Junior Eurovision had made it to its tenth edition, but things had taken a bit of a dive. Only 12 countries participated, which made it the smallest field to date. Four countries decided not to send entries this year – Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania and Macedonia. Some would return. On the plus side, we saw three – yes, three – débutants. Albania, Azerbaijan and Israel. For two of these, it’s been their only appearance to date. Which of them came back in 2013?

The Netherlands hosted JESC for the second time, but this time in Amsterdam (the 2007 JESC was in Rotterdam), and featured, as an opening, a cover of the senior ESC winner that year in Euphoria.

Former winner Ralf Mackenbach (2009) also got in on the act during the interval, not singing Click Clack.

One name you might recognise from the running order is Lerika. She took part in the 2011 JESC for Moldova. By taking part for Russia this year she wasn’t the first ever repeat participant, but she was the first repeat participant to represent two different countries. Maybe we’ll see her at the senior version in years to come. Anastasiya Petryk’s older sister Viktoria had already participated in JESC in 2008. She had produced Ukraine’s best result by far to date. Could her younger sister go one better?

To bolster the voting, a kids’ jury was introduced for the first time.

Belarus – Egor Zheshko – A more-more (O sea, O sea)

Sweden – Lova Sönnerbo – Mitt mod (My courage)

Azerbaijan – Omar & Suada – Girls and boys (Dünya Sənindir)     (The world is yours)

Belgium – Fabian – Abracadabra

Russia – Lerika – Sensation

Israel – Kids.il – Let the music win

Albania – Igzidora Gjeta – Kam një këngë vetëm për ju (I have a song just for you)

Armenia – Compass Band – Sweetie baby

Ukraine – Anastasiya Petrik – Nebo (Sky)

Georgia – Funkids – Funky lemonade

Moldova – Denis Midone – Toate vor fi (All will be fine)

Netherlands – Femke – Tik tik tak

The result was the most conclusive of any JESC to date. Anastasiya Petryk outdid her older sister and recorded Ukraine’s first win. Her victory was a record winning margin of 35 points over Georgia – she only dropped a total of 18 points out of the maximum 156. Georgia’s runner-up spot came hot on their win twelve months earlier, bolstering their reputation as one of JESC’s most successful nations. Third place went to Armenia, also enhancing their reputation in JESC.

Could JESC increase its numbers? We would have to wait until the next JESC to find out.

Which songs did you like best?

Author: John Stanton