Minsk 2018

Junior Eurovision: BTRC confirms 15 countries so far

A debut, a return and two withdrawals

This year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest is coming closer and closer and more information are surfacing. BTRC confirmed that so far 15 countries will be participating in the show. 

Official list not yet revealed

Speaking to sb.by Ivan Eismont, BTRC’s Director General, revealed that 15 countries have confirmed they will participate at Junior Eurovision in Minsk next November. However, BTRC has yet to reveal the list of the confirmed countries. Mr. Eismont was very pleased with France returning for the first time since 2004 and also hinted that Azerbaijan has not ruled out a return yet.

Show needs to be of high quality

Although, Mr. Eismont was recently appointed to his role at BTRC, he is no stranger to Junior Eurovision, having attended last year’s edition of the show in Tbilisi. He emphasized his love for the competition saying:

I really love the children’s competition for its sincerity

Besides, he also expressed that hosting the show is an important responsibility as it must be beautiful as well as of high quality.

14 confirmations and 2 withdrawals

Over the past few months, 14 countries have announced their intent to participate at Junior Eurovision 2018 and they are:

  • Armenia
  • Belarus
  • France
  • FYR Macedonia
  • Georgia
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Russia
  • Serbia
  • Wales

This is the first time since 2015 that a country, Wales, makes a debut appearance. No information on whether Albania or Australia will participate is available yet. Unfortunately, two countries that participated last year, Cyprus and Ukraine, have withdrawn. Ukraine’s decision is motivated by financial difficulties while no reason was specified by Cyprus.

Second time in Minsk

Minsk Arena will host Junior Eurovision for the second time, having previously hosted it in 2010. The city won the bid to host the show last October. According to the Belarusian head of delegation, Olga Salamankha, the country’s continued participation in the show is behind their selection.
Are you looking forward to Junior Eurovision 2018? What is your favorite Junior Eurovision entry so far?

Let us know in the comments section below and on all social media platforms at @ESCXTRA!

One Comment

  1. my favorite JESC entrys so far are:
    Polina Bogusevich (best voice/staging) 2017,
    Sofia Fisenko (best voice) 2016 Water of life,
    Helena Meraai (best music-video) 2017.
    Christina Magrin – Parachute 2016
    ISABELLA CLARKE – SPEAK UP 2017 (voice/staging)
    For the Belarus 2018 national final my absolute favorite is Mariya Zhilina-Welcome To My Belarus …….that could be a winner song in JESC 2018 ♥

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