The Eurovision Song Contest 2020 is canceled

NPO chairwoman Shula Rijxman: “This decision by the EBU was inevitable, given the circumstances currently affecting all of Europe as a result of the corona virus and all the measures that governments must now take,” says Rijxman. “This is a big disappointment for the Dutch audience, the fantastic team behind the scenes, the presenters and the artists. In recent months, a large group of people has worked hard on the Song Contest. We thank them for their great commitment and regret that the results of the efforts will not be visible on short term. We would particularly like to mention the municipality of Rotterdam, which has proven itself as the ideal partner in this project in the past year. This edition was an excellent opportunity to understand each other differently in a period of uncertainty in Europe, but above all an opportunity to really bring Europe together. Music is universally binding and – I am sure – it will stay that way. Even after this corona crisis. ”

Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event, understands that many people are disappointed that the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 will not take place: “For the artists from 41 participating countries, our opening and interval acts that put their hearts and souls into their performance. For the fans who have always supported us and have kept confidence until the last moment. And not least for the fantastic team, which has worked very hard in recent months to make this 65th edition a great success. We understand and share that disappointment, ”says Sietse Bakker. “Some perspective is appropriate, because at the same time, we also realize that this decision and its consequences don’t compare to the challenges faced by people affected, directly or indirectly, by the corona virus and the difficult but necessary measures.”

The organizing organizations NPO, NOS and AVRTOTROS also state that “in these extraordinary times no guarantees can be given. But it is the most logical scenario for the EBU, as well as for NPO / NOS / AVROTROS, and for the Municipality of Rotterdam that the 65th Eurovision Song Contest takes place in the Netherlands at another time. As far as we are concerned, Rotterdam is and will remain the host city for the next Eurovision Song Contest and we are extremely proud that Rotterdam is willing to take on this role in 2021 as well. We will use the coming period to map out how we can achieve this together.”

The EBU, NPO / NOS / AVROTROS and the Municipality of Rotterdam will continue to discuss the organization of the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.