Special Concert to Replace Canceled Eurovision 2020

After the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was cancelled due to the existing coronavirus pandemic, the Dutch broadcasters have announced they plan to produce a new special show: “Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light”.  

The concert will be held on May 16, online, on Eurovision’s YouTube channel at 21:00 CEST, exactly on the day the Eurovision final was to have taken place at Rotterdam's 16,000 capacity Ahoy Arena.

Together with this year’s 41 contestants, past Eurovision stars will also participate in the event, performin a variety of old favorites.

Organizers say they hope that the show will unite Eurovision fans and comfort them in today's difficult time.

"Sadly, there will be no Eurovision Song Contest this year," said Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Contest. "Instead, we intend to unite Europe on 16 May with a unique prime-time TV program. 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.”

By Mariam Merabishvili