LONDON (AP) 鈥 鈥淭ed Lasso鈥 star Hannah Waddingham, Ukrainian musician Julia Sanina and British singer Alesha Dixon will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, organizers announced Wednesday.
The pan-continental pop competition will take place in May in the English city of Liverpool after Britain was asked to stage the event on behalf of designated host country Ukraine.
Thirty-seven countries will compete for Europe鈥檚 pop crown, with semifinals held May 9 and 11 before a final on May 13. All three programs will be hosted by Waddingham, Sanin and Dixon, a TV presenter and former member of girl group Mis-Teeq.
Sanina, who fronts Ukrainian alternative rock band The Hardkiss, said she was 鈥渆xcited to showcase Ukrainian culture and creativity, and to help put on a show to make my country proud.鈥
Waddingham, an Emmy Award winner for her role as owner of a struggling soccer team owner in hit Apple TV+ comedy 鈥淭ed Lasso,鈥 said it was 鈥渁 great honor to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, a country which has carried itself with such strength and unity.鈥
Ukraine won the right to host the pop extravaganza when its entry, folk-rap ensemble Kalush Orchestra, won the 2022 contest. British organizers say the event will be a celebration of Ukrainian culture and creativity, as well as Liverpool鈥檚 musical heritage.
