Eurovision Song Contest cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic

·

The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest has been cancelled for the first time in the event’s 64-year history due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Due to be held in Rotterdam on May 16, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced in a statement on Twitter that it feels ‘deep regret’ about the cancellation of the event.

“Over the past few weeks we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead,” the EBU wrote.

“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 executive supervisor of the contest, Jon Ola Sand, added in a video on Twitter that the event would return “stronger than ever.”

Stefania Liberakakis was set to represent Greece this year at the Eurovision Song Contest.

“We regret this situation very much but I can promise you, the Eurovision Song Contest will come back stronger than ever,” he said.

Greece was set to be represented by singer-songwriter Stefania Liberakakis with her song “SUPERG!RL,” and at this stage, it is not clear whether she will be asked to compete in next year’s competition.

Eurovision is the latest high-profile entertainment music event to be affected by the coronavirus outbreak, with Glastonbury also cancelled on the same day, and Coachella postponed until October.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

How Maih Porfyri’s career pivot took her from fashion to the Paralympics

Maih Porfyri had only been in her job for a few months before she was whisked away on a trip to Paris to cover the Paralympic Games.

My partner doesn’t speak Greek – Can we still raise bilingual kids?

You can absolutely raise bilingual children, even if only one parent speaks Greek. Across the world, countless families do so successfully.

Joint bank accounts: Who gets the money?

All people named in a joint account are privy to the money by Law. Most of us have opened accounts at various bank branches.

Vergina considered among the world’s most mysterious destinations

Featured alongside global wonders, Vergina earns its place through a mystery that has eluded scholars for centuries.

Gender in Modern Greek: Dr Angeliki Alvanoudi to give online seminar

The aim of the seminar is to examine the role of Greek gendered terms in sustaining social gender ideologies that reinforce sexism.

You May Also Like

Greek Orthodox Church services in NSW to allow up to 300 people

People attending a religious service will be required to provide their name and contact details when they enter so they can be used for contact tracing.

Vaccine and cure remain the focus on World AIDS Day 2020

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year to raise awareness across the world about the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS.

Paul Nicolaou criticises Sydney’s fare-free Monday after rail chaos

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou has criticised the NSW government’s decision to offer fare-free travel on Monday.