Rotterdam 2020

Due to the Corona crisis, EBU, NPO and the city of Rotterdam had to decide to cancel the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest. An understandable, but sad decision. The EBU stated this on their website: It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam. Over the past few weeks, we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead. However, the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe – and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities – means the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has taken the difficult decision to not continue with the live event as planned. We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption, for the past 64 years and we, like the millions of fans around the world, are extremely saddened that it can not take place in May. The EBU, NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue in conversation regarding the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021. We ask some patience as we work through the ramifications of this unprecedented decision and patiently await further news in the coming days and weeks. During that time, we would like to pay tribute to all the Host Broadcaster team in the Netherlands and our 41 Members who have worked so hard planning this year’s event. We are all heartbroken that the Eurovision Song Contest will not be able to be staged in May but feel confident that the whole Eurovision family, across the world, will continue to provide love and support for each other at this difficult time. Althought there is no Eurovision Song Contest this year, the team of Eurovision Universe will keep you informed about past and present of the Eurovision Song Contest, especially in these hard times. Meanwhile, stay safe!

it was already clear that the London Eurovision Party this year would not happen as planned. Today, the organizers stated that it will not be cancelled, however it will be postponed. Today, they announced this statement: Further to the UK Government announcement this afternoon it is with a heavy heart that we announce the inevitable postponement of the London Eurovision Party 2020. As we said on Friday our priority is always the health and safety of our team, delegations and customers and we will support all necessary measures implemented by the UK Government. We would kindly ask for your patience now whilst we work through our options and look for a new date to hold our Eurovision Party once this pandemic is over. Once we have further clarity on this evolving situation we will announce a new date. All tickets will be valid for the new date and should any ticket holder not be able to attend the new date refunds will be available. Thank you for your kind understanding and patience in this difficult and unprecedented situation. Please take care of yourselves and we look forward to seeing you in the near future! Our best wishes, Kabir Naidoo & Russell DaviesLondon Eurovision Party Organisers

Eurovision in Concert, the annual pre-contest concert taking place in Amsterdam, can not take place as planned. It should take place at 4 april, but due to the Corona Crisis this could take place. “On behalf of the government, the ban on events has been extended till april 6th. At the moment we are checking all possible options around Eurovision in Concert. As soon as there will be more information, we will of course report this as soon as possible.”, the organizers stated on their website. We keep you updated! Update: the organizers of Eurovision in Concert came with a statement, which you will find below: STATEMENT REGARDING EUROVISION IN CONCERT 2020 This afternoon the Dutch government decided to extend the ban on events involving more than 100 visitors until Monday, 6 April. Therefore, Eurovision in Concert 2020 won’t be able to take place on Saturday, April 4. It goes without saying that the health of our visitors, volunteers and participating delegations is our main priority and therefore we will fully respond to the measures taken by our government. It will take some days for us to figure out all other possible options. For those of you who bought tickets for the concert; you’ll hear from us on a short term. Warm regards and stay safe ????, Team Eurovision in Concert.

There are and have been lots of questions about the Corona Virus, a.k.a. COVID-19, also among Eurovision fans. Wiwibloggs’ William Lee Adams has published a very informative video, in which he tries to answer as many questions as possible. Note that the video will not inform you about a final decision, because it has not been made yet. If you do not wish to watch the entire video, look at the description, which might help you select the parts of it you want to watch.

Photo: Instagram It was leaked already today, but now it’s official: Little Big will represent Russia with the song “Uno”. It was already known for a week that the band will represent Russia. The country is the last one to present it’s entry. Russia will perform in the 1st semifinal. The video cannot be found on youtube yet, but you can watch it here.  

The Eurovision Song Contest happen as planned. That is what councilor  Kasmi (tourism) said this morning before the council meeting, where the conequenses of the corona crisis for Rotterdam will be discussed. “There is no need to cancel the Eurovision song contest,” he said. Now that the corona virus is increasingly spreading in Europe, the question is coming up whether such a huge international event – in which many tens of thousands of visitors from 41 countries come to Rotterdam – should continue. Yesterday, a special, nationwide “checklist” was presented, on which mayor Aboutaleb can base his decision to cancel the mega-event. Many audiences, long journeys and singing fans are negative factors. Kasmi emphasizes, however, that the RIVM (National Institute for Health and Environment) guidelines for the municipality of Rotterdam are leading. “We also monitor ourselves, but we see that the situation around corona changes every day,” he says. As far as he is concerned, no decision needs to be made for the time being and preparations are continuing in full. “I think there should be an examination mid-April about how things are going then. So we still have plenty of time. “ source: AD

Until 23:59 CET last night you could either vote for “Obsessed” or “Freaky!”, two songs sung by Senhit. And the song chosen has become…. “Freaky!”. Senhit, an Italian singer of Eritrean descend, took part before in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011. Senhit will perform “Freaky!” in the second semifinal.