Helena Meerai and Ruslan Aslanov among 10 still in the run to host Junior Eurovision

As we reported back in August, BTRC has been holding audition rounds to select the host of Junior Eurovision 2018. From 100 only 10 remain in the run to host, including 2 previous Belarusian Junior Eurovision entrants.

English fluency and comfort in front of camera essential

The last round of audition took place on Monday in Minsk and featured the last 10 remaining candidates to host the show in November. Among the 10 are some known Junior Eurovision faces. In fact, both the 2015 entrant Ruslan Aslanov and 2017 entrant Helena Meerai participated in the auditions. Both achieved excellent results at the contest coming 4th and 5th respectively. Besides, they were the recent hosts of the Green Room during Belarus’s national final for Junior Eurovision. However, according to both BTRC and Show Producer Gordon Bonnello English fluency and being comfortable in front of the camera will be the main selection factors. On that note, Mr. Bonnello stated that: 

I’m looking for a host with energy, excitement. Millions of viewers should see the person on their screens. Confidence also plays a big role, so we selected candidates with live experience. I know that for them it’s not just an English show. It’s a  big test, but we will do everything so that on November 25 the whole world will see a brilliant show.

Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2018

Belarus’s capital Minsk will be the host of the 2018 edition of Junior Eurovision. This is the second time the event takes place in the city, that previously hosted it in 2010. A record-breaking 20 countries will participate in Minsk on November 25. Wales and Kazakhstan will both make a debut with Kazakhstan participating for the first time to any Eurovision related event. Furthermore,  the contest will also feature three returning countries: France, that last participated in 2004, Azerbaijan that last participated in 2013 and Israel that last participated in 2016. Unfortunately,  Cyprus instead confirmed its withdrawal from the competition. So far, we know the entrants from 10 countries and a few more will be announced shortly. 

Do you hope a past entrant or host will host the 2018 edition of the show? Are you looking forward to Junior Eurovision 2018?

Let us know in the comments below or on social media platforms @ESCXTRA.