The series of promotional events and concerts in the run-up to Eurovision are a major part of what makes it such a special event. But amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, artists are being forced to reassess their plans.

Bulgaria’s VICTORIA is the latest artist to announce that she won’t be traveling through Europe this spring. She’s based her decision on the need to protect public health and the wellbeing of those around her.

Here’s what she posted on Twitter.

In the same thread she ads:

“My team and I will use the time till I arrive in Rotterdam to prepare and focus on our vocal and staging rehearsals for the contest. #Eurovision is giving people hope since 1956 and the event is the highlight of the year for many people around the world. I can’t wait to perform Tears Getting Sober on the #Eurivision stage in Rotterdam in May and to sing in London, Madrid and Amsterdam the first opportunity I have. #StayHome #StaySafe”

Eurovision 2020: Coronavirus impacting major events

VICTORIA is not alone in making this difficult but responsible decision.

As more countries introduce guidelines to help contain the coronavirus, Lithuania’s Eurovision 2020 act The Roop confirmed they would not travel to The Netherlands for the planned postcard shoot. The band also pulled out of the London and Amsterdam pre-parties.

The decision followed advice from the Lithuanian government, who advised its citizens to avoid any unnecessary travel outside the country.

This means The Roop won’t be travelling to The Netherlands to film their postcard for Eurovision 2020. It also means they won’t be heading to London for the London Eurovision Party or to The Netherlands for Eurovision in Concert. Neither of these events have been cancelled yet.

The Roop frontman Vaidotas Valiukevičius explained the band’s decision, saying: “We don’t want to risk our own, nor the public’s health. We are complying with the recommendations of the government to avoid trips abroad. We believe that precaution is the main measure which will allow us to come back to our casual living quicker.”

Earlier on Friday, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed that plans for Eurovision 2020 are continuing. In a statement, the organisation said that it is too early to make any final decisions regarding the contest. Shortly afterwards, the organisers of the Eurovision PrePartyES 2020 announced that they were cancelling their event, which was set for April 10 and 11. Then officials from Israel Calling announced that they were also cancelling their event. They had been organising it privately for months and were poised to reveal all of the details publicly when the coronavirus pandemic struck Israel.

If you would like to learn more about coronavirus and Covid-19, please visit the World Health Organisation’s web site. They offer comprehensive facts and advice. 

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Nacht98
Nacht98
4 years ago

the winner of ESC 2020!! I am sure she will get the first winning for Bulgaria with this amazing sweet balad and that’s why I pray this contest will go ahead not canceled!

Pedro Paulo
Pedro Paulo
4 years ago
Reply to  Nacht98

There’s no winner before the show starts, we haven’t seen any live performance of Victoria’s song, and we dont know how good it will look on stage. I personaly don’t see it winning, we have much better balads like Switzerland and Italy…but let us wait and see…

Rosanne Maher
Rosanne Maher
4 years ago
Reply to  Pedro Paulo

I adore the Bulgarian song!! First hearing of this gave me the same feeling I had when I first heard Salvador Sobral sing Portugal song ahead of Eurovision. I know Tears getting sober will win this year. It is mesmerising. Well done Victoria.!!
Shout out to my Country UK,as probably our best song in years,but Victoria will defo be victorious this year!! Xx

Pavel
Pavel
4 years ago
Reply to  Pedro Paulo

There is a live performance out there. In fact, the song went to #1 in the odds after the live version got posted because it shows that VICTORIA’s voice does not crack at all and she is able to recreate the sound of the studio version perfectly.

Rosanne Maher
Rosanne Maher
4 years ago
Reply to  Nacht98

Totally agree, this song is amazing!!

Christopher sharp Sharp
Christopher sharp Sharp
4 years ago

Helleo if this virus isso powerful then we should cancled Eurovision have it later or wait till next year Christopher sharp

Joseph Shaulov
Joseph Shaulov
4 years ago

If you want it cancelled, plz don’t watch it

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
4 years ago

wow, somebody has a fragile ego. sad that someone most likely vastly younger than you is incredibly successful? poor u

soul
soul
4 years ago

Well done, Viki. Stay safe, be next to your family and be loved. It’s a shame that even in such a hard times, people are spreading hate and Victoria is such a sweet girl. Stay safe, everyone.

EuroSluuuuuutty
EuroSluuuuuutty
4 years ago

I’m so tired of that overrated coronavirus shxt at this point

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago

I’m feeling so bad about all of this – it feels like my tears are getting drunk. Here’s hoping we can get through this and be stronger on the other side.

I S
I S
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

Your tears should get sober. The song is about universal issues. The bottom line is: We CAN get through this and will do so.

Fun or ban?
Fun or ban?
4 years ago

Well done, girl!

I S
I S
4 years ago

@ Victoria
Stay safe, queen. We don’t want you coughing on stage. Your song is an orchestral hug. Here’s our hug back from a safe distance.

I feel ESC 2020 will be cancelled anyways. 🙁

Hazzza
Hazzza
4 years ago

At this point for the safety of the people in rotterdam and the esc teams and preformers this years eurovision should be cancelled

LorenzoC
LorenzoC
4 years ago

Every single pre-party and postcard shooting have to be cancelled. Everyone gotta stay safe

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago
Reply to  LorenzoC

I was thinking the other day whether they shouldn’t just change the postcards’ concept entirely and for example have the participants do a house tour, or demonstrate their hobby, or show their morning routine, stuff like that. Though it would be kind of ironic that each of them would be staying at home while “Open Up” is the contest’s theme.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
4 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Well, they are technically following the theme by opening up their homes and loving the viewers to experience Their lives for a brief moment