Status: 04/20/21 9:54 a.m.
Australia is the first country that has decided not to let its team travel to Rotterdam for the Eurovision Song Contest due to the corona pandemic. The candidate Montaigne still takes part in the competition. Instead of a live performance, she is there live-on-tape, with a video of her song “Technicolor”.
Corona pandemic makes travel to Europe impossible
The Australian broadcaster SBS did not make the decision easy. Head of delegation Josh Martin explains:
“After a comprehensive assessment, SBS has decided not to send an Australian delegation or artist to the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam this year. We made this difficult decision after considering the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, including the many factors that play a role in traveling to and from Australia for the event. ”
Performance video as a backup solution
In the event that an act cannot travel to Rotterdam due to Corona measures, all participating countries had to submit a performance video to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in advance. Instead of a live performance, the video will then be played. This live-on-tape performance must not be cut or post-processed. The EBU had set up some rules so that these performances are fair and comparable. For example, drone recordings, water, a green screen and the use of augmented reality are prohibited. During the recording, the act was allowed to perform three times within 60 minutes. One pass was then taken. The EBU monitored the video shoots via a live switch.
ESC despite Corona – maybe with an audience
In May there could be up to 3,500 fans per show in the Ahoy Arena. In a field test, the Dutch government wants to investigate how large events with an audience can take place under Corona measures. The EBU had previously drawn up three possible scenarios for the upcoming ESC. From a show with few restrictions to a show in lockdown, everything is considered. How exactly the ESC 2021 will be held will be decided at the end of April.
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