Eurovision Host Lineup

Who’s hosting this year’s Liverpool-based Eurovision?

With Spring fast approaching, it can only mean one thing: Eurovision is around the corner! The Spring months are when most of the magic happens. Each day, exciting news gets dropped, in order to ramp up the hype for Europe’s beloved camp competition. And this week the news is pretty big, as the Eurovision 2023 hosts have now been revealed!

Bright and early on BBC Radio 2, breakfast host Zoe Ball unveiled the secrets that Eurovision fans have been dying to hear. And the news did not disappoint, but it did surprise a few people. Organisers decided that the semi-finals will be hosted by Sex Education star, Hannah Waddington, Britain Got Talent judge, Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer, Julia Sanina. The all-female semi-final line-up will join Graham Norton for the competitions Grand Final, in which 160 million viewers are expected to tune in. 

The majority of fans are super stoked about the line-up. Many expected that long-time Eurovision commentator, Graham Norton will take the position, but nobody could have predicted that the Emmy award-winning actress, Hannah Waddington would be on the bill. “It’s one of the world’s greatest music festivals,” says Hannah. She continues, “But this year, perhaps more than ever, it is such a great honour to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, a country which has carried itself with such strength and unity.”

Alesha Dixon also waded in on the excitement: “There is just something about the buzz and anticipation of a live show that can’t be rivalled. Eurovision delivers that excitement, creativity, and talent, but on a vast, global scale”. Alesha has an impressive music career as a solo artist and a member of the naughties chart-topping band, Miss-Teeq. Alesha is also a long-time fan of the show, making her a great addition to the hosting family. 

Alesha and Hannah will be joined by Ukrainian music artist, Julia Sanina, who is the lead singer of Ukraine’s popular band, The Hardkiss. “I’m so excited to showcase Ukrainian culture and creativity, and to help put on a show to make my country proud,” Sanina said. “I can’t wait to get to Liverpool and meet the fans and the rest of the Eurovision family.”

Last year, Ukraine won the competition with Kalush Orchestra’s hip-hop anthem, Stefania. Due to the ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine has had to turn down its privilege to host the competition, however, the runners-up, the United Kingdom, were chosen to host in its honour. As a result, this year’s contest will be a collaborative project between the host city of Liverpool, and the defiant country of Ukraine.