The EBU has revealed the latest plans for the upcoming edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. The organisers of the competition have ruled out their plan A reducing the possible scenarios to just 3, B, C and D.
“The Eurovision Song Contest will definitely make its welcome return this May despite the pandemic but, in the prevailing circumstances, it is regrettably impossible to hold the event in the way we are used to,” said Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest.
“We’re grateful for the renewed commitment and backing from the City of Rotterdam and the ongoing support of all the participating broadcasters. We very much hope to be able to gather in Rotterdam in May and will do all we can in the coming weeks to achieve this. With an ever-changing situation we are taking our time to ensure that we can host the Eurovision Song Contest in the best and safest way possible,” he added.
Scenario B: Socially distanced Eurovision Song Contest
- Everyone attending the Eurovision Song Contest at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena would need to practice social distancing.
- Strict health and safety measures (including frequent COVID testing) would be in place at the venue. A protocol to protect artists, delegations, and crew on and off site would be adhered to.
- If there are any delegations who cannot travel to Rotterdam, their artists will perform “live-on-tape” with a recorded performance being used.
- Those who can travel to Rotterdam will perform their songs live on stage.
- There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), either with no audience or a reduced audience to allow for social distancing. The final capacity would be dependent on local government guidelines.
- There will be activities in the city of Rotterdam held in a safe and responsible way.
Scenario C: A travel restricted Eurovision Song Contest
- A Eurovision Song Contest, from Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena but no delegations or artists will travel to Rotterdam.
- Hosts and interval acts will still be live from the Ahoy.
- The performances of ALL the participants will be “live-on-tape”.
- Strict health and safety measures (including frequent COVID testing) would be in place at the venue.
- A protocol to protect crew on and off site would be adhered to.
- There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), either with no audience or a reduced audience to allow for social distancing. The final capacity would be dependent on local government guidelines.
- There will be reduced activities in the city of Rotterdam held in a safe and responsible way.
Scenario D: a lockdown Eurovision Song Contest
- A Eurovision Song Contest without an audience and virtual activities will be considered to explore the host city of Rotterdam.
- The performances of all the participants will be “live-on-tape”.
- There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), but no audience.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2021 will be held in The Netherlands after the cancellation of the 2020 contest due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hosts and venue will remain exactly the same for 2021.
A few months ago, Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s new Executive Supervisor, said: “It’s vitally important that the Eurovision Song Contest returns next year, and we’re pleased to have the necessary commitment from our Members in The Netherlands to bring this much-loved show back to audiences across the world.”
The final scenario, which will be announced in due course, will depend on the pandemic situation close to the contest. Meanwhile, the European Broadcasting Union has announced the ticket holders will have a refund this month, while they will be given a chance to re-purchase tickets for the same shows at a later date.
41 nations will compete at the next year’s edition, which will take place at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena on 18, 20 and 22 May 2021.