Just a few hours ago we unveiled that the Eurovision Song Contest would not take place in Rotterdam this upcoming may due to concerns of spreading the coronavirus and travel restrictions. This announcement, while shocking for us at ESCUnited and for fans alike, has been even harder for the 41 artists who won the right to compete in the 2020 contest. This announcement was not shared with them prior to the official twitter post, youtube video, and statement release on Eurovision.tv – they were caught completely off guard by the situation.
Many of the artists so far today have expressed their sadness that the event was cancelled, but understand why this happened. One such artist is the Netherland’s 2020 representative Jeangu Macrooy who said on Instagram: “The preparations were going well and just as many others, I was looking forward to the contest. However, there’s something way more important right now: everyone’s health and wellbeing. So I completely understand the decision that has been made. I will use the upcoming period to rest and hopefully later this year, in good health, we can all look forward to a wonderful Eurovision Song Contest.”
Victoria of Bulgaria took to twitter to express how much “Tears Getting Sober” means to her as an artist, and so far is the first one to advocate for the artists being able to perform their songs in 2021. Genoveva Christova, the main partner for Bulgaria’s Eurovision participation echoed this sentiment: “We are extremely disappointed with this decision. We believe that the participants and their songs should be allowed to participate in 2021. We can’t allow our labor to be wasted.”
Tears Getting Sober is a project that means the world to me as an artist and to the great team behind it. I understand and respect this necessary decision but I also believe we, the 2020 #Eurovision artists, should be allowed to perform our songs in 2021.
https://t.co/i0oyQQ3H2g— VICTORIA (@victoriageorge_) March 18, 2020
Iceland’s 2020 representative Daði Freyr was also in high spirits regarding the decision and while him and the band Gagnamagnið never actually competed in Eurovision, he shared that so many opportunities have happened from simply winning Songvakkepnin.
Eurovision 2020 has been cancelled.
It's disappointing as I was really looking forward to performing in Rotterdam with Gagnamagnið.
The support has been overwhelming and many new opportunities have presented themselves.
I am really excited for the future.
Thank you so much! <3— Daði Freyr 🥑 (@dadimakesmusic) March 18, 2020
A Serbian news outlet Telegraf met with Hurricane after the announcement had been made. The girls appeared to be caught off guard by the decision, as they had been preparing for the contest as if the pandemic was not happening. They said in an interview: “There is nothing we can do but respect. Of course we are disappointed, on only with the Eurovision cancellation, but with the whole situation that has plagued us. We hope this agony will be over as soon as possible.” They also added at the end: “We are confident that the whole Eurosong family worldwide will continue to spread love and support among themselves during this time.”
Destiny from Malta took the opportunity to share how sad the news made her, but also to thank her team for their amazing work this year and the fans for their support. She wrote: “Last but not least, a thank you to all my team. This year has already been such a great experience and I will be forever grateful for all the work you have done in this wonderful journey. No words can thank you enough ❤! To all Eurovision fans out there, my thoughts are with you as well.”
One half of Denmark’s Eurovision act Ben (Ben & Tan) shared his reaction on his Instagram story. He said: “It sucks…I think I speak for all contestants when I say this really sucks…..I was hoping they were going to move it a couple months until the situation had calmed down a bit, but the fact that it hasn’t just speaks more to the fact that we even more need to look out for one another.”
In Latvia, Samanta Tina shared in a Twitter reply that the decision was the right thing to do, despite retweeting the EBU statement with the simple response – “OMG”. It seems that she has every intention on participating in Eurovision 2021, taking to Twitter to say that she is “coming” with the hashtag #Eurovision2021. LTV has not announced whether or not they intend to internally select Samanta or return to the Supernova national final for their 2021 representative.
💕STILL BREATHING!
Samanta Karantina is coming!#eurovision #eurovision2021
— #StreamStillBreathing (@Samanta_singer) March 18, 2020
Things have not been so bright over in Estonia however, as the Eesti Laul instagram account potentially confirmed that Uku Suviste would not be selected for 2021. The context for this comes from their statement: “….we will see you at the Estonian song 2021 competition! Let’s hope that Uku Suviste and other musician[s] can also focus on their creations and come back even more powerful!” Based off this phrase alone, it would seem that Uku would have to re-earn his ticket to the song contest next year.
Gjons Tears from Switzerland took to his Instagram story to say: “Eurovision is cancelled. I need time to understand what is happening now with the situation and with my song…..I wish I will see you in 2021 after my delegation’s and EBU’s decisions.” Azerbaijan’s Samira Efendi shared a similar post to this saying “I will keep you posted on updates as they come in.”
The Mamas also took to instagram to reveal their reactions to the news. The trio understand why this decision was made but also shared their sadness that they won’t be at Eurovision 2002. “We of course respect the decision that has now been made. During the current emergency crisis situation that we are all in, the problem is bigger than the fact that we can’t go to Rotterdam. Of course, we are incredibly sorry on a personal level that we and our song are now not allowed to compete in the world’s largest music competition after winning the Swedish competition. We’ve so looked forward to being able to represent Sweden with Move.”
Sweden’s head of Delegation Christer Björkman also added: “This is very unfortunate for all the artists who will not now be given the chance to take part, and of course I especially feel for The Mamas, who will not be able to stand by the stage of Eurovision.” It would seem that Melodifestivalen will proceed as usual and The Mamas will have to re-earn their spot in the Eurovision line-up.
Damir Kedzo from Croatia said on his Instagram: “I welcome the decision of cancellation and I cannot wait for the end of the pandemic and Eurovision 2021 performance in Rotterdam. Love you all. Take care.” It has not been confirmed yet that HRT has internally selected Damir for next year’s contest.
Israel’s Eden Alene was live on KAN mere moments after the decision was made. Her reaction was raw and tear filled as she learned that her dream had been ended before it even began. In rough translation she said that it really hurts inside to know that [Eurovision] is cancelled, but it will be okay.
This is so sad, Eurovision 2020 is canceled. Eden's reaction is our reaction…😭❤️#Eurovision pic.twitter.com/1u3y1g8nKn
— Ron (@Ronkesc) March 18, 2020
Shortly after the announcement of Eurovision being cancelled, Spain’s RTVE confirmed that Blas Canto will be their 2021 representative. He retweeted the announcement adding: “Thanks to all of you for your support. It breaks my heart … I hope this happens soon, especially for the people who are losing loved ones. Let’s take care of each other and #QuédateEnCasa”
Gracias a todos y a todas por vuestro apoyo. Se me parte el corazón… espero que esto pase pronto, sobre todo por la gente que está perdiendo a seres queridos. Cuidémonos entre nosotros y #QuédateEnCasa ❤️🙏🏻 https://t.co/SX6yoWEYXx
— Blas Cantó (@BlasCanto) March 18, 2020
We here at ESCUnited stand by and support all of the artists from the 2020 class as they abandon months worth of work. Make sure to send love their way, purchase or stream their music, and support them in the upcoming months.
How have #YOU reacted to todays news? Let us know in the comments section, on social media, and as always on our forum.
2021: A Comprehensive List of returning acts – escYOUnited
March 31, 2020 at 09:49
[…] but everyone was pretty gutted by the cancellation of our beloved Eurovision Song Contest. Many artists have responded to the news, most of them interested to reprise their participation in […]
Lindon
March 18, 2020 at 18:44
Is your statement “We here at ESCUnited stand by and support these artists as they have to abandon months worth of work. Make sure to send love their way, purchase or stream their music, and support them in the upcoming months.” to apply only to the artists quoted in your article or to all ESC artists of this year?
Connor Terry
March 18, 2020 at 18:58
That applies to all artists who were selected for the 2020 season. Those included in the article were the only ones to release statements at the time of writing.
Lindon
March 19, 2020 at 09:22
Thank you