THE NETHERLANDS – Following the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, the EBU and its Dutch Members NPO, NOS and AVROTROS have produced a new show, ‘Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light’, to air in place of the Grand Final on Saturday 16 May at 21:00 CEST. Public service broadcasters from over 40 countries will broadcast the show.
In addition to spotlighting the 41 songs of 2020, the unique production will include special performances from popular artists from Eurovision’s past. 2020’s artists will also join together, from their locations across Europe, in a unifying performance of 1997’s Eurovision winner Love Shine A Light by Katrina And The Waves.
Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event of what would have been the 65th Eurovision Song Contest, said: “We want to make a show that puts a spotlight not only on the 41 artists that were due to appear in Rotterdam but also inspire those at home and connect people from across Europe and beyond in these difficult times. Of course, we will also honour those who are affected by the coronavirus crisis and those who work so hard to fight it. Let’s make this an unforgettable moment in Eurovision history!”
The EBU and its Dutch Members NPO, NOS and AVROTROS are producing the new show from the Mediapark in Hilversum.
The third Eurovision Song Contest in 1958 also took place in the ‘media capital’ of the Netherlands – Hilversum, after Net Als Toen by Corry Brokken gave the country its first victory in 1957. It was the first time in Eurovision history that the winning country hosted the Contest the following year.
This year, in more challenging times, a diverse collection of performances from across Europe will connect us all through music. Michael Schulte (Germany, 2018) will accompany Ilse DeLange from The Common Linnets (the Netherlands, 2014) performing Ein Bisschen Frieden, the song of Germany’s first winner (Nicole, 1982).
Israel’s Eurovision winner from 1979, Gali Atari, will also sing her huge hit Hallelujah alongside a choir featuring past participants from the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
Other performances include Sweden’s Måns Zelmerlöw singing his 2015 winning song Heroes, Marija Šerifović the 2007 winner for Serbia, with Molitva and Netta (Israel, 2018) will contribute a moving acoustic version of a new song with a special message about these unusual times.
As a special treat, reigning Eurovision champion Duncan Laurence will premiere his brand new song, Someone Else, during the show.
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra will add a classical touch to the show in a very special sequence too.
Eurovision fans from across the world will also help bring an unforgettable sing-a-long moment to the screen. They will form a huge Eurovision choir and sing Johnny Logan’s What’s Another Year with the three-time Eurovision winner himself.
The show will be hosted by Dutch presenters Chantal Janzen, Edsilia Rombley (Eurovision 1998 and 2007) and Jan Smit.
BBC Eurovision host Graham Norton and Dutch YouTube sensation NikkieTutorials will also make appearances in the live broadcast.
With preparations for the unique broadcast Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light in full swing, it has been revealed that the presenters will dress in Dutch designers. Diek Pothoven, who was appointed Head of Styling for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, said that he and the hosts chose creations from David Laport, MAISON the FAUX and Francisco van Benthum. “This big, international stage deserves the craftsmanship of these authentic Dutch designers.”
Edsilia Rombley and Chantal Janzen will wear designs by David Laport. Jan Smit will wear a suit, customized by Francisco van Benthum from the label HACKED by__. Lastly, NikkieTutorials will be dressed in a design by MAISON the FAUX.
The live show is expected to last 2 hours. There will be even more surprise performances on the night so you can look forward to an incredible show! Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light will also be broadcast LIVE on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.
Please note that this live stream is not available in the United Kingdom and Ukraine. You are able to watch the show from the United Kingdom via BBC and from Ukraine via UA:PBC.
