Eurovision 2020 songs are NOT eligible for next year's show

Eurovision songs for 2020 contest are NOT eligible to compete in next year’s show… after event is cancelled due to coronavirus outbreak

  • The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) revealed that 2020 songs could not be entered into the 2021 competition, but the singers could return with new music
  • James Newman was picked as the UK’s entry and was hoping his track My Last Breath could bring long-awaited success 
  • Instead, the EBU also said it was planning to ‘honour the songs and artists’ chosen to perform this year with an online event 
  • The 2020 contest was due to take place in Rotterdam but was cancelled last week over coronavirus fears 
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

The songs that were entered into this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will not be eligible in 2021, the event’s producers confirmed on Friday.

James Newman was picked as the UK’s entry and was hoping his track My Last Breath could bring long-awaited success, however it has now been made clear he won’t be able to compete with that song. 

The 2020 contest was due to take place in Rotterdam but was cancelled last week over coronavirus fears.

Disappointing: Eurovision songs for 2020 contest will NOT eligible to compete in next year’s show… after event is cancelled due to coronavirus outbreak, it was revealed on Friday

Despite this, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have said countries could still send the same artist they had hoped would represent them in what was to have been the 65th edition this May. 

Instead, the EBU also said it was planning to ‘honour the songs and artists’ chosen to perform this year with an online event.

A statement said: ‘We have been overwhelmed with the love that the Eurovision Song Contest family has shared since the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event.

This year’s representative: James Newman was picked as the UK’s entry and was hoping his track My Last Breath could bring long-awaited success

‘The EBU is very aware of how much the Eurovision Song Contest will be missed this year. The contest’s values of universality and inclusivity, and our proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music, are needed now more than ever.

‘As such, the EBU and its members are currently exploring alternative programming, but not a competition, to help unite and entertain audiences around Europe during these challenging times.

‘It is our intention with this programming, and on our online platforms in the coming months, to honour the songs and artists which have been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020.

‘With that in mind, the Reference Group, the Song Contest’s governing board, has decided that, in accordance with the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, this year’s songs will not be eligible to compete when the contest returns in 2021.

‘At their discretion, participating broadcasters may decide which artist(s) to send in 2021, either this year’s representative or a new one.

‘We ask for your continued patience while we work through practical implications of these ideas in the coming days and weeks.’

Eurovision is among the numerous high-profile entertainment events affected by the coronavirus outbreak, including the Glastonbury and Coachella festivals.

Some hope: Although the European Broadcasting Union said 2020 songs can’t be entered again, they stipulated that country’s can ‘send this year’s representative or a new one’ in 2021

The decision to cancel the event was taken by the EBU, who are the show’s producers, and the news was announced on Twitter on Wednesday. 

In a statement, they said: ‘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 that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned.’

Not on: The decision to cancel the event was taken by the show’s producers European Broadcasting Union, and was announced on Twitter on Wednesday

‘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 cannot take place in May.

‘The EBU, NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue a conversation regarding the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.

‘We would ask people to bear with us while we work through the ramifications of this unprecedented decision and patiently await any further news in the coming days and weeks.

Oh dear: Michael Rice (pictured) represented the UK last year, coming in last place

The last time: The UK has only won the singing talent contest five times in the competition’s 63 years, with Katrina and the Waves bringing home the last win in 1997

‘We would like to pay tribute to all the host broadcaster team in the Netherlands and our 41 members who have worked so hard on planning this year’s event.

‘We are all as heartbroken as they are that the Eurovision Song Contest will not be able to be staged in May and know that the whole Eurovision family, across the world, will continue to provide love and support for each other at this difficult time.’

‘Earlier this week, organisers took to the official Twitter account to warn fans they had a ‘nervous wait’ to see if the contest would be going ahead.

Success! Bucks Fizz won the competition in 1981 with ‘Making Your Mind Up’

Winning! In 1976 Brotherhood of Man brought home the win with Save Your Kisses for Me

‘With a constantly changing situation regarding coronavirus and a large number of people to consult, every important element needs to be taken into consideration. Please bear with us. We hope to have more information shortly.’ 

The UK has only won the singing talent contest five times in the competition’s 63 years, and it’s been over 20 years since the country was victorious, with Katrina and the Waves bringing home the last win in 1997. 

Michael Rice represented the UK last year – coming in last place – and there was some voting controversy following the final.

Superstar! Lulu was a joint winner in 1969 in a four-way tie with Spain, France and the Netherlands thanks to her performance of Boom Bang-a-Bang

First UK winner: Sandie Shaw from Dagenham, Essex won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1966 with the song Puppet On A String

Source: Read Full Article