Following the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, the EBU and its Dutch Members NPO, NOS and AVROTROS are excited to confirm they are producing a new show, 'Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light', to air in place of the Grand Final on Saturday 16 May at 21:00 CEST.

Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light will honour all 41 songs, in a non-competitive format, as well as providing plenty of surprises for fans and viewers at home. The show will be hosted by Dutch Eurovision presenters Chantal Janzen, Edsilia Rombley (Eurovision 1998 and 2007) and Jan Smit.

Dutch presenters Edsilia Rombley, Chantal Janzen and Jan Smit NPO/AVROTROS/NOS

The show also intends to bring together 2020’s artists, from their locations across Europe, in a performance of a past Eurovision hit, with unifying lyrics appropriate for the current situation we find ourselves in.

Eurovision 2020: The 41 chosen representatives

Well-known Eurovision artists from recent years will also be invited to participate in linking Europe through other familiar songs from the past, performed in iconic European locations.

Eurovision: Europe! Shine A Light NPO/AVROTROS/NOS

The live show is expected to last approximately 2 hours. More details about the line-up and a list of broadcasters that will air it will be revealed in the weeks to come. The show will also be broadcast on our official YouTube channel.

Dutch internet star NikkieTutorials will also create online content for this special broadcast.

NikkieTutorials NPO/AVROTROS/NOS

Filling the Eurovision 2020 gap

Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Contest on behalf of the EBU, said: "Sadly there will be no Eurovision Song Contest this year. Instead, we intend to unite Europe on 16 May with a unique prime-time TV programme. We are encouraging all broadcasters who were due to take part in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, and EBU Members in other countries, to air this show in the spirit of unity and togetherness."

Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest EBU/Thomas Hanses

The impact of the coronavirus, and the measures taken to contain it, resulted in the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020. It was the first time the EBU had to cancel the competition.

Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event of what would have been the 65th Eurovision Song Contest said: “We want to make a show that puts a spotlight not only on the 41 artists that were due to appear in Rotterdam but also inspire those at home and connect people from across Europe and beyond in these difficult times. Of course, we will also honour those who are affected by the coronavirus crisis and those who work so hard to fight it. Let’s make this an unforgettable moment in Eurovision history!”

Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event for Dutch Host Broadcasters NPO/AVROTROS/NOS EBU

The EBU has declared the week of 10-16 May ‘Eurovision Week’, encouraging EBU radio organizations across Europe to dedicate airtime to this year’s contestants as well as to the rich Eurovision history.