Junior Eurovision Song Contest#Winning entries

The origins of the contest date back to 2000 when {{lang|da|Danmarks Radio|i=no}} (DR) held a song contest for Danish children that year and the following year.{{Cite web |date=1 May 2000 |title=IMDB: Børne1'erens melodi grand prix 2000 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388806/ |access-date=3 May 2008 |publisher=IMDb}}{{Cite web |date=1 May 2001 |title=IMDB: de unges melodi grand prix 2001 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0330108/ |access-date=3 May 2008 |publisher=IMDb}} The idea was extended to a Scandinavian song festival in 2002, MGP Nordic, with Denmark, Norway, and Sweden as participants.{{Cite web |date=1 December 2002 |title=IMDB: MGP Nordic 2002 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0893597/ |access-date=3 May 2008 |publisher=IMDb}}{{Cite web |date=27 April 2002 |title=MGP Nordic 2002 |url=http://www.esconnet.dk/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=30&id=440&Itemid=429 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071025152934/http://www.esconnet.dk/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=30&id=440&Itemid=429 |archive-date=25 October 2007 |access-date=3 May 2008 |website=esconnet.dk |language=da}} In 2001 and 2002, Polish broadcaster {{lang|pl|Telewizja Polska|i=no}} (TVP) hosted two pilot editions of an international song contest for children in Konin with the name {{lang|pl|Eurokonkurs}} ({{langx|en|Eurocontest}}) in 2001 and {{lang|pl|Światowy Konkurs Piosenki}} ({{langx|en|World Song Contest}}) in 2002 but the whole project was called {{lang|pl|Eurokonkurs}}.{{Cite web |date=31 May 2012 |title=Festiwal Emocji (Part 22 & 23) |url=http://festiwaldzieciecy.pl/history/31-festiwal-emocji |access-date=31 May 2012 |website=festiwaldzieciecy.pl |language=pl}}{{Cite web |date=20 April 2021 |title=KONIN 2002 – EUROFESTIWALE – Światowy Konkurs Piosenki – AGATA MŁYNARSKA i MACIEJ DOWBOR – TMB 329 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpUcLAzIQeg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/NpUcLAzIQeg |archive-date=2021-12-12 |access-date=20 April 2021 |language=pl |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} TVP went on to hold further editions in Konin between 2003 and 2006, some time of which after Poland's initial withdrawal from Junior Eurovision Song Contest. In 2006, {{lang|pl|Eurokonkurs}} returned as {{lang|pl|Światowe Talenty}} ({{langx|en|World Talents}}) and was hosted by Dominika Rydz and Weronika Bochat, who represented Poland in {{escyr|2004|J}} as part of girl group KWADro.{{Cite web |date=8 December 2020 |title=KONIN 2006 – KONCERT GALOWY – "Światowe Talenty" – 406 – emisja 1.9.2006 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V55kvjkujKk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/V55kvjkujKk |archive-date=2021-12-12 |access-date=8 December 2020 |language=pl |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

File:Forum Copenhagen.jpg in Copenhagen, Denmark hosted the inaugural edition of the contest in {{Escyr|2003|Junior}}.]]

In November 2002, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) picked up the idea for a song contest featuring children and opened the competition to all member broadcasters making it a pan-European event. The working title of the programme was "Eurovision Song Contest for Children",{{Cite web |date=22 November 2002 |title=First EBU press release on JESC 2003 |url=http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/archives/2002/press_song_contest_kids.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060905112912/http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/archives/2002/press_song_contest_kids.php |archive-date=5 September 2006 |access-date=3 May 2008 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} branded with the name of the EBU's long-running and already popular song competition, the Eurovision Song Contest. DR was asked to host the first edition after its experience with MGP Nordic.{{Cite web |title=Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2003 |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/contest-details?event=1475 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611044835/http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/contest-details?event=1475 |archive-date=2011-06-11 |website=Junioreurovision.tv |publisher=EBU}}

After a successful first contest in Copenhagen, the second faced several location problems. The event originally should have been organised by British broadcaster ITV in Manchester.{{Cite web |date=16 November 2003 |title=Confirmation of Manchester as original host |url=http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/archives/2003/tcm_6-7909.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515091221/http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/archives/2003/tcm_6-7909.php |archive-date=15 May 2011 |access-date=2 July 2008 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} ITV then announced that due to financial and scheduling reasons, it would not host the event.{{Cite web |date=13 May 2004 |title=Junior contest not to take place in Manchester |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/2733?PHPSESSID=4920b153ed2831e625f167057b628e3d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040528153342/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/2733 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 May 2004 |access-date=3 May 2008 |publisher=ESC Today}} It is also thought that another factor to their decision was the previous year's audience ratings for ITV which were below the expected amount.{{Cite news |last=Cozens |first=Claire |date=17 November 2003 |title=JESC UK ratings |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/17/overnights2 |access-date=3 May 2008}} The EBU approached Croatian broadcaster {{lang|hr|Hrvatska radiotelevizija|i=no}} (HRT), who had won the previous contest, to stage the event in Zagreb,{{Cite web |date=1 June 2004 |title='Junior 2004 in Croatia' |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/2838 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040905073723/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/2838 |archive-date=5 September 2004 |access-date=3 May 2008 |publisher=ESC Today}} though it later emerged that HRT had 'forgotten' to book the venue in which the contest would have taken place.{{Cite web |date=17 June 2004 |title=Junior contest moves to Norway |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/2873 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041116211550/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/2873 |archive-date=16 November 2004 |access-date=3 May 2008 |publisher=ESC Today}} It was at this point, with five months remaining until the event would be held, that Norwegian broadcaster {{lang|no|Norsk rikskringkasting|i=no}} (NRK) stepped in to host the contest in Lillehammer.

Broadcasters have had to bid for the rights to host the contest since 2004 to avoid such problems from happening again. The broadcasters from {{Esccnty|Belgium|J}} were therefore the first to successfully bid for the rights to host the contest in 2005.{{Cite web |date=20 November 2004 |title='Junior 2005 on 26 November in Belgium' |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/3368 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205020943/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/3368 |archive-date=5 December 2004 |access-date=3 May 2008 |publisher=ESC Today}}

All contests have been broadcast in 16:9 widescreen and in high definition.{{Cite web |date=November 2003 |title=The new Junior Eurovision Song Contest in high definition |url=http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/archives/2003/tcm_6-7918.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928193223/http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/archives/2003/tcm_6-7918.php |archive-date=28 September 2012 |access-date=9 May 2017 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} All have also had a CD produced with the songs from the show. Between 2003 and 2006, DVDs of the contest were also produced though this ended due to lack of interest.{{Cite web |date=17 January 2008 |title='No DVD from JESC 2007' |url=http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=2193 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210052749/http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=2193 |archive-date=10 February 2012 |access-date=3 May 2008 |publisher=Oikotimes}}

As of {{escyr|2008|J}}, the winner of the contest is decided by 50% televote and 50% national jury vote. The winners of all previous contests had been decided exclusively by televoting. Between 2003 and 2005 viewers had around 10 minutes to vote after all the songs had been performed. Between {{escyr|2006|J}} and {{escyr|2010|J}} the televoting lines were open throughout the programme.{{Cite web |date=20 October 2006 |title=Televoting all night long |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/6565 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930034942/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/6565 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |access-date=5 July 2008 |publisher=ESC Today}} Since 2011 viewers vote after all the songs had been performed.{{Cite web |last=Siim |first=Jarmo |date=2011-07-15 |title=12 countries for Junior Eurovision 2011, several changes coming up |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=37483&_t=12+countries+for+Junior+Eurovision+2011%2C+several+changes+coming+up |access-date=15 February 2015 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} Profits made from the televoting during the 2007 and 2008 contests were donated to UNICEF.{{Cite web |date=6 December 2007 |title=Belinkomsten finale Junior Eurovisie Songfestival naar Unicef |url=http://www.unicef.nl/unicef/show/id=53926/contentid=3252 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521020159/http://www.unicef.nl/unicef/show/id%3D53926/contentid%3D3252 |archive-date=21 May 2008 |access-date=3 May 2008 |publisher=UNICEF |language=nl}}{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2008 |title=UNICEF and Junior 2008: Water For All! |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/unicef-and-junior-2008-water-for-all |access-date=13 December 2022 |website=junioreurovision.tv}}

Prior to 2007, a participating broadcaster's failure in not broadcasting the contest live would incur a fine. Now broadcasters are no longer required to broadcast the contest live, but may transmit it with some delay at a time that is more appropriate for children's television broadcast.{{Cite web |date=4 October 2007 |title=Information on the fine/ban rule implemented on Croatia and the scrapping of the live rule |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9373 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001213335/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9373 |archive-date=1 October 2008 |access-date=5 July 2008 |publisher=ESC Today}}

The 2007 contest was the subject of the 2008 documentary Sounds Like Teen Spirit: A Popumentary. The film followed several contestants as they made their way through the national finals and onto the show itself.{{Cite magazine |last=Harvey |first=Dennis |date=17 September 2008 |title=Variety review of Sounds Like Teen Spirit |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117938416.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |magazine=Variety |access-date=10 June 2009}} It was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival 2008{{Cite web |date=8 May 2009 |title=Premiere of JESC film in Cyprus |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1039638/ |access-date=10 June 2009 |publisher=IMDb}} and was premiered in Ghent, Belgium{{Cite web |date=16 October 2008 |title=Video of Belgian premiere of JESC Film |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTl1y_zDvII |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/OTl1y_zDvII |archive-date=2021-12-12 |access-date=27 October 2008 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} and also in Limassol, Cyprus,{{Cite web |date=September 2008 |title=Premiere of JESC film in Cyprus |url=http://www.cybc.com.cy/junior2008/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=123&Itemid=94 |access-date=27 October 2008 |publisher=CyBC}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} where the 2008 contest was held.

The format of the contest has remained relatively unchanged over the course of its history in that the format consists of successive live musical performances by the artists entered by the participating broadcasters. The EBU claims that the aim of the programme is "to promote young talent in the field of popular music, by encouraging competition among the [...] performers".{{Cite web |date=December 2007 |title=Generic contest information page |url=http://www.ebu.ch/en/eurovisiontv/entertainment/junior_eurovision_song_contest.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508024429/http://www.ebu.ch/en/eurovisiontv/entertainment/junior_eurovision_song_contest.php |archive-date=8 May 2008 |access-date=3 July 2008 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}

File:Ksenia Sitnik JESC 2005.jpg claimed Belarus' first win in 2005 with "My vmeste". Her country's next victory was two years later with Alexey Zhigalkovich]]

The programme was always screened on a Saturday night in late November or early December and lasts approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. Between 2016 and 2023, the contest was screened on Sunday afternoon instead.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoxx.tv/breaking-madrid-to-host-junior-eurovision-2024-on-november-16th/|title=Junior Eurovision is coming to Madrid on November 16th, 2024!|last=Cole|first=Jessica|work=Eurovoxx|date=10 May 2024|quote=This marks the first time since 2015 that the contest will be taking place on a Saturday. Since 2016, it has always taken place on Sunday afternoon.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910213927/https://eurovoxx.tv/breaking-madrid-to-host-junior-eurovision-2024-on-november-16th/|archive-date=10 September 2024|url-status=live}}

Traditionally the contest will consist of an opening ceremony in which the performers are welcomed to the event, the performances of the entries, a recap of the songs to help televoting viewers decide which entries to vote for, an interval act usually performed after the televoting has closed, the results of the televoting or back-up jury voting which is then followed by the declaration of the winning song and its reprise. At various points throughout the show, networks may opt out for a few minutes to screen a commercial break.

Since 2008 the winning entry of each contest has been decided by a mixture of televoting and national juries, each counting for fifty per cent of the points awarded by each country.{{Cite web |date=6 June 2008 |title=Junior: Minor format changes introduced |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=1140 |access-date=5 May 2009 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} The winners of all previous contests had been decided exclusively by televoting. The ten entries that have received the most votes in each country are awarded points ranging from one to eight, then ten and twelve.{{Cite web |title='Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008' |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/pagBlueontest-details?event=1474 |access-date=10 June 2009 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} These points are then announced live during the programme by a spokesperson appointed by the corresponding participating broadcaster (who, like the performers, is aged between ten and fifteen). Once all participating countries have announced their results, the song that has received the most points is declared the winner of that year's contest.

Until 2013 the winners receive a trophy and a certificate.{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=Extract of rules of the 2006 contest |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/www/images/stories/files/2006/extractsrulesjesc2006.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107193432/http://www.junioreurovision.tv/www/images/stories/files/2006/extractsrulesjesc2006.pdf |archive-date=7 January 2007 |access-date=14 November 2008 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} Since 2013 contest the winner, runner-up and third place all win trophies and certificates.{{Cite web |date=15 October 2013 |title=NTU reveals all with under 50 days to go |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=ntu_reveals_all_with_50_days_to_go |access-date=1 December 2013 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}

Originally, unlike its adult version, the winning broadcaster did not receive the rights to host the next contest. From 2014 until 2017, the winning broadcaster had first refusal on hosting the following contest. Italy's {{lang|it|Radiotelevisione italiana|i=no}} (RAI) used this clause in 2015 to decline hosting the contest that year after its victory in 2014. On 15 October 2017, the EBU announced a return to the original system in 2018, claiming that it would help provide broadcasters with a greater amount of time to prepare, ensuring the continuation of the contest into the future.{{Cite web |last=Farren |first=Neil |date=15 October 2017 |title=Minsk to Host Junior Eurovision 2018 |url=https://eurovoix.com/2017/10/15/minsk-host-junior-eurovision-2018/ |access-date=15 October 2017 |website=eurovoix.com}} However, from 2019, all contests have been hosted by the previous year's winning broadcaster, with the exception of the 2024 contest being hosted by the runner-up of the 2023 contest, Spain's {{lang|es|Radiotelevisión Española|i=no}} (RTVE), after the 2023 winner, France's {{lang|fr|France Télévisions|i=no}}, declined to host again after hosting in 2021 and 2023.{{Cite web |last=Conte |first=Davide |date=10 May 2024 |title=Madrid to Host Junior Eurovision 2024 |url=https://eurovoix.com/2024/05/10/madrid-to-host-junior-eurovision-2024/ |access-date=5 October 2024 |website=eurovoix.com}}

The contest usually features two presenters, one man and one woman,{{Cite web |date=14 October 2005 |title='Third Junior Eurovision Song Contest': Information on the 2005 running order draw |url=http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/2005/tcm_6-40305.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521092825/http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/2005/tcm_6-40305.php |archive-date=21 May 2008 |access-date=10 June 2009 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}{{Cite web |date=21 October 2007 |title=JESC official presentation tomorrow |url=http://esctoday.com/news/read/9466 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106165007/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9466 |archive-date=6 November 2008 |access-date=10 June 2009 |publisher=ESC Today}} who regularly appear on stage and with the contestants in the green room. The presenters are also responsible for repeating the results immediately after the spokesperson of each participating broadcaster to confirm which country the points are being given to. Between 2003 and 2012, the spokespersons gave out the points in the same format as the adult contest, behind a backdrop of a major city of that country in the broadcaster's television studio. From 2013 onwards, the spokespersons give the points from their country on the arena stage, as opposed to the adult contest where spokespersons are broadcast live from their respective country (with the exception of 2020, due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic).

Despite the Junior Eurovision Song Contest being modelled on the format of the Eurovision Song Contest, there are many distinctive differences that are unique to the children's contest. From 2005 to 2015 every contestant was automatically awarded 12 points to prevent the contestants scoring zero points, although ending with 12 points total was in essence the same as receiving zero,{{Cite web |date=26 November 2005 |title=Your votes please: the spokespersons |url=http://esctoday.com/news/read/5208 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601191146/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/5208 |archive-date=1 June 2010 |access-date=10 June 2009 |publisher=ESC Today}} however, no entry has ever received nul points in total scoring.

File:Vladimir_Arzumanyan_JESC_2010.JPG representing {{Esccnty|Armenia|Junior}}, who won the 2010 contest with the song "Mama"]]

The song must be written and sung in the national language (or one of the national languages) of the country being represented. However, they can also have a few lines in a different language. The same rule was in the adults' contest from 1966 to 1972 and again from 1977 to 1998. This rule was later changed in 2009 so that up to 25% of a song could be in a different language, usually English. This rule was changed again in 2017, now allowing up to 40% to be in a different language.{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=2017-05-12 |title=JESC'17: Songs Now Allowed To Be Up to 40% in English |url=https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/12/jesc17-songs-now-allowed-40-english |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802023502/https://eurovoix.com/2017/05/12/jesc17-songs-now-allowed-40-english |archive-date=2017-08-02 |access-date=2020-11-10 |website=Eurovoix}}

Originally the competition was open to children between the ages of 8 and 15,{{Cite web |date=24 November 2005 |title=Official information on the 2005 contest |url=http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/2005/tcm_6-41227.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070803131047/http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/2005/tcm_6-41227.php |archive-date=3 August 2007 |access-date=5 July 2008 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} however in 2007 the age range was narrowed so that only children aged 10 to 15 on the day of the contest were allowed to enter. In 2016 the age range was changed again. From now on children aged 9 to 14 on the day of the contest are allowed to enter.

The song submitted into the contest cannot have previously been released commercially and must last 3 minutes at most. The rule stating that performers also must not have previously released music commercially was active from 2003 to 2006.{{Cite web |title=Rules of the 2003 contest |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/english/591.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031206152259/http://www.junioreurovision.tv/english/591.htm |archive-date=6 December 2003 |access-date=5 July 2008 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} This rule was dropped in 2007 thus allowing already experienced singers and bands in the competition. As a result, NRK chose to withdraw from the contest.

Since 2008, adults have been allowed to assist in the writing of entries.{{Cite web |year=2010 |title=Rules alterations for 2010 contest as well as details of traditional rules |url=http://esckaz.com/jesc/2008/event.htm#rules |access-date=11 August 2010 |publisher=ESCKaz}} Previously, all writers had to be aged 10 to 15.

File:Sietse Bakker at JESC 2011 (cropped).jpg

File:Vladislav Yakovlev at Russian JESC 2015 selection.jpg

The contest is organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), together with the host broadcaster in co-production with all the participating broadcasters. The original executive supervisor of the contest was Svante Stockselius who also headed the Steering Group that decides on the rules of the contest, which broadcaster hosts the next contest and oversees the entire production of each programme. In 2011, he was succeeded by Sietse Bakker.{{Cite web |date=6 June 2008 |title=Information on the Steering Group |url=http://www.cybc.com.cy/junioreu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=71 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213220858/http://www.cybc.com.cy/junioreu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=71 |archive-date=13 February 2009 |access-date=6 July 2008 |publisher=Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation}} In 2013, Vladislav Yakovlev took over the position.{{Cite web |last=Jarmo |first=Siim |title=Junior 2013 venue confirmed |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=junior_2013_venue_confirmed |access-date=28 May 2013 |publisher=JuniorEurovision.tv}} Yakovlev was dismissed without any clear reason after three contests, and was replaced by Jon Ola Sand, who had been Executive Supervisor for the Eurovision Song Contest since {{Escyr|2011}}.{{Cite web |last=Van Gorkum |first=Steef |date=2 December 2015 |title=EBU fires Executive Supervisor Yakovlev |url=http://www.escdaily.com/junior-eurovision-ebu-fires-yakovlev/ |access-date=8 December 2015 |website=escdaily.com |publisher=ESC Daily |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305001942/http://www.escdaily.com/junior-eurovision-ebu-fires-yakovlev/ |url-status=dead }} On 30 September 2019, Sand announced his intention to step down as Executive Supervisor and Head of Live Events after the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, which was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |date=30 September 2019 |title=Jon Ola Sand to step down as Executive Supervisor after Rotterdam 2020 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/jon-ola-sand-to-step-down-as-executive-supervisor-after-rotterdam-2020 |website=Eurovision.tv}} Martin Österdahl was named his successor, starting with the 2020 contest.{{Cite web |date=2020-09-25 |title=Martin Österdahl shares his views on the year ahead |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/martin-osterdahl-about-eurovision-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002034000/https://eurovision.tv/story/martin-osterdahl-about-eurovision-2021 |archive-date=2020-10-02 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=EBU}}

Steering Group meetings tend to include the Heads of Delegation whose principal job is to liaise between the EBU and the broadcaster they represent. It is also their duty to make sure that the performers are never left alone without an adult and to "create a team atmosphere amongst the [performers] and to develop their experience and a sense of community."

The table below lists all Executive Supervisors of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest since the first edition (2003):

File:Junior Eurovision Song Contest (emblem, 2003-2007).svg}}]]

File:Junior Eurovision Song Contest.svg

The former generic logo was introduced for the {{Escyr|2008|J|2008 contest}} in Limassol, to create a consistent visual identity. Each year of the contest, the host broadcaster creates a sub-theme which is usually accompanied and expressed with a sub-logo and slogan.

File:Junior Eurovision Song Contest generic logo.svg

The generic logo was revamped in March 2015, seven years after the first generic logo was created.{{Cite web |title=Photo gallery: Junior Eurovision 2015 Logo – Junior Eurovision Song Contest – Tbilisi 2017 |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/gallery/junior-eurovision-2015-logo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326064302/https://junioreurovision.tv/gallery/junior-eurovision-2015-logo |archive-date=26 March 2018 |access-date=25 March 2018 |website=junioreurovision.tv}} The logo was used for the first time in the {{Escyr|2015|J|2015 contest}} in Sofia.

The generic logo was again updated after Nice was revealed as the host city for the {{Escyr|2023|J|2023 contest}}, where the "heart flag" symbol of the adult Eurovision Song Contest is featured, and has been in use ever since.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-03 |title=Junior Eurovision 2023 is heading to Nice! |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/junior-eurovision-2023-heading-nice |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=junioreurovision.tv |language=en}}

Each contest since 2005 has had a slogan, chosen by the host broadcaster. Based on the slogan, the theme and the visual design are developed.

{{further|List of countries in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest}}

File:Junior Eurovision Participants.svg{{efn|group=Participation|Kosovo has never participated in the contest. However, in the competition period 2005–2007, Kosovo was a province of Serbia, which itself was a constituent republic of participating country Serbia and Montenegro at the time of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2005.}}}}]]

File:Junior Eurovision participation map.svg

All active member broadcasters of the EBU are permitted to take part in the contest, though the contest has been broadcast in several non-participating countries.{{Cite web |date=22 November 2007 |title=Israel getting into the JESC spirit |url=http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9700 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408143301/http://www.esctoday.com/news/read/9700 |archive-date=8 April 2008 |access-date=5 July 2008 |publisher=ESC Today}} Associate member broadcasters of the EBU may be eligible to compete, dependent on approval by the contest's steering group.

Participation in the contest tends to change dramatically each year. The original Scandinavian broadcasters left the contest in 2006 because they found the treatment of the contestants unethical,{{Cite web |date=18 April 2006 |title=News – Scandinavian JESC pull-out |url=http://esctoday.com/5926/scandinavian_jesc_pull-out/ |access-date=30 April 2014 |publisher=ESC Today}}{{Cite web |date=2022-12-12 |title=DR afviser comeback i omdiskuteret børneshow: 'Det er ikke noget, vi er interesseret i at deltage i' |trans-title=DR rejects comeback in controversial children's show: 'It is not something we are interested in participating in' |url=https://www.dr.dk/det-bedste-fra-dr/dr-afviser-comeback-i-omdiskuteret-boerneshow-det-er-ikke-noget-vi-er-interesseret |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=DR |language=da-DK}} and revived the MGP Nordic competition, which had not been produced since the Junior Eurovision Song Contest began. The {{Esccnty|Netherlands|Junior}} is the only country to have taken part every year since the first contest in 2003.

Broadcasters from 41 countries have competed at least once. Listed are all the countries that have taken part in the competition, alongside the year in which they made their debut:

|

|

|}

{{notelist|group=Participation}}

{{further|List of Junior Eurovision Song Contest winners}}

Overall, songs from twelve countries have won the contest since the inaugural edition in {{Escyr|2003|Junior}}. Five countries have won the contest once: {{Esccnty|Croatia|J}}, {{Esccnty|Italy|J}}, {{Esccnty|Spain|J}}, {{Esccnty|Ukraine|J}}, and the {{Esccnty|Netherlands|J}}. Five have won the contest twice: {{Esccnty|Armenia|J}}, {{Esccnty|Belarus|J}}, {{Esccnty|Malta|J}}, {{Esccnty|Poland|J}} and {{Esccnty|Russia|J}}. {{Esccnty|France}} has won the contest three times, while {{Esccnty|Georgia|J}} is currently the country that has won the most editions, winning four times. Both Croatia and Italy achieved their wins on their debut participation in the contest.

File:Emmelie de Forest at JESC 2013.jpg at a JESC press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine (2013)]]

File:JESC 2016 guest performance Jedward.jpg on stage performing "Hologram" during the interval in 2016]]

The tradition of interval acts between the songs in the competition programme and the announcement of the voting has been established since the inaugural contest in 2003. Interval entertainment has included such acts as girl group Sugababes and rock band Busted ({{ESCYr|2003|Junior}}),{{Cite web |date=9 November 2012 |title=Remember the first ever Junior Eurovision Song Contest? |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/remember-the-first-ever-junior-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=30 May 2019 |website=junioreurovision.tv |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} Westlife in {{ESCYr|2004|Junior}}, juggler Vladik Myagkostupov from the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil ({{ESCYr|2005|Junior}}){{Cite web |date=20 November 2012 |title=Remember the 2005 Junior Eurovision Song Contest? |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/remember-the-2005-junior-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=30 May 2019 |website=junioreurovision.tv |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}} and singer Katie Melua in {{ESCYr|2007|Junior}}.{{Cite web |date=9 January 2008 |title=Katie Melua star act Junior Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/katie-melua-star-act-junior-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=28 May 2019 |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}

Former Eurovision Song Contest participants and winners have also performed as interval acts, such as Dima Bilan and Evridiki in {{ESCYr|2008|Junior}}, Ani Lorak ({{ESCYr|2009|Junior}}), Alexander Rybak in {{ESCYr|2010|Junior}} and Sirusho ({{ESCYr|2011|Junior}}). Emmelie de Forest and the co-host that year, Zlata Ognevich, performed in {{ESCYr|2013|Junior}}. 2015 host Poli Genova and Jedward were two of the interval acts in {{ESCYr|2016|Junior}}.{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=3 November 2016 |title=Destiny and Poli Genova join Junior Eurovision 2016! |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=destiny_and_poli_genova_join_junior_eurovision_2016 |access-date=8 November 2016 |website=junioreurovision.tv |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}{{Cite web |date=17 November 2016 |title=JESC'16: Jedward To Perform "Hologram" in Sunday's Final |url=https://eurovoix.com/2016/11/17/jesc16-jedward-perform-hologram-sundays-final/ |access-date=28 May 2019 |publisher=Eurovoix}} {{ESCYr|2019}} winner Duncan Laurence and the intended {{ESCYr|2020}} Polish entrant Alicja Szemplińska performed as interval acts in the {{ESCYr|2020|Junior|2020 contest}}, with the former having his appearance inserted via chroma keying. {{ESCYr|2021}} runner-up Barbara Pravi, {{ESCYr|2022}} Armenian entrant Rosa Linn and {{ESCYr|2016}} French entrant Amir did the same in the {{ESCYr|2021|Junior}}, {{ESCYr|2022|Junior}} and {{ESCYr|2023|Junior|2023 editions}} respectively.{{Cite web |last=Waarden |first=Franciska van |date=2020-11-27 |title=Duncan Laurence, Viki Gabor and Roksana Wegiel to Perform at Junior Eurovision 2020 |url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/27/duncan-laurence-viki-gabor-and-roksana-wegiel-to-perform-at-junior-eurovision-2020/ |access-date=2020-11-27 |website=Eurovoix |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Carros |first=David |date=17 November 2021 |title=France TV presenta todos los detalles del Festival de Eurovisión Junior 2021 |url=https://www.escplus.es/france-tv-presenta-todos-los-detalles-del-festival-de-eurovision-junior-2021/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117150251/https://www.escplus.es/france-tv-presenta-todos-los-detalles-del-festival-de-eurovision-junior-2021/ |archive-date=17 November 2021 |access-date=17 November 2021 |work=ESCplus España |language=es}}{{Cite web |date=2022-11-24 |title=Maléna and Rosa Linn will perform at Junior Eurovision |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/malena-and-rosa-linn-will-perform-junior-eurovision |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=junioreurovision.tv |language=en}}

The winners of Junior Eurovision from 2003 to 2009 performed a medley of their entries together on stage during the 2010 interval.{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest Minsk 2010 |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/event/minsk-2010 |access-date=25 May 2019 |website=junioreurovision.tv}} As part of the 2022 interval, 11 previous winners performed in a medley of all the winning songs to date, for the occasion of the 20th edition of the event; the other eight winning songs were performed by the Tavush Diocese Children's Choir.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-02 |title=Junior Eurovision 2022: 11 Champions will perform in Yerevan! |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/junior-eurovision-2022-11-champions-will-perform-yerevan |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=junioreurovision.tv |language=en}}

The previous winner has performed on a number of occasions since 2005, and from 2013 all participants have performed a "common song" together on stage during the interval. Similar performances took place in 2007 and 2010 with the specially-commissioned UNICEF songs "One World"{{Cite web |date=29 November 2007 |title=Belarusian delegation to leave for Junior Eurovision 2007 in Rotterdam |url=https://www.tvr.by/eng/company/belarusian_delegation_to_leave_for_junior_eurovision_2007_in_rotterdam/ |access-date=25 May 2019 |website=tvr.by}} and "A Day Without War" respectively, the latter with Dmitry Koldun.{{Cite web |date=24 October 2010 |title=Exclusive: Koldun's song for UNICEF |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/exclusive-koldun-s-song-for-unicef |access-date=25 May 2019 |website=junioreurovision.tv}} The official charity song for the {{ESCYr|2012|Junior}} contest was "We Can Be Heroes", the money from the sales of which went to the Dutch children's charity KidsRights Foundation.{{Cite web |date=1 December 2012 |title=JESC'12: The Official Charity Song |url=https://eurovoix.com/2012/12/01/jesc12-the-official-charity-song/ |access-date=25 May 2019 |publisher=Eurovoix}}

The {{ESCYr|2008|Junior}} event in Limassol, Cyprus finished with the presenters inviting everyone on stage to sing "Hand in Hand", which was written especially for UNICEF and the Junior Eurovision Song Contest that year.{{Cite web |date=22 November 2008 |title=Our stars sing to help others! |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/our-stars-sing-to-help-others |access-date=25 May 2019 |website=junioreurovision.tv}}{{Cite web |date=21 November 2008 |title=Photo gallery: UNICEF song rehearsal |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/gallery/unicef-song-rehearsal |access-date=25 May 2019 |website=junioreurovision.tv}}

Ruslana was invited to perform at the 2013 contest, which took place in her country's capital Kyiv.{{Cite web |date=19 November 2013 |title=Remarkable Ruslana to perform with a children's choir at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/remarkable-ruslana-to-perform-with-a-children-s-choir-at-the-junior-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=17 December 2018 |website=junioreurovision.tv}} However, on the day of the contest she withdrew from the show, in protest against disproportionate violence used against protesters during the Euromaidan.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2016 |title=Why wasn't Ruslana at Junior Eurovision? |url=http://escreporter.com/why-wasnt-ruslana-at-junior-eurovision/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325025141/http://escreporter.com/why-wasnt-ruslana-at-junior-eurovision/ |archive-date=25 March 2016 |access-date=25 May 2019 |publisher=ESC Reporter}}

Since {{ESCYr|2004|Junior}} (with the exceptions of 2014 and 2017), the opening of the show has included a "Parade of Nations" or the "Flag Parade", similar to the Olympic Games opening ceremony. The parade was featured in some previous editions of the adult Eurovision Song Contest until its official adoption in 2013.

Below is a list of former participants of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest who have gone on to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. From {{Escyr|2014}} to {{Escyr|2023}}, the winner of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest was invited as a guest at the adult contest the following year.{{Efn|Viki Gabor, who won the {{Escyr|2019|J|2019 contest}} for Poland, appeared remotely from Warsaw for a segment in Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light, the replacement show for the cancelled Eurovision Song Contest 2020. Valentina and Lissandro, who won for France in {{Escyr|2020|J}} and {{Escyr|2022|J}} respectively, appeared at the following year's Eurovision Song Contest in a pre-recorded message.}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Junior Eurovision Song Contest}}

• {{Official website|https://junioreurovision.tv/}}
• [https://www.ebu.ch/contents/projects/tv/entertainment/junior-eurovision-song-contest.html Junior Eurovision Song Contest] – European Broadcasting Union

{{Junior Eurovision Song Contest}}

{{European Broadcasting Union}}

{{Good article}}

Category:Eurovision events

Category:Youth music competitions

Category:Song contests

Category:Recurring events established in 2003

Category:2003 establishments in Europe