After months of teasing by the San Marino delegation and the official Eurovision account itself, today it’s been confirmed that Flo Rida is now in Rotterdam and will perform with Senhit in Semi Final 2 on Thursday.
Welcome to Rotterdam @official_flo! @senhitofficial #SenhitAdrenalina #Eurovision2021 pic.twitter.com/kjTExguv8C
— San Marino RTV | Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovisionsmrtv) May 18, 2021
In an official statement posted on the Eurovision.tv official website, Senhit stated:
Actually, when I invited him to join me on the Eurovision stage back in March, the decision was made there with joy. It was not easy to predict the traveling restrictions, but there we go… I’m very happy to have him with me to perform ADRENALINA, not only to Europe but to the whole world! We are ready!
Flo Rida himself had this to say:
What’s up Netherlands, it’s your man Flo Rida!
I’m so excited to see you guys at the Eurovision Song Contest. I’ll be hitting the stage with the superstar talented Senhit to perform our new record Adrenalina.
It’s such a good feeling to be back in Europe after so long. I’m very grateful to be able to perform once again, and on the biggest stage in the world.
The Eurovision website goes on to compare this situation to the same one that Portugal had in 2017 where special dispensation was granted, well in advance of rehearsals to make sure a named performer could take to the stage if they were available, and that a stand-in could take part in the first and second rehearsals. The EBU went onto say:
Following a request from the San Marino broadcaster, the EBU, Host Broadcasters and Reference Group agreed to grant permission for the delegation to use a stand-in artist during the first and second rehearsals of their song on the condition that Flo Rida would arrive in Rotterdam in time to perform in the full dress rehearsals as well the Live Shows.
What do you think of Flo Rida’s decision to come to Rotterdam to perform? Did the EBU make the right call? You can see the second rehearsal which featured a stand-in Flo (named Don Jiggy) below.
San Marino will perform first in Semi Final 2 on 20th May at 21:00 CEST.
