Kyiv to host Eurovision in 2017

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the National Television Company of Ukraine (NTU) made the announcement on Friday amid speculation that the cities of Odesa and Dnipro might also be selected.

The decision was made following Ukrainian artist Jamala's win at the 2016 Eurovision contest in Sweden.

"Kyiv presented an excellent case and we are looking forward to working together to create the most electrifying show yet next May," said Jon Ola Sand, the EBU's Executive Supervisor for the contest, in a statement on Eurovision's website.

This is the second time the Ukrainian capital has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest; it previously hosted the show in 2005. It also hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2009 and 2013.

Second time hosting

The selection process began when six cities submitted their bids to the Organizing Committee of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest, which was broadcast live in Ukraine. Eventually, the choices were narrowed down to Kyiv, Dnipro and Odesa.

"The process has demonstrated an unprecedented interest in the Eurovision Song Contest in Ukraine," said Victoria Romanova, NTU's deputy director, in a statement. "We look forward to maintaining that momentum, with thanks and congratulations to Kyiv - the host city of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest."

The fight to host next year's contest had grown increasingly contentious among the competing cities, with Mayor of Kyiv and former professional boxer Vitali Klitschko throwing his full weight behind the bid in order to secure the spot.

The preliminary dates for the 2017 contest are as follows: May 9 (First Semi-Final), May 11 (Second Semi-Final) and May 13 (Grand Final).

blc/jil (EBU, NTU)