EBU intends to honour 2020 songs
A few days after the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest, the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) brought out a new statement regarding the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest and it’s entries: We have been overwhelmed with the love that the Eurovision Song Contest family has shared since the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event. 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 throught practical implications of these ideas in the coming days and weeks.
