Eurovision Song Contest announces change in rules to ensure competition comes "back for good"

The Eurovision Song Contest has announced a change in its rules to ensure it can continue every year, whatever the global circumstances. 

This year's competition was scheduled to take place in Rotterdam in May but was cancelled due to coronavirus.  

The new rule, which has been implemented by Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s new Executive Supervisor, will come into effect in 2021, is a one-year trial to lift the ban of using recorded backing vocals.

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The idea behind the move is to allow participating broadcasters to explore new creative ideas and reduce the technical burdens on the hosting country. Sustainability was also a contributing factor: the use of backing vocals means smaller teams from each country travelling to the contest.

It also means producers and songwriters can present their music as closely as possible to the original composition on the night.

The use of recorded backing vocals will only be optional - a combination of live and recorded backing vocals is also allowed.

In an interview, Martin explained: "We have updated the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest so that, should it be necessary, we are able to make modifications to the format of the shows and the organization of the event that would allow the Contest to still take place despite restrictions imposed on us by a now unknown scenario. The old rules did not permit this."

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The Eurovision 2021 semi-finals will take place on May 18 and May 20, with the Grand  Final on May 22.

"It’s vitally important that the Eurovision Song Contest returns next year," Martin said. "We’re pleased to have the necessary commitment from our Members in The Netherlands to bring this much-loved show back to audiences across the world."

Look back through every UK Eurovision entry ever below:

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