Runner-up in Eurovision Sam Ryder has stated that he cannot “begin to presume” that he would play a part in the 2023 competition, but he just wants “to be there.”
The event was transferred to the UK in July after it was determined that the 2022 winner Ukraine could not host. Liverpool was then selected as the event’s host city.
Ryder finished second in the competition and the UK charts thanks to his song Space Man. He declared that he would “love it no matter what country it is in” while speaking at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
After evaluating the circumstances in Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion, the show’s organizers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), opened discussions with the BBC following Kalush Orchestra’s victory in May.
The decision was made to shift the competition to the UK, and Liverpool was chosen as the winner after a bid procedure.
Incredible city
Before the MTV Awards in Düsseldorf, Germany, Ryder revealed he has been a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest ever since he was a young child and that “it never mattered where it was.”
“It could be a different story if I lived in Liverpool,” he remarked.
“Oh my God, it’s getting here, I would think. There will be crazy traffic.”
Even though he indicated he would “enjoy it wherever it is,” he said,
“As for my part, I can’t begin to presume.”
“I only want to be present. I wish I could see it and take part in it with everyone else at home.”
The “bedrock of music as we know it” was “given to us by such a magnificent city,” he continued, but he was also looking forward to the competition showcasing “the depth of Ukrainian culture.”
Director of Culture Liverpool Claire McColgan said that the competition would reflect “what Ukraine and its people deserve” after Merseyside city won the competition.
She continued,
“We’re just hosting it; it’s their party.”
Oleh Psiuk, the lead singer of Kalush Orchestra, remarked during the MTV event that his band was “very appreciative to the UK for helping to cope with this crisis.”
We did our best last year, so of course, we hope the UK can incorporate some aspects of our culture, something that is vital for Ukraine, he added.
“This year, our nation will produce the best musicians and artists to win once more.”
The Eurovision semi-finals and final will both be held at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on May 9 and 11, 2023.
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