Eurovision 2020 was cancelled on 18 March as a direct result of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are the reactions and statements from the 17 acts competing in semi-final one.
Australia’s Montaigne
I’m hiding from the news. Gimme a sec.
I’m hiding from the news. Gimme a sec.
— Montaigne (@actualmontaigne) March 18, 2020
Belarus’ VAL
Dear friends! We want to thank everybody for your amazing support in this hard day for every Eurovision fan and participant. EBU had to make a difficult choice to postpone the contest till 2021. We hope that every artist who was chosen to represent their country this year will make it to the next Eurovision. It’s currently unknown if the songs are gonna be changed or not. Anyway, we are looking forward to writing and producing new songs ASAP!
View this post on Instagram
Ireland’s Lesley Roy
I entered Story of My Life into the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 to spread the message that we can overcome difficulties in life and we can be triumphant again. We have to continue to believe in ourselves and stay uplifted especially when we feel knocked down. I will continue to support those who want to tell their stories and those who are brave enough to not give up. I will continue to be brave and I will continue to tell my story.
I want to thank the organizers of ESC for working so hard to make such a difficult decision and putting the safety of individuals first. I want to thank @rte @michaelkealy1 @rte2fm , @phillymc , @thisispopbaby , and of course my new hero @philipstuff for all they have done to assist me in sharing this song and message with everyone. I want to thank the people of Ireland and everywhere in the world for your support, it means so much to me. I will always be proud to answer the call to represent my beautiful country of Ireland whatever year! My heart goes out to my fellow artists and Eurovision fans. We will continue to love and support each other and it is through this connection that we will all become stronger together.
SOML wouldn’t exist without my amazing co-writers Robert, Catt and Tom I love you!
View this post on Instagram
Lithuania’s The Roop
Official news about the cancellation of this year’s Eurovision song contest reached THE ROOP. The band feels upset, yet understands that the current situation forces such decision.
“It is very sad; we don’t want to deny it. But health comes before any contests. We promise not to let our hands down and continue to promote our song and dance around the world. Currently the song is starting to reach foreign radio stations. We noticed that “On Fire” is very well liked and its path to people’s hearts is just beginning”, – says THE ROOP leader Vaidotas Valiukevičius.
The band calls everyone to remain united. Stay in quarantine and spread your good mood with “On Fire” dance at home and on your balconies.
“We managed to create something that unites people and spreads positivity. It is very much needed now. And remember that it is not the contest that gives meaning to the song, but the listeners. So, each and every one of us can be an “On Fire” ambassador and promote it”, – says THE ROOP drummer Robertas Baranauskas.
“This year Lithuania was rated very high and that is an achievement in itself. We already proved that we can be notable, brave, professional and leading. We wish all to remain that way in their lives,” – said THE ROOP guitarist Mantas Banišauskas.
The band is not aware of the future of the contest. Would they have an opportunity to participate next year, or will new selection take place? Everything will be clear in the nearest future. Currently THE ROOP members remain in quarantine and use their time at home for writing new songs. The band does not plan to slow down and will continue promoting their music.
THE ROOP wishes everyone health and unity in this difficult period.
View this post on Instagram
North Macedonia’s Vasil
ALWAYS keep your sincere #smile ON no matter how hard times may be •
We MUST #listen, see the #truth, and #unite – Now more than ever!!! •
My heart, smile, energy, and love goes out to all of you. We have to (virtually) stick together. #stayhome #staysafe #седидома #заштитисе 🤍🤍🤍
View this post on Instagram
Russia’s Little Big
For sure, you have heard that Eurovision-2020 is cancelled due to COVID-19 worldwidespread. We regret about it and we also assume that this is the only proper decision in such a situation. Since we were announced as participants, we experienced a huge support from our fans around the whole world. We thank each one of you who listened to UNO, watched music video and believed in our victory! Let corUNOvirus continue despite any danger of real virus!
View this post on Instagram
Slovenia’s Ana Soklič
Today we have officially learned that the Eurovision Song Contest will certainly not be in Rotterdam this May. This is unfortunate, but the situation in Europe and in the world does not allow such events to take place. What will be the fate of my Eurovision collaboration and the song Voda can now only be guessed. I have been informed by RTV Slovenia that in the next few days they are expecting additional instructions from the Federation of European Broadcasters (EBU), the organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest. And then we will see together and decide how to proceed. We will definitely be releasing the Euro version of Voda, as planned, in the coming days, and we hope you like it. Until then … Let’s stay healthy, stay home! All good
View this post on Instagram
Sweden’s The Mamas
We of course respect the decision that has now been made. During the current emergency crisis situation that we are all in, the problem is bigger than the fact that we can’t go to Rotterdam.
Of course, we are incredibly sorry on a personal level that we and our song are now not allowed to compete in the world’s largest music competition after winning the Swedish competition. We’ve so looked forward to being able to represent Sweden with Move. We hope that people continue to listen to our song with the message that we can move mountains together, something that feels extra relevant today when everyone has to take responsibility and do the right thing. If we help each other in this difficult time, maybe something good can come from it in the end. Our thoughts go out to the organizer of ESC, who has worked hard in the head-wind. Take care of each other! – The Mamas
View this post on Instagram
Azerbaijan’s Efendi
In view of the current situation with COVID-19 Eurovision 2020 had to be rescheduled to the next year.
I will keep you posted on updates as they come in.
Thank you for your support and stay tuned! ❤️
View this post on Instagram
Belgium’s Hooverphonic
While we regret the unfortunate chain of events, we fully understand and support the EBU’s decision to cancel the Eurovision Song Contest 2020. World health, safety and security will and should always be anyone’s top priority. We wish to express our deepest sympathies to every party involved, and would also like to thank all people that are risking their lives on a daily basis, in order to help and cure others.
We hope to send you some positive vibes about ESC soon!
In the meantime, stay healthy, stay safe & stay positive!
View this post on Instagram
Croatia’s Damir Kedžo
Performing on Eurovision is a dream come true and I can’t wait to stand and sing on that big stage one day. Under normal circumstances , Eurovision is a joy of music enjoyed by Europe and much of the world. The show is watched on average by 180 million people who enjoy music and , diversity of music , culture and that is the beauty of Eurovision. The conditions in which the world is currently are neither cheerful nor optimistic, they are daunting and it is a priority to preserve the health of ourselves , our loved ones and all the people around us. That is why I welcome the decision of cancellation and I cannot wait for the end of the pandemic and Eurovision 2021 performance in Rotterdam. Love you all. Take care
View this post on Instagram
Cyprus’ Sandro
May God bless and protect you all! Please do me a favour tho and stay healthy and take care of yourselfs and of others around you! We will win this, I promise you. Prayers go out to every single one of you! Much love & I’ll see you soon! Sandro
Posted via Instagram stories
Israel’s Eden Alene
Speaking in a TV interview:
Now it’s real. It’s depressing. I can’t believe how much it hurts inside. But it’s okay. I didn’t [talk to my mother] yet. I didn’t have the time. Like, it just happened. But no, it’s ok, I’ll talk to her. I’ll talk to my boyfriend. It will be ok
Malta’s Destiny
Just received the news that this year’s @eurovision is cancelled. Whilst waiting for a clear way forward & what will actually happen in 2021 , I stand heartbroken and a bit sad in these uncertain and challenging times. Our safety has to come first !
Last but not least, a thank you to all my team. This year has already been such a great experience and I will be forever grateful for all the work you have done in this wonderful journey. No words can thank you enough ❤! To all Eurovision fans out there, my thoughts are with you as well. Stay safe and take care. Destiny.
View this post on Instagram
Norway’s Ulrikke
We have been looking very much forward to being able to represent Norway in Rotterdam, but right now it is about more important things than a music competition, it is about life and health. I fully understand that the organizers have come to this decision, so the focus now is on stopping the corona virus around the world. Of course I’m sorry too, but now I have to sit down with NRK and find out more about what this means ❤️
View this post on Instagram
Romania’s Roxen
I am very sorry that we will not go to May again, at the international stage in Rotterdam, but health is the most important and we must all concentrate on this now. I am very glad that I was chosen to represent Romania at Eurovision and I thank everyone for their trust and support, to the public, the composers and the team that is always with me.
View this post on Instagram
Ukraine’s Go_A
Hi friends!
⠀
You have probably seen that Eurovision was canceled this year for obvious reasons.
⠀
But we are pleased to inform you that we will still represent Ukraine next year at the Eurovision 2021.
⠀
UA: FIRST and STB 2021 will not carry out additional national selection. This was stated on the official website of Eurovision in Ukraine @ suspilne.eurovision ⠀
We are very grateful to each of you for the support and crazy emotions you have given us. For believing in yourself and a victorious spirit. For overturning our world and becoming such a close musical family!
⠀
Take care of yourself and your loved ones, watch your health! And when the situation stabilizes, we will definitely meet at concerts and festival venues.
⠀
We love you!
Your Go_A
View this post on Instagram
So sad for Eden, she is so sweet!!!
Maybe Germany or UK
It’s a shame
So glad for Go_A 🙂
Vidbir is good selection which unfortunately won’t happen next year, but kudos for delegation for quick and fair decision.
There is so much quality in this SF, I feel particularly sorry for Ulrikke, The Mamas, Thr Roop and Destiny, who had to win their national selections and now they don’t know what will happen next year with them.
Please, EBU and NBs let them take their songs next year, they deserve their opportunity.
Not sure after 1 year those songs will good anymore (it is very long period)
As a Polish, I feel really bad for Lithuania. We both take part in the contest since 1994 and never really had a contender that was considered a fan favourite. The Roop was a real positive surprise and all I can in this unlucky situation is to wish our neighbors the best in 2021.
I feel so bad for the other artists and songs too, I’m still so disappointed by this solution. I wish we could have an online contest at least.
Eurovision is cancelled and Slovenia didn’t got to publish their revamp for that weak and awful ballad, lol
The only song I really wanted to see on Eurovision stage is Alcohol you.???
If EBU will not allow them to return next year, I will be so mad.
Jeez calm down. Some artists already confirmed their participation in 2021. More will confirm soon as well…
I just don’t understand. We could have still voted by phone. All these great songs this year. Terrible shame
SAME ARTISTS FOR 2021!
I feel so sorry for all of them (so, this comment could be in the other 2 similar posts). Many of them came to my mind today. I thought about how emotional Ulrikke was on her celebrating performance, about how gracious The Roop has been about being the early frontrunner, about the fact Samanta Tina has been trying to get to Eurovision year after year. It’s tough. And they’re facing this disappointment right at a moment where they maybe don’t have many people around to help taking their minds from it. I wish all the performers the best.
Little Big are the real winners anyway. #Justice4UNO. No matter what they still win in 2021 and will be the first ever to win twice in a row. Goodbye Mr Logan.
The only good thing about this is that we won’t see that shaming song UNO performed live.
Is this really the only thing you can think about? At this moment there are more important issues than this… Trust me I am a nurse so I know what I am talking about
I’m a nurse also OK. No one cancel eurovision
Uno is below their abilities. they can do better!
I hope they will all come back
wow Lithuania missed a huge chance to do great in Eurovision so they must be disappointed, same for the band.
Other entries must feel relieved in a way if their song was not well received.
Lithuania feels very upset, very very upset. We were looking so much forward for this 🙁
Lithuanians are very upset. Imagine having a dream for 20+ years and finally choosing a song that is so loved by fans and a contender to win. For a small country like Lithuania, that is one of the worst performing countries at Eurovision, it’s gonna be hard to find that winning combo again, it might take another 20 years and it’s devastating.
Pretty much the same message across the board.
I mean, there’s not a lot else to say, is there?
I really feel bad for Ulrikke
You can tell The Roop is devastated. It’ll haunt their mind if they can release such a hit for the next year and may even choose not to participate. Among all the others acts, this one specifically broke my heart.
Exactly. Their case is literally the worst case of “what if”. You can never fully process such injustice, the thought of most possibly winning Eurovision for the first time for their home country will never leave. And for this reason I feel sorry for Lithuania the most. Also for Bulgaria.
Iceland, Malta, Romania…
I wonder what Belgium will decide. It was VRT’s turn to send an entry to Rotterdam and even if the contest won’t take place, a song was indeed chosen. So will it be RTBF’s turn in 2021 or will VRT keep the right to select a song ? I guess the broadcasters will have to discuss this. Of course, no matter what happens, both could decide to ask Hooverphonic to do it, but RTBF also likes to promote its own talents and songwriters and you also have viewing figures that matter. RTBF is used to have bad ratings when VRT… Read more »
I think the Belgian broadcasters can make an exception in this case as the group also happens to be bilingual (at least Alex is) I think and have crossed over in the Wallonian music market (anyone please correct me on this). As for the song, we don’t have any clue just yet how things will proceed n that area but it’s likely they’ll have to proceed with a new song.
yeah, i feel like russian is in the same boat as well with channel 1 and russia 1. i wish everyone is allowed to represent their countries with the same songs again just to keep everything fair and square, but we’ll have to wait and see.
I guess channel 1 will remain as the broadcaster next year, just as they did in 2018 after 2017’s withdrawal
I will continue to listen to my favorite 2020 entries on Spotify and support them as best as I can as a Eurofan. I’m usually quite a rational person (I think) but all these cancellations are killing me. I’m honestly afraid for society after all this, things will be different
Hopefully most if not all of the ESC class of 2020 can compete again in 2021. Stay safe everyone.
It’s been a rough day but we will power through. I sincerely hope these artists have the opportunity to return to ESC 2021 next year with either the same or different songs.
Of course I hope THE ROOP go to Eurovision 2021 (hopefully with “On Fire” as their entry). However, if it turns out that they won’t (which would be terrible news), I still believe that Lithuanian victory is very likely. “Pabandom is naujo” was probably the best NF of the season, full of talented artists and great music, and it showed us that our beloved Baltic nation might become the next Eurovision powerhouse in years to come. If they keep that high level, their win is just a matter of time.
Even if the roop are unable to participate next year, I hope Lithuania can continue to raise the quality of their entries and seriously contend for the win. Maybe Lithuania’s first Eurovision winner is still out there and waiting for their chance.
I really hope that all the artists will have the opportunity to participate next year, maybe with the same format of song selection as Romania had this year. Really, most of them are great, and it could have been the best Eurovision in years.
Very disappointed for VICTORIA this year, she had my favorite song this year. But very excited for Hooverphonic, they had my third favorite song this year but I know they can do better than “Release Me!”
In a video that VAL posted to their Instagram they said that they would love to stage a National Selection to choose a new song for ESC 2021. I think it is a great idea to keep the same artists and just staging a NS to choose the song. And that’s of course if the 2020 song are not allowed.
I wouldn’t have thought that, but this announcement hit me by far more than I expected. I know it’s actually only a song contest, but, for me, it means by far more than that. I can just remember December when we were all rooting for Elvana and Arilena. We did not have any idea of such a disease. This year’s Festivali Kenges was one of the strongest edition, so the national selection season started quite strong. Although there were some robberies, and even though it was not the strongest edition, I was really looking forward to all the pre parties,… Read more »
This year was exceptionally competitive. I was more than ever excited to watch. My heart goes out to every artist and their team.
Just saw a very dissapointed Alex Callier on television. He said because of the virus he also has alot of time to write the next song so there is a sense of irony in all of it.
I can’t imagine what these poor people must be going through – they spent the last few months preparing for something that will never come. I just hope as many broadcasters as possible will internally select these same artists next year and write new songs for them. But I know that’s just wishful thinking – national finals in many countries bring in a lot of viewers and therefore a lot of €€€ for the national broadcasters so there’s no way they’re cancelling those.
I need to mention The Mamas as well. They won Melfest as underdogs and I think they would have done very well at Esc as well. It was their moment and this whole situation is so unfair to them. I understand Melodifestivalen 2021 as it is an important event on its own but they really deserved Eurovision.
Very happy that we dont have to see the mamas at Eurovision 2021. Very good news!
That is just sick. You’re happy that there’s a pandemic because you’re salty someone other than who YOU picked won Melfest? You should reconsider your choices. They worked hard to get to where they are, and you don’t need to be so mean.
The mamas have no talent, face it. Lets just be happy we dont have to see them at Eurovision, this is a great moment for all of us!
You are the worst part of the fandom, very unhappy that we need to deal with you, but here you are having your moment!
Why? How can you see talent in the mamas? They are awful.. when you think Sweden cant do worse than last year, they send that.. Its embarrassing. You should be happy im here to tell the truth
It’s nice to see the performers coping with such good grace.
I do not get where the problem is: Just let all the entries compete with their songs next year.
National finals could be stopped for one year or just for the countries show itself due to this circumstances.
Destiny knows how we feel! I bet she’s a fan of ESC herself. I hope she returns <3
I think we are all Eden today. No words needed, just tears and heartbreak..
Feel most sorry for Lithuania though. They could have won first time with a great song and we could have had Vilnius 2021..
I really wanted a Lithuanian victory because they never won before, but maybe the roop can still be chosen for next year, but the national final will consist of original songs they composed during their quarantine right now.
I’m curious how it will be solved and if everyone must follow the same rules or can choose between sending their 2020 song and entering a brand new one. I want new ones but believe in the freedom of choice here. Some songs are special while others are interchangeable. Bulgaria and Romania for example might probably wanna keep their entry, Malta I’m hoping would improve their “destiny”. (WITH Destiny, ofc) Even though I like Belgium, they might wanna upgrade to something more competitive. How about that, Alex? Estonia will be interesting. I can see Uku winning again with another dire… Read more »
What hurts for me more than the cancellation of Eurovision is the timing of it. Really if it was announced before any of the national finals I would have been even numb to it. But it’s the singers, the songs, the dramas and even the robberies that make it so heartbreaking right now, how just in few weeks I’ve gone attached to the acts and how I hope they get a second chance next year, they all deserve it!
Ukraine would be better off not sending Go_A to Eurovision because their song is bad and definitely won’t qualify.
I’m beyong sad and heartbroken reading this type of commentary during this period and after the news of the cancellation.
Please, stay home.
And please, stay quiet.
Thank you.
they would have
I feel so bad for The Roop and Lithuania.
It felt the right time for them. So unfair. They had the performance and everything. On Fire time was 2020. It’s a current hit now.
I wish they can come up with another Hit and interesting concept. They deserve it
thats the most sad thing really. Lithuania had their first chance to do well, people were so happy the whole nation was behind them. they took them something to be proud of for years and years….
This is what I am most bummed about, more than the cancellation. So many countries like Lithuania being denied a chance to compete for the win.
So happy for the Ukrainian and Croatian act. I’m also looking forward to Slovenia’s song release and hope Ana gets to represent Slovenia. While some would benefit from getting a new song or even act, it would be very disappointing for others. I imagine it’d be quite difficult for Romania to come with something equally special as ‘Alcohol You.’
All these artists would need answers when JESC is going to be held as planned in November. I still cant believe that they didnt even try to make a satellite version as they proposed to Russia in 2017.
On the subject of JESC, I’m worried that could end up cancelled also.
literally, who cares about jesc?
No, because the virus isn’t good with heat, and the JESC competitors aren’t at as much risk
That is not true in the slightest. there is no evidence that suggests hotter climates offer protection. Australia has only juat got out of summer and our autumns are really hot as well and our virus projection is heading the way of italys.
Imagine there would have been such a video event. That would have meant that the winning country of this video contest would have been given the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. The Netherlands would have lost their chance to host their first contest in more than 40 years. Now that it was cancelled they will have the chance to host the real show with audience – just one year later!
so thay scrapped the whole contest just to please 1 country. nice
the satellite version would be really unfair in terms of staging abilities across europe (and australia). while i’m sure countries like the uk, sweden or russia wouldn’t struggle at all, as william explained in a recent video countries like moldova have a really small stage with limited effects that can be used. while one country (and a rich one at that) could have pulled it off, i really don’t think it would be fair to a lot of countries.
My heart goes out to each and every one of them. May they stay safe and healthy.
Btw, I can foresee a lot of these small ”national finals” next year.
Like – ”Dora 2020: Which song should Damir Kedžo sing at ESC 2021?”
well.. considering the songs.. it is good they canceled it.. hopefully next year they will come up with better songs.. and not boring ones
Nobody asked for your opinion but thx anyways
So true
you mean ballads haha. mature people can listen to ballads. i bet you are not mature enough. yout time will come
Does someone have a source for Hurricane participating in 2021, please ? Because I see everyone saying that they”ll be there next year but I can’t find any source.
Why do you always ignore San Marino, Wiwibloggs?
Senhit is in semi-final two! I’m working on a second post. Please be patient on a day like this. Everyone is upset.
You’re right! Might bad, Padraig. I’m just always on edge with everyone always ignoring San Marino. <3
Don’t feel bad Amadeus, we’ve all done something like that !
San Marino was set to perform in the second semi-final.
San Marino is not in the first semi-final. This is just statements from the now-would be semi final 1 participants. There will be an article with semi final 2.
read 2 times before you complain. better
The thing i wonder: Will Lithuania ever have a big chance to win again after this? they have never been the favourite before so im really sad for them. Iceland, Bulgaria have been favourites before so i know they can do it again.
Yeah, that’s the thing I am really bummed the most about. The Roop seemed like Lithuania’s best chance to win or hit the top five, but now that’s over. I hope if they want to represent Lithuania again next year, they can use one of those new songs they are composing during the quarantine right now for 2021 if they can’t use “On fire” next year.
I really do hope it won’t break Lithuania’s spirit.
What sucks is that while many artists will be returning next year some of these people will undoubtedly miss out on their dream of representing their country in the Eurovision Song Contest. I never in a million years thought they would cancel it and had faith that the EBU would find some way around it, but alas I was wrong. I have cried about this many times today, so I can only imagine how some of these artists are feeling.