Twelve countries took part in the contest, making it the smallest number of countries participating in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest history, and equalling the number of countries participated in the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest held at RAI Congrescentrum. Albania and Azerbaijan, and Israel made their debuts at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.[6] Whilst nine countries from the previous edition continued their participation in the contest, four countries withdrew: Lithuania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Macedonia. The contest was won by Anastasiya Petryk for Ukraine with the song "Nebo". Georgia and Armenia finished in second and third place, respectively. This was Ukraine's first Junior Eurovision victory and second Eurovision victory after Ruslana won the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest in Istanbul. Ukraine's winning margin of 35 points was also a record.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) invited broadcasters to bid for the rights to host the contest.[7] At the meeting of heads of delegations on 11 October 2011 in Yerevan, the EBU announced that the Dutch broadcaster AVRO had won the right to host next year's event.[8]
On 27 February 2012, it was announced that the tenth edition of the contest would take place on 1 December and be held at the Heineken Music Hall (or commonly abbreviated as HMH) in Amsterdam.[9] The Heineken Music Hall was specially designed for music shows, several artists like Madonna and Kylie Minogue made shows at the venue. Furthermore, it is often used by the Dutch Entertainment Company Q-dance for the Event-Series X-Qlusive taking place several times a year. The big hall (also called Black Box) has been used for concerts and boasts a capacity of 5,500 and is 3000 m2. After parties are given in a smaller hall, with a capacity of 700.
Participating countries
Cover art of the official album
On 1 September 2012, it was confirmed that twelve countries would be taking part in the contest.[6] This was the lowest number of entries so far. Debuting countries were Albania, Azerbaijan and Israel. Latvia and Lithuania withdrew after competing since 2010,[10] while Bulgaria and Macedonia withdrew after competing in the 2011 edition.[11] With Macedonia withdrawing, this was the first (and so far only) time since the contest inception that no country of the former Yugoslavia participated in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
Prior to the event, a digital compilation album featuring all the songs from the 2012 contest, along with karaoke versions, was put together by the European Broadcasting Union and released by Universal Music Group in November 2012.[12]
Participants of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2012[6][13]
The Russian representative, Lerika, has participated in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest before; she represented Moldova in 2011, finishing in 6th place with the song "No, No". This is the second case in the competition to feature a returning artist from previous editions after Katya Ryabova (Russia 2009 and 2011).[14][15]
In January 2012, it was announced that Ewout Genemans alongside Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007 co-host Kim-Lian van der Meij would present the contest later in the year.[4] Genemans had been involved with the contest for the past two years, having hosted the Dutch national selection for the contest, Junior Songfestival in 2010 and 2011. In December 2011, Genemans signed a 2 year exclusivity deal with the host broadcaster to present shows only on their station.[16] Dutch entertainer and singer Kim Lian reprised her role as host again, after hosting the contest from the Ahoy Arena in 2007 alongside Sipke Jan Bousema.[17]
Logo and graphic design
The architect was Frits van Dongen. The motto for the contest was announced on 6 September 2012 as "Break The Ice".[5] Tickets for the contest went on sale from 10 September 2012.[2]
Contest overview
The event took place on 1 December 2012 at 20:15 CET.[18] Twelve countries participated, with the running order published on 15 October 2012.[19] All the countries competing were eligible to vote with the jury and televote, as well as a Kids Jury, eligible to vote. Ukraine won with 138 points, with Georgia and Armenia completing the top three.[20] Moldova, Azerbaijan and Albania occupied the bottom three positions.[21]
The order in which votes were cast during the 2012 contest along with the spokesperson who was responsible for announcing the votes for their respective country.
Below is a summary of all 12 points received. All countries were given 12 points at the start of voting to ensure that no country finished with nul points.
Finland – In mid June 2012, Yleisradio (Yle) confirmed to esckaz.com that they would not be debuting at the 2012 contest. They did however say they were open to taking part in the future.[29][better source needed]
Italy – In July 2011, the EBU confirmed that Italian broadcaster Radiotelevisione italiana (RAI) were interested in making a debut at the 2011 contest. But a delay in negotiations meant that this would not be the case, and that Italy would certainly secure a place in 2012, if their desire to participate was still on the agenda.[30]
Latvia – On 27 June 2012, Latvijas Televīzija (LTV) confirmed to esckaz.com that Latvia would not be taking part in the 2012 contest. The reason for withdrawal was not given, however it's believed that financial issues caused the withdrawal.[31][better source needed]
Macedonia – On 13 July 2012, Macedonian Radio-Television (MKRTV) confirmed to esckaz.com that they would not be taking part in the 2012 contest. They said this was due to issues with the way voting is held and the lack of budget for the contest.[11][better source needed]
Norway – In early June 2012, Norsk rikskringkasting (NRK) confirmed that Norway would not return to the contest, this is due to a rule change that the EBU made in 2006, that allowed professional singers to take part.[27]
Portugal – In early June 2012, Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP) were approached by the EBU to take part in the 2012 contest. RTP declined due to financial difficulties.[32]
San Marino – San Marino RTV had originally planned to debut in the 2011 contest, but later withdrew their application in order to concentrate on their preparation for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 instead. San Marino RTV has announced on 22 August 2012 that they would not take part in 2012 contest.[33][better source needed]
Serbia – When Serbia withdrew from the 2011 contest, the head of delegation said that a one-year break would be okay, for financial reasons and that hopefully they would in 2012, in order to "not disappoint the Serbian kids".[34] However, the country didn't participate.
Spain – Website esckaz.com asked Spanish broadcaster Televisión Española (TVE) about their participation in future editions. TVE was not able to give an affirmative or negative response on their participation in 2012.[35][better source needed]
Each national broadcaster sent a commentator to the contest, in order to provide coverage of the contest in their own native language. Details of the commentators and the broadcasting station for which they represented are also included in the table below.
Broadcasters and commentators in participating countries
^ abMikheev, Andy (11 June 2012). "Junior Eurovision 2012 Withdraws". ESCKaz. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012. First withdrawal of 2012 season is confirmed. Tsvetelina Popova, head of press of Bulgarian delegation, has informed ESCKAZ that "BNT took the decision and unfortunately will not participate in the Junior Eurovision 2012"
^Mikheev, Andy (15 August 2012). "Junior Eurovision 2012 News". ESCKaz. Archived from the original on 18 September 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2012. Meanwhile, San Marino broadcaster has informed ESCKAZ that they have decided not to take part in Junior Eurovision this year.