EBU: “Europe Shine A Light” to replace Eurovision 2020 grand final show
The European Broadcastng Union this afternoon announced that it will broadcast “Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light” which will be aired the day the Grand Final show of the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest was supposed to take place, at 9pm CET on May 16.
Eurovision 2020 has been cancelled but the show is not totally over yet. The three Dutch Eurovision 2020 host broadcasters in collaboration with EBU have decided to air a special show to honor the effort put in this year’s cancelled edtion and the 41 competing entries that didn’t even. The show will be hosted by Dutch Eurovision presenters Chantal Janzen, Edsilia Rombley (Eurovision 1998 and 2007) and Jan Smit.
According to Eurovision.tv the show also intends to bring together 2020’s artists, from their locations across Europe, in a performance of a past Eurovision hit, with unifying lyrics appropriate for the current situation we find ourselves in.Well-known Eurovision artists from recent years will also be invited to participate in linking Europe through other familiar songs from the past, performed in iconic European locations.
Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Contest on behalf of the EBU, said:
Sadly there will be no Eurovision Song Contest this year. Instead, we intend to unite Europe on 16 May with a unique prime-time TV programme. We are encouraging all broadcasters who were due to take part in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, and EBU Members in other countries, to air this show in the spirit of unity and togetherness.
Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event of what would have been the 65th Eurovision Song Contest said:
We want to make a show that puts a spotlight not only on the 41 artists that were due to appear in Rotterdam but also inspire those at home and connect people from across Europe and beyond in these difficult times. Of course, we will also honour those who are affected by the coronavirus crisis and those who work so hard to fight it. Let’s make this an unforgettable moment in Eurovision history!
The show will durate 2 hours and will be broadcast live on the official YouTube channel. The final line up of the acts will be released the following weeks. The same time the EBU has declared the days from May 10 to 16 Eurovision week making a call to all radio organizations to devote their time on this year’s entries and the numerous Eurovision songs in history.
Source: Eurovision.tv
photo: Eurovision.tv
