The clock has just struck midnight in Central Europe and this can only mean one thing.
Let the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 season begin!!!!
This means that we are eight months away until we are taken to Rotterdam for the 65th Edition of the competition. Why not have a read below of what we currently know and what we should expect for next year’s competition.
Even though, the 2020 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. the organisers are working hard, in order to ensure the event takes place:
In an ever-changing and challenging environment, the EBU and its Members are more than aware of the difficulties of planning a complicated global broadcast with many international stakeholders 12 months from now.
The EBU will, therefore, work with its Members and the host broadcasters of 2021 to ensure the continuity of the event in a number of different scenarios.
EBU on the FAQ page, if there is an alternative plan
What to expect from #Rotterdam2021
During Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light in May, it was revealed that Rotterdam will get its chance to host the contest in 2021. The 2021 edition of the competition, is set to be held on the third week of May. With the Semi-Finals taking place on May 18 and May 20, with the Grand Final taking place on May 22.
In addition to the Eurovision Song Contest taking place in Rotterdam, the organisers have already revealed rule changes for 2021. The one known rule change known is that pre-recorded backing vocals will be allowed for the 2021 competition. You are able to watch our thoughts below:
Who’s currently in and who’s out?
The following countries have confirmed that they will be attending the party in Rotterdam. Some of the participating Broadcasters have even confirmed plans on how they will be selecting their representatives:
- Australia – Montaigne has been internally selected to be their representative in 2021.
- Austria – Vincent Bueno has been internally selected to be their representative in 2021.
- Azerbaijan – Efendi has been internally selected to be their representative in 2021.
- Belgium – Hooverphonic has been internally selected to be their representative in 2021.
- Bulgaria – VICTORIA has been internally selected to be their representative in 2021.
- Croatia – Dora will be used in order to select the Croatian entry for 2021, with a potential date of February 27. Therefore, Damir Kedzo will not be internally selected.
- Cyprus – The country will select their 2021 entrant internally. It was revealed that Sandro will not be selected due to ‘schedule commitments’.
- Czech Republic – Benny Cristo has been internally selected to be their representative in 2021.
- Denmark – It has been revealed that Dansk Melodi Grand Prix will be used to select their representative.
- Estonia – It was revealed that Estonia will select their representative through Eesti Laul. Uku Suviste has been offered a spot in the Semi-Finals.
- Finland – The Finnish representative will be selected through UMK. Submissions will open on September 1. UMK 2020 winner Aksel Kankaanranta has revealed he plans to send a song.
- France – It was revealed that the 2021 French representative will be selected via a National Final. Tom Leeb revealed his non-participation is due to commitments.
- Georgia – Tornike Kipiani has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
- Germany – It was revealed that Germany will internally select their 2021 Eurovision entry. Ben Dolic is set to submit a new entry with Boris Milanov.
- Greece – Stefania has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
- Israel – Eden Alene has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
- Latvia – Samanta Tina has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
- Lithuania – A new national selection will be undertaken. The Roop has been offered a spot for the Final. At the time of writing, it is yet to be revealed if they will accept the offer.
- Malta – Destiny has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
- The Netherlands – As the Host Country, The Netherlands will automatically qualify for the Grand Final. Jeangu Macrooy has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
- Norway – Melodi Grand Prix will be used to select their 2021 representative. Submissions closed on the 16th August.
- Romania – ROXEN has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
- San Marino – Senhit has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
- Spain – Blas Cantó has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
- Slovenia – Ana Soklič has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
- Sweden – The Swedish representative will be selected through Melodifestivalen. Submissions are open until the 16th September.
- Switzerland – Gjon’s Tears has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021. Submissions for entries will close on September 20.
- Ukraine – GO_A has been internally selected to be their representative for 2021.
The following countries have participated previously, but have not publicly confirmed their participation for next year’s competition:
- Albania – Submissions for Festivali i Kenges is now open, and will close on October 2nd.
- Armenia
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland – RTE has confirmed their intention to participate at the 2021 contest. Lesley Roy has confirmed on interviews that she is in the process of songwriting for a potential entry for Ireland.
- Italy – It was revealed that the final night of the 2021 Festival di Sanremo is due to take place on the 6th March.
- Moldova – It was reported that their 2020 representative Natalia Gordienko has been internally selected to represent them in 2021.
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Poland
- Portugal
- Serbia
- Turkey – The Turkish Deputy Minister hopes for a return to the contest. However, it was not mentioned if it is for 2021.
- United Kingdom
In addition to the above, it was revealed that the EBU has no plans to invite either Kazakshtan or Kosovo at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.
The following countries have also confirmed that they will not be participating in next year’s competition.
What are you most looking forward to for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest? Let us know in the comments section below or at social media. Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates!
I feel that backing vocals are important to have \’live\’ as all people on the Eurovision stage often tell a story through the song. The interaction of backing singers with the lead singer can be quite an integral part of the song as they use gestures and eye contact to create atmosphere and enhance story line. In my mind, a recorded backing completely negates the atmosphere and feeling a good Eurovision song is trying to project to the audience. Please..please consider using \’live\’ backing to produce a good, all-round interactive Eurovision song performance.
I have just composed a song for the UK entry 2021. It is light-hearted, fun and has a \’cracking \’hook\’ which will be difficult to shake off the moment you hear it. And, yes, \’live\’ backing singers will really help.
Having followed Eurovision for about 4 decades now, both as a Music teacher and a super fan, I feel I now have a great formula for producing a catchy Eurovision song.
Great to announce it on this forum as I really hope someone can tell me how to enter my song so it can be considered for UK entry. Please get in touch via email as I am desperate to release my song to the UK public as soon as possible.
Looking forward to Eurovision 2021 and here\’s hoping I get a shot at entering my song into the unique, fantastic and exciting world that is the \’Eurovision Song Contest\’.
Happy Eurovision and …continue to stay safe.
David