesperson for the UK in 2018. Outside of Eurovision, she is best known for her work with fellow comedian Sue Perkins, including their stint as presenters on The Great British Bake Off.
Graham Norton has provided commentary on the Eurovision final since 2009. He is a presenter best known for hosting comedy chat show The Graham Norton Show, and for being a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Ken Bruce has provided radio coverage of Eurovision since 1988. He is best known for hosting BBC Radio 2’s morning show, which he has done since 1992. He was the UK’s spokesperson in 1998. This year, he combines his commentary duties with hosting the show alongside Julia Sanina, Hannah Waddingham and Alesha Dixon!
Paddy O’Connell replaces Ken Bruce as the commentator for the semi-finals on BBC Radio 2. He previously provided commentary on the semi-finals between 2004-2010. He currently presents BBC Radio 4’s current affairs programme Broadcasting House, and has an extensive history of news reporting.
Claire Sweeney is a Liverpudlian actress, best known for her work in musical theatre. She has played some of theatre’s most iconic roles, including Velma Kelly in Chicago and Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. She will provide an “alternative Scouse commentary” for BBC Radio Merseyside alongside Paul Quinn, a civil servant, who was selected to join her through the “Voice of Eurovision” talent search.
Catherine Tate is an actor and comedian, who may be most recognisable to viewers through her sketch show The Catherine Tate Show, or for her role as companion Donna Noble on Doctor Who. More recently, she has written and starred as multiple roles in Netflix’s Hard Cell.
🇺🇸 USA: Peacock
Peacock will broadcast all shows for Eurovision 2023 for viewers in the USA. Figure skater Johnny Weir will once again provide commentary. Weir is a massive Eurovision fan, as evidenced by his numerous videos skating to Eurovision songs and his reaction to landing last year’s commentating gig.
We’ll keep updating this guide as more names are revealed! In the meantime, keep following That Eurovision Site across our website and social media for the latest news and updates on Eurovision 2023 and beyond – at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.!
News source: Eurovoix
Photo source: Suspilne
