Eurovision to decide on 2019 host city soon

A decision on whether Tel Aviv or Jerusalem will host the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest is expected to be announced soon, with Tel Aviv tipped as the front runner.

The city of Eilat is no longer in the race.

A recent statement from the European Broadcasting Union said, “Despite ongoing media speculation, no decision has yet been made by the EBU as to which Israeli city will host the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have both submitted extremely strong bids which meet the needs of the Contest. We are examining the proposals carefully in order to choose the best overall location for next year’s event.”

EBU Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand and Event Supervisor Nadja Burkhardt recently toured Pais Arena in Jerusalem and the Convention Center in Tel Aviv, with representatives from local broadcasters KAN/IPBC .

The Tel Aviv Convention Center (also known as the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds), can hold around 10,000 people. Tel Aviv is also considered the front runner because it is LGBT friendly and is more secular than Jerusalem, which would prove problematic in hosting a rehearsal on the Saturday.

But there has also been international pressure to boycott Israel entirely following recent violence in Gaza.

Over 140 musicians and artists have signed a letter in support of Palestinian artists. Signatories include former Eurovision performers plus international creatives including founding Crowded House bass player Nick Seymour, UK actress Julie Christie, music producer Brian Eno, film directors Mike Leigh and Ken Loach, Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters, and Vagina Monologues playwright Eve Ensler.

A final decision on the host city and venue is to be approved by the Reference Group, the governing body of the contest on behalf of the participating broadcasters, and will be revealed via official Eurovision channels.

Australia is yet to be confirmed as a 2019 returning entrant.

Source: The Guardian, Wiwibloggs