Eurovision 2020’s cancellation has seen a raft of delegations rush to either reselect their current acts or commit to national selections for 2021. However, Latvia is going to let the dust settle until the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.
Latvia will wait to announce Eurovision 2021 plans
LSM.LV reports that broadcaster LTV has yet to make any plans regarding next year’s contest.
It quotes Rita Ruduša, LTV’s programme director — “The decision to participate in next year’s Eurovision has to be taken carefully, taking into account many factors, including the consequences of Covid-19. That is why we have decided to postpone a focused discussion on this topic until the acute situation is over”.
The reason for the delay is understandable. Broadcasters throughout the world are feeling the pinch as the uncertainty around the coronavirus crisis chips away at advertising revenue. Furthermore, as virtually all major sporting and cultural events are put on hold, viewing figures are likely to decline. On top of that, shooting on many scripted and reality shows has also come to a halt.
Meanwhile, the need for current affairs and public service broadcasts is greater than ever. Much of this content is expensive to make.
So, for smaller delegations like Latvia, it might be more than just a question of whether they can organise a national final. The real worry could be whether they can afford to take part in Eurovision 2021 at all.
Since debuting in 2000, Latvia has never missed a contest. All of its acts have been selected through a national selection format.
Samanta Tīna and Eurovision 2021
For what it’s worth, Samanta Tīna — Latvia’s Eurovision 2020 act — appears to be open to a 2021 return. Her recent Instagram posts have been accompanied by the hashtag #SamantaTinaforEsc2021. The “Still Breathing” songstress previously wrote: “About 2021 we are still waiting news- how it’s gonna be! I will let you know!”.
After trying to get to Eurovision seven times for Latvia (2012 x2, 2013, 2014, 2016 x2 and 2019) and twice for Lithuania (2013 and 2017), Samanta finally secured her ESC ticket upon winning Supernova 2020 in February. Alas, it was not to be.
Is Latvia right to wait? Do you want to see Samanta again? Or would you rather a national selection? Let us know in the comments.
All we need is Samanta Tina for 2021!
A bit unrelated but I was just wondering: Does wiwibloggs have any control over what type of ads get displayed on its website? Because here in the United States I just got a pro-Trump ad on your homepage.
So what type of content would you prefer .. the internet is a space for free speech dear
I think this is one of the best responses from a broadcaster. I have to wonder though if Latvia’s decision to hold off is out of fear of retaliation if they choose to purge their 2020 act.
Yeah true, we don’t know if corona will be here next year or not, depends on behaviour or people ….
Internally select Samanta Tina and have Aminata Savadogo write her song
I guess the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 will be held in Baku! In the arena Baku Crystal Hall!
Latvia should just pick Samanta Tina internally and take this as an opportunity to ditch Supernova and their terrible national finals. Go internal, it will work wonders.
Supernova was created to showcase little known artists that it did well in the beggining. Even though we have several new artists every year, I don’t believe it is enough and it has got quite repetitive. At the same time Supernova has amazing production value in comparison to rest of TV shows yet the song quality is lacking. And we can’t forget the fact that Supernova is one of the most watched TV shows here.
Yeah but for Eurovision, I don’t think it works anymore. And if the Latvian broadcaster is struggling financially, maybe its time to rest it for a little while and bring it back newer, fresher and when they have the finances to boost it up.
TBH it’s been such a good NF as Eesti Laul both went downhill from 2017 onwards, don’t really now what happened in both countries.
It’s sometimes unbelievable how bad this song actually is … the video , everything .. flaming explosive train wreck
It’d be a good thing to get a second chance when you have nowhere to go but up.
Hopefully Latvia Still Breathing ..
Oh please let Samanta come back next year – I can’t think of a more appropriate song once all this is over.