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!
I missed this news, but it’s an amazing one! Congrats, Benny and see you in 2021! All the best! 🙂 🙂
I am only a friend is new its only a revamp
Benny now has ten months to come up with as many revamps as he wants!
Seriously though, great decision Czech Rep!
Surely the EBU could insist on countries sending the same act in 2021 as 2020? Or at least allow first refusal?
No , broadcasters has the final say. EBU is in fact nothing, it is a broadcasters union.
If it is nothing, why they had the final say on canceling the contest altogether?
The EBU wouldn’t because the Swedes would sooner withdraw than cancel Melfest
YES!!!
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! :))
He’s such an impressive guy, style and attitude. I’d love to see him kill it in 2021!
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.)
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.
Sources?
This is great news! I like his style.
Great news! He deserves his shot at Eurovision!
Well done Czech Republic and good luck to Benny 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You literally JUST said that the pre-selection isn’t only for Eurovision. Get your opinions straight.
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 »
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.
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.
Great news! Congrats!
Very good. happy for him and glad to see him in 2021. he has some good music out there.
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.
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 »
Now that’s what I call a good birthday present!
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)
It is indeed! Thank you very much!
Happy birthday man if it is your birthday! The only birthday present I want is Eurovision happening in 2021! ??
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!
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.
Happy birthday, Joe! Let’s hope next year you’ll be gifted with your favourite songs from sf2 qualifying to the final. 😉
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.)
Happy Birthday Joe! (Today also happens to be my father’s birthday as well!)