The EBU has dropped a surprise among the Eurovision fans. They have confirmed that Belarus will be hosting the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Minsk.
To ensure the longevity of the Contest and allow more time to prepare the event
On the official Junior Eurovision website, it was mentioned that the Junior Eurovision Steering Group has decided to remove a clause that gave the winning broadcaster first refusal to host.
This then gave EBU members a chance to apply to host the contest in 2018 and it looks as if the Steering Group found Belarus’s application to be the best.
Jon Ola Sand, (the current Executive Supervisor) also commented on the rule change in which he mentioned:
“The rule change to allow a host for next year’s competition to be chosen earlier not only gives the host broadcaster longer to prepare what is a huge production but also protects the future of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
We are therefore delighted to announce before we gather in Tbilisi for the 2017 competition, that BTRC will be the host broadcaster of the 2018 Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
BTRC’s application to host was extremely strong, and we have full confidence that they will put the same enthusiasm into the preparations for next year’s event.”
Not the first time Belarus hosted the contest
This is not the first time that Minsk hosted the contest. Minsk successfully hosted the contest back in 2010, in which we saw Armenia gain its first win in JESC. It looks like next year’s contest is in good hand.
What do you think of this announcement? Do you agree with the rule change that took place? Do you think Belarus will put on a spectacular show? Let us know your opinions and thoughts below or at social media @ESCXTRA
Comments on Minsk confirmed as the host city of Junior Eurovision 2018