Glasgow could host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, according to former champion Lulu, because Glasgow’s fans “had the biggest hearts.”
If the city where she grew up and learned about music was picked to host the five-night festival, she said she would be “personally happy.”
After it was revealed that Glasgow and Liverpool had made the final shortlist, the singer spoke to BBC News.
The host city will be chosen “within weeks,” according to the BBC.
Lulu asserted in an interview with BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime that Glasgow was “fully prepared” to serve as the host city.
Added her: “I am aware of how much we cherish and support music, as well as how many outstanding artists have emerged from that region. I also understand how kind-hearted of an audience they are since I live outside of Glasgow, which allows me to remain objective. I am aware of the superb work they would produce.
“If Glasgow had arrived by now, I would have the impression that my home was hosting the celebration. Glasgow is quite advanced in many different ways. It is refined. However, it also includes those with the largest hearts.
“Remember my roots and you’ll understand why I’ve had the life and career that I have; it all stems from what I learned back there.”
The 2023 competition will take place in the UK after organizers determined that this year’s winner, Ukraine, could not host it due to the ongoing conflict. Sam Ryder of the UK came in second place at the competition in Turin, Italy, in May.
Twenty UK locations submitted bids to host the event the next year, which was a hotly disputed selection process. Those bids were then reduced to seven, and today there are only two left.
Lawrence Chaney, a Scottish drag performer who appeared with Lulu at Pride in London earlier this year, supported the competition’s relocation to Glasgow.
The winner of Season 2 of Drag Race UK tweeted:
“Glasgow hosting the Eurovision would be AMAZING! I’m crossing my fingers and toes.”
The winning venue will draw thousands of tourists as well as the interest of some 160 million global TV viewers.
From the start, Glasgow was a betting favorite, and hotel reservations in the city increased significantly in May 2023.
93 percent of the listed venues weren’t available for the month, according to a booking.com search.
The OVO Hydro arena, one of the host venues for the COP26 climate summit last year, has a capacity of 14,300 people.
The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, which can accommodate 11,000 people, has a great musical heritage and draws thousands of tourists from around the world each year.
Massive effect on Glasgow
Glasgow City Council head Susan Aitken stated that she was confident her city had “all it needed” to host a successful Eurovision.
Added her: “As with all the major events we organize in Glasgow, having such a sizable international event here has enormous positive effects for the city. Many visitors come, spend money at neighborhood shops, and then return home and gush about what a wonderful city this is.
“Every visitor to Glasgow is referred to as a multiplier because of the effect they have on Glasgow’s economy and reputation on a global scale. Glasgow will experience that kind of massive impact from Eurovision and the other major events we’ll be hosting over the next number of years.”
Minister of Culture Neil Gray added: “Glasgow’s selection as the host city for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest fills us with joy.
The Scottish government will keep in touch with the Glasgow council as they develop their final bid, according to the statement.
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