Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 19 November (BelTA) – Eurovision executives are convinced that the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Belarus will be organized exceptionally well, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest Jon Ola Sand told BelTA prior to the solemn opening ceremony of the music contest.

“I am happy and excited to be in Minsk for the Junior Eurovision show for the second time. Proceeding from what I have already seen, I can assume that everything is just great. Minsk is absolutely ready to host the Junior Eurovision show. Not only organizers, but everyone in Belarus are living and breathing it. I am convinced that the contest will be held at the highest level,” Jon Ola Sand said.

He recalled that this year Belarus will welcome 20 countries, which is the highest number of the participating countries in the history of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. “Such a result is due to the efforts of the European Broadcasting Union and Belarus. We are always working to bring more participants to the show. After all, everyone remembered the way Belarus hosted the show eight years ago. Everyone remembered the hospitality of Belarusians and they decided to come to Belarus again,” Jon Ola Sand said.

He added that a successful performance is based on a number of factors. First of all, participants should have a substantial support base who will help them feel comfortable in a new environment, get ready for the show, and overcome nervousness. Organizers play a big role here. They should make the stay of participants as comfortable and interesting as possible and give them an opportunity to focus on the show, Jon Ola Sand said.

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2018 will be held in Minsk on 25 November. The music forum will solemnly kick off on 19 November. The organizer and coordinator of all events of the Junior Eurovision 2018 is the Belarusian State TV and Radio Company that is Belarus’ only member of the European Broadcasting Union. Belarus will be represented by Daniel Yastremski with the song Time.