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Eurovision rules out 1 scenario, 3 remain

No fully staged event in Rotterdam, but there are still 3 possible scenarios under consideration.

The Eurovision Song Contest recently ruled out a fully staged event for 2021, but there are still 3 possible scenarios under consideration.

“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 ESC.

“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.

Organisers will now focus their efforts on Scenario B, a socially distanced event with artists performing in Rotterdam.

A further decision on how the Contest will be staged will be taken in the coming weeks.

The 3 remaining scenarios being planned for are:

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.

Montaigne will represent Australia, but a song is yet to be confirmed.

4 Responses

  1. Scenarios C and D are very similar. I think they will go with C because there have been empty arena performances by DJs and singers/bands (for TV filming purposes) throughout the last year in Europe. It’s tightly controlled and seems very safe. A few socially distanced hosts with a cameraman in a huge empty arena doesn’t seem to carry many risks.

  2. Why doesn’t Australia offer to host? We have been a participant for many years now. As per the tennis, quarantine all singers, commentators etc. We can have an Australian audience to give the event the atmosphere it requires. Be great for Australia both in future tourism credit and production revenue.

    1. Two reasons:
      1. There are almost 40,000 Australians overseas waiting to come home. Parachuting in 40 odd eurovision delegations ahead of them is terrible optics.

      2.Our hotel quarantine system is already showing signs of leakage. It doesn’t need hundreds more people unnecessarily added to it.

      Oh, and the televised shows would need to start at 5am local time to accommodate prime time in Europe.

    2. yes, ive heard so many people think this, probably too short notice now, but should have been initiated a year ago. It would make Europe hate us even more, but all in good fun.

      i’d be there at 5am in the audience if it happened.

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