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Coronavirus pandemic

Eurovision Song Contest cancelled over coronavirus

The event was expected to take place in Rotterdam on May 12-16

© EPA-EFE/ROBIN UTRECHT

THE HAGUE, March 18. /TASS/. The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest, which was expected to take place in Rotterdam on May 12-16, has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organizers said in a statement on Wednesday.

An official statement from the European Broadcasting Union on the #Eurovision Song Contest 2020. pic.twitter.com/b3h7akxvpF
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) March 18, 2020

"It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam," the statement reads. "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," the organizers added.

The song contest may take place in Rotterdam in 2021. "We are very proud of the Eurovision Song Contest, that for 64 years has united people all around Europe. And we are deeply disappointed about this situation. The EBU [European Broadcasting Union], together with the Host Broadcaster NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue to talk to see if it's possible to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam in 2021," EBU Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand said.

A band named Little Big was chosen to represent Russia in the competition.

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