Liverpool will host the 2023 Eurovision Track Contest for Ukraine : NPR

LONDON — The 2023 Eurovision Track Contest will likely be staged within the English metropolis of Liverpool, the BBC mentioned Friday, after Britain was requested to carry the occasion on behalf of designated host nation Ukraine.

The birthplace of The Beatles beat Glasgow, Scotland, the opposite U.Okay. finalist. In all, seven British cities had utilized to carry the pan-continental music competitors. The 2023 Eurovision last will likely be held on Could 13.

Ukraine received the precise to host the pop extravaganza when its entry, folk-rap ensemble Kalush Orchestra, received this yr’s contest. Britain’s Sam Ryder got here second.

Organizers concluded it was too dangerous to stage the occasion in Ukraine, so the 2023 contest went to Britain, which says the occasion will likely be a celebration of Ukrainian tradition and creativity.

BBC Director-Basic Tim Davie mentioned Liverpool, “the undisputed capital of pop music,” could be “an incredible host.” British Prime Minister Liz Truss mentioned on Twitter that “Liverpool will placed on an unforgettable present which celebrates the wealthy tradition and creativity of Ukraine.”

Kalush Orchestra mentioned it was happy with the selection.

“Taking part in in the identical place that The Beatles began out will likely be a second we’ll always remember!” the band mentioned. “Though we’re unhappy that subsequent yr’s competitors can’t happen in our homeland, we all know that the individuals of Liverpool will likely be heat hosts and the organizers will have the ability to add an actual Ukrainian taste to Eurovision 2023 on this metropolis.”

Based in 1956 to assist unite a continent scarred by World Struggle II, Eurovision has grown to incorporate greater than 40 international locations, together with non-European nations corresponding to Israel and Australia.

Organizers try to maintain pop and politics aside — banning overtly political symbols and lyrics — however international tensions have usually imposed themselves on the competition. Russia was kicked out of this yr’s competitors due to its invasion of Ukraine.