For the first time ever, Kazakhstan and Wales will be competing in the 2018 Junior Eurovision to be held in Belarus this November. The two new countries will be among 19 countries – including Malta – competing to be crowned the top junior act and to host next year’s major event.

“We are delighted to have a record-breaking 19 countries taking part in the 16th Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Since the contest began in 2003 we have been thrilled to see a wealth of young talented performers take to the stage, some of whom have gone on to represent their countries in the Eurovision Song Contest. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of young musical talent shine in the 2018 contest at the Minsk Arena in Belarus,” says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of Junior Eurovision.

The European Broadcasting Union also confirmed that Azerbaijan and Israel would also be returning to the contest to have 19 countries compete for the first time in Junior Eurovision history.

A record number of 19 countries will take part on 25 November 2018 in Minsk Arena

The Asian nation of Kazakhstan, which, just like Australia, is an associate member of the EBU, has been interested in competing in the Eurovision for a while now. There were reports that the country would debut in this year’s Eurovision, but this was denied. However, with their debut in the Junior Eurovision, many are expecting to see them debut in Eurovision 2019 in Israel.

Historically, the countries that make up the United Kingdom would usually compete in the contest together. However, Wales have headed out on their own, having attending the Eurovision Choir of the Year 2017 competition last year, where they finished second.

They will now be participating in this year’s Junior Eurovision riding solo where they are expected to perform well, especially considering the little interest the United Kingdom usually gives to the Eurovision.

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]