Last year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic having a firm grip on the world, the EBU also had to adopt and presented us the 4 scenarios they have thought out in which the contest can take place anyway:

Today it has become known that, unfortunately, the circumstances don’t allow for scenario A to be on the table any longer, as explained by Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl in this video.
They will now aim at scenario B to go through, if the circumstances let them do so. Martin Österdahl adds they hope to get all 41 participants on the same stage and welcome journalists to cover the event.

These 3 are still on the table:

Scenario B: Socially distanced Eurovision Song Contest

Everyone attending the Eurovision Song Contest at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena would need to practice social distancing.

Strict health and safety measures (including frequent COVID testing) would be in place at the venue. A protocol to protect artists, delegations, and crew on and off site would be adhered to.

If there are any delegations who cannot travel to Rotterdam, their artists will perform “live-on-tape” with a recorded performance being used.

Those who can travel to Rotterdam will perform their songs live on stage.

There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), either with no audience or a reduced audience to allow for social distancing. The final capacity would be dependent on local government guidelines.

There will be activities in the city of Rotterdam held in a safe and responsible way.

Scenario C: A travel restricted Eurovision Song Contest

A Eurovision Song Contest, from Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena but no delegations or artists will travel to Rotterdam.

Hosts and interval acts will still be live from the Ahoy.

The performances of ALL the participants will be “live-on-tape”.

Strict health and safety measures (including frequent COVID testing) would be in place at the venue.

A protocol to protect crew on and off site would be adhered to.

There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), either with no audience or a reduced audience to allow for social distancing. The final capacity would be dependent on local government guidelines.

There will be reduced activities in the city of Rotterdam held in a safe and responsible way.

Scenario D: a lockdown Eurovision Song Contest

A Eurovision Song Contest without an audience and virtual activities will be considered to explore the host city of Rotterdam.

The performances of all the participants will be “live-on-tape”.

There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), but no audience.

Other important things to know are:

• A health protocol to guarantee the safety of everyone involved has already been set up. It is similar to the protocols already used at the Formula 1 and the UEFA.
• As there’s less space for an audience in scenario B and C, the EBU have decided to refund all ticket holders this month and, later, give them the chance to buy tickets for the same show(s). The amount of tickets will depend on health guidelines at that moment. A definite decision on the audience size will be taken in mid-April at the latest.
• The Dutch government has already guaranteed that, in case of scenario B, all delegations will be allowed into the Netherlands!

The EBU will keep us updated on further developments!