It has been officially confirmed that, after 64 years, Eurovision Song Contest has been cancelled in Rotterdam this year because of the sickness.
Over the past few weeks the Eurovision team have been exploring many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead.
Unfortunately, the Eurovision Song Contest this year in Rotterdam has been cancelled because of the nasty flu uncertainty in Europe.
Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor: “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.”
This news means that artists and groups that were set to compete this year will not stand a chance of winning.
This is heartbreaking news for the tiny nation of Iceland that were fan favourites to win with their song ‘Think About Things’ by Daði Freyr. It would have made Eurovision history.
Iceland’s dreams crushed after Eurovision is cancelled due to Coronavirus
NPO chairwoman Shula Rijxman: “This decision by the EBU was inevitable, given the circumstances currently affecting all of Europe as a result of the coronavirus and all the measures that governments must now take. This is a big disappointment for the Dutch audience, the fantastic team behind the scenes, the presenters and the artists. In recent months, a large group of people have worked hard on the Song Contest. We thank them for their great commitment and regret that the results of the efforts will not be visible in the short term. We would particularly like to mention the municipality of Rotterdam, which has proven itself as the ideal partner in this project in the past year. This edition was an excellent opportunity to understand each other differently in a period of uncertainty in Europe, but above all an opportunity to really bring Europe together. Music is universally binding and – I am sure – it will stay that way. Even after this corona crisis.”
Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event, understands that many people are disappointed that the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 will not take place: “For the artists from 41 participating countries, our opening and interval acts that put their hearts and souls into their performance. For the fans who have always supported us and have kept confidence until the last moment. And not least, for the fantastic team, which has worked very hard in recent months to make this 65th edition a great success. We understand and share that disappointment. Some perspective is appropriate because, at the same time, we also realize that this decision and its consequences don’t compare to the challenges faced by people affected, directly or indirectly, by the coronavirus and the difficult but necessary measures.”
The Eurovision team have asked for some patience as they work through the ramifications of this unprecedented decision and patiently await further news in the coming days and weeks. During that time, they would like to pay tribute to all the Host Broadcaster team in the Netherlands and our 41 public service broadcasters who have worked so hard planning this year’s event.