Eurovision organisers aiming for "Scenario B"

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 16h

The organisers of Eurovision confirm their intent to have all acts perform live at this year's contest in Rotterdam, potentially with a limited audience present.

Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have outlined their intent to have all acts perform live in Rotterdam in May as part of so-called "Scenario B" planning.

After last year's contest was cancelled due to coronavirus, organisers came up with four potential scenarios to enable it to go ahead this year come what may - ranging from Scenario A, a usual contest, to Scenario D, which would be a mostly remote affair.

With coronavirus cases still high in Europe, Scenario A has now been ruled out and instead the aim is to adopt Scenario B proposals, which would see all acts appear in person, potentially alongside a limited live audience and a reduced press contingent.

Martin Osterdahl, Eurovision's executive supervisor, said: "The spirit and tradition of the Eurovision Song Contest is about uniting Europe on one stage and we are very much still determined to achieve this in Rotterdam in May.

"We are moving forward with our plans to produce a safe Eurovision Song Contest, with all artists performing live in Rotterdam.

"This protocol demonstrates our commitment to make this happen, with the health and safety of everyone attending, including crew and press, our top priority."

The semi-finals are due to take place on May 18 and May 20, with the final set for Saturday, May 22.