Hosts of Eurovision-2017 have begun the most crucial period of rehearsals. They spoke about the preparation and their ideas at a press briefing held at Ukraine Crisis Media Center.
Hosts Volodymyr Ostapchuk, Oleksandr Skichko and Timur Miroshnychenko reported that they prepare a lot of surprises for all stages of the show. They closely viewed videos from the previous contests, analyzed the errors and “tricks” of the hosts. “We are not going to imitate anyone, it is wrong in terms of professional ethics,” says Timur. “One of the main accusations to us was if we can surpass the performance of Måns and Petra in 2016. No, this is not our goal. Our goal is to show the Ukrainian version, show that we are Europeans, show that we have talents, that Ukraine is great, European and versatile. Celebrate diversity is vivid in almost all of our performances,” said Volodymyr.
According to the boys, there are no girls among the hosts “not because it was planned, but because it just happened this way.” They were selected on such criteria as the level of English, TV-experience, ability to work on live television broadcast, ability to cope with stress and to work in a team. “For the first time in the Eurovision history, three boys will be the hosts. It is nice to introduce something new,” noted Oleksandr.
Thanks to mutual English lessons and rehearsals they see each other almost every day. “Now the Eurovision Contest to us is something we are thinking of when we wake up and go to bed. We either watch presentations or practice English,” says Olexandr.
Most rehearsals take place in an ordinary gym. All our movements are counted. “It is not just an appearance of 2-3 hosts on the stage, it is a huge work of many people. The hardest part is to combine everything. We provide for all contingencies, – informs Volodymyr – that is why it is out of the question that something will go wrong. “
“The first script writers from London have already arrived to Ukraine, and tomorrow we will meet with them directly at the arena to continue our rehearsals,” adds Timur.