Coronavirus pandemic silences this year’s Eurovision Song Contest
The organizers of the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest on Wednesday pulled the plug on the upcoming event, pointing to uncertainties created by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The multinational celebration of song, which is billed as the world’s biggest live television broadcast, was cancelled after all other options were ruled out, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said.
This year’s event was scheduled to take place in Rotterdam on May 12-16, after Dutch singer Duncan Laurence won the 2019 edition in Tel Aviv.
The decision to cancel the Song Contest was made in light of the health policy restrictions put in place by participating broadcasters and Dutch authorities, as well as health considerations for artists, staff and fans, the Swiss-based EBU said.
“We are very proud of the Eurovision Song Contest, that for 64 years has united people all around Europe. And we are deeply disappointed about this situation,” EBU Song Contest chief Jon Ola Sand said in a statement.
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The EBU is in talks with its Dutch hosts to see whether the event can be staged in Rotterdam next year, Sand said.
Participating national broadcasters had already been in full preparation mode. Artists have been selected, songs have been produced and video clips have been presented.
“We regret this situation very much, but I can promise you: The Eurovision Song Contest will come back stronger than ever,” he added.
The event was not postponed to a later date this year because the EBU could not guarantee that it could organize the complex event amid the coronavirus uncertainty, the public broadcasting group said.
The EBU also opted against staging the competition without an audience and against letting artists perform remotely.
“It’s in the DNA of the Eurovision Song Contest to bring delegations, artists and fans together in one place,” the EBU said. “The unique format of the Song Contest as an international live event means that it is not possible to identify any realistic alternative.”
While European broadcasters are mulling how to proceed next year, Eurovision fans can still view this year’s entries on the Rotterdam Song Contest website. (dpa)
