Duncan Laurence out of Eurovision

Duncan Laurence, who won the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest for the Netherlands has tested positive for COVID-19.

Because of the 7 day minimum isolation period he will no longer perform Live as a guest in the Grand Final, but will still feature in the show in a different form.

Last Monday, Laurence tested negative in the Eurovision Test Pavilion, which granted him access to the venue for his performance in the first Semi-Final. On Wednesday, he showed mild symptoms and then unfortunately delivered a positive result in a rapid antigen test.

“We are of course disappointed, first of all for Duncan, who deserves a live performance on our very own Eurovision stage after his 2019 victory and the worldwide success of Arcade,” Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer, said. “We couldn’t be more proud of his opening act for the first Semi-Final. Of course we wish Duncan a speedy recovery!”

“Duncan is very disappointed, he has been looking forward to this for two years. We are very happy that he will still be seen in the final on Saturday, May 22,” his management said.

Earlier Iceland was forced to withdraw from a Live performance after Daði og Gagnamagnið keyboard player Jóhann Sigurðu tested positive, falling back on their rehearsal vision.

It remains unclear if any of the other acts or hosts have been impacted after coming into proximity with Laurence.

Since 6 April over 24,400 tests have been conducted amongst crew, volunteers, artists, delegation members and press. Only 16 of those (0.06%) have returned positive results.