Bonjour party people! The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice on Sunday the 26th of November. And today host broadcaster France Télévisions confirmed the 16 participating countries.
The good news first. Germany returns after a one-year absence from the contest. This is the first year where all of the Big 5 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) are competing.
And Estonia will debut, marking its first participation in the 21 years of the contest.
Sadly Serbia and Kazakhstan have decided to withdraw. Kazakhstan’s withdrawal comes after five consecutive appearances, which included two silver medal finishes.
Junior Eurovision 2023: The 16 participating countries
🇦🇱 Albania (RTSH)
🇦🇲 Armenia (AMPTV)
🇪🇪 Estonia (ERR)
🇫🇷 France (France Télévisions)
🇬🇪 Georgia (GPB)
🇩🇪 Germany (NDR)
🇮🇪 Ireland (TG4)
🇮🇹 Italy (Rai)
🇲🇹 Malta (PBS)
🇳🇱 Netherlands (AVROTROS)
🇲🇰 North Macedonia (MKRTV)
🇵🇱 Poland (TVP)
🇵🇹 Portugal (RTP)
🇪🇸 Spain (RTVE)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (BBC)
🇺🇦 Ukraine (UA:PBC)
JESC 2023 in Nice, France
Alexandra Redde-Amiel, Head of Variety, Games and Entertainment at France Télévisions, has promised a “unique and spectacular show” that celebrates this year’s contestants, who she calls “true musical heroes.”
“We are so proud to be organizing the Junior Eurovision in France for the 2nd time, in Nice at the Palais Nikaïa,” she said.
“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 on November 26. The show must go on!”
“Heroes” is the Junior Eurovision 2023 theme and slogan
This year’s artwork has a street art vibe and, according to the EBU, “brings modernity and speaks to all generations.” They said:
“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 and will feature throughout the event.”
“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 slogan 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.”
