Eurovision 2021 and COVID-19: EBU will focus on Scenario B
Eurovision Song Contest 2021 can not take place "as normal" this year. This means that Scenario A is no longer viable
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Dutch Host Broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS have since September been working on 4 scenarios for hosting Eurovision 2021.
Now the organizers of Eurovision Song Contest 2021 have agreed upon a determined, yet realistic approach in the final phase of preparations.
In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic the organizers have ruled out that Eurovision 2021 can be held "as normal". This means that Scenario A will not go ahead. Instead, the organizers will focus on Scenario B as the most possible scenario.
SCENARIO A
Normal Eurovision
This scenario is no longer realistic, and has been ruled out because of the current status of the coronavirus pandemic.
SCENARIO B
Social distancing
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-19 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.
SCENARIO C
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
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.
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.
Ticket refunds
As there will be less capacity for an audience in Scenarios B and C, organizers have decided to refund all current ticket holders this month and later give them the option to repurchase tickets for the same show or shows.
The number of tickets available for each show will be dependent on government guidelines regarding social distancing. Organizers are keen to emphasize that, if circumstances allow, there will be opportunities to sell more tickets later.
Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event, says:
– By pushing the decision regarding the audience towards, at the latest mid-April, we hope we can responsibly Open Up to welcoming fans in Ahoy for this year’s shows.
