ROTTERDAM 2021

Eurovision 2020 songs can't be used for Eurovision 2021

Following this year's Eurovision 2020 cancellation, EBU has made it official that the 41 songs meant to compete in Rotterdam cannot be used for next year's contest

In a press statement just released, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has addressed one of the main questions that was yet to be answered after this year's Eurovision cancellation: What will happen to this year's songs?

The Reference Group has decided that the 41 songs selected for Eurovision 2020 will not be eligible to compete in Eurovision 2021. This is in accordance with the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, stating that a song must not be released before 1 September of the previous year.

Press release from EBU

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 through practical implications of these ideas in the coming days and weeks.

EBU will honour the Eurovision 2020 artists and songs

EBU intends to honour the songs and artists who were supposed to compete at Eurovision Song Contest 2020.

– 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.

Nonetheless, EBU has not restricted any artist from participating in next year's contest:

– At their discretion, Participating Broadcasters may decide which artist(s) to send in 2021, either this year's or a newly chosen one.

So far, several countries have decided to keep their participants for Eurovision Song Contest 2021. On the other hand, a few countries have already revealed they will be hosting another national selection next year.

EBU is also yet to reveal if Eurovision 2021 is indeed going to take place in Rotterdam, even though it seems most possible that Rotterdam will be chosen.