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Public broadcasters from 41 countries will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest when the world's biggest live music event returns next year, Report says, citing TASS.
Following the 2020 event's cancellation, the 65th Contest, organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and its Dutch Members NPO, NOS, and AVROTROS, will be held at Rotterdam's Ahoy Arena on 18, 20, and 22 May 2021.
Martin Österdahl, the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: "We are grateful for the commitment of the 41 participating broadcasters in helping us bring the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2021.
"We have the same line up of countries that would have competed in 2020, and we are thrilled that they will all return next year. Together with our host broadcasters, we are developing the four different scenarios and maintaining a dialogue with all participants. The team from NPO, NOS, and AVROTROS are working hard on ensuring the Eurovision Song Contest will provide the excitement and innovation expected by over 180 million viewers, despite the challenging circumstances."
Of the 41 nations taking part, 35 will compete in two Semi-Finals with ten successful acts from each Semi-Final joining the Big 5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom) and hosts the Netherlands Grand Final.
The slogan was chosen for this year's canceled Contest, "Open Up," will remain for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 – with even more resonance than before.
"It is fantastic that the same 41 countries that would have taken part this year still want to come to the Netherlands in May 2021," said Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event.
"This demonstrates their confidence in our country still being able to organize a successful Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam next year, after the cancellation of the 2020 edition. We have set the bar high to create three amazing live shows for an audience of 180 million people, even in these challenging times. We are working on an extensive protocol that guarantees the health of employees, participants, the press, and visitors as much as possible."
