Eurovision Song Contest 2020 is AXED amid coronavirus pandemic

Eurovision Song Contest 2020 has been AXED amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The annual singing contest – due to take place in Rotterdam this May – has been cancelled as a response to the global crisis. 

News of the decision, taken by the show’s producers European Broadcasting Union, was broken on Twitter on Wednesday. 

The statement read: ‘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 that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned.’

‘We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption, for the past 64 years and we, like the millions of fans around the world, are extremely saddened that it cannot take place in May.

‘The EBU, NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue a conversation regarding the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.

‘We would ask people to bear with us while we work through the ramifications of this unprecedented decision and patiently await any further news in the coming days and weeks.

‘We would like to pay tribute to all the host broadcaster team in the Netherlands and our 41 members who have worked so hard on planning this year’s event.

‘We are all as heartbroken as they are that the Eurovision Song Contest will not be able to be staged in May and know that the whole Eurovision family, across the world, will continue to provide love and support for each other at this difficult time.’

‘Earlier this week, organisers took to the official Twitter account to warn fans they had a ‘nervous wait’ to see if the contest would be going ahead.

‘With a constantly changing situation regarding coronavirus and a large number of people to consult, every important element needs to be taken into consideration.

‘Please bear with us. We hope to have more information shortly.’

James Newman, 28 – who is the brother of Love Me Again hitmaker John Newman – was due to represent the UK at Eurovision Song Contest 2020 with the song My Last Breath.