Eurovision 2020, due to take place in Rotterdam in May has been cancelled, following an announcement on Wednesday morning.
The spread of coronavirus around Europe and the rest of the world has brought about the decision. A number of other major events like the release of Hollywood blockbusters and Glastonbury were also shelved
The statement released by Eurovision reads: “It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam.
“Over the past few weeks we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead.
“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 European Broadcasting Union has taken the difficult decision that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned.
“We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption, for the past 64 years and we, like the millions of fans around the world, are extremely saddened that it cannot take place in May.”
As of now, it is expected that all of this year’s acts will be invited to take part again, although it is unclear if the same songs will be eligible to be used again.
Ireland’s Leslie Roy was due to sing her song ‘Story Of My Life’ at the competition.
The @Eurovision Song Contest WILL come back STRONGER than ever!#Eurovision #ESC2020 pic.twitter.com/sNOS98j7T7
— Jon Ola Sand (@jonolasand) March 18, 2020
