(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 can take place "normally" and therefore they will focus their efforts on an event that guarantees social distancing, with the artists who will perform in Rotterdam, realistically keeping on the table the possibility of reshaping the formula in the coming weeks, based on the evolution of the pandemic.
The EBU, the union of European public radio and TV channels, explains it in a note, in agreement with the Dutch broadcasters Npo, Nos and 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 sadly impossible to carry out the event 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 crew 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 the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam will have to respect the social distancing.
Strict health and safety measures will be in place (including frequent Covid testing).
A protocol will be respected to protect artists, delegations and crew 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 planned (6 dress rehearsals, 2 semifinals and a grand finale), with no audience or with a small audience.
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 Song Contest 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 it is up to the winner of Sanremo to defend the flag at Eurovision.
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