COVID-19 Outbreak Forces Cancellation Of 2020 Eurovision Contest

The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest has been cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Europe. 

Originally scheduled to take place in Rotterdam, Netherlands in May, "the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities" has forced this year's competition to be called off. 

"The health of artists, staff, fans and visitors, as well as the situation in the Netherlands, Europe and the world, is at the heart of this decision," a statement issued today reads.

"We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption, for the past 64 years and we, like the millions of you around the world, are extremely saddened that it can not take place in May."

Eurovision Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand said discussions are underway to bring Eurovision to Rotterdam in 2021.

Sydney artist Montaigne was to represent Australia at this year's competition, after emerging victorious at the Eurovision - Australia Decides event last month with her single, Don't Break Me.

"Eurovision 2020 has been cancelled. I’ve had my cry. I spent a couple of hours paralysed in bed, despondently scrolling through the many lovely tweet mentions from people expressing love and support," Montaigne said in a social media post today.

"I imagine I’ll probably have a lot more cries in the next little while, for me and for the wonderful team who were working with me to make our vision come to life.

"But the truth is that cancelling #Eurovision this year is the most responsible and ethical decision that the EBU could have made. A decision they *have* to make. It is best that we all practice the measures that will stop COVID-19’s ravaging effects from going on any longer than they could.

"The team at Eurovision are still working through plans, as is SBS, so we will have more info to share soon."

Local broadcaster SBS told The Music in a statement today that they are "extremely saddened" by the news.

"With the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19, we fully support the difficult decision made by the European Broadcasting Union," the statement reads.

"SBS is working through plans for 2020 and 2021 and will provide more information soon."

For more information about how COVID-19 is impacting the music industry, follow the link here.