EUROVISION.TV REPORTS / THE NETHERLANDS – Last year, it was announced there’d be 4 potential scenarios in which the Contest could take place in 2021. As the Contest gets closer and closer, it has become apparent which one is no longer viable.
What we do know:
The event will definitely take place on 18, 20, and 22 May. With just over 3 months to go, the organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 have agreed upon a determined, yet realistic approach in the final phase of preparations.
Of course, the health and safety of all participants is the top priority. In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) together with Dutch Host broadcasters NPO, NOS, and AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam have ruled out that the 65th Contest can take place ‘as normal’ this year. This means that Scenario A will not go ahead.
“The Eurovision Song Contest will definitely make its welcome return this May despite the pandemic but, in the prevailing circumstances, it is regrettably impossible to hold the event in the way we are used to,” said Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest.
“We’re grateful for the renewed commitment and backing from the City of Rotterdam and the ongoing support of all the participating broadcasters. We very much hope to be able to gather in Rotterdam in May and will do all we can in the coming weeks to achieve this. With an ever-changing situation we are taking our time to ensure that we can host the Eurovision Song Contest in the best and safest way possible,” he added.
What now?
The organizers will now focus their efforts on Scenario B. This circumstance would involve hosting a socially distanced event with artists performing in Rotterdam, while realistically keeping downscaling options on the table for the weeks to come.
“The security, health and safety of all participants at the Eurovision Song Contest, from the crew to the artists, is our top priority. We are following international developments closely and continuing to explore and plan for 3 revised scenarios (B, C and D) first announced last autumn,” Österdahl added.
A further decision on how the Contest will be staged will be taken in the coming weeks. Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event for Host Broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS said: “By staying flexible for as long as we can, we are aiming to make the best possible Eurovision Song Contest under the circumstances. Our primary goal is to get the 41 artists to Rotterdam, to all perform on the same stage, and to welcome journalists to cover the Contest.”
The 3 possible ways to host Eurovision 2021
The 3 scenarios being planned for are:
Scenario B: Socially distanced Eurovision Song Contest
Everyone attending the Eurovision Song Contest at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena would need to practice social distancing.
Strict health and safety measures (including frequent COVID testing) would be in place at the venue. A protocol to protect artists, delegations, and crew on and off site would be adhered to.
If there are any delegations who cannot travel to Rotterdam, their artists will perform “live-on-tape” with a recorded performance being used.
Those who can travel to Rotterdam will perform their songs live on stage.
There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), either with no audience or a reduced audience to allow for social distancing. The final capacity would be dependent on local government guidelines.
There will be activities in the city of Rotterdam held in a safe and responsible way.
Scenario C: A travel restricted Eurovision Song Contest
A Eurovision Song Contest, from Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena but no delegations or artists will travel to Rotterdam.
Hosts and interval acts will still be live from the Ahoy.
The performances of ALL the participants will be “live-on-tape”.
Strict health and safety measures (including frequent COVID testing) would be in place at the venue.
A protocol to protect crew on and off site would be adhered to.
There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), either with no audience or a reduced audience to allow for social distancing. The final capacity would be dependent on local government guidelines.
There will be reduced activities in the city of Rotterdam held in a safe and responsible way.
Scenario D: a lockdown Eurovision Song Contest
A Eurovision Song Contest without an audience and virtual activities will be considered to explore the host city of Rotterdam.
The performances of all the participants will be “live-on-tape”.
There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), but no audience.
