Eurovision bosses ‘in crisis talks’ as coronavirus outbreak threatens contest

Eurovision bosses are reportedly making back up plans in the wake of the worldwide coronavirus outbreak.

The 65th Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Rotterdam throughout the second week of May this Spring. The event will be hosted at the Rotterdam Ahoy.

However the ongoing threat of coronavirus could see a very different contest in 2020.

With potential bans on international travel and large public gatherings such as concerts, it’s claimed that a number of potential alternative arrangements are being looked at.

According to the Daily Star newspaper, these could include having acts perform via video link in their home countries.

In a statement, the European Broadcasting Union said today (March 13): “The EBU is closely monitoring the situation concerning the spread of the coronavirus and keeping abreast of the latest advice and guidelines from the WHO and national health authorities.

“We are working closely with Dutch Host Broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam to explore different potential scenarios for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020.

“However, with 2 months to go until the 3 live shows on 12, 14 and 16 May, and a rapidly changing situation both in the Netherlands and the countries of the participating broadcasters, it is still too early to make any final decisions.

“With this in mind, we’re continuing to work together as a team on preparations to host the 65th Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam.”

The Eurovision Song Contest final is currently scheduled to take place on Saturday 16 May in Rotterdam.

As always, here in the UK it will broadcast live on BBC One, with commentary by Graham Norton; and live on BBC Radio 2 with commentary from Ken Bruce.

The semi-finals will be held on Tuesday 12 & Thursday 14 May, broadcast on BBC Four and hosted by Scott Mills and Rylan Clark-Neal.

The UK Eurovision entry for 2020 has been confirmed as James Newman with his new song My Last Breath, co-written with James with Ed Drewett, Iain James and Adam Argyle.

At the time of writing, Iceland are the current favourites to win the competition with the United Kingdom given a 50/1 shot.