Second Eurovision Performer Tests Positive For COVID-19
Just a day after it was announced that Iceland would pull out of the competition.
A second Eurovision performer has tested positive for COVID-19.
The competition announced that 2019 winner Duncan Laurence, who performed as part of this year's First Semi-Final earlier this week, had tested positive after showing mild symptoms on Wednesday.
In a statement released by Eurovision, it's reported that The Netherlands artist had previously "tested negative in the Eurovision Test Pavilion, which granted him access to the venue for his performance in the first Semi-Final".
He will no longer be performing as part of the live Grand Final on Saturday (Sunday morning AEST) but will "still feature in the show in a different form".
"We are of course disappointed, first of all for Duncan, who deserves a live performance on our very own Eurovision stage after his 2019 victory and the worldwide success of Arcade,” said Eurovision executive producer Sietse Bakker.
"We couldn’t be more proud of his opening act for the first Semi-Final. Of course we wish Duncan a speedy recovery!”
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"Duncan is very disappointed, he has been looking forward to this for two years. We are very happy that he will still be seen in the final on Saturday, May 22," his management said.
The news comes just days after Iceland representatives Daði og Gagnamagnið have withdrawn from the competition following a positive COVID-19 test from one of their band members.
According to TV Tonight, the group were a firm favourite in this competition with it expected that they would place in at least the top five places.
The 2021 Eurovision Grand Final airs on SBS this Sunday, May 23, at 5am AEST.
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