Eurovision Song Contest Canceled

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has made the decision to cancel the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam.

“Over the past few weeks, we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead,” the EBU said in a statement. “However, the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe—and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities—means the EBU has taken the difficult decision that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned.”

The EBU, NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue a conversation regarding the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.

The EBU added, “We would ask people to bear with us while we work through the ramifications of this unprecedented decision and patiently await any further news in the coming days and weeks.

“We would like to pay tribute to all the host broadcaster team in the Netherlands and our 41 members who have worked so hard on planning this year’s event.

“We are all as heartbroken as they are that the Eurovision Song Contest will not be able to be staged in May and know that the whole Eurovision family, across the world, will continue to provide love and support for each other at this difficult time.”