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Sam Ryder offers support to Ukraine as UK confirmed as Eurovision 2023 host: ‘It’s Ukraine’s party, we’re just inviting them to throw it at our house’-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro
‘We know how to throw a party here in the UK’, he assured.
The singer hopes next year’s contest will be a celebration of Ukraine’s culture, history, and music (Picture: Getty)
Sam Ryder has responded following confirmation that the UK will host the Eurovision Song Contest next year, in place of Ukraine.
The singer defied all the odds earlier this year when he triumphed in Eurovision 2022, finishing in second place with Kalush Orchestra taking the trophy.
However, due to the ongoing war with Russia, it was confirmed on Monday that Ukraine had been ruled out of hosting duties and, as runners up, the UK would step in.
It is yet to be decided which city the contest will be held in, but the likes of Manchester, Glasgow, London, and Birmingham are all in the mix.
Speaking out after the news was made public by the BBC, Space Man hitmaker Sam released a video to share his thoughts, and to send his love to the Ukrainian people.
‘Hey, friends. Just a couple of thoughts’, he began in the clip shared to Twitter.
‘It’s Ukraine’s party, we’re just inviting them to throw it at our house’, he said, making it clear that he wants the 2023 contest to be all about the worthy winners.
‘I know how much it meant to Kalush and the Ukrainian delegation that Eurovision would be held at home in Ukraine next year, and I’m not the only one whose heart is heavy knowing that can’t be the case at this moment in time’, he continued.
‘But, what I would love to say to anyone watching this from Ukraine, is that we know how to throw a party here in the UK and our excitement is outshone only by our focus on that one sole objective – to hold space and to be on hand to help wherever needed, to host an event that celebrates Ukrainian culture, history, and music.’
The UK finished in second place thanks to Sam’s incredible efforts in Eurovision 2022 (Picture: WireImage)
Sam added that the UK wants to ‘stand in solidarity with the rest of the globe’ and ‘shine a unified light’.
‘The rest of us are just loving facilitators, and there is no doubt in my mind that we will all come together in the spirit of unity that Eurovision has always been about to celebrate the wonderful people of Ukraine’.
Winners Kalush Orchestra themselves – who auctioned off their trophy to raise funds for their country amid the war – also vow to help Ukraine win again so the contest can return to them in 2024.
Kalush Orchestra hope the contest can return to Ukraine in 2024 (Picture: Marco Bertorello/AFP via Getty Images)
‘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’, they told the PA News Agency.
In a statement, BBC said it is ‘a matter of great regret’ that Ukraine cannot host Eurovision next year, but said being asked to host instead is ‘a great privilege.’
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The broadcaster said it is ‘committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity’, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
‘The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023,’ they said.
Which UK city could host Eurovision 2023?
After the announcement that the UK will be hosting Eurovision in 2023, with Ukraine officially ruled out, here are the top six cities likely to host the competition as it’s broadcast by the BBC, according to bookmakers:
Belfast
The SSE Arena at the Odyssey Complex in the Northern Irish city’s Titanic Quarter boasts a 12,000-person capacity, and councillors Anthony Flynn and Seamas De Faoite have urged the city to put a bid forward.
Cardiff
The Welsh city’s Principality Stadium, which held every FA Cup final between 2001 and 2006, can hold a whopping 74,000 people and comes equipped with a roof. The competition has never been held in Wales before.
Manchester
Not only does Manchester’s AO Arena have the ability to house 21,000 guests, but it’s also extremely close to the BBC’s main studio in Salford. However, Sir Elton John and Magic Mike shows are already scheduled to take place at the arena next May.
Birmingham
Birmingham has already proven it’s capable of hosting Eurovision, having done so in 1998 when Katrina and the Waves’ song Love Shine a Light won the previous year.
London
The English capital has hosted the competition four times in the past, the last time being back in 1977. The show could take place at the Wembley Arena, which has a capacity of 12,500 people, or the O2 Arena, which could hold 20,000 individuals.
Glasgow
The bookies’ favourite is currently the Scottish city of Glasgow, with Edinburgh having hosted Eurovision in 1972. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already suggested the city, which was named the UK’s top cultural and creative city in 2019.
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