After Eurovision 2020 in Rotterdam was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eurovision fans have continued to wonder which countries would keep their selected artists for Eurovision 2021. Several have already declared their intention to stick with their 2020 acts, and on Wednesday the Czech Republic became the latest to do so. Benny Cristo will represent the country at Eurovision 2021.

Benny Cristo will represent the Czech Republic at Eurovision 2021

In a statement posted to the official Facebook page of the Czech Republic Eurovision delegation, the manager of Czech broadcaster Česká televize, Lucie Kapounová, said they were happy to give Benny a second shot at Eurovision:

“Benny won this year’s national final, but unfortunately he didn’t get a chance to appear on the big Eurovision stage, so we decided to pick him as the Czech artist for Eurovision 2021.”

Benny is thrilled to be extended the opportunity to represent the Czech Republic at Eurovision 2021. He added:

“I am very happy that Česká televize gave me the opportunity to show what I can do, even next year. You have something to look forward to.”

??? Benny Cristo zazpívá v sobotu Evrop?: p?íští rok p?jde do Eurovize s novou písní ???„Benny zcela p?esv?d?iv?…

Posted by Eurovision Song Contest Czech Republic on Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Following the cancellation of Eurovision 2020, the EBU also decided that all countries must enter a new song to the contest for 2021. This means that Benny will not be permitted to perform his 2020 entry “Kemama” and must submit a new song instead.

Lucie Kapouová added in her statement that they hope to get the Czech public involved with the process to select Benny’s Eurovision 2021 entry.

Not outlining any other details of how this national selection process might work, Kapouová said: “we will keep the public informed about the song selection in a timely manner and continuously”.

 Who is Benny Cristo?

Benny Cristo was selected for Eurovision 2020 through the third edition of Eurovision CZ, a uniquely constructed online national final that has yielded great results for the Czech Republic to date. Cristo was set to perform the afro-dance song “Kemama” at the competition.

A popular rapper in the Czech Republic, Benny Cristo already has a number of hits to his name in his home country. His past songs (under the name Ben Cristovao) have racked up millions of views on YouTube.

You can read other interesting facts about Benny in our 10 Facts article here.

Are you happy that Benny is returning for Eurovision 2021? What sort of song do you want to see him participate with? Let us know in the comment section down below!

Read more Czech Republic Eurovision news here

39 Comments
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Colin
Colin
3 years ago

I missed this news, but it’s an amazing one! Congrats, Benny and see you in 2021! All the best! 🙂 🙂

Tom
Tom
3 years ago

I am only a friend is new its only a revamp

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago

Benny now has ten months to come up with as many revamps as he wants!
Seriously though, great decision Czech Rep!

JDS
JDS
3 years ago

Surely the EBU could insist on countries sending the same act in 2021 as 2020? Or at least allow first refusal?

Denis
Denis
3 years ago
Reply to  JDS

No , broadcasters has the final say. EBU is in fact nothing, it is a broadcasters union.

MTD
MTD
3 years ago
Reply to  Denis

If it is nothing, why they had the final say on canceling the contest altogether?

Edward
Edward
3 years ago
Reply to  JDS

The EBU wouldn’t because the Swedes would sooner withdraw than cancel Melfest

Anita
Anita
3 years ago

YES!!!

Denis
Denis
3 years ago

I feel like the people from other countries should get to say their opinion. Overall, who is listening to the songs – Czechs or people from other countries..?

Much love from Czech Republic! :))

David S
David S
3 years ago

He’s such an impressive guy, style and attitude. I’d love to see him kill it in 2021!

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
3 years ago

Anyone have any idea which other countries might choose their 2020 act for next year as well? (Maybe the internal selection countries like France, Ireland, and Russia?) And also which countries might choose a brand new act instead? (I know Estonia, Portugal, and the Nordics are going down that route.)

Loin dici
3 years ago
Reply to  ESCFanGA

Latvia might be in the line, but Armenia, Serbia and North Macedonia might select the same artist. It is unknown whether Albania will select Arilena internally or do another FiK, but i prefer internal selection since it might cut some costs.

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
3 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

Sources?

Rich Uk
Rich Uk
3 years ago

This is great news! I like his style.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
3 years ago

Great news! He deserves his shot at Eurovision!
Well done Czech Republic and good luck to Benny 🙂

Darren
Darren
3 years ago

Excellent news! Well done Czech Republic!

Now waiting for more announcements about returning acts from the class of 2020 to 2021.
How many have we now?
Broadcasters will be saving a fortune in 2021 by not having to hold national finals.

Fatima
Fatima
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Good point. Also if they do have national finals with the 2020 entrant participating, that en try is naturally going to get a sympathy vote boost. Everyone feels sorry that these acts didn’t get their chance this year.

James
James
3 years ago

A bit off-topic, Jan Bors was interviewed by a Spanish Eurovision Youtube channel and he shared a lot of what happened during his time as HOD for the Czech Republic, including why left his place in the delegation, the issues faced in getting ESCZ to his desired format, and the thingamagig he had with Boris Milanov and Ben Dolic, among others.

Pandeme111
Pandeme111
3 years ago

Oh, I’m so glad to hear this. As a Czech person, I would feel really ashamed of my country, if they didn’t give him this opportunity. It’s something, that all the delegations should do because it’s the one and only fairway. And I’m also really looking forward to the selection, cause I kinda expect something like Eden’s or Roxen’s NF, so as I said, the best decision was made.

Serpent
Serpent
3 years ago
Reply to  Pandeme111

Some countries (for example Albania, Italy, Estonia, Sweden) do not have their pre-selection only for Eurovision, it’s for celebrating their own misic and they must take place every year as a tradition. So it’s wrong to say that sending the same artist is the only fairway for all countries.

viridESCent
viridESCent
3 years ago
Reply to  Serpent

Yeah, so? If the preselections aren’t for Eurovision, hold them separately to Eurovision. If Eurovision isn’t important to the selection, you can still hold them regardless while still keeping the already-selected artist.

Serpent
Serpent
3 years ago
Reply to  viridESCent

Why? I think it’s a good idea that the winner of these selections can go to Eurovision. You don’t need to organize different competitions for everything. Especially smaller countries, they have less resources etc.

viridESCent
viridESCent
3 years ago
Reply to  Serpent

You literally JUST said that the pre-selection isn’t only for Eurovision. Get your opinions straight.

Serpent
Serpent
3 years ago
Reply to  viridESCent

OK, I try to explain it all again so that you would understand me. It’s not that easy to change the fornat of your selection process with such a short time. How do you know what work the broadcasters do? And I think it’s a good idea that some countries decide to make shows which prioritize their nation’s music and the winner has a chance to represent their country. If you make separate shows for Eurovision and for celebrating your country’s music, the quality may get worse. This is the case especially for small countries. If you have one big… Read more »

viridESCent
viridESCent
3 years ago
Reply to  Serpent

I understand where you’re coming from and you are making several good points. However, I just can’t reconcile my own morals with barring singers from competing again. But I get what you’re saying.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Serpent

Out of those countries, only Italy is capable of going internal if they opt to not choose Sanremo as their selection. Others will keep theirs in the same format as before since it is an integral part of their programming aligned with building up and retaining audience interest into watching Eurovision, among other reasons.

Hector
Hector
3 years ago

Great news! Congrats!

Ralf0711
Ralf0711
3 years ago

Very good. happy for him and glad to see him in 2021. he has some good music out there.

Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
3 years ago

I didn’t like his song “Kemama” but I am happy for the second chance for Benny Cristo. I hope for a great song and wish him good luck for 2021.

Africavision
Africavision
3 years ago

Whilst ‘kemama’ wasn’t one of my favorites this year, Benny as a person absolutely was, and I am really so thrilled that he is returning. What I love about this guy is his sincerity and humility. He is extremely popular in his country, but that clearly has not gone to his head. He made no secret that Eurovision was a new and overwhelming experience for him, but he listened to the critics and fans, and tried his utmost best to give them what they wanted. I mean the guy traveled to a different continent, trying to improve his song, to… Read more »

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Now that’s what I call a good birthday present!

viridESCent
viridESCent
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!
(I’m pretty sure that your phrasing means that it’s your birthday but in case I’m wrong then I’m sorry haha)

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  viridESCent

It is indeed! Thank you very much!

Thanos
Thanos
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Happy birthday man if it is your birthday! The only birthday present I want is Eurovision happening in 2021! ??

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Happy birthday to you, Joe! You’re absolutely amazing, it’s so good to have you with us on Wiwibloggs. 2020 has been a terrible year thus far, let’s hope the next one’s better!

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Thanks so much, pal! Yeah, I haven’t been checking here very often because things were getting more heated than usual in the immediate aftermath of the cancelation and without a ton of new news there wasn’t much to check up on, but it’s good to be back and I’m looking forward to 2021.

West
West
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Happy birthday, Joe! Let’s hope next year you’ll be gifted with your favourite songs from sf2 qualifying to the final. 😉

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  West

I’d like to think my favorites from both semis could all make it, but that never happens anyway. (Deep heavy sigh thinking about Poland and Romania last year.)

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Happy Birthday Joe! (Today also happens to be my father’s birthday as well!)