There’s a surprisingly small amount of “Eurovision Song Contest” in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Sure, Finland’s fan favorite nü-metal group did flash a sign that said “Play Ja Ja Ding Dong!!!” And there have been a few glancing references to the idea that last year’s Netflix movie might have won the annual competition a few extra fans.
But overall, this year’s Eurovision has been devised and executed like a cultural institution that needed to come back. There’s no small amount of hubris in insisting on holding the yearly in-person singing competition with certain areas of the world still very much dealing with a global health crisis. With those giant caveats, the lead-up to today’s final — streaming stateside on Peacock — shows why this continent-spanning contest has endured for so long, as well as plenty of reasons why it made sense for it to return in grand fashion.
But overall, this year’s Eurovision has been devised and executed like a cultural institution that needed to come back. There’s no small amount of hubris in insisting on holding the yearly in-person singing competition with certain areas of the world still very much dealing with a global health crisis. With those giant caveats, the lead-up to today’s final — streaming stateside on Peacock — shows why this continent-spanning contest has endured for so long, as well as plenty of reasons why it made sense for it to return in grand fashion.
- 5/22/2021
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
The Dutch government has granted permission for up to 3,500 fans to attend the popular Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals and finals in Rotterdam in May.
The semi-finals are scheduled for May 18 and 20 and the finals on May 22 at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena. The Dutch city was due to host the contest in 2020 before the event was canceled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
There will be nine shows in total, including six rehearsals, the two semi-finals and the final. A maximum of 3,500 spectators, or half the venue’s capacity are allowed to be present after a negative coronavirus test.
“We welcome this decision by the Dutch government and the possibility that we can invite fans to join us as we bring the Eurovision Song Contest back in May,” said Martin Österdahl, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest. “We will consider the options now available and announce more details in the...
The semi-finals are scheduled for May 18 and 20 and the finals on May 22 at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena. The Dutch city was due to host the contest in 2020 before the event was canceled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
There will be nine shows in total, including six rehearsals, the two semi-finals and the final. A maximum of 3,500 spectators, or half the venue’s capacity are allowed to be present after a negative coronavirus test.
“We welcome this decision by the Dutch government and the possibility that we can invite fans to join us as we bring the Eurovision Song Contest back in May,” said Martin Österdahl, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest. “We will consider the options now available and announce more details in the...
- 4/1/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
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