Junior Eurovision 2023: What to expect in Nice 🇫🇷

It's perhaps the only end-of-year tradition that can rival the festive season in the glitter stakes. And so when the Junior Eurovision Song Contest rolls into town, you can be sure it's going to be a music and entertainment extravaganza that's worth sitting down to watch in your Sunday afternoon cosy-wear... Or getting up and bopping to in your Sunday afternoon sparkles - you gotta go where the mood takes you!

This year, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest (the 21st edition of the Contest) is coming to us live from the Palais Nikaïa in Nice, France. This is all thanks to Lissandro, who scored victory at the 2022 Contest in Yerevan, Armenia, after a rousing performance of his song Oh, Maman!.

This is the second time in the past three Contests that France has won. 

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 and will feature throughout the event.

The city on the French Riviera has risen to the task of hosting the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with suitable flair; the early renders of the stage demonstrate that we're in for a truly spectacular show on 26 November, during which an abundance of light and colour will form the backdrop to our participating artists showcasing their songs. 

The Opening Ceremony, which takes place on Monday 20 November, will be held at the iconic Le Negresco. You'll be able to watch the show live on the official Junior Eurovision YouTube channel. 

The Opening Ceremony will also reveal parts of the running order of the Grand Final on Sunday 26 November. Randomly drawn during the Ceremony will be the position that hosts France will perform from, alongside the names of the countries that will open and close the show.

16 countries are taking part in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Estonia will be making their debut in the competition this year, while Germany are returning after one year away - making this the very first Junior Eurovision where all of the so-called ‘Big 5’ (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) are competing together.

If you've yet to, now's the perfect opportunity to listen to the songs that each country will be participating with, and to get to know the singers performing them. 

Here's your preview of what we'll be watching on Sunday 26 November:

🇦🇱 Albania
Viola Gjyzeli - Bota Ime

You can learn more about Viola Gjyzeli right here.

🇦🇲 Armenia
Yan Girls - Do It My Way

You can learn more about Yan Girls right here.

🇪🇪 Estonia
ARHANNA - Hoiame Kokku

You can learn more about ARHANNA right here.

🇫🇷 France
Zoé Clauzure - Cœur

You can learn more about Zoé Clauzure right here.

🇬🇪 Georgia
Anastasia & Ranina - Over The Sky

You can learn more about Anastasia & Ranina right here.

🇩🇪 Germany
FIA - Ohne Worte

You can learn more about FIA right here.

🇮🇪 Ireland
Jessica McKean - Aisling

You can learn more about Jessica McKean right here.

🇮🇹 Italy
Melissa & Ranya - Un Mondo Giusto

You can learn more about Melissa & Ranya right here.

🇲🇹 Malta
Yulan - Stronger

You can learn more about Yulan right here.

🇳🇱 Netherlands
Sep & Jasmijn - Holding On To You

You can learn more about Sep & Jasmijn right here.

🇲🇰 North Macedonia
Tamara Grujeska - Kazi Mi, Kazi Mi Koj

You can learn more about Tamara Grujeska right here.

🇵🇱 Poland
Maja Krzyżewska - I Just Need A Friend

You can learn more about Maja Krzyżewska right here.

🇵🇹 Portugal
Júlia Machado - Where I Belong

You can learn more about Júlia Machado right here.

🇪🇸 Spain
Sandra Valero - Loviu

You can learn more about Sandra Valero right here.

🇺🇦 Ukraine
Anastasia Dymyd - Kvitka

You can learn more about Anastasia Dymyd right here.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom
STAND UNIQU3 - Back To Life

You can learn more about STAND UNIQU3 right here.

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will broadcast at 16:00 CET on Sunday 26 November. The show will be hosted by Olivier Minne and Laury Thilleman.

For details on how to watch, we've got you covered. 

The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden on Tuesday 7 May (First Semi-Final), Thursday 9 May (Second Semi-Final) and Saturday 11 May (Grand Final) 2024.

Listen to all 37 songs from Liverpool 2023 via your favourite streaming services, and watch the official music videos on our YouTube channel:

Download the official Eurovision Song Contest app now (for iOS / Android), and don't forget to sign up to the official Eurovision Song Contest newsletter, subscribe to the official podcast, and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook - to keep entertained and up-to-date.