Italy’s Diodato, who wowed audiences with the anthem Fai Rumore (Make Noise) at Sanremo Festival earlier this year, has revealed that he will ‘make noise’ by performing in the empty Arena di Verona for Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light on Saturday. It’s news that comes as more details about the non-competitive program that pays tribute to this year’s artists and songs are revealed, like only featuring 30 seconds of each song, and that iconic locations in each participating country will be lit up… together shining a light.

In addition, all of 2020’s artists will join together (in a grid, as we’re used to seeing now… from their home countries) in a unifying performance of 1997’s United Kingdom’s winner: Love Shine A Light, by Katrina & the Waves.

We know that Italy was the first European country to be hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is also the first country that began to spread messages of courage, strength and hope in every town, from North to South, to manifest unity and harmony in this dark period of our lives. And this message was often shared on social media with Italians singing “Fai Rumore” from their balconies.

Europe Shine A Light will be yet another very important opportunity to break down barriers, erase borders and show that we are much closer and more united than this difficult period would have us believe.

When I wrote this song, it started intimately, with only my feelings. It was so strange to listen to all the people singing the song from their balconies as an expression of freedom. I felt so moved. It was an unbelievable emotion.

Diodato said ahead of the Saturday’s broadcast.

EBU’s Jon Ola Sand has said that while Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light is alternative programming inspired by the balcony concerts, next year’s Eurovision Song Contest will be back and that whether the contest will still be held in Rotterdam, is yet to be confirmed.

In case you missed it, check out our public reaction to “Fai Rumore” here:

Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light will be broadcast by each participating broadcaster, as well as on the Eurovision YouTube channel.