Heroes from 16 countries at the 2023 Junior Eurovision Song Contest

On 29 August 2023, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and France Télévisions announced the 16 countries that will take part in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place on Sunday 26 November in Nice, France.

Albania (RTSH), Armenia (AMPTV), Estonia (ERR), Georgia (GPB), Germany (NDR), Ireland (TG4), Italy (RAI), Malta (PBS), The Netherlands (AVROTROS), Northern Macedonia (MKRTV), Poland (TVP), Portugal (RTP), Spain (RTVE), the United Kingdom (BBC) and Ukraine (UA: PBC) will compete alongside host France (France Télévisions) on Sunday 26 November in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023 music competition.

Debuting and returning Heroes

Estonia will be making their debut in the competition this year. Germany are returning after one year away.  The 2023 Contest will also see the so-called “Big 5” countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) participate together for the very first time.

France is staging the 21st edition of the competition, featuring new songs performed by young artists aged between 9 and 14-years-old, thanks to Lissandro’s victory with the rock-n-roll inspired “Oh Maman!” in Yerevan, Armenia last year. Lissandro gave his country its second win in 3 years.

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest said:

“We’re delighted to be welcoming talented young artists from 16 countries this year to Nice for the 21st Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

It’s exciting to be returning to France so soon, to a new host city as well as welcoming a new country (Estonia) to the competition. Our colleagues at France TV have once again put together a great creative team to give us all a spectacular show and make the young artists feel like the Heroes they are.”

Heroes of Our Time

France Télévisions have chosen ‘Heroes’ as the theme for the event. More than a slogan, it was decided to use a word that “inspires and gives children incredible strength” that will feature throughout the event.

The accompanying artwork, also revealed today. captures the energy of the word Heroes, with powerful, joyful colours and a “street art” look that brings modernity and speaks to all generations. The “splashes”, which will also feature each participating country’s flag, are made of a combination of paint, chalk, powder, and fireworks.

Through the artwork and theme, France Télévisions want to create a unique experience for the 21st Junior Eurovision Song Contest and convey an “explosion of happiness in a world where children are the Heroes”.

Unique and Spectacular

“We are so proud to be organizing the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in France for the second time”

said Alexandra Redde-Amiel, Head of Variety, Games and Entertainment at France Télévisions.

“Thanks again to Lissandro for making this 2nd victory possible! France Télévisions, and the entire French delegation, are looking forward to honouring the Contest more than ever, alongside the EBU and all the participating countries! 

We can’t wait to create a unique and spectacular show with outstanding contestants – true musical heroes – as we continue to spread music throughout Europe and the rest of the world, sharing our cultures and passions.

We look forward to welcoming you all to Nice. The show must go on!”

This year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest will take place at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice on Sunday 26 November at 16:00 CET.

Illustration: JuniorEurovision.tv
Source: EBU, JuniorEurovision.tv