Minsk 2018

And then they were 20! Ukraine confirms Junior Eurovision participation

No withdrawal at the end

The number grew again! Just over a week ago the EBU announced that a record-breaking 19 countries would participate at Junior Eurovision 2018. Well surprise surprise the number is now 20 as Ukraine confirmed its participation! 

No withdrawal for Ukraine

Early in July, Ukrainian broadcaster had announced its withdrawal from Junior Eurovision citing financial difficulties as the reason behind their decision. However, today the Junior Eurovision Twitter page had an unexpected surprise for fans:

Therefore, Ukraine is not withdrawing and will be joining 19 other participating countries in making the 2018 Junior Eurovision Song Contest the biggest one ever!

Ukraine in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest

Ukraine first participated at Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2006, and participated every year since. The country also hosted the contest in both 2009 and 2013 in their capital city of Kyiv. Besides, Ukraine also won the contest in 2012, courtesy of Anastasia Petryk and her entry “Nebo”. Furthermore, Ukraine has two runner-up finishes to their name. These were earned by Viktoria Petryk, Anastasia’s older sister, in 2008 and Sofia Tarasova on home turf in 2013.
Despite strong initial results, Ukraine’s fortunes at Junior Eurovision has dipped slightly in recent years. In fact, in 2015 and 2016, Ukraine missed the top 10 for two consecutive years with Anna Trincher placing 11th and Sofia Rol placing 14th respectively. Anastasiya Baginska was more successful in Tbilisi last year, with “Don’t Stop” finishing in 7th place.

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, who 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. Besides, 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. Last year’s participant Cyprus will instead withdraw from the competition.
Are you excited Ukraine will participate in Minsk? What is your favourite Ukrainian entry at the contest so far?
Let us know in the comment section below or on all social media platforms @ESCXTRA. 

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