Eurovision rules out a full arena show for this year’s song contest due to COVID-19

Eurovision 2021 organisers have ruled out that the contest can take place “as normal”, meaning that the audience size will be greatly diminished.

The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled last March due to the pandemic, leaving queering people across Europe devastated.

But this year’s contest will take place regardless on 18, 20 and 22 May 2021, so fans still have a few dates they can put in their calendars. The organisers also confirmed that 41 public service broadcasters will submit entries for the 65th Eurovision Song Contest. Semi-finals will take place on 18 and 20 May. The grand final will be held on 22 May.

The Eurovision Song Contest organisers said the health and safety of all participants is the top priority, and it became apparent that the usual full capacity arena shows would not be viable because of the ongoing pandemic.

Martin Österdahl, executive superior of the Eurovision Song Contest, said the contest will definitely make its “welcome return” in May despite COVID-19, but it is “regrettably impossible to hold the event the same way we are used to”.

Source: PinkNews