(ANSA) - ROME, FEBRUARY 03 - A little more than three months before the final, the organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 - scheduled in Rotterdam on May 18, 20 and 22 - exclude that the 65 / o competition could take place "normally" and therefore they will concentrate their efforts on an event that guarantees social distancing, with the artists who will perform in Rotterdam, keeping on the table the possibility of realistically reshaping the formula in the coming weeks, based on the evolution of the pandemic.
EBU, the union of European radio and public TV stations, explains this in a note, in agreement with the Dutch broadcasters Npo, Nose Avrotros and the city of Rotterdam.
"Eurovision will certainly make its welcome return in May despite the pandemic, but, under the current circumstances, it is unfortunately impossible to carry out the event in the way we are used to," explains Martin Österdahl, executive supervisor of the competition.
"The safety, health and safety of all participants in the Eurovision Song Contest, from the troupe to the artists, are our top priority."
According to scenario B, which is the one adopted at the moment, all those who participate in Eurovision at Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam will have to respect the social distancing.
Strict health and safety measures (including frequent Covid tests) will be in place.
A protocol will be respected to protect artists, delegations and crews on and off the site.
If there are delegations that cannot reach Rotterdam, they will send out live recorded performances.
Those who can travel to Rotterdam will perform their songs live on stage.
Nine shows are scheduled (6 dress rehearsals, 2 semi-finals and a grand finale), without an audience or with a reduced public.
Activities in the city of Rotterdam will be carried out in a safe and responsible manner.
Due to the health emergency in 2020 the Eurovision SongContest was canceled and replaced by a special evening, Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light, broadcast on May 16, the date on which the final was scheduled.
Italy was represented by Diodato, a veteran of the triumph at the Ariston: traditionally the winner of Sanremo has the task of defending the tricolor at Eurovision.
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