Photo: NPO/AVROTROS/NOS
Today it has been confirmed: there will be a tv-show at may 16 to honour all the 41 entries that were supposed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, the contest that has been cancelled. The show will be called Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light. It will be a non-competitive format. EBU promises to provideplenty of surprises for fans and viewers at home. The show will be hosted by Dutch Eurovision presenters Chantal Janzen, Edsilia Rombley and Jan Smit.
The show also intends to bring together 2020’s artists, from their locations across Europe, in a performance of a past Eurovision hit, with unifying lyrics appropriate for the current situation we find ourselves in.
The live show is expected to last approximately 2 hours. More details about the line-up and a list of broadcasters that will air it will be revealed in the weeks to come. The show will also be broadcast on Eurovision’s official YouTube channel.
Dutch internet star NikkieTutorials will also create online content for this special broadcast.
Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Contest on behalf of the EBU, said: “Sadly there will be no Eurovision Song Contest this year. Instead, we intend to unite Europe on 16 May with a unique prime-time TV programme. We are encouraging all broadcasters who were due to take part in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, and EBU Members in other countries, to air this show in the spirit of unity and togetherness.”
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!”
source: EBU
