THE NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱
Cornald Maas responded to Dutch media which claimed that he was ditched by NPO from potential hosting of Eurovision 2020, stating on Twitter:
“Oh dear — there are always these kinds of headlines after some selective reporting,” he tweeted. “I have stated that I would prefer to continue providing commentary during ESC, partly because this gives me more freedom and space. The #Eurovision organization has not yet decided on who is going to host.”
Agossie – dit soort kopjes na wat selectieve berichtgeving. Heb zelf aangegeven dat ik commentaar wil (blijven) doen, oa omdat dat meer vrijheid en ruimte geeft. En organisatie #songfestival heeft nog niks besloten over presentatie pic.twitter.com/1UHZKagMKH
— Cornald Maas (@cornaldm) October 8, 2019
ESTONIA 🇪🇪
Tartu and Tallinn will once again be the venues for Eesti Laul, the Estonian selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest. The Semi-Finals will be held at the University of Tartu Sports Hall, the same venue as in 2019. While the Saku Suurhall remains as the venue for the Grand Final in Tallinn. Tickets for both Semi-Finals and the Grand Final are on sale now starting at 20.30 Euro. ERR has also announced that Karl-Erik Taukar and Tõnis Niinemets will be the hosts for the selection process.
THE NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱
Eurovision in Concert has announced that tickets are to go on sale on 11th October. The annual preview event in Amsterdam will take place again at Amsterdam’s AFAS Live Concert Hall on 4th April.SEi
ISRAEL 🇮🇱
Loai Ali participated this year in the Eurovision 2019 interval act with singer Idan Raichel. Now he has revealed that he wants to represent Israel as its representative in the ESC next year. Loai sings mostly in Hebrew but also in Arabic and I hope we can now look forward to a Hebrew/Arabic song and NOT English.
SPAIN 🇪🇸
Head of Entertainment for TVE, Toñi Prieto, explained at a press conference yesterday that the broadcaster had contacted various record labels to find potential singers for Eurovision. Speaking on why Blas was chosen for Eurovision, Toñi said:
“Because he is a young, versatile boy with a good voice and can sing a song of a style that fits. He is a 360 artist. For now, it is impossible to get the candidate from OT. The formula has worked for us on other occasions and we always put the same effort and enthusiasm because both the singer and song triumph.”
ITALY 🇮🇹
Earlier this evening, Italian broadcaster RAI has confirmed that it will be participating at the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, which is due to take place in Rotterdam. As part of the Big Five, Italy will be participating at the Grand Final on May 16.
FRANCE 🇫🇷
Head of Entertainment for France Televisions, Alexandra Redde-Amiel has confirmed to news and entertainment website Pure Medias that France will be choosing their act for Eurovision 2020 via a national selection show. Discussions between Alexandra and the production company behind Destination Eurovision regarding all aspects of the selection process are well underway.
RUSSIA 🇷🇺
Channel One will begin preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 soon, according to Head of Delegation Yuri Aksyuta. The search for the next Russian representative at the Eurovision Song Contest is set to begin soon according to Head of Delegation Yuri Aksyuta. Speaking to EG, the television producer was asked about potential singers for next years contest:
“I have had thoughts about this. And even an alternative is available. So far it’s all in my head, but I think we will begin soon.”
GERMANY 🇩🇪
The German national broadcaster NDR is set to make use of their previous selection format. German blog Esckompakt, claims another name in the mix: the Hamburger Goldkehlchen. The choir consists of 70 men. Founded in 2016, they quickly rose to fame — owing to their firepower and perfect harmonies — and performed on several popular TV shows. They’ve even been an opening act German singer Max Giesinger.
UKRAINE 🇺🇦
Ukrainian artist Kseniya Simonova (participant in the 2019 Moldovan entry) was featured in the Got Talent: The Champions Grand Final in the United Kingdom, achieving the best result of a foreign artist by finishing in 3rd place, repeating the classification in the North American version. The artist paid tribute to Princess Diana, who died in 1997, becoming one of the most talked-about features on social networks.
