It has been a sad year, for the first time in history the Eurovision Song Contest has been cancelled. This was a big disappointment especially for the singers, who have been chosen by their countries. And not every selected singer from 2020 will have a second chance in 2021.

To avoid such a situation again, the EBU and the Dutch broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS have evaluated four possible scenarios to guarantee that there will be a contest, whatever the situation may be.

• Scenario A – the same like every year

Everything will take place as usual, the Ahoy Arena will be filled with people, there will be three live shows as we know the Eurovision Song Contest with all the public events like Euro Village, etc.

• Scenario B – social distancing

There will be a social distance of 1.5 m for everybody. This means that there will be less people in the arena sitting area, the delegations will be smaller and fewer press will be allowed. The social programme will also be adapted.

• Scenario C – travel restrictions

Due to travel restrictions some delegations will not be allowed to travel to Rotterdam. Therefore the singers will perform in their home countries via live broadcast. All entries of the countries that are allowed to travel, will perform live on stage in Rotterdam. The seats in the auditorium will be limited even more.

• Scenario D – lockdown

In the case of another lockdown in The Netherlands and travelling won’t be possible all artists will perform in their own country. The won’t be

The decision of which from the four scenarios or a mix will be taken in the beginning of 2021, it all depends on the development of the pandemic.

There won’t be any further changes, the motto “Open Up” will remain, the hosts and the stage design.

Author: Bernd LemmermannEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Public relations, Editor, Journalist

About me:
As one of the founders of eurovisionlive.com I am responsible for the interviews with the singers and the editorial content. My passion for the Eurovision Song Contest exists since my early childhood. The exotic music, different cultures and languages have given a lot of inspiration to me. Since my very first ESC in Dublin 1994 I particularly appreciate the get together and friendship of all the nationalities and Riverdance was a thrill!