Just hours after the cancellation of Glastonbury Festival, the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 has become the latest event to be scrapped due to Covid-19’s ongoing global spread.
A statement was issued today (March 18), with The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) citing “the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe – and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities” – for the event’s first cancellation in 64 years.
Eurovision was due to take place in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands in May.
“It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam,” said the statement.
“Over the past few weeks, we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead.”
“We regret this situation very much, but I can promise you: the Eurovision Song Contest will come back stronger than ever.”
Jon Ola Sand, Eurovision
Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor, 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.
“The EBU, together with the Host Broadcaster NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue to talk to see if it’s possible to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam in 2021.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the process of staging a great Eurovision Song Contest this year. Unfortunately, that was not possible due to factors beyond our control.
“We regret this situation very much, but I can promise you: the Eurovision Song Contest will come back stronger than ever.”
You can read Eurovision’s statement in full here:
It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam.
Over the past few weeks, we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead.
However, the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe – and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities – means the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has taken the difficult decision to not continue with the live event as planned.
We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption, for the past 64 years and we, like the millions of fans around the world, are extremely saddened that it can not take place in May.
The EBU, NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue in conversation regarding the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.
We ask some patience as we work through the ramifications of this unprecedented decision and patiently await further news in the coming days and weeks.
During that time, we would like to pay tribute to all the Host Broadcaster team in the Netherlands and our 41 Members who have worked so hard planning this year’s event.
We are all heartbroken that the Eurovision Song Contest will not be able to be staged in May but feel confident that the whole Eurovision family, across the world, will continue to provide love and support for each other at this difficult time.Music Business Worldwide
