Eurovision Song Contest 2020 cancelled in wake of Coronavirus

Eurovision has been staged every year since 1956.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2020 has been cancelled due to Coronavirus.

The European Broadcasting Union in charge of the event announced the sad news on social media this afternoon (March 18). 2020 marks the first year since Eurovision's inception in 1956 that the competition will not go ahead.

The 65th anniversary event was due to commence in Rotterdam, The Netherlands on May 16, 2020, with the semi-finals taking place on May 12 and 14.

"It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam. Over the past few weeks, we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead.

"However, the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe – and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities - means the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has taken the difficult decision to not continue with the live event as planned."

An official statement from the European Broadcasting Union on the #Eurovision Song Contest 2020. pic.twitter.com/b3h7akxvpF
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) March 18, 2020

In an FAQ section on the Eurovision website, it explains that a decision has not yet been made on whether 2020's selected representatives will be able to perform during next year's contest instead. The UK was to be represented by GRAMMY nominated and BRIT Award winning singer-songwriter James Newman with his track My Last Breath.

Eurovision also addressed that the contest would not go ahead remotely as that counteracts "the DNA of the Eurovision Song Contest to bring delegations, artists and fans together in one place".

International travel restrictions meant acts could not get into The Netherlands to perform in an empty arena, while uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic has ruled out simply postponing the 2020 contest. It was also noted a delayed competition would leave the winner country less time to prepare for the 2021 contest.