Tel Aviv to host Eurovision Song Contest 2019
Tel Aviv is set to host the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest next May.
The Israeli city of Tel Aviv will be hosting the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.
Israel won this year’s competition with contestant Netta who sang ‘Toy’ and there had been lots of speculation over which Israeli city would host the annual event.
Israeli public broadcaster KAN presented three potential candidate cities to the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, who decided that Tel Aviv would host the city, beating out Jerusalem and Eilat.
Responding to the news, Tel Aviv’s mayor Ron Huldai said: “The city of Tel Aviv will be honoured to host the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.
“Our beloved city has gained international esteem as an open city, a welcoming home to the LGBT community and many other minorities. Tel Aviv-Yafo is a global city that respects all people – residents and visitors.”
Jon Ola Sand, the European Broadcasting Union’s Executive Supervisor for Eurovision, said: “We’d like to thank all the Israeli cities who bid to host the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest and KAN who conducted an expert and thorough assessment to help us make the final decision.
“All the bids were exemplary but in the end, we decided that Tel Aviv provides the best overall setup for the world’s largest live music event. We are excited to bring the contest to a brand new city and are looking forward to working together with KAN to make 2019’s Eurovision Song Contest the most spectacular one yet.”
The 2019 Eurovision Song Contest runs from May 14 to 18 and will be held at the EXPO Tel Aviv (International Convention Centre).