The EBU and France Télévisions are excited to announce the 16 countries participating in the 2023 Junior Eurovision Song Contest (JESC) in Nice, France.

Albania (RTSH), Armenia (AMPTV), Estonia (ERR), Georgia (GPB), Germany (NDR), Ireland (TG4), Italy (Rai), Malta (PBS), Netherlands (AVROTROS), North Macedonia (MKRTV), Poland (TVP), Portugal (RTP), Spain (RTVE), United Kingdom (BBC) and Ukraine (UA:PBC) will all compete alongside hosts France (France Télévisions) on Sunday 26 November. 

DEBUTS AND RETURNS

Estonia will be making their debut in the competition this year. Germany are returning after one year away. 

The 2023 Contest will also see the so-called “Big 5” countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) participate together for the very first time.

France is staging the 21st edition of the competition, featuring new songs performed by young artists aged between 9 and 14-years-old, thanks to Lissandro’s victory with the rock-n-roll inspired "Oh Maman!" in Yerevan, Armenia last year.
Lissandro gave his country its second win in 3 years. 

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming talented young artists from 16 countries this year to Nice for the 21st Junior Eurovision Song Contest."

"It’s exciting to be returning to France so soon, to a new host city as well as welcoming a new country (Estonia) to the competition. Our colleagues at France TV have once again put together a great creative team to give us all a spectacular show and make the young artists feel like the Heroes they are."

HEROES OF OUR TIME

France Télévisions have chosen 'Heroes' as the theme for the event. More than a slogan, it was decided to use a word that “inspires and gives children incredible strength” that will feature throughout the event.

The accompanying artwork, also revealed today. captures the energy of the word Heroes, with powerful, joyful colours and a "street art" look that brings modernity and speaks to all generations.

The “splashes”, which will also feature each participating country’s flag, are made of a combination of paint, chalk, powder, and fireworks.

Through the artwork and theme France Télévisions want to create a unique experience for the 21st Junior Eurovision Song Contest and convey an “explosion of happiness in a world where children are the Heroes”.

“UNIQUE AND SPECTACULAR”

"We are so proud to be organizing the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in France for the second time,” said Alexandra Redde-Amiel, Head of Variety, Games and Entertainment at France Télévisions. 

“Thanks again to Lissandro for making this 2nd victory possible! France Télévisions, and the entire French delegation, are looking forward to honouring the Contest more than ever, alongside the EBU and all the participating countries! 

"We can't wait to create a unique and spectacular show with outstanding contestants - true musical heroes - as we continue to spread music throughout Europe and the rest of the world, sharing our cultures and passions.

"We look forward to welcoming you all to Nice. The show must go on!"

This year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest will take place at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice on Sunday 26 November at 16:00 CET.

 ABOUT THE JUNIOR EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest has been a family favourite since first appearing on our screens in 2003; that year Croatia’s Dino Jelusić won the Contest in Copenhagen with the song Ti Si Moja Prva Ljubav (You Are My First Love). Dino is now a member of the British rock group Whitesnake!
 
A total of 40 different nations have participated over the years, with Georgia needing the largest trophy cabinet having won on 3 occasions. 

Armenia, Belarus, France, Malta, Poland, and Russia have achieved two victories each.