Eurovision 2020 Canceled Over Coronavirus
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, this year’s Eurovision Song Contest has been canceled.
The contest was due to take place in Rotterdam, with the final taking place on May 16th.
“We, like the millions of you around the world, are extremely saddened that it can not take place in May,” said the Eurovision team in a statement.
“The health of artists, staff, fans and visitors, as well as the situation in the Netherlands, Europe and the world, is at the heart of this decision,” they continued.
The event's executive supervisor, Jon Ola Sand, added: "We are very proud of the Eurovision Song Contest, that for 64 years has united people all around Europe.
“We regret this situation very much, but I can promise you: the Eurovision Song Contest will come back stronger than ever.”
It is still unknown if this year’s contestants will be invited back.
Eurovision organisers told the ‘BBC’ the issue would be discussed by its reference group and “a decision will be communicated later.”
The Eurovision website explained that “Dutch restrictions on gatherings of large numbers of people and international travel restrictions mean that holding the event, even without an audience, is impossible.”
Organisers rejected the idea of having every contestant performing via satellite link.
“It's in the DNA of the Eurovision Song Contest to bring delegations, artists and fans together in one place and provide an equal platform for all artists to compete together on the same stage.
“We felt that under the extreme circumstances we face this year, organising the Eurovision Song Contest in another way would not be in keeping with our values and the tradition of the event.”
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