April is typically the month of preview parties and concerts. But not this year. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, all of the Eurovision 2020 pre-parties have been cancelled, just like the song contest itself.
And the fans aren’t the only one’s missing out. The preview circuit often acts as a great platform for artists to connect with their peers from across Europe. Many develop great working relationships and even friendships that last long after the closing credits have rolled on that Saturday in May.
However, San Marino’s Senhit isn’t ready for the class of 2020 to miss out on all of this. So, in an effort to bring about some good cheer, she launched the #hugforesc2020 hashtag on Instagram. Working with her friend and the campaign’s manager Ersin Parlak, the pair are hoping to give Europe “a virtual hug and a safe place to meet again.”
The idea is simple, she sends a virtual hug to one artist — Senhit chose Spain’s Blas Cantó — who in turn passes the hug onto another Eurovision 2020 act of their choice. And so the chain continues. The hope is that all 41 acts will have received a virtual hug by the time May rolls around.
Here’s how Senhit explained it on Instagram.
Hi guys! I have a message to all of you and especially to all my Eurovision colleagues. ❤️
As we know it’s not possible to meet us physically but let’s try to make it virtually! 🌈
Hope everything will be fine soon!
So, let’s make a chain for all of us.
I’m gonna start mentioning @blascanto_es from Spain! Now it’s your turn.
Let’s make this chain, do not stop this hug! ✨
#HugForESC2020
So far, the hug has gone from San Marino to Spain to Cyprus to Norway to Sweden to Switzerland.
At the time of writing on 2 April at 19:00 CEST, the chain has stalled with Germany’s Ben Dolic. He was nominated by Switzerland’s Gjon’s Tears on 31 March.
Below, we’ve tracked the full chain of hugs to date.
Keep scrolling to watch all the nomination videos. While they’re all spreading lots of joy, Gjon’s Tears’ in particular is a treat. Did someone call for Celine Dion?
Update: Shortly after publication, Ben nominated Bulgaria’s Victoria. We’ll publish a post with further updates once another six or so artists have taken up the challenge.
#hugforesc2020 Tracker at 2 April
- San Marino’s Senhit (24 March)
↓ - Spain’s Blas Cantó (25 March)
↓ - Cyprus’ Sandro (26 March)
↓ - Norway’s Ulrikke (28 March)
↓ - Sweden’s The Mamas (30 March)
↓ - Switzerland’s Gjon’s Tears (31 March)
↓ - Germany’s Ben Dolic (2 April)
↓ - Bulgaria’s Victoria (TBC)
#hugforesc2020 — The first seven hugs
1. San Marino’s Senhit
2. Spain’s Blas Cantó
3. Cyprus’ Sandro
4. Norway’s Ulrikke
5. Sweden’s The Mamas
6. Switzerland’s Gjon’s Tears
7. Germany’s Ben Dolic
What do you think of the initiative? Is it a good idea? Will you be disappointed if Ben Dolic breaks the chain? Let us know in the comments.
It’s great to see the artists interact in such a great way.
I loved the ideia and I Love Senhit for starting it! One of the things we will miss the most this year is see the Artists meeting, becoming friends and supporting each other! They all are being so lovely! And Gjon’s Tears being the funniest cutest boy once more, I love him!! His friendship with Ben warms my heart too.
Blas Canto – I want to send my hug to Sandro
Me: Of course you do!
Sandro: I want to nominate Norway
Me: You missed the whole point buddy
Senhit, Gjon, Blas and Ulrikke are cute af.
I don’t know why I had impression that Blas is arrogant man with non likeable personality. Also Gjon was surprise, he’s such a nice and funny dude.
Stupid prejudices, just based on their pictures. That’s why I love interviews with participants, I love to get to know them. As persons, not just singers.
You said it all, they all are being so lovely! I also was surprised by some artist’s personality (Like Blas, Sandro and Ulrikke (She’s so cute!!)). And Gjon really is such a sweetheart and so attentive with fans! I love him!
I love this! It’s nice to see some personality of the artist behind the songs they released!
Senhit, kudos for starting this! She also made me smile because of the clear Italian accent. Makes me think of my Italian friend.
And for the Flemish Belgians among us: she gave me some black dreamy Ingeborg vibes. 😀
I was waiting for this article !!
Senhit is so precious and full of ideas and kindness! I love her. San Marino confirm her for 2021, please!!!
Ben did it and passed his hug on to Victoria. If I was cynical, I’d take bets about her passing the hug to Destiny. In reality, I think they’re all being really sweet to each other.
What? Why? Have I missed some drama between Ben and Victoria?
Cuz there is not lol
No drama – just three degrees of Boris Vilanov
Oh. Thx for clarification
Hey everyone, Ben Doli? has continued with the virtual hug and has nominated Victoria, Please Wiwibloggs update this article <333
Great idea, Senhit! I love seeing all of the positivity. And just when you think you can’t fall for Ulrikke anymore than you already have… she is so sweet and cute! I wish all of the contestants well : )
I saw it long time ago. Such a nice gesture from Senhit, it’s kinda sad that they never had chance to meet each other.
Lol I wonder who will be the last one, already feel sorry for him/her. xD
If they really could get to the last one, it would be awesome. I am afraid that the chain will stop at someone who is relatively low-profile.
I hate to be that person but that graph looks like an infection chain
Lmao I hate myself for laughing at this 😀