Who could host Eurovision 2023 for Ukraine?

EUROVISION Song Contest organisers have confirmed that the 2023 event cannot be held in Ukraine.

Despite traditions, due to the ongoing war following Russia's invasion the winning country will have to pass down their hosting responsibilities - but to which country?

Who could host Eurovision 2023 for Ukraine?

Kalush Orchestra overwhelmingly won the public support to be crowned Eurovision Song Contest winners 2022.

This means, per tradition Ukraine would have been in line to host Eurovision 2023.

However, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the show's organisers have concluded that after ''a full assessment and feasibility study'', Ukraine will not be hosting the 2023 event.

In light of the current circumstances, a number of countries have offered to host Eurovision 2023.

The UK has welcomed the possibility of hosting Eurovision, after Sam Ryder came second in the 2022 contest.

And this is not the first time - the UK has stepped up as a replacement host on four separate occasions.

Spain, one of the “big five,” has also reportedly offered to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

In Eurovision's history, there have been several instances where a previous year’s winner didn't host the contest.

The last time this happened was in 1980, when Netherlands hosted for 1979 winners Israel.

What has the European Broadcasting Union said?

In a statement the European Broadcasting Union said they have concluded that after ''a full assessment and feasibility study'', Ukraine will not be hosting next year's event.

'They said: 'The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most complex TV productions in the world with thousands working on, and attending, the event and 12 months of preparation time needed. 

''Following objective analysis, the Reference Group, the ESC’s governing board, has with deep regret concluded that, given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster to host, organise and produce the Eurovision Song Contest under the ESC Rules cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC.''

However, the EBU has shared their ''sadness and disappointment'' for Ukraine and aims to continue in supporting the country.

As a result of the decision, the EBU and the BBC will now begin discussions around the UK potentially hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

The EBU have also ensured that is a ''priority'' that Ukraine's win will be reflected in next year's show.

How is the host of Eurovision chosen?

The country that wins the previous Eurovision Song Contest traditionally hosts the event the following year.

Turin played host in 2022 after Italy’s Måneskin won in 2021 with “Zitti e buoni”.

But there are additional requirements when selecting the host city.

Executive supervisor of the song contest, Jon Ola Sand, said: “Choosing a host city is one of the most crucial decisions to take when it comes to the Eurovision Song Contest.

“Everything has to be scrutinised, it is not only talking to the city once or twice, you need sit down and negotiate down to the finest detail.”

The venue should accommodate around 10,000 spectators and the city should be within easy reach of an international airport, with accommodation for at least 2,000 delegates, journalists and fans.

Who was Ukraine's entry?

Rap group Kalush Orchestra represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2022.

Formed in 2019, the band is made up of rapper Oleh Psiuk, multi-instrumentalist Ihor Didenchuk, dancer Vlad Kurochka, sopilka player Vitalii Duzhyk and vocalists Tymofii Muzychuk and Oleksandr Slobodianyk.

The group were not the first choice for Ukraine at Eurovision as they placed second in the nation’s selection process, losing out to Alina Pash.

However, they were offered first prize in February after news broke out that Pash had travelled to the annexed region of Crimea.

Speaking to Eurovision about their music, the band said: “We’re showing off our roots, and we’re showing how to take something from the past and make it work for the present.

“That’s why we’ve found success at home, and we hope that we can find that sort of reception internationally, as well."

They finished by saying: "We take something old, and we make it sound modern.”

What was their song about?

The group performed the song Stefania which was written by Pisuk to honour his mother.

The song talks about how much his mother has aged and the hardships she faced.

However, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the words now have a new meaning.

Speaking to Eurovision they said: “We feel a big responsibility since we received permits to leave Ukraine to be here. We have a duty to be useful to our country at this moment.

“We didn’t have any opportunity to rehearse together for a long time, but now, we’ve gone into ‘extra mode’. We’re all very hard-working, and we’re all doing what we can to make this happen."

They added: “We’ve enjoyed seeing people singing our song, even if they didn’t know all the words. We really appreciate seeing people supporting Ukraine, and supporting us.”