Shortly after the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was announced, the College van Burgemeester en Wethouders — the executive board of the city government of Rotterdam — announced that the city wants to welcome Eurovision in 2021.

In a letter written to the city council, the mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and secretary Roozen informed the council members about the cancellation and their plans to ensure the hosting rights for the 2021 contest.

“We think [cancelling Eurovision] is a wise decision. Also regarding the protection of the health of all visitors and organisers of the celebrations in all neighbourhoods and the centre of the city.

The organising broadcasters deem it logical that Rotterdam will be the host city again in 2021 and want to talk about hosting Eurovision with us.

We have communicated about our willingness to welcome Eurovision in 2021. Because then our Rotterdam ambitions to create a ‘party for everybody’, city marketing and exposure for the city with economic and social spin-off will still be realised. Both in Ahoy as with the events in the city and with the citizens.”

Rotterdam government asks for an additional €6.7 million

To be able to host Eurovision 2021, the city would need additional funding, the mayor and his secretary revealed to the city council.

“And because of in the case of postponement, already made costs — we are after all in the later stages of the preparations — would not have been made for nothing.

It should be clear that postponement to 2021 will put an extra strain on the finances of the municipality. The estimate of the costs of the postponement are a maximum of €6.7 million, which includes unforeseen costs. We are going to try with third parties, such as insurers, to reduce this amount. We will come back to you as soon as possible to formally ask to reserve part of the budget, including the breakdown of the extra costs and the responsibility of the already made costs.

It is special that the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the Netherlands after 44 years, it is unique that Rotterdam is allowed to welcome ESC. And it is for the first time in 65 years of ESC that this event is cancelled. Because of that, we should get the chance and let Rotterdam be the host city. We hope you share this opinion.”

Read all our Eurovision 2020 news here

For detailed information about the coronavirus/COVID-19 and how to stay healthy, please visit the World Health Organisation web site.

96 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
ESCJudge
ESCJudge
4 years ago

Why, WE the fans do this? Why do we care about the preselection season? Why do we care about the artists, the songs? Why are we interested in hosting, production? Why? BECAUSE IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US, AND BECAUSE IT’S A TRADITION. Whoever takes it from Us, for whatever reason, takes our love, our passion, our interest and OUR MONEY away… I will sue EBU for my own losses and every one who invested any coin for this contest should do the same. It’s just ESC? Yeah. But for some it’s a part of life that now has been put in… Read more »

Kim
Kim
4 years ago

Netherlands should do it next year – virus permitting of course. They won the rights to host for this year . It’s been cancelled through no fault of their own so they should get their chance next year. Eurovision was started to bring countries together after the horrors of WWII maybe it can do the same after the horrors of 2020 ( even in Australia’s case we’ve had a horror start to 2020 with the bushfires and now Covid 19 straight after the fires.)

Rifki
Rifki
4 years ago

my idea: two Eurovisions in two weeks in a row (2020 songs and artists on 11-15 May 2021, and 2021 songs and artists on 18-22 May 2021), still in Rotterdam Ahoy. the winners from both weeks then move on to a special superfinal on 29 May 2021 to determine the 2022 host. if they are so brave now to cancel Eurovision this year, they must be braver to hold two Eurovisions next year.

Denis
Denis
4 years ago

No it´s not a fact. it all depends on several factors. Will Rotterdam give them 6 million EUR in time of financial crisis? If not, are any other Dutch towns willing? Can Ahoy arena be booked again for May 2021? If not, is there another arena. Nothing is for certain..
If not Netherlands, then EBU would decide who will host. And again, in financial crises not many countries would probably want to finance something that expensive.

Jim
Jim
4 years ago

I think the best is to have for all the countries, 2 entries next year, this year’s and 2021 new song, and with a combined result, to have the winner of ESC 2020&2021,Winner of 2 years and an artist with 2 winning songs.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Jim

Who gets to host 2022?

Rifki
Rifki
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

the winners of both editions (2020 and 2021) battle each other in a special superfinal to determine the 2022 host country

Denis
Denis
4 years ago
Reply to  Jim

But who would win? or host next year?

Jason
Jason
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

That would take A LOT OF MONEY …. the economy is crashing … some countries cant even consistently be in the competition caused by financial issue ,what makes you think that sending 2 entries would be such a piece of cake…. this tragedy sucks you either accept it or you dont… theres no in between…

Denis
Denis
4 years ago

Problem is when the virus passes Rotterdam like every city in Europe will be in major economic downturn. Therefore I doubt they will jump to finance a very expensive show which they already have lost money on and probably will lose money on again. Everything from schools to business will be forced to get financial support and that 6 million is something people probably will want to go to that..

lola
lola
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

From my experience, 6 million isn’t that much for the dutch.. they already have planned huge budgets for businesses, the netherlands IS a business (or at least that’s how its leaders treat it) and they can miss 6 million..I think rotterdam is going to be fine!

Anthony
4 years ago

My question is wouldnt they have some sort of insurance coverage? All events generally have insurance in case of a unforseen ‘force majore’ event (natural situation). I really hope the ebu allows the sane artists to return with the same songs (ie just raincheck them all with the songs for 2021). Imagine being the favourite at the moment (ie Bulgaria).

CRAIG
CRAIG
4 years ago

Thought. At the times the three shows were due to take place, the fandom should come together online and have a mass live re-watching of a previous content. It won’t be the same, but it’s something! I suggest either the 2014 or 2016 contest.

Darren
Darren
4 years ago
Reply to  CRAIG

I suggest 2019, the year of our last winner. Or 2012 (sounds like a world away now) but the year of Loreen and the absolute Euphoria that she gave to the people of Europe.

Iain
Iain
4 years ago

Some believe that Corona crisis can last up to spring 2021. What people don’t realise is that Europe could be in bad recession or economic collapse and most countries will not want to spend money at Eurovision. They should have postponed it untill August when it is believe that number of infected will be low. There’s chance that some singers could be infected during one year and won’t make it to Rotterdam.

dxi
dxi
4 years ago

6.7 million is a lot of money. I really, really hope Rotterdam is able to collect the money and stay the host city, but the economic impact of corona will probably make it extra difficult :c

Azaad
Azaad
4 years ago

It’s unfair that they have to bid to host when the cancellation of the contest wasn’t their fault at all.

Izzy
Izzy
4 years ago

Perhaps that’s the time to make it bigger – invite more countries to participate and have three semi finals and not just two, from each, say, 8 will qualify. Rotterdam will launch this new era.. it will symbolize Eurovision’s victory and that our shared values are here to stay. We will then have a new third season: 1956-2003, 2004-2019 and 2021 onwards 🙂

First row at ESC & JESC
First row at ESC & JESC
4 years ago
Reply to  Izzy

I hope the EBU will not invite China because that buddy ruins the party

Héctor
Héctor
4 years ago

Thank god this happened in Rotterdam and The Netherland. If this would have happened in Spain everyone here would be complaining about having to invest more money…

Miguel
Miguel
4 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

You are wrong. The Netherlands is not perfect as you might think

Jason
Jason
4 years ago
Reply to  Miguel

At least everyone is chill because of that dank weed….

Darren
Darren
4 years ago

They can do it! Definitely it’s only logical.
No other country should come forward with proposals because this edition of ESC belongs to the Netherlands. I’m sure they will manage the extra 6 million.
Rotterdam worked hard to prepare and organize a spectacular show and it’s only fair that they get their chance to shine.
Rotterdam 2021. Let’s do it.

miskdisky
miskdisky
4 years ago

Here’s a solution: In 2021, every country sends TWO entries: this year’s AND next year’s!

Rifki
Rifki
4 years ago
Reply to  miskdisky

my other idea: two Eurovisions in two weeks in a row (2020 songs and artists on 11-15 May 2021, 2021 songs and artists on 18-22 May 2021), still in Rotterdam Ahoy. the winners from both weeks then move on to a special superfinal on 29 May 2021 to determine the 2022 host. iff they are so brave now to cancel Eurovision this year, they must be braver to hold two Eurovisions next year.

KESC
KESC
4 years ago

All I hope is that the Mamas can participate next year. Idc if there will be another Melodifestivalen. They won their edition and they fully have the right to go to Eurovision. Björkman can wait another year, just like we’re doing so right now!!

Denis
Denis
4 years ago
Reply to  KESC

Mamas won the 2020 edition. However MF 2021 will be new acts so if Mamas want to go they have to fight for it..

KESC
KESC
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Yeah, so they should just ignore their victory, right?

Denis
Denis
4 years ago
Reply to  KESC

No, no one is ignoring. They are still the winners of MF 2020 and will always remain that.

Jake
Jake
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

The Mamas deserve their chance to go to Eurovision. They earned it.

Anna
Anna
4 years ago
Reply to  KESC

Unfortunately Sweden will send a new act, the Mamas had their win in MF already, even though they did not perform in ESC. So they won’t get a second chance, maybe if they go with another song i guess but it will be difficult to win MF again 🙁

Denis
Denis
4 years ago

Who cares? For me and many others ESC died today when they broke their main purpose: To unite a troubled continent. Instead of keeping that purpose and coming up with several solutions they took the coward way and cancelled it al together. Shame on EBU and Dutch television.. By now they better just keep the contest dead and buried!
It it going to take a lot of time to win back that trust and reputation as the thing that is always there to unite us..

Escf
Escf
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Boo hoo hoo

Henry
Henry
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

ridiculous and selfish comment, grow up dude!

ESCJudge
ESCJudge
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

There are so many people here who don’t care about ESC… 38 dislikes? Really? Are you fans of stupid EBU decisions? Or maybe a fans of coronavirus?
Whatever you are, you are not defending the contest.
Being loyal is the highest value, and you gave up.
Some people write here an obvious truth.

EBU didn’t make a modern decision. Furthermore this decision may affect ESC for years… but you don’t care, right? No one denies health and safety is important… but many of you show how important(NOT) ESC is for you by not defending it’s values. #Open up (!)

jack
jack
4 years ago

So Bjorkman is already puting pressure to go in 2021 with different entries and the others want to send at least the same artists. I pray that he wont win again and we would be able to see all these artists that have worked so hard to get here. Especially Lithuania and Bulgaria, 2 small countries that are showing such an interest for the contest DESERVE to have their moment.

Denis
Denis
4 years ago
Reply to  jack

No, h eis following the rules which state songs must be new. by 2021 the songs will be 15-13 months old, which is hardly new.

Esc1234
Esc1234
4 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Rules also say that the contest is held annually.

Anna
Anna
4 years ago
Reply to  Esc1234

yes as Denis said, the song will be over a year old by then so it will have even less of a chance… I did not like what C B said but he is right, they had their shot and the show must go on, sad but true 🙁

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

I wish all the organisers the best in difficult times. In my opinion, that stated cost needs to be shared out better somehow. The price appears too expensive for a single city after a major crisis.
Eurovision is about bringing people together, so help start sharing costs. Also, a better insurance plan probably needs drawing up. There’s a lot of work to do on the wider level. This might be a crucial time for ESC; best wishes.

The Roop is On Fire
The Roop is On Fire
4 years ago

That’s so expensive. I hope they will still host it in Rotterdam and will have that huge amount of money in that future.

Nobody Important
Nobody Important
4 years ago

It’s only fair if they host it. They won fair and square. They have every right to host it!

Kenan
Kenan
4 years ago

I think there should be an official winner for esc 2020 even if they don’t get to host. Like a small jury and then an online poll to determine the winner of the contest. It just feels so empty without a real winner

An American ESC Fan
An American ESC Fan
4 years ago

Imagine: Your country has just won ESC 2019, meaning you’ll get to host in 2020! Your city goes through the trouble of securing the 2020 hosting rights. And you win the bidding! But then the 2020 contest gets cancelled and you have to spend 6.7 million MORE Euros to secure the 2021 hosting rights. Y i k e s.

Matthew
Matthew
4 years ago

After not winning since 1975 too

An American ESC Fan
An American ESC Fan
4 years ago
Reply to  Matthew

And not hosting since 1980

Adam
Adam
4 years ago

I hope that Diodato gets to represent Italy in 2021 because his song is one of my favourites. However, this would mean the winner of Sanremo next year won’t be able to represent Italy, which is a shame since they always choose a quality song and perfomer.

Alex
Alex
4 years ago
Reply to  Adam

I’ve thought about that as well and really hurt me. Eurovision will lose a Sanremo winning song.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago
Reply to  Adam

diodato is very likely to go for italy, he was very excited about esc so they’ll let him go still

Alex
Alex
4 years ago

I want him to go Esc (I adore Fai Rumore) but I’d feel bad for the upcoming Sanremo winner and if the artist says that wants to do Eurovision.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Is what it is. I recall Arisa, who won Sanremo in 2014, said she would’ve been down to participate at Eurovision.

Giolo
Giolo
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

And Controvento was top 10 or even top 5 material, unlike the song we sent (probably Emma’s worst song ever)

Mr Vanilla Bean
Mr Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Giolo

That was a real injustice. I love ‘Controvento’. And they scrapped it for their worst entry ever.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

Worst entry ever? Look up “Raggio di Luna” from 1979 and tell me if you still think that.

dxi
dxi
4 years ago
Reply to  Adam

Yes, I really hope he keeps this song as well. It’s my personal winner.

Fionn
Fionn
4 years ago

Uuuuugggggggghhhhhhh. It was going to be so goooooooooooood ahhhhhhhhhhh

OhhHoney
OhhHoney
4 years ago

Everything should remain. Same song, same artists, same host, same venue, same everything.

Mr Vanilla Bean
Mr Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  OhhHoney

It won’t. Sweden will have a chance to win the next contest after all.

jack
jack
4 years ago

nobody cares if Bjorkman is doing everything to have a 7th victory. All 41 artists deserve to go in 2021.

Mr Vanilla Bean
Mr Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  jack

Reality is calling and doesn’t care. What do you think the winner of MF 2021 would deserve, then?

Erik
Erik
4 years ago
Reply to  OhhHoney

I agree. Yet Björkman claims the counties that has a selection shown will scratch their entries.

I really hope it won’t be like that

Alex
Alex
4 years ago
Reply to  Erik

I’ve said it before. It’s a very difficult situation. All countries have a different approach and it’s not easy. We knew Melodifestivalen or Sanremo were going to happen. Same with other NF. They will have to choose or I don’t know. It’s so complicated
With internal selections is easier.
And thinking all 41 same acts will be there after 14 months seems difficult. It’s a lot of time

Thorula
Thorula
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Concerning Sanremo it’s an Italian songfestival not a national final so it’s not sure that the artists from 2021 can be granted a spot in Eurovision.

sav001
sav001
4 years ago
Reply to  Erik

Croatia, Ukraine and Malta which held national finals have said they will send the same artists as this year. But probably with new songs.

johan
johan
4 years ago
Reply to  OhhHoney

no thank you ,Belgium might send a good song after all

Dima
Dima
4 years ago
Reply to  OhhHoney

It’s very unlikely that all the same acts could return next year. It’s not just a few weeks delay but it’s 1 year. Some broadcasters have financial problems and may not be able to return next year. Others who withdrew this year might want to return next year. Artists want to evolve and move on. They book off months to prepare for this and I doubt that all of them would want to do it again. So it’s impossible to copy and paste this year’s contest. ESC 2021 will have to have different acts. PS It would be great if… Read more »

sav001
sav001
4 years ago
Reply to  Dima

Croatia, Ukraine, Malta, The Netherlands, Greece, Spain have all said they are prepared to send the same artists.

miskdisky
miskdisky
4 years ago
Reply to  OhhHoney

Or how about every country send TWO entries: this year’s AND next year’s!

jack
jack
4 years ago

so as we can see the majority of broadcasters want to send the same artists and songs again while Sweden already announced that Mamas wont represent them in 2021. Lets see how this will end up….

sam
sam
4 years ago
Reply to  jack

dotters revenge….

Dima
Dima
4 years ago
Reply to  jack

@jack Majority is 50% +1. At the moment there aren’t statements from all the broadcasters.

jack
jack
4 years ago
Reply to  Dima

spain,croatia,serbia,greece,the netherlands and ukraine are already sending their 2020 artist. Bulgaria also wants to do the same along with the same song. lets count how many countries are doing that….

Matthew
Matthew
4 years ago
Reply to  jack

Any sources for Croatia Serbia and Ukraine? I can’t find anything.

jack
jack
4 years ago
Reply to  Matthew

official instagram page of each artist.

sav001
sav001
4 years ago
Reply to  jack

Serbia has not confirmed its artist yet.

Kinga
Kinga
4 years ago

Someone gave an idea to make it in Poland instead of JESC. First I thought it’s a bad idea but when I thought more about it, it makes sense. Poland together with Netherlands could make a fantastic show. Very unique but possible to make. And then Esc 2021 could take place for example in September so the coutry that wins have more time to prepare the event.

Lola
Lola
4 years ago
Reply to  Kinga

this may be the dumbest idea in the entire multiverse..just behind donald trumps presidency..I’ll pass

Kinga
Kinga
4 years ago
Reply to  Lola

Why? Those 6.7 mln euro could be spent on hospitals and we would have Eurovision held by two countries, united in the time of crisis! This is the reason why Eurovision was held in the first place. To unite people.

Iris
Iris
4 years ago
Reply to  Kinga

The Netherlands won Eurovision so they deserve to host it. Poland will already host JESC for the second time. If they want to host ESC they need to win it first.

Kinga
Kinga
4 years ago
Reply to  Iris

It’s not about Poland hosting eurovision. It’s about possibility to have Eurovision in 2020.

OhOkay
OhOkay
4 years ago

Can someone explain to me why it’s gonna take 6.7€ more ? :/

Sophie
Sophie
4 years ago
Reply to  OhOkay

Maybe money that they have already invested and can’t get back?

Jye
Jye
4 years ago

All i want to know now if the same artists and songs will participate next year because if not that would be really unfair

sav001
sav001
4 years ago
Reply to  Jye

Croatia, Malta, Ukraine, Greece, The Netherlands and Spain have said they are prepared to send the same artists. Sweden and Estonia will send new ones.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
4 years ago

I’ve decided to follow the philosophy that Eurovision 1956 – Eurovision 2019 was Season One of Eurovision, and we are now heading into Season Two. Makes me feel better, looking at the contest as a whole rather than feeling bad over just missing one.

Éamonn
Éamonn
4 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

Here’s to 192 greats new shows for the next 63 years!

Alex
Alex
4 years ago

What’s unfortunate is that next year in May I have my iGCSE’s.

UK fan
UK fan
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

you’ll be okay. If I managed to keep up with ESC through GCSEs, A Levels and med school exams, you’ll find a way to prioritise and compartmentalise.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Boo hoo hoo

Cameron
Cameron
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Who cares, nobody asked

Mr Vanilla Bean
Mr Vanilla Bean
4 years ago

Well, of course it’s gonna be them. No contest means no winner means no one else won the right to host.

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
4 years ago

Or Amsterdam takes it on.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
4 years ago
Reply to  Badwoolfgirl

Yeah, I probably deserve the downvotes, but is here anyway I can delete this comment?

Matthew
Matthew
4 years ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

I don’t think you do? I mean Rotterdam definitely deserves first try, if it ends up that they can’t in the end then maybe Maastricht gets a shot. If not, then Amsterdam is the logical conclusion.

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
4 years ago
Reply to  Matthew

I guess I was thinking of Amsterdam as a back-up in case Rotterdam can’t hold onto the hosting rights.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago
Reply to  Badwoolfgirl

Maastricht was the last one standing between Rotterdam and hosting ESC 2020. In case all crumbles in Rotterdam, the construction and renovation teams had better get started on raising the roof at MECC to meet EBU standards.