Eurovision bosses have announced details of the “alternative programme” they are putting together in place of this year’s final.
Earlier this month, organisers made the decision to pull this year’s live contest, which had been supposed to take place in Rotterdam, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, they later teased that had something else in the works, which would honour the 41 artists who had been chosen to represent the countries taking part in the event.
It’s now been revealed that one-off event Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light will take place on 16 May, the same night that the Eurovision final had scheduled for.
The live event will feature all of the artists who had been due to compete this year, performing past Eurovision songs in their own countries “with unifying lyrics appropriate for the current situation we find ourselves in”.
Past performers will also be returning to perform Eurovision classics “in iconic European locations”.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: “Sadly there will be no Eurovision Song Contest this year. Instead, we intend to unite Europe on 16 May with a unique prime-time TV programme.
“We are encouraging all broadcasters who were due to take part in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, and EBU Members in other countries, to air this show in the spirit of unity and togetherness.”
The two-hour show will be streamed live on the official Eurovision YouTube page, as well as select broadcasters – but it doesn’t sound like the BBC will be one of them.
It was previously revealed that the BBC was planning a one-off special titled Eurovision: Come Together on the night of the final, hosted by commentator Graham Norton and featuring “classic performances” and interviews, including with the UK’s 2020 act, James Newman.
They told HuffPost UK: “As previously announced, BBC One and Graham Norton will be bringing the country together for a special Eurovision broadcast - Eurovision: Come Together.
“The show will feature classic Eurovision performances, a look at what would have been in 2020 and entertaining interviews, including this year’s UK entry James Newman.
“Any further Eurovision programming announcements will be made in due course.”