The Global Song Contest 03

## Voting

### System

Each country awards a set of points in the final of 20, 17, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6–1 points to twelve songs + Televoting (50/50)

### Winner

 **US Virgin Islands**
**"Royalty"** by *Egzod, Maestro Chives & Neoni*

**The Global Song Contest 03** was the third edition of the contest. It took a place in **Rotterdam, Netherlands** following the win of Dotan in Casablanca with the song *"There Will Be A Way"*. Organised by **AVROTROS**, the contest was held in the **Rotterdam Ahoy**, which also hosted Eurovision 2021**.** The contest was hosted by Nikkie de Jager, Stien den Hollander (S10) and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.

42 countries have confirmed their participation.

18 debuted in the second edition, while 10 withdrew.

**Greece** and **South Africa** returned after missing one edition.

The contest was won by the **US Virgin Islansds** with the song "Royalty" by Egzod, Maestro Chives & Neoni, with 311 points.

This edition, the winner was chosen **only** by the national juries.

## Location

The Global Song Contest 03, a dazzling international music extravaganza, took center stage at the renowned Rotterdam Ahoy in the vibrant city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Rotterdam Ahoy stands as one of Europe's premier event venues, renowned for its versatility and capacity to host large-scale spectacles. With its expansive space and modern facilities, the Rotterdam Ahoy provided the perfect stage for The Global Song Contest, accommodating an enthusiastic audience and delivering a world-class experience.

The Rotterdam Ahoy complex comprises multiple interconnected venues, including the Ahoy Arena, the largest of its kind in the Netherlands. The arena boasts a seating capacity of over 15,000, designed to ensure optimal visibility and excellent acoustics. Equipped with cutting-edge sound systems, lighting effects, and immersive visuals, the Rotterdam Ahoy offers a captivating experience, elevating the performances to new heights.

Rotterdam, a dynamic and culturally diverse city, served as an ideal backdrop for The Global Song Contest 03. As the second-largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is renowned for its architectural marvels, forward-thinking urban planning, and vibrant atmosphere. The city's skyline is adorned with impressive modern structures, including the iconic Erasmus Bridge, the Euromast observation tower, and the sleek Markthal.

Rotterdam's architectural prowess is further exemplified by its thriving post-war reconstruction, which gave birth to innovative architectural styles such as the iconic Cube Houses and the modernist Rotterdam Central Station. The city's commitment to contemporary design is also evident in its numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, such as the Kunsthal and the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, housing an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts.

Known as the "Gateway to Europe," Rotterdam is a bustling international hub with a diverse and vibrant population. Its multiculturalism is reflected in its rich culinary scene, with a wide variety of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. From traditional Dutch delicacies to flavors from Suriname, Morocco, and Indonesia, Rotterdam tantalizes taste buds with its diverse culinary offerings.

The city's music scene is also thriving, with a strong emphasis on creativity and innovation. Rotterdam hosts various music festivals, such as the internationally renowned North Sea Jazz Festival and the electronic music extravaganza, Rotterdam Rave. The city's venues, ranging from intimate jazz clubs to larger concert halls like the Rotterdam Ahoy, provide platforms for both established artists and emerging talents, ensuring a vibrant and diverse musical landscape.

Additionally, Rotterdam's strategic location near the North Sea has shaped its identity as a bustling port city, with a vibrant maritime heritage. The bustling harbor, one of the largest in the world, adds an industrial charm to the city's landscape. Visitors can explore the maritime history and witness the bustling activity at the Port of Rotterdam, a testament to the city's economic significance and global connectivity.

The choice of Rotterdam and the Rotterdam Ahoy as the hosts for The Global Song Contest 03 showcased the city's cultural richness, architectural brilliance, and dynamic energy. The combination of the venue's state-of-the-art facilities and Rotterdam's vibrant atmosphere created an unforgettable experience for participants and audiences alike. This event reinforced Rotterdam's reputation as a premier destination for music and entertainment, solidifying its position as a city that seamlessly blends innovation, creativity, and cultural diversity.

## Participating countries

#### First Semi-Final

**Malta** won the second chance and qualified for the Grand Final.