This afternoon at a special press conference, the EBU announced the scenario, for which the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 would hopefully take place.

Sadly, though not unexpected, the contest will not take place as any normal one would have in the past. If you recall the EBU had earlier issued four scenarios, of which Scenario A, was that the COVID-19 outbreak was over, and the contest would be held as normal. These conditions have not been met.

The show will take place in Rotterdam on 18, 20 and 22 May, in the hopes it will be Scenario B, below.  However, it seems all tickets from 2020 are being refunded this month, and depending on scenario, will go on sale again, later.

Organiser Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest. says

The Eurovision Song Contest will definitely make its welcome return this May despite the pandemic but, in the prevailing circumstances, it is regrettably impossible to hold the event in the way we are used to,

“We’re grateful for the renewed commitment and backing from the City of Rotterdam and the ongoing support of all the participating broadcasters. We very much hope to be able to gather in Rotterdam in May and will do all we can in the coming weeks to achieve this. With an ever-changing situation we are taking our time to ensure that we can host the Eurovision Song Contest in the best and safest way possible,”

Scenario B: Socially distant Eurovision Song Contest – at 1.5 meters

• Everyone attending the Eurovision Song Contest at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena would need to practice social distancing.
• Strict health and safety measures (including frequent COVID testing) would be in place at the venue. A protocol to protect artists, delegations, and crew on and off site would be adhered to.
• If there are any delegations who cannot travel to Rotterdam, their artists will perform “live-on-tape” with a recorded performance being used.
• Those who can travel to Rotterdam will perform their songs live on stage.
• There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), either with no audience or a reduced audience to allow for social distancing. The final capacity would be dependent on local government guidelines.
• There will be activities in the city of Rotterdam held in a safe and responsible way.

Because there would be less space for the audience in this scenario, a new seating layout would have to be made. If that happens, a fair draw will be held to decide who can still attend each show. There will be more information about this in the first months of 2021. Anyone who is unsuccessful in the draw will of course be refunded the full purchase amount for their tickets.

As a reminder here are the other scenarios possible.

Scenario C: a Eurovision Song Contest with travel restrictions

• A Eurovision Song Contest, from Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena but no delegations or artists will travel to Rotterdam.
• Hosts and interval acts will still be live from the Ahoy.
• The performances of ALL the participants will be “live-on-tape”.
• Strict health and safety measures (including frequent COVID testing) would be in place at the venue.
• A protocol to protect crew on and off site would be adhered to.
• There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), either with no audience or a reduced audience to allow for social distancing. The final capacity would be dependent on local government guidelines.
• There will be reduced activities in the city of Rotterdam held in a safe and responsible way.

Scenario D: Eurovision Song Contest in lockdown

• A Eurovision Song Contest without an audience and virtual activities will be considered to explore the host city of Rotterdam.
• The performances of all the participants will be “live-on-tape”.
• There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), but no audience.