Good news for Eurovision fans: this year’s cancelled Eurovision Song Contest will be replaced by a new show, Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light, to be broadcast instead of the Grand Final on Saturday 16 May.

Duncan Laurence clutches a trophy and flowers as Eurovision winner for the Netherlands in 2019
Duncan Laurence secured a Eurovision win for the Netherlands in 2019 © JACK GUEZ / Getty Images

The show will see all 41 of this year’s performers take to the stage in their home countries in a non-competitive format, in place of the iconic annual event which this year was due to be held in Rotterdam. The participating acts will also join forces for a rendition of a classic Eurovision song with lyrics updated to reflect the current global situation.

The two-hour show will see former Eurovision stars invited to perform hits from past contests in iconic European locations. Meanwhile, the European Broadcast Union, who organise Eurovision, have declared 10-16 May ‘Eurovision Week’, urging radio stations across Europe to showcase this year’s contestants and pay homage to Eurovision history.

Houseboats moored on Delfshaven in Rotterdam
The Eurovision Song Contest 2020 had been due to take place in Rotterdam © R.A.R. de Bruijn Holding BV / Shutterstock

Jon Ola Sand, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, 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."

And Sietse Bakker, executive producer of the event, added: “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!”

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