Last week, we learned that the construction of the Eurovision 2021 stage has been completed. Following this news, more and more details of what to expect next month began to be revealed. With the first delegations due to arrive in Rotterdam this week, more details of what to expect from the Grand Final have been revealed.
In an interview to NPO Radio 5, Head of Show Gerben Bakker has given details of what to expect from the 2021 Grand Final. On May 22, the show will open with a short film called ‘Transcending Light’. The film is about hope and positivity, inspired in part by the ball of light that featured in Duncan Laurence’s winning performance of “Arcade” in 2019.
In terms of internal acts, Bakker said that they will represented “the best of The Netherlands”, specifically celebrating local talent instead of world-famous non-Dutch performers. The organising team had previously denied rumours of an interval performance from Lady Gaga.
As previously confirmed, the interval will involve performances from Dutch artists Afrojack, Glennis Grace and Wulf, accompanied by an orchestra. The eclectic mix of genres will represent the power of music, and was intended to be created on a larger scale for the 2020 contest. Part of the scaling down of this plan will be the orchestra joining them via a pre-recorded performance from Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge.
Audience confirmed for Eurovision 2021
Even under a Scenario B situation, delegations will be spending most of their time in hotel quarantine outside of rehearsals in order to minimise transmission risks.
We have asked them to stay in the hotel and only use our official transport. In this way we hope to keep the virus out as much as possible.
Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021
Bakker also confirmed that the current plan is for 3,500 spectators to be in the audience, with 4,500 seats remaining empty. However, in practice this means that the second tier of seating will not be visible on the broadcast. Plans for the audience have since been confirmed by the Dutch government.
We think that those 3,500 people can also create a fantastic atmosphere.
Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021
However, with the news of Montaigne and the Australian delegation opting to not travel to Rotterdam, not all acts will be making it to the AHOY stage. Last week, the city of Rotterdam has decided to cancel plans for an in-person Eurovision Village due to the ongoing pandemic. A virtual alternative will take place instead. Despite this, an in-person opening ceremony with a ‘Turquoise Carpet’ will be held on May 16.
Are you excited for rehearsals to begin? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to Rotterdam!