May 16, 2020

EBU: Welcome to Rotterdam 2021

Today, at the end of the show Europe Shine A Light, there was some news. The EBU confirmed that the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest will be held, and Rotterdam will be the host city. Following the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, the EBU, NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam entered constructive discussions on the possibilities of staging the 65th edition of the world’s largest live music event in Rotterdam. Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s new Executive Supervisor, said: We are extremely happy that we can now move forward. 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. I firmly believe that all of us involved in the Eurovision Song Contest will stand united through challenges and change to bring the Contest back stronger than ever, ensuring its longevity for decades to come. “Now more than ever it is important that we, as a public broadcaster, are committed to continuing this European tradition and are organizing a great event that people can look forward to during these difficult times. We will do everything in our power to arrange a very special Contest,” said NPO Chairman, Shula Rijxman. Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event, added: “Our team is proud and excited to look forward with renewed energy to organize a fantastic Eurovision Song Contest in 2021. Yes, with a sense of realism that fits with the times we live in, but also with ambition and creativity. We are looking forward to working with the entire Eurovision family to make it happen.” source: eurovision.tv

ABBA in Europe shine a light!?

Tonight is the night! Unfortunately not the night of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest. However, there will be a show called Europe Shine A Light. It will start at 21:00 CET and you can watch it in every participating country of the Eurovision Song Contest. You will see all the participants to be, and parts of all the songs that were supposed to be in the show. Europe Shine A Light will be hosted by Edsilia Rombley, Chantal Janzen and Jan Smit, the hosts of the ESC 2020. The place were it all happens will not be Rotterdam but Hilversum. Apart from the participating artists you will meet Duncan Laurence, who has released a new song. You will of course see Johnny Logan, mr. Eurovision himself. You will see Ilse Delange (Common Linnets). Måns Zelmerlöw will sing his “Heroes” as a tribute to all the people, working in healthcare, to do the best they can in the Corona Crisis. And there is a rumour…. in Dutch tv show RTL Boulevard, it is mentioned that ABBA will, somehow, be part of the show!! How? We don’t know. However, we think there are more than enough reasons to watch the show.