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UK to host next year's Eurovision Song Contest instead of Ukraine
The UK will host the Eurovision Song Contest next year after organisers decided it could not be held in winning country Ukraine due to the ongoing war, the BBC reported.
The UK, which has hosted Eurovision eight times, was chosen after Sam Ryder came second in this year's contest.
Several UK cities have already expressed interest in hosting.
The country which wins usually stages the following year's competition. But show organisers the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) opened talks with the BBC last month after assessing the situation following Russia's invasion.
Oleh Psiuk, the lead singer of 2022 winners Kalush Orchestra, said he was "very sad" that Ukraine could not host the contest but he hoped it would "celebrate our beautiful, unique culture".
He added: "We, in turn, will make all efforts to help Ukraine win next year as well, so that Eurovision 2024 can take place in a peaceful country."
Ukraine: Kalush Orchestra - StefaniaUkraine have brought a hypnotic mix of rap, folk and a flute loop so funky, you'll remember for days... 🇺🇦 #Eurovision
Posted by Eurovision Song Contest on Tuesday, May 10, 2022
"The main thing is that we throw an amazing event that celebrates Ukraine - and one thing's for sure, we know how to throw a party here in the UK."
Officials have called for the singing competition to reflect and celebrate Ukrainian culture.
Ukraine destroys dozens of Russian ammunition depots by using HIMARS
Hosting Eurovision can be an expensive business. Azerbaijan reportedly spent £48 million on hosting the event in 2012.
A BBC spokesperson said the singing competition is a "a co-production of the host broadcaster and participating members of the EBU".
"There are a number of funding options to be explored that will contribute towards delivering a fantastic event and great value for licence fee payers."
Tickets usually go on sale a few months before the contest, once the specific venue is chosen.
Johnson tells Zelensky that British support for Ukraine will ‘not waver’
The date for the contest's Grand Final hasn't been announced yet but it usually happens in May.
Ukraine will automatically qualify for the Grand Final, as is usual for the winner, along with the so-called Big Five - which includes the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
They each go straight through to the final because of their financial contributions to the event.
Source: BBC
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