Todaysaw NTU the host broadcaster of Junior Eurovision 2013, reveal all of their plans for this years contest. This includes the stage design, running order plans and changes to the rules of the contest.
Stage Design
This years stage is designed by Elias Ledakis the man behind the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest stage. The stage will feature LED lights, as well as moving parts which should provide a varying background for each performance. Last year’s stage in Amsterdam featured dual level performance areas and walkway to the green room.
Running Order Draw
This will take place on the 25th of November at the Opening Party for the contest. The participants will pick the order that they perform in at random. Executive Producer Roman Keryk said:
It will be a live part of the event with everyone looking on, wondering how the numbers will fall but also seeing how fair and transparent the process is.
Song Duration
The rules have changed this year which means that songs can now be three minutes long. Also the length of the postcard before each song has been increased to 50 seconds. This means that participants have more time to introduce themselves before they perform.
Guests
Anastasia Petryk the winner of Junior Eurovision 2012 will be performing during the show. However the winner of the 2009 contest Ralf Mackenback will also be appearing in Kiev. Ralf won the last time the contest was held in Ukraine.
Spokespersons
All of the spokespersons will now be on site in Kiev, instead of back home in the country they are announcing votes on behalf of. This may or may not be in response to the issues that occurred in 2012 with contacting a number of Juries.
Earlier Start Time
The contest will now officially start at 19:00 CET instead of the usual 20:00 CET. This time is seen as far more child friendly, than the 10pm that the contest would start in Azerbaijan.
Radio Broadcast
First Radio Ukraine will be providing the first ever radio broadcast of Junior Eurovision.
Source: EBU/NTU
I’m only saying this because I mean it. I really liked voting the way it was, when all the spokespeople were announcing the votes in their own countries. Can you please change the voting system back to normal next year!?