Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Final TWO cities in the running revealed

Earlier this year, we were all super excited to hear that the Eurovision Song Contest would be coming to the UK next year, and with seven cities in the shortlist to host the prestigious show, we've all been eagerly waiting to find out who will be hosting.

Now, while we're probably all secretly hope it's the city nearest where we live, it looks like we'll have to wait a little longer before we find out! It was announced today (27th September), that the shortlist has now been narrowed down to just TWO potential cities - Glasgow and Liverpool.

The news was revealed on Eurovision's official Twitter where they tweeted a short video saying: 'And then there were two…

'We can now reveal that #Eurovision 2023 will be hosted in either Glasgow or Liverpool 🥳

'Learn all about the final two here'.

Way back in May on Saturday 14th, Ukraine was crowned the 2022 winners of the Eurovision Song Contest in Italy, with our entry Sam Ryder finishing in second place with his hit song 'Space Man', causing the UK to celebrate our most successful entry in a very long time.

Which cities were in the Eurovision 2023 shortlist?

Starting during the week commencing 25th July 2022, the Host City bidding saw a shortlist of seven cities announced on 12th August. The seven cities shortlisted were:

Birmingham

Glasgow

Leeds

Liverpool

Manchester

Newcastle

Sheffield

Before the shortlist was announced on 12th August, there were 16 cities in the UK initially in the running to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, including: Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and Wolverhampton.

Why isn't Ukraine hosting Eurovision 2023?

As fans will know, it is usually the country that wins the competition that goes on to host the Eurovision Song Contest the following year. However, after Ukraine's fantastic win back in May, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) officially confirmed that due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, it would be the UK who would host next year's competition.

As last year's winners, Ukraine will automatically qualify for the Grand Final along with ‘Big 5’ (which includes United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France and Italy).

The EBU's statement about the Eurovision Song Contest 2023:

Earlier this year, the EBU released a statement to confirm the BBC were in talks to host the 2023 contest in the UK.

The statement read: 'Following their win at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in May the EBU has been exploring options for the hosting of next year’s competition with Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC, who previously staged the event in 2017 and 2005.

'It has become a well-known tradition that the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest hosts the competition the following year, providing certain criteria including ensuring the viability of staging the event and the safety of all stakeholders, including the public, are met.

'Given the ongoing war since the Russian invasion of this year’s winning country, the EBU has taken the time to conduct a full assessment and feasibility study with both UA:PBC and third-party specialists including on safety and security issues.

'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, organize and produce the Eurovision Song Contest under the ESC Rules cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC.

'The EBU would like to thank UA:PBC for their wholehearted cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios in the weeks since Kalush Orchestra’s win on 14 May in Turin and share their sadness and disappointment that next year’s Contest cannot be held in Ukraine.

'The EBU has been supporting UA:PBC across a whole range of areas since the invasion. We will ensure that this support continues so UA:PBC can maintain the indispensable service they provide to Ukrainians.'

The statement went on to reveal the EBU were in discussions with the BBC, for the potential of the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the United Kingdom in 2023.

It goes on to say: 'As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year’s runner up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom.

'It is our full intention that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts.'

When will Eurovision 2023 take place?

The date for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 has not yet been confirmed.

Check out the most watched Eurovision performances of all time:

Now read:

12 facts you probably didn’t know about the Eurovision Song Contest

11 most memorable Eurovision Song Contest performances ever

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