Following their withdrawal in 2012, the Lithuanian broadcaster has confirmed that they will not be returning to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2021. They join a string of countries who will not be taking part in the contest this December.
LRT confirm tenth consecutive non-participaton
Audrius Giržadas, the Lithuanian Head of Delegation, has confirmed to Eurofestivales that Lithuania will not be returning to Junior Eurovision this year. While many broadcasters haven’t given a reason behind their non-participation, Giržadas explained that both the low interest domestically and the cost of participation were the reasons behind their decision. When they originally withdrew back in 2012, they cited the costs of broadcasting both the European Football Championships and the Olympic Games that year.
Lithuania has participated in the Junior contest four times (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011). Their best result came in 2008, when Eglė Jurgaitytė placed third with “Laiminga diena”. This remains the country’s highest placing across all Eurovision-adjacent contests (their highest Eurovision placement to date is LT United’s 6th in 2006).
Junior Eurovision 2021 so far
Only days after Valentina’s win, the EBU were quick to confirm that we will be travelling to France for the 18th edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The contest will take place on December 19th at La Seine Musicale. The slogan of the contest will be Imagine.
At this point, ten countries have confirmed to participate in the JESC edition of 2021.
- Ireland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Russia
- Spain
- Ukraine
It’s still early, so we expect more countries to participate. Stay tuned for more updates!
Are you disappointed that Lithuania won’t be returning to the Junior contest? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season!
