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.

 

Related news

Eurovision 2026

Vienna 12 points: Jonas Lovv Asked To Tone Down Performance

📷 EBU/Alma Bengtsson According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the concern was not about the song itself, but about parts of the performance being considered too suggestive for a family audience. VG reports that the feedback focused on repeated crotch-grabbing and thrusting-style movements, some of which were improvised rather than part of the planned choreography. Jonas Lovv will represent Norway in the second semi-final on Thursday 14 May. He is set to close the show as the 15th act in the running order. Therefore, the Norwegian team still has time to adjust the staging before viewers see it on television. The warning has not led to panic in the Norwegian camp. Lovv has reacted with humour, while also making clear that he takes the EBU’s message seriously. Head of delegation Mads Tørklep said Norway will follow the rules and make the number more family friendly. Lovv earned his Eurovision ticket by winning Melodi Grand Prix earlier this year. His entry “YA YA YA” brings rock energy, strong vocals and a highly physical stage presence to the Wiener Stadthalle. As a result, the performance has already become a talking point during rehearsals. For now, the changes appear to be small adjustments rather than a complete overhaul. Eurovision viewers should still expect an intense and confident Norwegian performance. However, with slightly less emphasis on the movements that sparked the warning. If Norway qualifies, Lovv will return for the Grand Final on Saturday 16 May. The situation adds another storyline to Eurovision week, as artists balance personal expression with the contest’s broadcast guidelines for viewers across Europe. source: NRK

Read More »
Eurovision 2026
Martijn

Vienna 12 points: Jonas Lovv Asked To Tone Down Performance

📷 EBU/Alma Bengtsson According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the concern was not about the song itself, but about parts of the performance being considered too suggestive for a family audience. VG reports that the feedback focused on repeated crotch-grabbing and thrusting-style movements, some of which were improvised rather than part of the planned choreography. Jonas Lovv will represent Norway in the second semi-final on Thursday 14 May. He is set to close the show as the 15th act in the running order. Therefore, the Norwegian team still has time to adjust the staging before viewers see it on television. The warning has not led to panic in the Norwegian camp. Lovv has reacted with humour, while also making clear that he takes the EBU’s message seriously. Head of delegation Mads Tørklep said Norway will follow the rules and make the number more family friendly. Lovv earned his Eurovision ticket by winning Melodi Grand Prix earlier this year. His entry “YA YA YA” brings rock energy, strong vocals and a highly physical stage presence to the Wiener Stadthalle. As a result, the performance has already become a talking point during rehearsals. For now, the changes appear to be small adjustments rather than a complete overhaul. Eurovision viewers should still expect an intense and confident Norwegian performance. However, with slightly less emphasis on the movements that sparked the warning. If Norway qualifies, Lovv will return for the Grand Final on Saturday 16 May. The situation adds another storyline to Eurovision week, as artists balance personal expression with the contest’s broadcast guidelines for viewers across Europe. source: NRK

Read More »
Follow Us: