What Is 2019 Junior Eurovision Song Contest

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Junior Eurovision Song Contest took place on November 24, 2019, in Gliwice, Poland, marking the first time the country hosted after Viki Gabor won in 2018. A record 19 countries participated in the event.

Key Facts

The 2019 Junior Eurovision Song Contest was held on November 24, 2019.
It took place at the Winning Hall in Gliwice, Poland, the first time Poland hosted.
A record 19 countries participated, the highest number since the contest began.
Poland’s Viki Gabor won with 'Superhero', scoring 278 points.
The theme of the event was 'Share the Joy', emphasizing youth and unity.

Overview

The 2019 Junior Eurovision Song Contest was the 17th edition of the annual international music competition for young performers aged 9 to 14. It was held on November 24, 2019, in Gliwice, Poland, following Poland's victory in 2018 by Viki Gabor with the song 'Superhero'. This marked the first time Poland hosted the event, a milestone for the country's presence in the Eurovision family.

The contest featured a vibrant stage design, modern lighting, and a youthful atmosphere aimed at celebrating children's creativity across Europe and beyond. Broadcast live by the Polish public broadcaster TVP, the event attracted a global audience through live streaming and official Eurovision platforms. The theme for the year, 'Share the Joy', reflected the inclusive and energetic spirit of the competition.

Host city: Gliwice, Poland, hosted the event at the Winning Hall, a venue with a capacity of over 10,000 spectators.
Date: The final was held on November 24, 2019, with rehearsals and press events starting a week prior.
Participants: A record 19 countries took part, surpassing the previous high of 18 set in 2018.
Winner: Poland’s Viki Gabor won with 278 points for her song 'Superhero', becoming the first Polish winner.
Language rule: For the first time, performers were allowed to sing in any language, not just their native tongue.

How It Works

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest follows a structured format similar to its senior counterpart but tailored for younger artists. Each participating country submits one original song performed live by a child or group aged 9 to 14. Voting combines national juries and online public voting.

Eligibility:Artists must be between 9 and 14 years old on the day of the final and cannot have turned 15 before December 31, 2019.
Entry song: Each country submits one original song lasting no more than 3 minutes, performed in any language.
Voting system: Results are determined by 50% national juries and 50% online voting, with votes from ages 16 and under weighted more heavily.
Rehearsals: All acts undergo two weeks of technical and dress rehearsals in the host city before the live show.
Stage production: The stage design changes each year, with 2019 featuring LED panels, pyrotechnics, and interactive lighting.
Broadcast: The show is aired in over 30 countries and streamed globally via the official Junior Eurovision website.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of recent Junior Eurovision editions highlights growth in participation and production value:

Year	Host City	Participants	Winner	Winning Song
2019	Gliwice, Poland	19	Poland	'Superhero'
2018	Minsk, Belarus	20	Poland	'Anyone I Want to Be'
2017	Tbilisi, Georgia	16	Georgia	'Mzeo'
2016	Valletta, Malta	17	Georgia	'Mzeo'
2015	Sochi, Russia	17	Italy	'Andiamo a guardare i fuochi'

The 2019 edition stood out due to Poland’s historic first win and the record number of participants. Despite 2018 having 20 countries, withdrawals reduced the 2019 total to 19. Production quality continued to rise, with enhanced digital effects and broader international engagement.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Junior Eurovision Song Contest was more than a music competition—it was a platform for youth expression, cultural exchange, and soft diplomacy among nations. By giving children a global stage, the event fostered inclusivity and inspired future generations of performers.

Empowers young talent: Provides a high-profile international platform for children to showcase musical skills and build confidence.
Promotes cultural diversity: Encourages multilingual performances and cross-cultural appreciation among young audiences.
Boosts national pride: Winning brings significant media attention and tourism opportunities to the host country.
Advances broadcast technology: The 2019 show used cutting-edge LED and lighting systems to enhance visual storytelling.
Encourages youth participation: Voting by children and teens increases engagement with European cultural events.
Supports music education: Many participating countries integrate the contest into national arts curricula to promote music and performance.

The legacy of the 2019 contest lives on through its winners, viewership records, and the continued expansion of Junior Eurovision as a global youth phenomenon.