Eurovision 2022 winners hope Ukraine will host in 2024

Virgin Radio

24 Feb 2023, 13:32

The Kalush Orchestra, winners of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, have high hopes Ukraine will be able to host next year’s competition.

Traditionally, the winner of the competition hosts the following year, however, due to the conflict with Russia, the UK took over for 2023.

Now, lead vocalist Oleh Psuik has voiced his hopes Ukraine will be able to take hosting duties next year.

Speaking to PA News Agency: “We would very much like this year to finally bring such a long-awaited victory to Ukraine.

"And taking into account the fact that Ukraine is again among the favourites at the Eurovision Song Contest according to bookmakers’ forecasts, there are chances that Ukraine will return the contest to itself in 2024.

“We hope that we will all celebrate together.”

This year’s competition will take place in Liverpool from 9th to 13th May and the Kalush Orchestra will be performing during the final.

When asked how they felt about Liverpool being the host country, the band said: "Although we’ve never been there, performing where The Beatles themselves started is going to be very inspiring.

"I would also like to see Eurovision 2024 return to Ukraine. We will support and cheer for representatives from Ukraine at this year’s competition.”

This week, it was also announced that Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham, Juliana Sanina and Virgin Radio’s own Graham Norton would be hosting the event.

Julia, Hannah and Alesha will also be presenting the two live Semi-Finals and as usual, Graham (who has been commentating on the Contest for the UK since 2009) will be providing hilarious commentary during the final.

The events will be held in the M&S Bank Arena and information on tickets is expected to be revealed soon.

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