The Eurovision Song Contest continues and the organization strives, determined and realistic, for the highest possible edition. “Our ambition is scenario B: a Eurovision Song Contest edition at one and a half meters, with sharp corona measures whereby all 41 artists can perform in Rotterdam Ahoy. Whether the public can attend the shows and activities in the host city of Rotterdam will be decided at a later time, ” Sietse Bakker, executive producer of the Dutch Eurovision organization, stated.
After consultation of the organizing broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS and host city Rotterdam, the European Broadcasting Union has decided that organizing a “normal” Song Contest (scenario A) is not realistic under the current circumstances. “Our ambitions remain high. We will do everything we can to make it the best possible edition. The health and safety of all those involved are of course leading” Bakker says.
The show will take place
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place anyway. The semi-finals and the final will take place from Rotterdam Ahoy on 18, 20 and 22 May. Since the end of March last year, we have been working on four scenarios and an agile organization to fulfill that promise.
By now we will focus all energy on scenario B, the organizers remain optimistic and flexible and emphasize that further downscaling to scenario C and D is still possible. There are also, albeit limited, possibilities to scale up again in a number of areas, if this is possible in May.
“The Eurovision Song Contest returns in May, despite the pandemic. Unfortunately, given the persistent circumstances, it is impossible to hold the event as we are used to” Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said.
“We are grateful for the renewed commitment and support of the City of Rotterdam and the continued support of all participating broadcasters. We sincerely hope that we can come together in Rotterdam in May and will do everything we can to achieve this” Martin Österdahl stated.
In the upcoming time, the Dutch Eurovision organization hopes for the positive impact of an ever-increasing group of vaccinees, more and more options for quick and reliable testing and the spring weather. In addition, the organization is also cautiously optimistic thanks to various international pilots that show that events can also take place safely and responsibly during corona time. The Dutch FieldLab pilots, which will take place in February, will also contribute to this.
Eurovision councilor Said Kasmi, Municipality of Rotterdam: “The Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, live from Ahoy, is a ray of hope to look forward to together. As a host city, we are optimistic, enthusiastic and realistic. Within the possibilities that are available, we will make the best of it together with partners! Let’s hope that this Eurovision Song Contest, which will be different from all 64 previous festivals, offers great new opportunities for partners and entrepreneurs in the city. Anyway: Rotterdam will open up again! ”
Safety and Health
An extensive safety and health plan has been developed to guarantee the maximum safety and health of everyone present at the Eurovision Song Contest. A special corona protocol has also been drawn up that can compete with the protocols of, for example, Formula 1 and UEFA.
Artists and delegations
In this scenario, all participants and their supporting delegations can still travel to Rotterdam. The maximum number of delegation members per participating country has been scaled down by the EBU. Persons from a country that may be subject to a travel restriction can enter on the basis of the Exception entry ban for professionals from the cultural and creative sector of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
Tickets
All available tickets for the 3 live shows and 6 dress rehearsals were sold out last year. In order to guarantee the 1.5 meters in the hall, the space for the public in Rotterdam Ahoy will be reduced. Because pitches are not possible, it was decided to set up the floor completely as a green room, so that the artists in the green room can also keep their distance from each other.
Because the capacity is decreasing sharply and there is no prospect of expansion, the organization will start with a full refund of all ticket holders in February. These ticket holders will then receive a unique code with which they can later gain exclusive access to ticket sales for the 2021 shows, if the audience is allowed in the hall. It is therefore not possible to get tickets for the shows for people who do not already have a ticket for the canceled shows of 2020.
Press on the ESF
In scenario B, 500 journalists are present instead of 1,550. A virtual press center will be set up for press who cannot travel to Rotterdam as a result, where rehearsals and press conferences can be followed live. Journalistssts can participate as if they were physically present.
Jolanda Jansen, director of Rotterdam Ahoy: “We are pleased that all parties are jointly expressing the ambition to go for the most maximum scenario for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, while at the same time all have the full awareness and realism that we are in a challenging time. . We feel the resilience and agility that characterizes our event sector and Rotterdam. We do everything we can to help the team in Hilversum to warmly and cordially welcome the delegations to Rotterdam Ahoy. ”
Photo: Mijn reiskennis Jeroen
Eurovision Village
In scenario B, Rotterdam has developed an alternative concept for the Eurovision Village, on the Binnenrotte. The amended plan takes into account, among other things, seated audience (at one and a half meters) and a scalable number of visitors per time block. The city is also investigating the other scenarios, should the audience not be able to be present or be very limited. Within all scenarios, the city strives to let fans and enthusiasts experience the unique Eurovision feeling as much as possible. More will be announced in the coming months about the precise details of the Eurovision Village.
source: songfestival.nl
EBU/Sarah Bennett Israel also intends to take part. Public broadcaster KAN said preparations are underway for next year’s contest in Austria. Although discussions about Israel’s role in Eurovision have drawn attention recently, KAN made its stance clear. Israel joins over a dozen broadcasters that have already declared their intention to participate. EBU Responds with Statement after Assembly The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) addressed recent concerns about Eurovision’s direction. During the General Assembly in London, members shared their views on the contest’s growing challenges in a complex global climate. The EBU released a statement afterward, recognizing that participation questions have become more sensitive and complicated. Broadcasters voiced many opinions and expressed support for KAN’s independence, especially under political pressure. To move forward, the EBU brought in a former senior television executive to lead a structured dialogue with its members. This process will include further discussions and a report with recommendations, expected in the autumn. Countries Start Their Search for 2026 Entries In this weekly update we also look at national selections. Several countries have now launched their search for Eurovision 2026 songs. Luxembourg opened its submission platform on 4 July. Songwriters and performers can submit entries online. The national final will take place on 24 January 2026 at the Rockhal Arena. source: RTL Austria also began preparing for next year. Broadcaster ORF opened submissions for artists and songwriters. The submission deadline is 15 September. Last month, ORF hosted a songwriting camp in Vienna. Artists and producers worked together, creating 18 new songs. Some of these songs could be selected internally to represent Austria. source: Merci,Cherie In Denmark, broadcaster DR opened submissions for Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026. Composers can send in their songs until 2 November. A professional jury will select eight finalists. The national final is set for 14 February 2026 in Frederikshavn. The winner will represent Denmark at Eurovision 2026. source: DR 