Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008

{{details|topic=the host city|Limassol}}

{{location map+ |Europe |width=200 |float=left |caption=Locations of the bidding countries. The withdrawn countries are marked in green. The eliminated countries are marked in red. The chosen host country is marked in blue.|places=

{{location map~|Europe |lat=38.736946 |long=-9.142685 |label=Lisbon|position=right|mark=Green pog.svg}}

{{location map~|Europe |lat=59.329444 |long=18.068611 |label=Stockholm|position=left|mark=Red pog.svg}}

{{location map~|Europe |lat=50.45 |long=30.523333 |label=Kyiv|position=left|mark=Red pog.svg}}

{{location map~|Europe |lat=34.666667 |long=33.033333 |label=Limassol|position=left|mark=Blue pog.svg}}

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On 27 May 2007, the Eurovision Steering Group decided to award CyBC of Cyprus the rights to host the 2008 contest, over bids from TV4 of Sweden and NTU of Ukraine, the latter of which would later host the 2009 edition. RTP of Portugal had also submitted a bid, however it was withdrawn at an early stage,{{Cite web |last=Álvarez |first=Jesús |date=2024-03-12 |title=Eurovisión Junior: Cuando el país ganador no ha sido la sede al año siguiente |url=https://www.escplus.es/eurovision-junior/2024/eurovision-junior-cuando-el-pais-ganador-no-ha-sido-la-sede-al-ano-siguiente/ |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=ESCplus España |language=es}} and the country went on to withdraw from the competition altogether.

File:Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Center 11.JPG

The Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Center{{cite web|url=http://www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy/sports/english/index.html|title=Palais des Sports|first=Alexandru|last=Niculita|website=www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy|access-date=11 August 2017}} (Greek: Αθλητικό Κέντρο "Σπύρος Κυπριανού"), also known as Palais des Sports, is the largest multi-purpose indoor athletics arena in Cyprus. It is named after the late president of Cyprus Spyros Kyprianou. The shuttle of the centre can host more than 6,255 spectators and at least 42 wheelchair spots. Moreover, the centre is used especially for the sport events of local schools in Limassol greater area.{{Cite web|url=http://www.volleyball.org.cy/docs/201314/menA_201314.pdf|title=Γήπεδα ομάδων σελ. 9|accessdate=2013-11-12|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125050138/http://www.volleyball.org.cy/docs/201314/menA_201314.pdf|archivedate=2013-11-25|url-status=dead}}

File:JESC 2008 album cover.jpg

Fifteen countries took part in the 2008 Junior Eurovision Song Contest: Armenia, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Macedonia, Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine.{{cite web |title=Participants of Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008 |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/thestars |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003054128/http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/thestars |archive-date=2008-10-03 |access-date=2013-10-23 |publisher=JuniorEurovision.tv}} {{Esccnty|Portugal|Junior}}, which had taken part twice since 2006 announced that it was no longer interested in the contest and withdrew along with {{Esccnty|Sweden|Junior}}, a founding country in 2003, which left because of other broadcasting plans during the time of the event.{{cite web |title=RTP withdraw from Junior Eurovision 2008 |url=http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=3518 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206083102/http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=3518 |archive-date=December 6, 2008 |access-date=May 28, 2008}}{{cite web |title=Details on Swedish withdrawal |url=http://esckaz.com/jesc/2008/news1.htm |access-date=2013-10-23 |publisher=ESCKaz.com}}{{Better source needed|date=November 2021}} Portugal would return in {{Escyr|2017|Junior}} after winning the adult contest for the first time that same year.{{cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=9 August 2017 |title=16 Countries to dazzle on stage in Tbilisi in 2017! |url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=268592 |access-date=11 August 2017 |website=junioreurovision.tv |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}

On the other hand, Israel and Bosnia and Herzegovina announced their intention to participate, but decided both to withdraw before the contest. Welsh language broadcaster S4C considered the possibility of participation, but in the end it was decided they would not to participate in the competition, because their debut was rejected because Wales isn't a sovereign state. Only the BBC has the exclusive right to represent the United Kingdom.{{cite web |title=Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008 info page |url=http://esckaz.com/jesc/2008/ |access-date=2013-10-23 |publisher=ESCKaz.com}}{{Better source needed|date=November 2021}} Wales later debuted in the {{Escyr|2018|Junior}} contest.

Azerbaijan announced its intention to take part also, but withdrew from the contest in early October. According to İctimai Televiziya və Radio Yayımları Şirkəti, the network was unable to select and prepare children for such a high scale event without proper help from other governmental structures and bodies. The broadcaster also confirmed payment of a fine to the EBU due to its late withdrawal.{{cite web |date=2008-11-14 |title=Детское Евровидение 2008 Кипр Новости Junior Eurovision 2008 Cyprus News |url=http://www.esckaz.com/jesc/2008/ |access-date=2013-10-23 |publisher=Esckaz.com}}{{Better source needed|date=November 2021}} Poland had also considered participation but decided that it would not take part this year.{{cite web |title=Details on Poland non participation |url=http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=3544 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217064046/http://www.oikotimes.com/v2/index.php?file=articles&id=3544 |archive-date=2012-02-17 |access-date=2013-10-23 |publisher=oikotimes.com}} The 2008 contest was the first Junior Eurovision Song Contest to have no debuting countries.

Prior to the event, a compilation album featuring all the songs from the 2008 contest, along with karaoke versions, was put together by the European Broadcasting Union and released by Universal Music Group on 10 October 2008.{{cite web |date=23 November 2015 |title=Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008 |url=https://music.apple.com/be/album/junior-eurovision-song-contest-2008/806250060 |access-date=23 November 2015 |website=iTunes}}

The stage, which was designed by George Papadopoulos,{{cite web|author=BDigital Web Solutions |url=http://www.skinotechniki.com/index.php?pageid=10 |title=Scenery and sets design and construction |publisher=Skinotechniki.com |access-date=2012-08-12}} was nominated for the prestigious international "Live Design Excellence Awards".{{cite web |url=http://livedesignonline.com/excellenceawards/junior-eurovision-song-contest |title=Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008 |publisher=Livedesignonline.com |date=2010-03-23 |access-date=2012-08-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722022601/http://livedesignonline.com/excellenceawards/junior-eurovision-song-contest/ |archive-date=2012-07-22 }} The design is an abstract composition and consists of a round stage representing the island of Cyprus, real water along the front of the stage, two jetties, the waves breaking and moving away from the island and five sailing boats with oars. During the competitive performances, a beach ball with the design of the performer's national flag would be floating in the on-stage pond while they were performing.

The stage was constructed between 30 October 2008 and 14 November 2008.

On 10 September 2008, the hosts were announced as Alex Michael and Sophia Paraskeva; both presenters with Cypriot backgrounds.{{cite web|url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=meet_the_hosts_sophia_and_alex|title=Meet the hosts: Sophia and Alex!|website=junioreurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|date=10 September 2008|access-date=11 August 2017}}

On 13 October 2008, the draw of the running order took place live on CyBC 1. This involved drawing the first and last countries and performers, and then drawing countries into various 'pots' to decide when they would perform.{{cite web|url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=first_part_of_draw_concluded|title=First part of draw concluded!|website=junioreurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|date=13 October 2008|access-date=11 August 2017}} The full running order was announced on 14 October 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=we_have_it_the_starting_order|title=We have it: The starting order!|website=junioreurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|date=14 October 2008|access-date=11 August 2017}}

As in all previous Eurovision Song Contests each country gave their top 10 countries songs points from 1 point for their 10th favourite song up until 8 points for their 3rd favourite song. Then 10 and 12 points were given for the second favorite and favorite respectively. However, the difference between this contest and other past contests is this is the first Eurovision Song Contest that implements a jury vote that counts for half of each countries vote.{{cite web|url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/tag/expand/Junior%20Eurovision%20Song%20Contest?id=1140 |title=Junior: Minor format changes introduced | Junior Eurovision Song Contest | Junior Eurovision Song Contest - Kyiv 2013 |publisher=Junioreurovision.tv |access-date=2013-10-23}} Profits made from the televoting was donated to UNICEF.{{Cite web|url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/unicef-and-junior-2008-water-for-all|title=UNICEF and Junior 2008: Water For All!|date=November 19, 2008|website=junioreurovision.tv|access-date=13 December 2022}}

The event took place on 22 November 2008 at 21:15 EET (20:15 CET).{{Cite web |date=2008-11-22 |title=TONIGHT IS THE BIG NIGHT! |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/tonight-is-the-big-night |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=junioreurovision.tv |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2008 |title=Tonight: Junior 2008 live from Cyprus! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/tonight-junior-2008-live-from-cyprus |access-date=13 December 2022 |website=eurovision.tv}} Fifteen countries participated, with the running order published on 14 October 2008. For the first time, all the countries competing were eligible to vote through a 50% jury and 50% televoting system.{{Efn|The only country that did not use this system was Ukraine who calculated their vote using a jury. Ukrainian broadcaster NTU opted not to broadcast the contest live, but to air it deferred on Sunday 23 November as Saturday 22 November was Holodomor Remembrance Day in the country.[http://www.esckaz.com/jesc/2008/]}} Georgia won with 121 points, with Ukraine, Lithuania, Malta, and Macedonia completing the top five. Belgium, Serbia, the Netherlands, Greece, and Bulgaria occupied the bottom five positions.{{cite web |title=Final of Lemesos 2008 |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/event/lemesos-2008/final |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529162042/https://junioreurovision.tv/event/lemesos-2008/final |archive-date=29 May 2021 |access-date=29 May 2021 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}

The opening of the show featured a dance act featuring Yiorgos Ioannides and Mariam Venizelou. During the interval, Eurovision 2008 winner Dima Bilan performed two songs during the interval, alongside Evridiki and her husband Dimitris Korgialas who performed the theme song of the contest, "Fun in the Sun".{{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}} Closing the interval, all participants performed the song "Hand in Hand", which was written especially for UNICEF and the Junior Eurovision Song Contest that year.{{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}}

{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}

1. {{esc|Romania|Junior}}{{snd}}Iulia Ciobanu
2. {{esc|Armenia|Junior}}{{snd}}Mary Sahakyan
3. {{esc|Belarus|Junior|f=1995}}{{snd}}Anjelica Misevich
4. {{esc|Russia|Junior}}{{snd}}Sarina
5. {{esc|Greece|Junior}}{{snd}}Stefani Trepekli
6. {{esc|Belgium|Junior}}{{snd}}Chloé Ditlefsen
7. {{esc|Bulgaria|Junior}}{{snd}}Marina Baltadzi
8. {{esc|Serbia|Junior|f=2004}}{{snd}}Anđelija Erić
9. {{esc|Malta|Junior}}{{snd}}Francesca Zarb
10. {{esc|Netherlands|Junior}}{{snd}}Famke Rauch
11. {{esc|Ukraine|Junior}}{{snd}}Marietta
12. {{esc|Lithuania|Junior}}{{snd}}Lina Joy
13. {{esc|Cyprus|Junior}}{{snd}}Christina Christofi
14. {{esc|Georgia|Junior}}{{snd}}Ana Davitaia
15. {{esc|Macedonia|Junior}}{{snd}}Marija Zafirovska

{{div col end}}

File:Bzikibi.jpg

Georgia and Macedonia awarded their points last due to technical problems.

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.

{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2021}}

For a country to be eligible for potential participation in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, it needs to be an active member of the EBU.

• {{esc|Azerbaijan|Junior}}{{snd}}Azerbaijan was originally going to participate but withdrew on 15 October 2008, due to the lack of participants signed up for the national final.
• {{esc|Bosnia and Herzegovina|Junior}}{{snd}}Bosnia and Herzegovina were also set to participate but later withdrew. Bosnia and Herzegovina also unsuccessfully attempted to participate in 2007. They did, however, broadcast the contest live.

{{More citations needed section|date=May 2021}}

A live broadcast of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest was available worldwide via satellite through European streams such as TVRi, ERT World, ARMTV, RTS Sat and MKTV Sat. The official Eurovision Song Contest website also provided a live stream without commentary via the peer-to-peer medium Octoshape.

• Eurovision Song Contest 2008
• Eurovision Dance Contest 2008
• Eurovision Young Musicians 2008

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Junior Eurovision Song Contest}}

{{Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008}}

Category:2008 in Cyprus

Category:Entertainment events in Cyprus

Category:November 2008 in Europe

Category:Limassol