Junior Eurovision to be staged remotely

The 18th Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be staged remotely in November, due to the COVID pandemic.

It will be hosted from Warsaw in a studio but all the competing songs will be performed in each participating country. EBU Members in the 13 participating countries have agreed to use a similar stage layout and technical set up to capture the performance of their artists.

“Travel restrictions and the ongoing issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic mean regrettably we cannot bring all the artists to Poland to compete in person at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest this year,” said Martin Österdahl, the Contest’s Executive Supervisor.

“We are determined however that the show must go on and that this competition, held annually since 2003, must continue. Despite the changes this year, all the talented youngsters chosen to represent their countries will still have an equal chance to shine, and, as is tradition, families from around the world will be able to vote for their favourite songs online.”

“Every year the Junior Eurovision Song Contest unites young artists, their loved ones and music fans all over the world,” said Jacek Kurski, President of Polish Television (TVP).

“It is an undeniable celebration of the talent of people who are just entering the world of music. That is why it is so important to create space and conditions for them to show their talent despite this year’s difficulties. Just as during the spectacular show last year, TVP will do its best to provide young artists and the great international Eurovision family with a wonderful, unforgettable experience.”

“Bringing families together is a core mission of public service media and as we reimagine the Junior Eurovision Song Contest for the times we currently live in we are committed to ensuring that everyone taking part this year, from the young singers around Europe to the audience at home, enjoy a positive and unifying experience,” added Martin Österdahl. “We are grateful to all our colleagues at TVP for rising to the challenge of producing an ambitious live international TV production that will travel the world as well as “Move the World”.

Australia is not participating this year, however organisers have also said they are open to late entries if any broadcasters have a change of mind.

“The list of participating broadcasters we released [on Tuesday] isn’t necessarily the final one – indeed, we would welcome other nations coming on board to JESC 2020, up to our maximum of 20 broadcasters,” a spokesperson told ESCplus.

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020 will be broadcast live on 29 November (3am AEDT).