Eurovision Song Contest 2020

File:Rotterdam Ahoy 2016.jpg{{snd}}the planned host venue of the 2020 contest]]

The 2020 contest was to be held at Rotterdam Ahoy in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, following the country's victory at the 2019 edition with the song "Arcade", performed by Duncan Laurence. It would have been the fifth time that the Netherlands had hosted the contest, having previously done so in {{Escyr|1958}}, {{Escyr|1970}}, {{Escyr|1976}} and {{Escyr|1980}}. Rotterdam Ahoy had previously hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007.{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2019/08/30/rotterdam-to-host-the-eurovision-song-contest-2020/|title=Rotterdam to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2020!|date=30 August 2019|first=Nick|last=van Lith|publisher=ESCXtra|access-date=18 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202142551/https://escxtra.com/2019/08/30/rotterdam-to-host-the-eurovision-song-contest-2020/|archive-date=2 December 2019|url-status=live}}

Preparations for the 2020 contest began on 19 May 2019, immediately after the Netherlands won the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv, Israel. Jon Ola Sand, the executive supervisor of the contest on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), handed AVROTROS, the Dutch participating broadcaster, a stack of documents and a USB drive with tools to begin the work needed to host the next contest.{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/dossier-songfestival-2019/songfestivalbaas-komt-snel-op-bezoek-bij-avrotros-locatie-festijn-nog-onbekend~a405c2b5/|title=Songfestivalbaas komt snel op bezoek bij AVROTROS, locatie festijn nog onbekend|language=nl|trans-title=Song Contest boss comes quickly to visit AVROTROS, location feast still unknown|date=19 May 2019|publisher=Algemeen Dagblad|access-date=19 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123060905/https://myprivacy.dpgmedia.net/?siteKey=V9f6VUvlHxq9wKIN&callbackUrl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.ad.nl%2fprivacy-gate%2faccept%3fredirectUri%3d%252fdossier-songfestival-2019%252fsongfestivalbaas-komt-snel-op-bezoek-bij-avrotros-locatie-festijn-nog-onbekend%257ea405c2b5%252f|archive-date=23 January 2020|url-status=live}} AVROTROS was co-organising the event with sister broadcaster {{lang|nl|Nederlandse Omroep Stichting|i=unset}} (NOS) and their parent public broadcasting organisation, {{lang|nl|Nederlandse Publieke Omroep|i=unset}} (NPO).{{cite web|url=https://pers.npo.nl/persberichten/npo-avrotros-and-nos-to-organize-2020-eurovision-song-contest|title=NPO, AVROTROS and NOS to organize 2020 Eurovision Song Contest|date=19 May 2019|publisher={{lang|nl|Nederlandse Publieke Omroep}}|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219071516/https://pers.npo.nl/persberichten/npo-avrotros-and-nos-to-organize-2020-eurovision-song-contest|archive-date=19 December 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2019/05/19/avrotros-npo-nos/|title=Eurovision 2020 to be a co-production between Avrotros, NPO and NOS|first=Nick|last=van Lith|date=19 May 2019|publisher=ESCXtra|access-date=19 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523192811/https://escxtra.com/2019/05/19/avrotros-npo-nos/|archive-date=23 May 2019|url-status=live}}

{{Location map many|Netherlands|width=230px|float=right|caption=Locations of the candidate cities: the chosen host city is marked in blue. The shortlisted cities are marked in green, while the eliminated cities are marked in red.|places=

|label1={{small|Arnhem}}|lat1=51.9851|long1=5.8987|mark1=Red pog.svg

|label2={{small|'s-Hertogen-
bosch}}|lat2=51.6978|long2=5.3037|mark2=Red pog.svg

|label3={{small|Maastricht}}|lat3=50.8514|long3=5.691|position3=left|mark3=Green pog.svg

|label4=Rotterdam|lat4=51.9244|long4=4.4777|position4=left|mark4=Blue pog.svg

|label5={{small|Utrecht}}|lat5=52.0907|long5=5.1214|position5=left|mark5=Red pog.svg

}}

Already prior to the 2019 contest, when bookmakers expected Duncan Laurence to win, several Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, The Hague and Maastricht, announced their intent to host the contest should the Netherlands win.{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/04/15/the-netherlands-maastricht-the-latest-city-to-gauge-potential-bid-to-host-eurovision-2020/|title=The Netherlands: Maastricht The Latest City To Gauge Potential Bid to Host Eurovision 2020|first=Anthony|last=Granger|date=15 April 2019|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418045344/https://eurovoix.com/2019/04/15/the-netherlands-maastricht-the-latest-city-to-gauge-potential-bid-to-host-eurovision-2020/|archive-date=18 April 2019|url-status=live}} A spokesperson for NPO also stated that the broadcaster had a rough plan for how they would select the host city in the event of a Dutch victory.{{cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/03/19/eurovision-2020-netherlands-hosting-plan-duncan-laurence-wins/235329/|title=Eurovision 2020: The Netherlands has a hosting plan in place in case Duncan Laurence wins|first=Renske|last=ten Veen|date=19 March 2019|publisher=Wiwibloggs|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123060903/https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/03/19/eurovision-2020-netherlands-hosting-plan-duncan-laurence-wins/235329/|archive-date=23 January 2020|url-status=live}} When Laurence won the contest, mayors of various municipalities immediately began lobbying Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, through text messages.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/video/3610326/rutte-over-songfestival-ik-kon-niet-slapen|title=Rutte over Songfestival: 'Ik kon niet slapen'|language=nl|trans-title=Rutte about Song Contest: 'I couldn't sleep'|date=19 May 2019|publisher=De Telegraaf|access-date=19 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520011940/https://www.telegraaf.nl/video/3610326/rutte-over-songfestival-ik-kon-niet-slapen|archive-date=20 May 2019|url-status=live}} Public figures, including Laurence, Esther Hart, Getty Kaspers and André Rieu, voiced their support for their respective favourite host cities.{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/176389/eurovision-2020-getty-kaspers-sees-rotterdam-as-the-ideal-host-city/|title=Eurovision 2020: Getty Kaspers sees Rotterdam as the ideal host city|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|date=18 June 2019|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=18 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618142319/http://esctoday.com/176389/eurovision-2020-getty-kaspers-sees-rotterdam-as-the-ideal-host-city/|archive-date=18 June 2019|url-status=live}}

The hosting broadcasters launched the bidding process on 29 May 2019.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-city-bid-process-has-begun|title=Which Dutch city or region will host Eurovision 2020?|first=Evert|last=Groot|date=29 May 2019|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|access-date=29 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529140850/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-city-bid-process-has-begun|archive-date=29 May 2019|url-status=live}} In the first phase of this process, cities were to formally apply to bid.{{cite web|url=https://pers.npo.nl/persberichten/eurovisie-songfestival-2020-steden-kunnen-tot-10-juli-bid-books-inleveren|title=Eurovisie Songfestival 2020: steden kunnen tot 10 juli bid books inleveren|language=nl|trans-title=Eurovision Song Contest 2020: cities can hand in bid books until 10 July|date=12 June 2019|publisher=Nederlandse Publieke Omroep (NOS)|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219071512/https://pers.npo.nl/persberichten/eurovisie-songfestival-2020-steden-kunnen-tot-10-juli-bid-books-inleveren|archive-date=19 December 2019|url-status=live}} Nine cities—Amsterdam, Arnhem, Breda, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Hague, Leeuwarden, Maastricht, Rotterdam, and Utrecht—did so and received a list of criteria they and their venues needed to meet on 12 June 2019. Initially, Zwolle had also considered launching a bid to host the event but the city ultimately decided against doing so because it deemed its venue, the IJsselhallen, to have unsuitable proportions.{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/zwolle/zwolle-haakt-af-in-strijd-om-songfestival-ijsselhallen-ongeschikt~ac0d11bb/|title=Zwolle haakt af in strijd om Songfestival: IJsselhallen ongeschikt|language=nl|trans-title=Zwolle quits in the battle for the Song Contest: IJsselhallen unsuitable|first=Jordy|last=Boschman|date=24 May 2019|publisher=Algemeen Dagblad|access-date=2 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602061730/https://www.ad.nl/zwolle/zwolle-haakt-af-in-strijd-om-songfestival-ijsselhallen-ongeschikt~ac0d11bb/|archive-date=2 June 2019|url-status=live}} Enschede could have been a potential host city as Enschede Airport Twente considered bidding to host the event in its eleventh hangar, however, it later learned that Enschede's municipality executive board had decided against financially supporting such a bid.{{cite web|url=https://www.tubantia.nl/enschede/vliegveld-twenthe-wil-het-songfestival-binnenhalen-we-moeten-groot-durven-denken~aba913b7/|title=Vliegveld Twenthe wil het Songfestival binnenhalen: 'We moeten groot durven denken'|language=nl|trans-title=Twente Airport wants to win the Eurovision Song Contest: "We must dare to think big"|first1=Arjan|last1=te Bogt|first2=Kelly|last2=Adams|date=20 May 2019|publisher=Tubantia|access-date=15 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527174545/https://www.tubantia.nl/enschede/vliegveld-twenthe-wil-het-songfestival-binnenhalen-we-moeten-groot-durven-denken~aba913b7/|archive-date=27 May 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tubantia.nl/enschede/songfestival-in-enschede-niet-met-gemeentegeld-zegt-de-wethouder~ab4e7c20/|title=Songfestival in Enschede? 'Niet met gemeentegeld', zegt de wethouder|language=nl|trans-title=Song Contest in Enschede? "Not with municipal money," says the alderman|first=Wilco|last=Louwes|date=20 May 2019|publisher=Tubantia|access-date=15 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616103751/https://www.tubantia.nl/enschede/songfestival-in-enschede-niet-met-gemeentegeld-zegt-de-wethouder~ab4e7c20/|archive-date=16 June 2019|url-status=live}}

From this point on, these nine cities had until 10 July 2019 to compile their bid books to demonstrate their capabilities to host the contest. Further cities were still able to join in on the bidding race by applying prior to the deadline. During this period, four cities withdrew. Amsterdam could not host the contest because it was preoccupied with hosting other events during the contest's time frame.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/190262539/amsterdam-trekt-zich-terug-als-songfestivalstad|title=Amsterdam trekt zich terug als Songfestivalstad|language=nl|trans-title=Amsterdam is withdrawing as Eurovision city|first=Mike|last=Mueller|date=4 July 2019|publisher=De Telegraaf|access-date=4 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704152306/https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/190262539/amsterdam-trekt-zich-terug-als-songfestivalstad|archive-date=4 July 2019|url-status=live}} Breda dropped out due to financial concerns.{{cite web|url=https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/3032129/Songfestival-is-financieel-te-riskant-gemeente-Breda-gooit-de-handdoek-in-de-ring|title='Songfestival is financieel te riskant', gemeente Breda gooit de handdoek in de ring|language=nl|trans-title='Song Contest is financially risky', the municipality of Breda is throwing in the towel|first=Youssef|last=Zerrouk|date=1 July 2019|publisher=Omroep Brabant|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702200033/https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/3032129/Songfestival-is-financieel-te-riskant-gemeente-Breda-gooit-de-handdoek-in-de-ring|archive-date=2 July 2019|url-status=live}} Leeuwarden ceased bidding due to the insufficient height of the ceiling of its WTC Expo.{{cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/06/18/one-down-leeuwarden-withdraws-bid-to-host-eurovision-2020-due-to-ceiling-height-of-venue/240004/|title=One down! Leeuwarden withdraws bid to host Eurovision 2020 due to ceiling height of venue|first=Angus|last=Quinn|date=18 June 2019|publisher=Wiwibloggs}} The Hague dropped its bid because both of its potential venues were unsuitable for the event.{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2019/06/27/the-hague-withdraws-eurovision-2020/|title=The Hague withdraws from Eurovision 2020 host city race|first=Nick|last=van Lith|date=27 June 2019|publisher=ESCXtra|access-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712050436/https://escxtra.com/2019/06/27/the-hague-withdraws-eurovision-2020/|archive-date=12 July 2019|url-status=live}} The local Cars Jeans Stadion football stadium would have been large enough but lacked a roof, and installing such a roof would have made the bid financially unviable. Its other option would have been spanning a tent over the Malieveld field, but after reviewing the hosting conditions, this option fell out of favour. Following its withdrawal, The Hague turned to support Rotterdam's bid instead.

The five remaining cities—Arnhem, 's-Hertogenbosch, Maastricht, Rotterdam, and Utrecht—delivered their finished bid books to a ceremonial event held in Hilversum on 10 July 2019.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/5-cities-in-the-race-to-become-eurovision-2020-host-city|title=5 Dutch cities in the race to become Eurovision 2020 Host City|first=Josianne|last=Zwart|date=10 July 2019|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|access-date=10 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710164246/https://eurovision.tv/story/5-cities-in-the-race-to-become-eurovision-2020-host-city|archive-date=10 July 2019|url-status=live}} The hosting broadcasters reviewed the bids presented and on 16 July 2019 announced that it eliminated those for Arnhem, 's-Hertogenbosch and Utrecht, shortlisting only Maastricht and Rotterdam.{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/show/rotterdam-en-maastricht-strijden-om-songfestival-andere-steden-vallen-af~ad566645/|title=Rotterdam en Maastricht strijden om Songfestival, andere steden vallen af|language=nl|trans-title=Rotterdam and Maastricht compete for the Song Contest, other cities are dropped|first=Eefje|last=Oomen|date=16 July 2019|publisher=Algemeen Dagblad|access-date=16 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716150926/https://www.ad.nl/show/rotterdam-en-maastricht-strijden-om-songfestival-andere-steden-vallen-af~ad566645/|archive-date=16 July 2019|url-status=live}} Utrecht was specifically eliminated because its proposal to span a tent over its Jaarbeurs offered limited possibilities for testing on location and had a questionable suitability for events like the Eurovision Song Contest,{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/07/17/eurovision20-reasons-behind-utrechts-failed-bid-to-host-revealed/|title=Eurovision'20: Reasons Behind Utrecht's Failed Bid To Host Revealed|first=Anthony|last=Granger|date=17 July 2019|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=18 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718095205/https://eurovoix.com/2019/07/17/eurovision20-reasons-behind-utrechts-failed-bid-to-host-revealed/|archive-date=18 July 2019|url-status=live}} while 's-Hertogenbosch was dropped due to an insufficient ceiling height in its Brabanthallen and too few hotel rooms blocked for potential visitors of the contest.{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/den-bosch/brabanthallen-was-te-laag-voor-songfestival-en-den-bosch-had-te-weinig-hotelkamers-geblokkeerd~a516da94/|title=Brabanthallen was te laag voor Songfestival en Den Bosch had te weinig hotelkamers geblokkeerd|language=nl|trans-title=Brabanthallen was too low for the Song Contest and Den Bosch had blocked too few hotel rooms|first=Bart|last=Gotink|date=7 August 2019|publisher=Algemeen Dagblad|access-date=9 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809065247/https://www.ad.nl/den-bosch/brabanthallen-was-te-laag-voor-songfestival-en-den-bosch-had-te-weinig-hotelkamers-geblokkeerd~a516da94/|archive-date=9 August 2019|url-status=live}}

To review and discuss the location, venue and surrounding events for the remaining bids, NPO visited Maastricht on 17 July 2019 and Rotterdam on the following day.{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/176883/eurovision-2020-highlights-from-npos-visit-to-maastricht/|title=Eurovision 2020: Highlights from NPO's visit to Maastricht|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|date=17 July 2019|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=18 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718151108/http://esctoday.com/176883/eurovision-2020-highlights-from-npos-visit-to-maastricht/|archive-date=18 July 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/176894/eurovision-2020-highlights-from-npos-visit-to-rotterdam/|title=Eurovision 2020: Highlights from NPO's visit to Rotterdam|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|date=19 July 2019|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=19 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719091205/http://esctoday.com/176894/eurovision-2020-highlights-from-npos-visit-to-rotterdam/|archive-date=19 July 2019|url-status=live}} By late July, additional visits to the two shortlisted cities were deemed necessary to review production logistics.{{cite web|url=https://www.trouw.nl/cultuur/publieke-omroep-heeft-extra-tijd-nodig-voor-keuze-songfestivalstad~b90296e5/|title=Publieke omroep heeft extra tijd nodig voor keuze songfestivalstad|language=nl|trans-title=Public broadcaster needs extra time to choose a Song Contest city|date=26 July 2019|publisher=Trouw|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726093258/https://www.trouw.nl/cultuur/publieke-omroep-heeft-extra-tijd-nodig-voor-keuze-songfestivalstad~b90296e5/|archive-date=26 July 2019|url-status=live}} The EBU did not pay visits to either city.{{cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/08/24/the-netherlands-npo-will-reveal-esc-2020-host-city-with-a-special-two-minute-broadcast/241716/|title=The Netherlands: NPO will reveal ESC 2020 host city with a special two-minute broadcast|first=Esma|last=Jansen|date=24 August 2019|publisher=Wiwibloggs|access-date=24 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123060908/https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/08/24/the-netherlands-npo-will-reveal-esc-2020-host-city-with-a-special-two-minute-broadcast/241716/|archive-date=23 January 2020|url-status=live}} Maastricht and Rotterdam were to hand in revised versions of their bid books by 9 August 2019 to add details involving the cities' social programmes, side-events and programme licensing.{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/177070/eurovision-2020-rotterdam-vs-maastricht-the-final-countdown-begins/|title=Eurovision 2020: Rotterdam vs Maastricht; the final countdown begins|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|date=5 August 2019|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=5 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123060917/http://esctoday.com/177070/eurovision-2020-rotterdam-vs-maastricht-the-final-countdown-begins/|archive-date=23 January 2020|url-status=live}} A "concept agreement" was put before the organisers in both Maastricht and Rotterdam in August 2019.{{cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/09/13/eurovision-2020-did-maastricht-rule-itself-out-by-refusing-to-sign-a-contract-with-npo-nos/242181/|title=Eurovision 2020: Did Maastricht rule itself out by refusing to sign a contract with NPO/NOS?|first=Daphne|last=Dee|date=13 September 2019|publisher=Wiwibloggs|access-date=21 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123060906/https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/09/13/eurovision-2020-did-maastricht-rule-itself-out-by-refusing-to-sign-a-contract-with-npo-nos/242181/|archive-date=23 January 2020|url-status=live}} While Rotterdam signed this agreement, the city council of Maastricht discussed and rejected it. Within the same council session, it was also clarified that the MECC would not receive additional renovations. On 30 August, Rotterdam was announced as the host city during a special broadcast on NPO 1 and NPO 2.{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2019/08/23/npo-city-next-week-eurovision/|title=NPO to air special broadcast to announce Eurovision host city next week|first=Nick|last=van Lith|date=23 August 2019|publisher=ESCXtra|access-date=24 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824140145/https://escxtra.com/2019/08/23/npo-city-next-week-eurovision/|archive-date=24 August 2019|url-status=live}}

Key:

{{Color box|#CEDFF2|†|border=darkgray}} Host venue

{{Color box|#D0F0C0|‡|border=darkgray}} Shortlisted venues

{{location map many

|Netherlands Rotterdam

|width=200

|caption=Location of host venue (red) and other contest-related sites and events (blue)

|lat1=51.882764

|long1=4.488208

|label1=Ahoy

|position1=bottom

|lat2=51.922869

|long2=4.484686

|label2=ESC Village

|mark2=Blue pog.svg

|position2=right

|lat3=51.905941

|long3=4.486901

|label3=Opening Ceremony

|position3=left

|mark3=Blue pog.svg

|lat4=51.956041

|long4=4.439280

|label4=Airport

|position4=left

|mark4=Ic_local_airport_48px.svg

|lat5=51.898067

|long5=4.494847

|label5=EuroClub

|position5=right

|mark5=Blue pog.svg

}}

The Eurovision Village would have been erected to serve as the official Eurovision Song Contest fan and sponsors' area during the events week. There, it would have been possible to watch performances by local artists, as well as the live shows broadcast from the main venue. The Binnenrotte was the planned location for the Village.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/01/28/eurovision20-binnenrotte-revealed-as-location-of-the-eurovision-village/|title=Eurovision'20: Binnenrotte Revealed As Location Of The Eurovision Village|date=28 January 2020|publisher=Eurovoix|language=en-GB|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128201126/https://eurovoix.com/2020/01/28/eurovision20-binnenrotte-revealed-as-location-of-the-eurovision-village/|archive-date=28 January 2020|url-status=live}} The Binnenrotte is one of the largest open spaces in the centre of Rotterdam. It is located in the heart of the city, next to some of Rotterdam's most famous architectural marvels, such as the Markthal.

The EuroClub would have been the venue for the official after-parties and private performances by contest participants. Unlike the Eurovision Village, access to the EuroClub would be restricted to accredited fans, delegates, and press. It would have been located at the Maassilo. Maassilo is located on Rotterdam's waterfront at Maashaven Zuidzijde, a 10-minute drive from Rotterdam Ahoy.{{Cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/177272/eurovision-2020-euroclub-venue-in-rotterdam-unveiled|title=Eurovision 2020: Euroclub venue in Rotterdam unveiled|last1=Jiandani|first1=Sanjay (Sergio)|date=20 November 2019|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=21 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121132922/http://esctoday.com/177272/eurovision-2020-euroclub-venue-in-rotterdam-unveiled/|archive-date=21 November 2019|url-status=live}}

The "Golden Carpet" and Opening Ceremony events, where the contestants and their delegations present themselves in front of the accredited press and fans, would have taken place at the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal on 10 May 2020.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/social-events|title=Social events|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|date=2 March 2020}}

{{Further|List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest}}

{{ESC 2020 participants}}

Eligibility for potential participation in the Eurovision Song Contest requires a national broadcaster with active EBU membership capable of receiving the contest via the Eurovision network and broadcasting it live nationwide. The EBU issued an invitation of participation in the contest to all active members. In contrast to previous years, associate member {{Esccnty|Australia}} did not need an invitation for the 2020 contest, as it had previously been granted permission to participate at least until 2023.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/australia-secures-spot-in-eurovision-until-2023|title=Australia secures spot in Eurovision for the next five years|first=Evert|last=Groot|date=12 February 2019|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213045839/https://eurovision.tv/story/australia-secures-spot-in-eurovision-until-2023|archive-date=13 February 2019|url-status=live}}

The EBU announced on 13 November 2019 that forty-one countries would participate in the contest, with Bulgaria and Ukraine returning after their absence from the 2019 contest, with Hungary and Montenegro not participating mostly due to financial reasons.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/41-countries-eurovision-2020-rotterdam|title=41 countries will 'Open Up' at Eurovision 2020 in Rotterdam|date=13 November 2019|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|url-status=live|access-date=13 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113150645/https://eurovision.tv/story/41-countries-eurovision-2020-rotterdam|archive-date=13 November 2019}} Following the cancellation of the contest, the participating broadcasters were given sole discretion on whether to retain the artists who would have participated in this edition for the following year,{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/these-artists-are-already-confirmed-for-eurovision-2021|title=These artists are already confirmed for Eurovision 2021|date=23 March 2020|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323182536/https://eurovision.tv/story/these-artists-are-already-confirmed-for-eurovision-2021|archive-date=23 March 2020|access-date=2 April 2020}} but they were required to enter new songs in accordance with the contest's rules.

Three artists who had previously competed as lead vocalists for the same countries had been selected to compete again. Natalia Gordienko had previously represented {{Esccnty|Moldova|y=2006}} in {{Escyr|2006}} with Arsenium and Connect-R;{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/it-s-natalia-gordienko-for-moldova|title=It's Natalia Gordienko for Moldova|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|date=29 February 2020|first=Groot|last=Evert|access-date=2 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301052510/https://eurovision.tv/story/it-s-natalia-gordienko-for-moldova|archive-date=1 March 2020|url-status=live}} Senhit had represented {{Esccnty|San Marino|y=2011}} in {{Escyr|2011}};{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/senhit-to-represent-san-marino-again|title=Senhit to represent San Marino again!|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|date=6 March 2020|first=Groot|last=Evert|access-date=6 March 2020|archive-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204175635/https://eurovision.tv/story/senhit-to-represent-san-marino-again|url-status=live}} and Sanja Vučić, a member of Hurricane, had previously represented {{Esccnty|Serbia|y=2016}} in {{Escyr|2016}} in a solo performance.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/serbia-national-selection-beovizija-2020|title=Hurricane to represent Serbia in Rotterdam|date=2 March 2020|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}}

A number of other acts had previously performed as backing vocalists in other years, but had been selected as the lead artist for the 2020 contest. Ksenija Knežević, a member of Hurricane, had previously served as backing vocalist for {{Esccnty|Montenegro|y=2015}}'s entrant Knez in {{Escyr|2015}};{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/serbia-national-selection-beovizija-2020|title=Hurricane to represent Serbia in Rotterdam|date=2 March 2020|first=Groot|last=Evert|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|access-date=2 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302045340/https://eurovision.tv/story/serbia-national-selection-beovizija-2020|archive-date=2 March 2020|url-status=live}} Destiny had provided backing vocals for {{Esccnty|Malta|y=2019}}'s Michela in {{Escyr|2019}};{{Cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/02/08/destiny-chukunyere-wins-x-factor-malta/249476/|title=It's her destiny! Destiny Chukunyere wins X Factor Malta and will represent Malta at Eurovision 2020|publisher=Wiwibloggs|date=8 February 2020|first=Robyn|last=Gallagher|access-date=8 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212214538/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/02/08/destiny-chukunyere-wins-x-factor-malta/249476/|archive-date=12 February 2020|url-status=live}} Vincent Bueno had backed {{Esccnty|Austria|y=2017}}'s Nathan Trent in {{Escyr|2017}};{{Cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/12/01/orf-vincent-bueno-austrias-act-eurovision-2020/246055/|title=More speculation – Has ORF selected R&B singer Vincent Bueno as Austria's act for Eurovision 2020|publisher=Wiwibloggs|date=1 December 2019|access-date=15 January 2020|first=Robyn|last=Gallagher|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203151948/https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/12/01/orf-vincent-bueno-austrias-act-eurovision-2020/246055/|archive-date=3 December 2019|url-status=live}} and Vasil and the Mamas had been present at the {{Escyr|2019||2019 contest}}, providing backing vocals for {{Esccnty|North Macedonia|y=2019}}'s Tamara Todevska and {{Esccnty|Sweden|y=2019}}'s John Lundvik respectively.{{Cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/01/15/confirmed-vasil-garvanliev-north-macedonia-eurovision-2020/247732/|title=Confirmed! Macedonian singer Vasil Garvanliev will represent North Macedonia at Eurovision 2020|publisher=Wiwibloggs|date=15 January 2020|access-date=15 January 2020|first=Robyn|last=Gallagher|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115175315/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/01/15/confirmed-vasil-garvanliev-north-macedonia-eurovision-2020/247732/|archive-date=15 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/sweden-national-selection-melodifestivalen-2020|title=The Mamas win Sweden's Melodifestivalen 2020|date=7 March 2020|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|access-date=7 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202164405/https://eurovision.tv/story/sweden-national-selection-melodifestivalen-2020|archive-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live}} In addition, two of the lead vocalists had previously competed in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest; Destiny won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2015 for {{Esccnty|Malta|Junior|y=2015}} and Greece's Stefania had competed in the {{Escyr|2016|Junior|2016 Junior contest}} for the {{Esccnty|Netherlands|Junior|y=2016}} as a member of the group Kisses.{{cite web|last1=Fisher|first1=Luke James|title=Destiny Chukunyere to represent Malta in Sofia!|url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=destiny_chukunyere_to_represent_malta_in_sofia|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|date=11 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713004850/http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=destiny_chukunyere_to_represent_malta_in_sofia|archive-date=13 July 2015}}{{Cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/02/03/confirmed-stefania-represent-greece-eurovision-2020-supergirl/249074/|title=Confirmed! Stefania will represent Greece at Eurovision 2020 with "Supergirl"|publisher=Wiwibloggs|date=3 February 2020|access-date=3 February 2020|first=Robyn|last=Gallagher|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203195452/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/02/03/confirmed-stefania-represent-greece-eurovision-2020-supergirl/249074/|archive-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live}}

Active EBU member broadcasters in {{Esccnty|Andorra}}, {{Esccnty|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}, {{Esccnty|Hungary}}, {{Esccnty|Monaco}}, {{Esccnty|Slovakia}} and {{Esccnty|Turkey}} confirmed non-participation prior to the announcement of the participants list by the EBU.{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/03/18/andorra-rtva-open-to-co-operation-with-catalan-broadcaster-regarding-eurovision-participation/|title=Andorra: RTVA Open To Co-operation With Catalan Broadcaster Regarding Eurovision Participation|first=Anthony|last=Granger|date=18 March 2019|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=19 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418045345/https://eurovoix.com/2019/03/18/andorra-rtva-open-to-co-operation-with-catalan-broadcaster-regarding-eurovision-participation/|archive-date=18 April 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/05/22/andorra-rtva-rules-out-eurovision-return-in-2020/|title=Andorra: RTVA Rules Out Eurovision Return in 2020|first=Anthony|last=Granger|date=22 May 2019|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=22 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522231125/https://eurovoix.com/2019/05/22/andorra-rtva-rules-out-eurovision-return-in-2020/|archive-date=22 May 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.escxtra.com/2018/12/29/bosnia-2020-eurovision-difficult/|title=Bosnia & Herzegovina's "primary goal" is Eurovision comeback but 2020 return "difficult"|first=Ryan|last=Cobb|date=29 December 2018|publisher=ESCXtra|access-date=29 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229075805/https://www.escxtra.com/2018/12/29/bosnia-2020-eurovision-difficult/|archive-date=29 December 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/07/09/bosnia-herzegovina-eurovision-2020/|title=Bosnia & Herzegovina: No Eurovision Return in 2020|first=Emily|last=Herbert|date=9 July 2019|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=10 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709233208/https://eurovoix.com/2019/07/09/bosnia-herzegovina-eurovision-2020/|archive-date=9 July 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/10/25/hungary-withdraws-from-the-eurovision-song-contest/|title=Hungary: A Dal Dropped As Eurovision Selection Process, Withdrawal Possible?|last=Deakin|first=Samuel|date=25 October 2019|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123060909/https://eurovoix.com/2019/10/25/hungary-withdraws-from-the-eurovision-song-contest/|archive-date=23 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/176986/monaco-tmc-confirms-non-participation-in-eurovision-2020/|title=Monaco: TMC confirms non participation in Eurovision 2020|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|date=6 August 2019|publisher=ESCToday}}{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/06/05/slovakia-eurovision-song-contest-2020/|title=Slovakia: No Return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2020|first=Emily|last=Herbert|date=5 June 2019|publisher=Eurovoix}}{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/09/22/turkey-trt-will-not-compete-in-eurovision-2020/|title=Turkey: TRT Will Not Compete in Eurovision 2020|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=22 September 2019|access-date=22 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922181912/https://eurovoix.com/2019/09/22/turkey-trt-will-not-compete-in-eurovision-2020/|archive-date=22 September 2019|url-status=live}} An inside source attributed Hungary's non-participation to a rise of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the country;{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/nov/27/hungary-pulls-out-of-eurovision-amid-rise-in-anti-lgbt-rhetoric|title=Hungary pulls out of Eurovision amid rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric|first1=Shaun|last1=Walker|first2=Flora|last2=Garamvolgyi|date=27 November 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128122945/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/nov/27/hungary-pulls-out-of-eurovision-amid-rise-in-anti-lgbt-rhetoric|archive-date=28 November 2019|url-status=live}} however, this was denied by the Hungarian broadcaster MTVA.{{cite web|url=https://index.hu/kultur/media/2019/11/28/kozmedia_kozteve_eurovizios_dalfesztival/|title=Köztévé: Nem tartjuk számon senki szexuális beállítottságát|date=28 November 2019|publisher=Index.hu|access-date=18 March 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516100746/https://index.hu/kultur/media/2019/11/28/kozmedia_kozteve_eurovizios_dalfesztival/|archive-date=16 May 2020}} {{Esccnty|Montenegro}}, while initially confirming its participation, later reconsidered the option due to "modest results" and financial issues, and the country did not appear on the final list of participants.{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/09/24/montenegro-eurovision-2020-participation-confirmed/|title=Montenegro: Eurovision 2020 Participation Confirmed|first=Neil|last=Farren|date=24 September 2019|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924191528/https://eurovoix.com/2019/09/24/montenegro-eurovision-2020-participation-confirmed/|archive-date=24 September 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2019/11/08/%f0%9f%87%b2%f0%9f%87%aa-montenegro-withdraws-from-eurovision-song-contest-2020/|title=🇲🇪 Montenegro withdraws from Eurovision Song Contest 2020|first=Angelos|last=Noutsos|date=8 November 2019|publisher=ESCXtra|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123060913/https://escxtra.com/2019/11/08/%F0%9F%87%B2%F0%9F%87%AA-montenegro-withdraws-from-eurovision-song-contest-2020/|archive-date=23 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/11/09/montenegro-director-general-no-decision-eurovision-2020/245069/|title=Montenegro: In or out? RTCG Director-General says no decision has been made yet on Eurovision 2020|first=Robyn|last=Gallagher|date=9 November 2019|publisher=Wiwibloggs|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109113211/https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/11/09/montenegro-director-general-no-decision-eurovision-2020/245069/|archive-date=9 November 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/177952/montenegro-rtcg-releases-a-statement-regarding-its-eurovision-withdrawal|title=Montenegro: RTCG releases a statement regarding its Eurovision withdrawal|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|date=15 November 2019|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=15 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123060913/http://esctoday.com/177952/montenegro-rtcg-releases-a-statement-regarding-its-eurovision-withdrawal|archive-date=23 January 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rtcg.me/magazin/muzika/259215/cg-ne-ide-na-eurosong-2020.html|title=CG ne ide na Eurosong 2020.|language=cnr|trans-title=Montenegro does not go to Eurovision Song Contest 2020.|date=15 November 2019|publisher=RTCG|access-date=15 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115220130/http://www.rtcg.me/magazin/muzika/259215/cg-ne-ide-na-eurosong-2020.html|archive-date=15 November 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/177459/eurovision-2020-ebu-releases-official-list-of-participating-countries/|title=Eurovision 2020: EBU releases official list of participating countries|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|date=13 November 2019|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114160736/http://esctoday.com/177459/eurovision-2020-ebu-releases-official-list-of-participating-countries/|archive-date=14 November 2019|url-status=live}} Calls on {{Esccnty|Luxembourg}} to return to the contest after its continued non-participation since {{escyr|1993}} (including from Anne-Marie David, {{escyr|1973}} winner for the country), resulted in a fan-led petition directed to the broadcaster RTL and the Chamber of Deputies,{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/05/29/luxembourg-anne-marie-david-pushing-for-nations-eurovision-return/|title=Luxembourg: Anne-Marie David Pushing For Nations Eurovision Return|first=Anthony|last=Granger|date=29 May 2019|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=29 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529205343/https://eurovoix.com/2019/05/29/luxembourg-anne-marie-david-pushing-for-nations-eurovision-return/|archive-date=29 May 2019|url-status=live}} and in a second petition opened by the Chamber of Deputies itself;{{cite web|url=https://www.wort.lu/fr/luxembourg/pour-un-retour-du-luxembourg-a-l-eurovision-5d0c9733da2cc1784e34674c|title=Pour un retour du Luxembourg à l'Eurovision|language=fr|trans-title=For a return of Luxembourg to Eurovision|first=Sophie|last=Wiessler|date=21 June 2019|publisher=Luxemburger Wort|access-date=23 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623092606/https://www.wort.lu/fr/luxembourg/pour-un-retour-du-luxembourg-a-l-eurovision-5d0c9733da2cc1784e34674c|archive-date=23 June 2019|url-status=live}} however, RTL also ruled out participation in the 2020 contest prior to the official announcement by the EBU.{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/176967/luxembourg-rtl-confirms-non-participation-in-eurovision-2020/|title=Luxembourg: RTL confirms non participation in Eurovision 2020|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|date=23 July 2019|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=23 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723102807/http://esctoday.com/176967/luxembourg-rtl-confirms-non-participation-in-eurovision-2020/|archive-date=23 July 2019|url-status=live}}

Despite EBU associate member {{Esccnty|Kazakhstan}}'s previous participation in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand, the executive supervisor of the contest, stated that the country's participation in the main contest needed to be discussed by its reference group.{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2018/11/22/kazakhstan-eurovision-participation-needs-to-be-discussed/|title=Kazakhstan: Eurovision Participation 'Needs To Be Discussed'|first=Anthony|last=Granger|date=22 November 2018|publisher=Eurovoix}} The EBU stated in September 2019 that it had no intention to invite Kazakhstan to the 2020 contest.{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2019/09/06/ebu-no-plans-to-invite-kazakhstan-to-participate-in-eurovision-2020/|title=EBU: "No plans" to invite Kazakhstan to participate in Eurovision 2020|first=Ryan|last=Cobb|date=6 September 2019|publisher=ESCXtra|access-date=6 September 2019|archive-date=16 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216024859/https://escxtra.com/2019/09/06/ebu-no-plans-to-invite-kazakhstan-to-participate-in-eurovision-2020/|url-status=dead}}

Despite attempts by the {{Esccnty|Kosovo|t=Kosovan}} broadcaster RTK to obtain full EBU membership in order to debut at the 2020 contest,{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2018/06/22/kosovo-rtk-to-push-for-full-ebu-membership-next-week/|title=Kosovo: RTK to Push for Full EBU Membership Next Week|first=Anthony|last=Granger|date=22 June 2018|publisher=Eurovoix|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622203046/https://eurovoix.com/2018/06/22/kosovo-rtk-to-push-for-full-ebu-membership-next-week/|archive-date=22 June 2018|url-status=live}} at the EBU's 82nd General Assembly in June 2019, it was decided to keep ITU membership as a requirement to join the EBU, thus making it impossible for RTK to join the EBU in time for the 2020 contest.{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2019/06/28/no-changes-approved-in-ebu-statutes-kosovo-cannot-apply-for-full-membership/|title=No changes approved in EBU statutes: Kosovo cannot apply for full membership|first=Lisa|last=Bird|date=28 June 2019|publisher=ESCXtra|access-date=28 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629120354/https://escxtra.com/2019/06/28/no-changes-approved-in-ebu-statutes-kosovo-cannot-apply-for-full-membership/|archive-date=29 June 2019|url-status=live}} {{Esccnty|Liechtenstein|t=Liechtensteiner}} broadcaster 1 FL TV, despite previous attempts to become an EBU member, halted its plans after director Peter Kölbel's unexpected death, and did not resume them due to the lack of sufficient funds and of government support; thus it ruled out debuting in 2020.{{cite web|url=http://esctoday.com/177028/liechtenstein-1-fl-tv-will-not-debut-in-eurovision-2020/|title=Liechtenstein: 1 FL TV will not debut in Eurovision 2020|first=Sanjay|last=Jiandani|date=7 August 2019|publisher=ESCToday|access-date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807131118/http://esctoday.com/177028/liechtenstein-1-fl-tv-will-not-debut-in-eurovision-2020/|archive-date=7 August 2019|url-status=live}}

The Eurovision Song Contest 2020 would have been a co-production between three related Dutch television organisations — {{lang|nl|Nederlandse Publieke Omroep|i=unset}} (NPO), {{lang|nl|Nederlandse Omroep Stichting|i=unset}} (NOS) and AVROTROS — of which each assumed a different role. {{ill|Sietse Bakker|nl}} and Inge van de Weerd would have served as executive producers, while Emilie Sickinghe and Jessica Stam would have served as deputy executive producers.{{cite web|title=Four Core Team members for Eurovision 2020 announced|url=https://escxtra.com/2019/07/05/four-core-team-members-for-eurovision-2020-announced/|last=Bird|first=Lisa|date=5 July 2019|publisher=ESCXtra|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705142859/https://escxtra.com/2019/07/05/four-core-team-members-for-eurovision-2020-announced/|archive-date=5 July 2019|access-date=5 July 2019}} In August 2019, Marnix Kaart and Marc Pos were announced as the directors of the three live shows,{{cite web|title=The directors of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 have been revealed|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/directors-of-the-eurovision-song-contest-2020-revealed|last=LaFleur|first=Louise|date=27 August 2019|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827122317/https://eurovision.tv/story/directors-of-the-eurovision-song-contest-2020-revealed|archive-date=27 August 2019|access-date=27 August 2019}} as well as Gerben Bakker as head of show.{{cite web|title=The Eurovision 2020 Host City countdown is on|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-host-city-countdown-is-on|last=LaFleur|first=Louise|date=28 August 2019|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829125200/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-host-city-countdown-is-on|archive-date=29 August 2019|access-date=28 August 2019}} Cornald Maas would have been creative advisor.{{cite web|title=Eurovision'20: Cornald Maas Named Creative Advisor|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/08/31/eurovision20-cornald-maas-named-creative-advisor/|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=31 August 2019|publisher=Eurovoix|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902004257/https://eurovoix.com/2019/08/31/eurovision20-cornald-maas-named-creative-advisor/|archive-date=2 September 2019|access-date=6 September 2019}} Jon Ola Sand, executive supervisor of the contest, would keep his role as he had done since 2011, though he planned to step down following the 2020 contest.{{cite web|title=Jon Ola Sand to step down as Executive Supervisor after Rotterdam 2020|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/jon-ola-sand-to-step-down-as-executive-supervisor-after-rotterdam-2020|date=30 September 2019|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930120505/https://eurovision.tv/story/jon-ola-sand-to-step-down-as-executive-supervisor-after-rotterdam-2020|archive-date=30 September 2019|access-date=30 September 2019}}

The contest's slogan, "Open Up", was unveiled on 24 October 2019.{{Cite web |date=24 October 2019 |title='Open Up' to Eurovision 2020 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/open-up-slogan-eurovision-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024174854/https://eurovision.tv/story/open-up-slogan-eurovision-2020 |archive-date=24 October 2019 |access-date=24 October 2019 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}} The official logo and branding was unveiled on 28 November 2019. Designed by Clever°Franke, it is "an abstract representation of the flag colours of the 41 countries participating in 2020 by first appearance to the contest".{{Cite web |date=28 November 2019 |title=Rotterdam 2020 design celebrates 65 years of Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/rotterdam-2020-design-celebrates-65-years-of-eurovision-song-contest |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128064721/https://eurovision.tv/story/rotterdam-2020-design-celebrates-65-years-of-eurovision-song-contest |archive-date=28 November 2019 |access-date=28 November 2019 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}}

File:Eurovision-2020-hosts.png, Jan Smit and Edsilia Rombley, planned to be the presenters of the 2020 contest]]

The contest would have been hosted by three presenters: actress and television host Chantal Janzen, singer and commentator for the contest Jan Smit, and singer Edsilia Rombley, who represented the Netherlands in the {{Escyr|1998}} and {{Escyr|2007}} contests.{{Cite news |title=Exclusive: Introducing the Eurovision 2020 presenters! |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU) |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-presenters-chantal-janzen-edsilia-rombley-jan-smit |url-status=live |access-date=4 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204173211/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-presenters-chantal-janzen-edsilia-rombley-jan-smit |archive-date=4 December 2019}}{{cite web |date=4 December 2019 |title=Edsilia Rombley, Chantal Janzen en Jan Smit presenteren Songfestival |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2313279-edsilia-rombley-chantal-janzen-en-jan-smit-presenteren-songfestival.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204164741/https://nos.nl/artikel/2313279-edsilia-rombley-chantal-janzen-en-jan-smit-presenteren-songfestival.html |archive-date=4 December 2019 |access-date=4 December 2019 |publisher=nos.nl}} Beauty vlogger Nikkie de Jager (NikkieTutorials) would have been the presenter of the contest's online content, including a behind-the-scenes YouTube series to be recorded with the participating artists.{{cite news |date=10 February 2020 |title=NikkieTutorials online-presentator Songfestival: 'Extreem vereerd' |language=nl |work=NOS |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2322437-nikkietutorials-online-presentator-songfestival-extreem-vereerd.html |url-status=live |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211200833/https://nos.nl/artikel/2322437-nikkietutorials-online-presentator-songfestival-extreem-vereerd.html |archive-date=11 February 2020}} She would have also reported from the "Golden Carpet" during the opening ceremony and was scheduled to make an appearance in all three live shows.{{Cite web |date=10 February 2020 |title=NikkieTutorials online presenter of Eurovision 2020 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/nikkietutorials-online-presenter-of-eurovision-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216212757/https://eurovision.tv/story/nikkietutorials-online-presenter-of-eurovision-2020 |archive-date=16 February 2020 |access-date=10 February 2020 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}} Roos Moggré and {{Ill|Andrew Makkinga|nl}} would have moderated the contest's press conferences.{{Cite web |date=24 February 2020 |title=Moggré en Makkinga leiden 87 persconferenties songfestival |trans-title=Moggré and Makkinga will host Eurovision's 87 press conferences |url=https://www.ad.nl/show/moggre-en-makkinga-leiden-87-persconferenties-songfestival~a7126e5d/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224195717/https://www.ad.nl/show/moggre-en-makkinga-leiden-87-persconferenties-songfestival~a7126e5d/ |archive-date=24 February 2020 |access-date=24 February 2020 |publisher=Algemeen Dagblad |language=nl}}

The stage design for the 2020 contest was revealed on 2 December 2019. The design was inspired by the slogan "Open Up" and the typical Dutch flat landscape. The Eurovision stage was designed by German stage designer Florian Wieder, who also designed the stages for the contests in 2011–12, 2015, and 2017–19. Unlike the previous contest, the green room was placed inside the main performance venue.{{cite web |author=Rasmus |date=2 December 2019 |title=Eurovision 2020: Stage design revealed for Rotterdam |url=https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/eurovision-2020-stage-design-revealed-for-rotterdam |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226151102/https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/eurovision-2020-stage-design-revealed-for-rotterdam |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |publisher=Eurovisionworld}}

The second semi-final would have opened with a performance by breakdancer Redouan "Redo" Ait Chitt. The final would have been opened with the traditional flag parade, introducing all twenty-six finalists, accompanied by music produced by 15-year-old DJ Pieter Gabriel.{{cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=18 January 2020 |title=Eurovision'20: 15 Year Old Pieter Gabriel Will Produce Music For Flag Parade Young |url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/01/18/eurovision20-15-year-old-pieter-gabriel-will-produce-music-for-eurovision-opening-act/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123060919/https://eurovoix.com/2020/01/18/eurovision20-15-year-old-pieter-gabriel-will-produce-music-for-eurovision-opening-act/ |archive-date=23 January 2020 |access-date=18 January 2020 |publisher=Eurovoix}} A symphony orchestra of sixty-five young musicians from across the Netherlands, specifically formed for this occasion, was scheduled to perform in the final, together with DJ Afrojack and singer Glennis Grace, the latter of whom represented the Netherlands in the 2005 contest.{{Cite web |last=Blanken |first=Mark den |date=9 March 2020 |title=Afrojack met 130 man op podium songfestival |url=https://www.ad.nl/show/afrojack-met-130-man-op-podium-songfestival~ade5f698/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310065634/https://www.ad.nl/show/afrojack-met-130-man-op-podium-songfestival~ade5f698/ |archive-date=10 March 2020 |access-date=9 March 2020 |publisher=Algemeen Dagblad |language=nl}}{{Cite web |date=9 March 2020 |title=Glennis Grace met Afrojack op Songfestival |url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/entertainment/521457196/glennis-grace-met-afrojack-op-songfestival |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310132820/https://www.telegraaf.nl/entertainment/521457196/glennis-grace-met-afrojack-op-songfestival |archive-date=10 March 2020 |access-date=9 March 2020 |publisher=Telegraaf |language=nl}} This interval act would have also featured forty dancers and a twenty-five-piece gospel choir.

Furthermore, the final was scheduled to include performances from eight former Eurovision winners: Gigliola Cinquetti would have performed "{{lang|it|Non ho l'età|i=unset}}", Lenny Kuhr would have performed "{{lang|nl|De troubadour|i=unset}}", Getty Kaspers (of Teach-In) would have performed "Ding-a-dong", Sandra Kim would have performed "{{lang|fr|J'aime la vie|i=unset}}", Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan would have performed "Rock 'n' Roll Kids", Alexander Rybak would have performed "Fairytale", and Duncan Laurence would have performed "Arcade".{{Cite web |date=19 February 2020 |title=Rotterdam 2020: first Eurovision 2020 opening and interval acts announced |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/first-eurovision-2020-opening-and-interval-acts-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516100745/https://eurovision.tv/story/first-eurovision-2020-opening-and-interval-acts-announced |archive-date=16 May 2020 |access-date=20 February 2020 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)}}

The Spanish Head of Delegation revealed on 22 October 2019 that the EBU was consulting with delegations on potential changes to the voting system.{{cite web |date=22 October 2019 |title=EBU Consulting About Possible Changes To Eurovision Voting |url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/10/22/ebu-consulting-about-possible-changes-to-eurovision-voting |access-date=24 October 2019 |publisher=Eurovoix}} The Greek Head of Delegation revealed on 30 October 2019 that the majority of delegations (80%) voted in favour of maintaining the current voting system.{{cite web |date=30 October 2019 |title=Delegations Voted in Favour of Keeping 50/50 Split in Eurovision Voting |url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/10/30/delegations-voted-in-favour-of-keeping-50-50-split-in-eurovision-voting/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031150728/https://eurovoix.com/2019/10/30/delegations-voted-in-favour-of-keeping-50-50-split-in-eurovision-voting/ |archive-date=31 October 2019 |access-date=31 October 2019 |publisher=Eurovoix}}

File:ESC 2020 Semi-Finals 2.svg

The draw to determine the participating countries' semi-finals took place on 28 January 2020 at 16:10 CET, at the Rotterdam City Hall.{{Cite web|last=Groot|first=Evert|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/semi-final-allocation-draw-pots-for-eurovision-2020-revealed|title=Semi-Final Allocation Draw pots for Eurovision 2020 revealed!|date=25 January 2020|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|access-date=25 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125081354/https://eurovision.tv/story/semi-final-allocation-draw-pots-for-eurovision-2020-revealed|archive-date=25 January 2020|url-status=live}} The thirty-five semi-finalists were divided over five pots, based on historical voting patterns as calculated by the contest's official televoting partner Digame. The purpose of drawing from different pots was to reduce the chance of "bloc voting" and to increase suspense in the semi-finals. The draw also determined which semi-final each of the six automatic qualifiers – host country the Netherlands and "Big Five" countries France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom – would broadcast and vote in. The ceremony was hosted by contest presenters Chantal Janzen, Jan Smit and Edsilia Rombley, and included the passing of the host city insignia from Zippi Brand Frank, deputy mayor of Tel Aviv (host city of the previous contest) to Ahmed Aboutaleb, mayor of Rotterdam.

The concept of the 2020 postcards was based on the "Open Up" theme of the contest. Each artist would have visited a different part of the Netherlands and connected with locals by participating in a Dutch activity, tradition or hobby.{{Cite web |date=9 December 2019 |title=Eurovision 2020 postcards concept revealed |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-postcards-concept-revealed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209181039/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-postcards-concept-revealed |archive-date=9 December 2019}}

The first semi-final would have taken place on 12 May 2020 at 21:00 (CEST). Seventeen countries would have participated in the first semi-final. These countries, plus {{Esccnty|Germany|y=2020}}, {{Esccnty|Italy|y=2020}} and the {{Esccnty|Netherlands|y=2020}}, would have voted in this semi-final.{{cite web|last=Groot|first=Evert|title=Which country performs in which Eurovision 2020 Semi-Final|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/host-city-insignia-exchange-semi-final-allocation-draw-2020|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|access-date=28 January 2020|date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421145930/https://eurovision.tv/story/host-city-insignia-exchange-semi-final-allocation-draw-2020|archive-date=21 April 2020|url-status=live}}

The second semi-final would have taken place on 14 May 2020 at 21:00 (CEST). Eighteen countries would have participated in the second semi-final. These countries, plus {{Esccnty|France|y=2020}}, {{Esccnty|Spain|y=2020}} and the {{Esccnty|United Kingdom|y=2020}}, would have voted in this semi-final.

The final would have taken place on 16 May 2020 at 21:00 (CEST). Twenty-six countries would have participated in the final, composed of the host country, the "Big Five", and the ten best-ranked entries of each of the two semi-finals. All forty-one participating countries would have voted in the final.

Before the contest's cancellation, countries had started confirming their broadcasting plans and who would provide commentary either on-location or remotely at the broadcaster during the contest. The role of the commentators was to add insight to the participating entries and the provision of voting information.

{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in Europe|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industry|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television}}

The spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from Wuhan, China, to other countries around the world in late 2019 and early 2020 raised concerns and the potential impact over the organisation and staging of the contest.{{Cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/02/26/could-eurovision-2020-be-cancelled-because-of-coronavirus-npo-responds-to-virologists-comments/250719/|title=Could Eurovision 2020 be cancelled because of coronavirus? NPO responds to virologist's comments|last=Adams|first=William Lee|date=26 February 2020|publisher=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226105438/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/02/26/could-eurovision-2020-be-cancelled-because-of-coronavirus-npo-responds-to-virologists-comments/250719/|archive-date=26 February 2020|access-date=10 March 2020}} On 6 March, co-host broadcaster NPO stated, "Eurovision organisers would follow the advice of health authorities in deciding what form the event, due to be held on 12–16 May, would take."{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-netherlands-idUSKBN20T18D|title=Eurovision Song Contest reconsidering Dutch event over coronavirus|last1=Deutsch|first1=Anthony|last2=Meijer|first2=Bart|date=6 March 2020|editor-last=Heinrich|editor-first=Mark|publisher=Reuters|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306163025/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-netherlands/eurovision-song-contest-reconsidering-dutch-event-over-coronavirus-idUSKBN20T18D|archive-date=6 March 2020|access-date=10 March 2020}} In March, authorities in Denmark urged the cancellation of events with more than 1,000 spectators to limit the spread of the virus. This resulted in the {{Esccnty|Denmark|y=2020|t=Danish national final}} being held with no live audience.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-denmark-idUSKBN20T1O1|title=Denmark to hold Eurovision selection party in empty arena due to coronavirus fears|last1=Mortensen|first1=Andreas|last2=Gronholt-Pedersen|first2=Jacob|date=6 March 2020|editor-last=Chopra|editor-first=Toby|publisher=Reuters|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306152011/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-denmark/denmark-to-hold-eurovision-selection-party-in-empty-arena-due-to-coronavirus-fears-idUSKBN20T1O1|archive-date=6 March 2020|access-date=10 March 2020}} Representatives from Sweden, Finland, Israel, Switzerland, Italy and Greece attended the meeting of the heads of delegation on 9 March remotely.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovisionfun.com/en/2020/03/eurovision-2020-heads-of-delegations-meeting-is-over/|title=Eurovision 2020: Heads of Delegations meeting is over|last=Kourouvanis|first=Fotis|date=10 March 2020|publisher=Eurovision Fun|language=en-US|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516100753/https://eurovisionfun.com/en/2020/03/eurovision-2020-heads-of-delegations-meeting-is-over/|archive-date=16 May 2020|url-status=live}} The contest's executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand also attended the meeting remotely, due to travel restrictions being placed on EBU staff until 13 March after an employee contracted the virus.{{Cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/03/03/coronavirus-and-eurovision-new-ebu-travel-restrictions-ban-jon-ola-sand-from-heads-of-delegation-meeting-as-israel-pulls-out/251297/|title=Jon Ola Sand to miss Eurovision HoD Meet due to coronavirus travel ban|last=Quinn|first=Angus|date=3 March 2020|publisher=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310122541/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/03/03/coronavirus-and-eurovision-new-ebu-travel-restrictions-ban-jon-ola-sand-from-heads-of-delegation-meeting-as-israel-pulls-out/251297/|archive-date=10 March 2020|access-date=10 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/9329398/coronavirus-casts-a-shadow-on-2020-eurovision-contest|title=Coronavirus Casts a Shadow on 2020 Eurovision Contest|last=Cantor-Navas|first=Judy|date=6 March 2020|publisher=Billboard|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310122800/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/9329398/coronavirus-casts-a-shadow-on-2020-eurovision-contest|archive-date=10 March 2020|access-date=10 March 2020}}

Several pre-parties{{Snd}}promotional events which are held across Europe in the lead-up to the contest{{Snd}}were also impacted due to the emerging pandemic. These included the PrePartyES, planned for 10–11 April in Madrid and was eventually modified to an online-only format, where artists performed at home in a YouTube concert;{{cite web|last1=Cobb|first1=Ryan|title=Eurovision-Spain postpones Madrid pre-party|url=https://escxtra.com/2020/03/13/%F0%9F%87%AA%F0%9F%87%B8-eurovision-spain-postpones-madrid-pre-party/|publisher=EscXtra|access-date=14 March 2020|ref=Coronavirus Madrid Pre Party Cancellation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323170749/https://escxtra.com/2020/03/13/%F0%9F%87%AA%F0%9F%87%B8-eurovision-spain-postpones-madrid-pre-party/|archive-date=23 March 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2020-03-25|title=PrePartyES at Home!, un homenaje a Eurovisión 2020 que reivindica la responsabilidad global de la pandemia|url=https://pre-party.es/prepartyes-at-home-un-homenaje-a-eurovision-2020-que-reivindica-la-responsabilidad-global-de-la-pandemia/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208201112/https://pre-party.es/proximamente/|archive-date=8 February 2021|access-date=2020-04-19|website=Eurovision Spain - PrePartyES at Home|language=es}} and three pre-parties that were cancelled: Israel Calling, a pre-party planned in Tel Aviv;{{cite web|last1=Granger|first1=Anthony|title=Israel: Israel Calling cancelled due to coronavirus|date=13 March 2020|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/03/13/israel-israel-calling-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus/|publisher=EuroVoix|access-date=14 March 2020|ref=Coronavirus Israel Calling cancellation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318145101/https://eurovoix.com/2020/03/13/israel-israel-calling-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus/|archive-date=18 March 2020|url-status=live}} Eurovision in Concert, a pre-party planned in Amsterdam;{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ESCinConcert/status/1239301426129653760/photo/1|title=Statement regarding Eurovision in Concert 2020 #eurovisioninconcert #EiC2020 #eurovision #songfestivalpic.twitter.com/HOLaQ37nYB|last=EurovisionInConcert|date=2020-03-15|website=@ESCinConcert|language=en|access-date=2020-03-16|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208201000/https://pbs.twimg.com/hashflag/config-2021-02-08-20.json|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2020/03/16/eurovision-in-concert-organisers-releases-statement-as-amsterdam-calling-is-canceled/|title=🇳🇱 UPDATED: Eurovision in Concert & Amsterdam Calling is canceled|last=eurovisiontj|date=2020-03-16|publisher=ESCXtra|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318184015/https://escxtra.com/2020/03/16/eurovision-in-concert-organisers-releases-statement-as-amsterdam-calling-is-canceled/|archive-date=18 March 2020|url-status=live}} and the London Eurovision Party.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zqkHFp6vM/|title=LONDON EUROVISION PARTY on Instagram: "We are very sad to announce the postponement of #LEP2020 - please read our full statement #eurovision"|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=2020-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516101032/https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zqkHFp6vM/|archive-date=16 May 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2020/03/16/london-eurovision-party-2020-postponed/|title=London Eurovision Party 2020 postponed: statement|date=2020-03-16|publisher=ESCXtra|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318192142/https://escxtra.com/2020/03/16/london-eurovision-party-2020-postponed/|archive-date=18 March 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/03/16/london-eurovision-party-2020-postponed/|title=London Eurovision Party 2020 Postponed|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=2020-03-16|publisher=Eurovoix|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318145102/https://eurovoix.com/2020/03/16/london-eurovision-party-2020-postponed/|archive-date=18 March 2020|url-status=live}} The pandemic also affected pre-contest activities of several competing artists. Eden Alene, the Israeli representative, revealed that she would not travel to the Netherlands to film her postcard as a precautionary measure; the Israeli broadcaster Kan stated they would try to find another way to film her postcard.{{Cite web|last=Agam|first=Åri|date=10 March 2020|title=Israel: Eden Alene won't travel to The Netherlands for postcard shoot|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/03/10/israel-eden-alene-wont-travel-to-the-netherlands-for-postcard-shoot/251726/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310123435/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/03/10/israel-eden-alene-wont-travel-to-the-netherlands-for-postcard-shoot/251726/|archive-date=10 March 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|publisher=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US}} The Lithuanian representatives The Roop also cancelled both their travel plans to film their postcard and participation in the London and Amsterdam pre-parties.{{cite web|author=Rasmus|date=12 March 2020|title=Lithuania: The Roop cancel all travel plans and postcard filming|url=https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/lithuania-the-roop-cancel-all-travel-plans-including-postcard-filming|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318145103/https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/lithuania-the-roop-cancel-all-travel-plans-including-postcard-filming|archive-date=18 March 2020|access-date=12 March 2020|publisher=Eurovision World|ref=Lithuanian cancellation}} The Bulgarian representative Victoria also cancelled her participation in the London and Amsterdam pre-parties.{{Cite web|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=2020-03-15|title=Bulgaria: VICTORIA Cancels Pre-Party Appearances|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/03/15/bulgaria-victoria-cancels-pre-party-appearances/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318145105/https://eurovoix.com/2020/03/15/bulgaria-victoria-cancels-pre-party-appearances/|archive-date=18 March 2020|access-date=2020-03-15|publisher=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}}

Ultimately, the contest itself was cancelled as a result of the pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding it; this decision was announced on 18 March 2020. On the same day, the EBU explained the reasons for which the alternative options that had been considered{{Snd}}postponement of the show, show without audience and remote competition{{Snd}}were discarded. Postponement was impossible because at that time it was unknown when the pandemic would finish and also because the winning country would not have enough time to organise the event the following year. The idea of staging a show without a live audience was also impracticable because, regardless of audience participation, the presence of production crews, delegations and relevant personnel was needed, which would constitute a breach of social distancing guidelines at the time. The possibility of organsing a remote competition was also rejected because it would have undermined the tradition and spirit of the event, in which all contestants are given equal opportunity by performing on the same stage. By then, the Dutch government had decided to prohibit all gatherings with more than 100 attendees until further notice.{{Cite web|url=https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2020/03/12/new-measures-to-stop-spread-of-coronavirus-in-the-netherlands|title=New measures to stop spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands - News item - Government.nl|last=Ministerie van Volksgezondheid|first=Welzijn en Sport|date=2020-03-12|website=government.nl|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413021513/https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2020/03/12/new-measures-to-stop-spread-of-coronavirus-in-the-netherlands|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}} The contest's reference group explored the option of letting the artists selected for 2020 compete in the following year instead, and ultimately left this decision to each participating broadcaster. A decision was made on 20 March 2020 that, in accordance with the contest's rules, which disqualify songs released publicly before 1 September of the preceding calendar year, none of the 2020 songs would be eligible to compete in the 2021 contest.{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/intention-to-honour-eurovision-2020-songs-artists|title=Intention to honour Eurovision 2020 songs and artists|date=20 March 2020|website=Eurovision.tv|access-date=21 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321090603/https://eurovision.tv/story/intention-to-honour-eurovision-2020-songs-artists|archive-date=21 March 2020|url-status=live}}

The Ahoy Arena itself, with most events and gatherings in the Netherlands prohibited until at least 1 September 2020,{{Cite web|url=https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-covid-19/veelgestelde-vragen-over-de-aanpak-van-het-nieuwe-coronavirus-in-nederland|title=Nederlandse aanpak van het coronavirus en veelgestelde vragen - Coronavirus COVID-19 - Rijksoverheid.nl|date=2020-03-13|website=rijksoverheid.nl|publisher=Ministerie van Algemene Zaken|language=nl-NL|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409185904/https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-covid-19/veelgestelde-vragen-over-de-aanpak-van-het-nieuwe-coronavirus-in-nederland|archive-date=9 April 2020|access-date=2020-04-22}}{{Cite web|url=https://nos.nl/l/2331272|title=Dit zijn de nieuwe coronamaatregelen op een rij|website=nos.nl|date=21 April 2020 |language=nl|access-date=2020-04-22|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208201130/https://nos.nl/artikel/2331272-dit-zijn-de-nieuwe-coronamaatregelen-op-een-rij.html|url-status=live}} served as a temporary care facility to cover the nationwide shortage of hospital beds.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-52325536/eurovision-venue-turned-into-covid-19-hospital|title=Eurovision venue turned into Covid-19 hospital|work=BBC News|language=en|access-date=2020-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417154716/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-52325536/eurovision-venue-turned-into-covid-19-hospital|archive-date=17 April 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ahoy.nl/nieuws/algemeen/corona-virus-covid-19|title=Coronavirus (COVID-19)|last=Ahoy|first=Rotterdam|website=ahoy.nl|language=en|access-date=2020-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401031241/https://www.ahoy.nl/nieuws/algemeen/corona-virus-covid-19|archive-date=1 April 2020|url-status=live}} Construction of the stage would have started on 6 April.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nporadio2.nl/nieuws/27559/cornald-maas-over-gevolgen-songfestival-door-corona|title=Cornald Maas over gevolgen Songfestival door corona|website=nporadio2.nl|language=nl-nl|access-date=2020-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314151944/https://www.nporadio2.nl/nieuws/27559/cornald-maas-over-gevolgen-songfestival-door-corona|archive-date=14 March 2020|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light}}

The EBU and the host broadcasters worked on a replacement show, Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light, after the contest's cancellation. From Hilversum's Studio 21, the show was broadcast live on 16 May 2020, the date the contest's final was planned to take place, with Chantal Janzen, Jan Smit and Edsilia Rombley serving as hosts.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-europe-shine-a-light-will-bring-audiences-together-on-16-may|title=Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light will bring audiences together on 16 May|date=31 March 2020|website=eurovision.tv|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401192918/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-europe-shine-a-light-will-bring-audiences-together-on-16-may|archive-date=1 April 2020|access-date=31 March 2020}} 45 countries broadcast the show, including all of the countries that would have participated.{{Cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/04/16/eurovision-europe-shine-a-light-confirms-46-broadcasters-will-air-the-official-esc-replacement-programme/253465/|title="Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light": 46 broadcasters will air the official ESC replacement programme|date=2020-04-16|website=wiwibloggs|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420094807/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/04/16/eurovision-europe-shine-a-light-confirms-46-broadcasters-will-air-the-official-esc-replacement-programme/253465/|archive-date=20 April 2020|url-status=live}}

The EBU announced on 30 April 2020 that Eurovision Song Celebration 2020 would be released as a replacement for the semi-finals on the contest's official YouTube channel. The shows, presented by Janouk Kelderman and premiered on 12 and 14 May, honoured all 41 participants and their songs in a non-competitive format. The first episode showcased the participants of the first semi-final, as well as those of host country the Netherlands and two of the "Big Five", Germany and Italy, who would also have voted in this semi-final. The second episode featured the participants of the second semi-final, as well as those of France, Spain and the United Kingdom, who would also have voted in this semi-final. The running order was determined by the producers of the show as if the contest were actually held, while fans were asked to contribute to the show by sending videoclips of their favourite entries.{{Cite web|title=Get ready for the Eurovision Song Celebration 2020!|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-song-celebration|date=2020-04-29|website=eurovision.tv|access-date=2020-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429161744/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-song-celebration|archive-date=29 April 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Duizenden songfestivalfans kijken 'halve finale' online|url=https://www.lc.nl/cultuur/Duizenden-songfestivalfans-kijken-halve-finale-online-25659642.html|date=12 May 2020|website=Leeuwarder Courant|language=nl|access-date=14 May 2020|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208201059/https://www.lc.nl/cultuur/Duizenden-songfestivalfans-kijken-halve-finale-online-25659642.html|url-status=live}}

The contest's official YouTube channel broadcast Eurovision Home Concerts every Friday from 3 April to 15 May 2020, featuring the planned artists for 2020 and past entrants performing their entries, as well as one of their favourite other entries from their homes.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-home-concerts-on-youtube|title=Eurovision Home Concerts on YouTube|date=2020-03-27|website=eurovision.tv|access-date=2020-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421115908/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-home-concerts-on-youtube|archive-date=21 April 2020|url-status=live}} For their cover, the act gave a shortlist of two to four entries for fans to choose in a poll on Twitter or Instagram, and covered the song (or songs if there was a tie) that won the poll.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKIGdkS5VXE |title=Eurovision Home Concerts - Episode 2 |website=YouTube |access-date=19 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414171832/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKIGdkS5VXE |archive-date=14 April 2020 |url-status=live }}

{{main|EurovisionAgain}}

Upon hearing about the contest's cancellation, journalist Rob Holley launched an initiative to watch a past contest on YouTube every week, eventually giving it the title EurovisionAgain.{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/eurovision-again-twitter-song-contest_uk_5e7dd822c5b6256a7a28981d|title=#EurovisionAgain Could Be The Cure For Your Lockdown Boredom|last=Welsh|first=Daniel|date=28 March 2020|publisher=Huffington Post|access-date=17 April 2020|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208201054/https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=2_cc-session_a181f5fb-a1ff-48d1-95aa-d9090904d794|url-status=live}} The initiative quickly became popular, so the EBU itself decided to partake. Every Saturday at 21:00 CEST, the Eurovision YouTube channel would re-broadcast a final of a previous contest, revealed by the EurovisionAgain team 15 minutes before the start.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/fans-gather-behind-eurovision-again|title=Fans gather behind #EurovisionAgain|date=2020-04-04|publisher=European Broadcasting Union (EBU)|access-date=2020-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426135051/https://eurovision.tv/story/fans-gather-behind-eurovision-again|archive-date=26 April 2020|url-status=live}} Contests prior to 2004 are available for a limited time. The initiative was generally received as a welcome distraction for fans. On Twitter, #EurovisionAgain regularly became a trending topic and received positive reactions from past participants.{{Cite news|last=Rosney|first=Daniel|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-52381023|title=How Eurovision fans are still together every Saturday|date=2020-04-25|work=BBC News|access-date=2020-04-26|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426092457/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-52381023|archive-date=26 April 2020|url-status=live}} As part of the initiative, Holley collected over £24,700 for charity.{{Cite tweet|user=EurovisionAgain|number=1277528730425069568|date=2020-06-29|title=Our final #EurovisionAgain fundraiser total is... £24,700. This is INCREDIBLE. You are the BEST... what a wild 3 months it's been. The money is split between @Mermaids_Gender @THTorguk and @stonewalluk #Pride2020|access-date=2020-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629091345/https://twitter.com/eurovisionagain/status/1277528730425069568|archive-date=2020-06-29|url-status=live}}

From 18 July 2020, a second run of EurovisionAgain began with a replay of the {{Escyr|1999|3=1999 contest}}, and aired every third Saturday of the month leading up to the 2021 selection season. It ended with a special edition where the 26 most popular songs that did not qualify for the final, one from each country, as chosen via the official Eurovision social media handles, were streamed and put to a fan-vote. Iceland's 2016 entry, "Hear Them Calling" by Greta Salóme, won the fan-vote.{{cite web |title=Hear Them Calling wins Eurovision Again Semi Final Special |date=19 December 2020 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/this-was-the-eurovision-again-semi-final-special |publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=20 December 2020}}

Aside from Europe Shine a Light, broadcasters were left to make plans to fill the rest of the gaps themselves. Most broadcasters provided their television audience with Eurovision-related replacement programming.{{Cite web|title=Eurovision 2020 special public broadcasting plans|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-special-public-broadcaster-plans|date=2020-05-05|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=2020-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507055513/https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-special-public-broadcaster-plans|archive-date=7 May 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=TV Guide: Alternative Eurovision 2020 Schedule|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/05/10/tv-guide-alternative-eurovision-2020-schedule/254133/|date=2020-05-10|publisher=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515040834/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/05/10/tv-guide-alternative-eurovision-2020-schedule/254133/|archive-date=15 May 2020|url-status=live}} Examples include holding an alternative contest by offering people the chance to listen to the 2020 entries and vote for their favourites,{{Cite web|title="Mr. Song Contest proudly presents – Der 'kleine' Song Contest" am 14., 16. und 18. April in ORF 1|url=https://tv.orf.at/highlights/orf1/200414_der_kleine_songcontest100.html|website=tv.ORF.at|language=de|access-date=2020-04-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412120715/https://tv.orf.at/highlights/orf1/200414_der_kleine_songcontest100.html|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Klart för Eurovision-vecka i SVT|url=https://www.svt.se/kultur/svt-sander-eurovision-vecka|date=2020-04-03|website=SVT Nyheter|language=sv|access-date=2020-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404013844/https://www.svt.se/kultur/svt-sander-eurovision-vecka|archive-date=4 April 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Alla leið! Iceland's RÚV announces alternative Eurovision 2020 show|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/04/18/alla-leid-icelands-ruv-announces-alternative-eurovision-2020-show/253526/|date=2020-04-18|publisher=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422170251/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/04/18/alla-leid-icelands-ruv-announces-alternative-eurovision-2020-show/253526/|archive-date=22 April 2020|url-status=live}} with some countries holding a ranking of (their own) songs throughout Eurovision history,{{Cite web|last=Slovenija|first=Multimedijski center RTV|title=Pesem Evrovizije: Najboljših 25|url=https://4d.rtvslo.si/arhiv/pesem-evrovizije/174693282|access-date=2020-07-31|website=RTV 4D|language=sl|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208201014/https://4d.rtvslo.si/arhiv/pesem-evrovizije/174693282|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=RTVE.es|date=2020-05-12|title=Eurovisión - Encuesta final de 'La mejor canción de España en el Festival'|url=https://www.rtve.es/television/20200512/mejor-cancion-espana-historia-festival-eurovision/2013886.shtml|access-date=2020-07-31|website=RTVE|language=es|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208201029/https://www.rtve.es/television/20200512/mejor-cancion-espana-historia-festival-eurovision/2013886.shtml|url-status=live}} and re-broadcasts of pre-existing Eurovision specials{{Cite web|title=Eurovision month! BBC reveals extensive ESC programme schedule...with "Europe Shine A Light" on BBC One|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/05/01/eurovision-month-bbc-reveals-extensive-esc-programme-schedule-with-europe-shine-a-light-on-bbc-one/253833/|date=2020-05-01|publisher=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502081947/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/05/01/eurovision-month-bbc-reveals-extensive-esc-programme-schedule-with-europe-shine-a-light-on-bbc-one/253833/|archive-date=2 May 2020|url-status=live}} and previous contests which are significant for their country, such as the contest they last won or hosted.{{Cite web|title=AVROTROS reveals Dutch Eurovision week programming|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/03/25/netherlands-avrotros-will-re-broadcast-its-de-beste-zangers-eurovision-2019-special-on-may-16/252480/|date=2020-03-25|publisher=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326113038/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/03/25/netherlands-avrotros-will-re-broadcast-its-de-beste-zangers-eurovision-2019-special-on-may-16/252480/|archive-date=26 March 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=SBS is uniting music fans with Eurovision 2020: Big Night In!|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/programs/eurovision/article/2020/04/16/sbs-uniting-music-fans-eurovision-2020-big-night|website=sbs.com.au|date=16 April 2020|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420105232/https://www.sbs.com.au/programs/eurovision/article/2020/04/16/sbs-uniting-music-fans-eurovision-2020-big-night|archive-date=20 April 2020|access-date=2020-04-19}}{{Cite web|title=Yle's Eurovision Diaries documentary to premiere on April 6|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/04/04/yles-eurovision-diaries-documentary-to-premiere-on-april-6th/252972/|date=2020-04-04|publisher=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406172929/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/04/04/yles-eurovision-diaries-documentary-to-premiere-on-april-6th/252972/|archive-date=6 April 2020|url-status=live}}

Big Night In was organised and broadcast by the Australian broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and aired on 16 May 2020. Australians voted online for their favourite 2020 song (minus Montaigne's "Don't Break Me"), and over three hours, the songs was counted down from 40 to 1, with the top twenty songs being playing in full. Iceland's Daði og Gagnamagnið were crowned winners with "Think About Things".{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/programs/eurovision-2020-big-night-in/article/2020/05/15/australias-eurovision-2020-winner-revealed|title=Australia's Eurovision 2020 winner revealed!|website=SBS|date=18 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021}}

{{lang|de|Der kleine Song Contest}} (English: The Little Song Contest) was organised and broadcast by the Austrian broadcaster {{lang|de|Österreichischer Rundfunk|i=unset}} (ORF). The competition consisted of three semi-finals between 14 and 18 April 2020 and a final on 18 April 2020, and was hosted by Andi Knoll. All shows were broadcast on the television channel ORF 1, as well as on the streaming platform ORF-TVthek.

{{lang|de|Eurovision 2020 – das deutsche Finale}} (English: Eurovision 2020 - The German Final) was organised and broadcast by the German broadcaster {{lang|de|Norddeutscher Rundfunk|i=unset}} (NDR). The competition consisted of a pre-qualifying round on 9 May 2020 and a final on 16 May 2020.

Eurovision: Come Together was organised and broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Hosted by Graham Norton on 16 May 2020 and broadcast live on BBC One, an online vote determined the UK public's most popular Eurovision entry in its 64-year history, from a selection of 19 previous competing songs.{{cite web |title=May means Eurovision on the BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eurovision/entries/990f7787-04ae-4b49-b62f-7303d1898a06 |publisher=BBC |access-date=22 June 2020 |date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625045116/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eurovision/entries/990f7787-04ae-4b49-b62f-7303d1898a06 |archive-date=25 June 2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Eurovision: Abba's Waterloo voted best song of all time |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52615403 |access-date=22 June 2020 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606132129/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52615403 |archive-date=6 June 2020 |url-status=live }}

{{lang|is|Okkar 12 stig}} (English: Our 12 Points) was organised and broadcast by the Icelandic broadcaster {{lang|is|Ríkisútvarpið|i=unset}} (RÚV).

{{lang|sl|Pesem Evrovizije: Najboljših 25}} (English: Eurovision Song Contest: Top 25) was organised and broadcast by the Slovenian broadcaster RTV Slovenija. The ranking of all Slovenian Eurovision entries (excluding the songs that represented {{Esccnty|Yugoslavia}}), decided by over 30,000 online votes, was revealed on the show.{{Cite web|date=2020-05-18|title=Maja Keuc's "No One" is voted Slovenia's favourite Eurovision entry|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/05/18/maja-keuc-no-one-is-voted-slovenias-favourite-eurovision-entry/254534/|access-date=2020-07-31|publisher=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208201040/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/05/18/maja-keuc-no-one-is-voted-slovenias-favourite-eurovision-entry/254534/|url-status=live}} Slovenian artists and presenters associated with Eurovision gave their opinions on the 25 songs, and interviews were held with several past Slovenian participants. During the broadcast, it was revealed that Ana Soklič, who had been selected to represent Slovenia in 2020, would remain as the country's entrant in 2021.{{Cite web|date=2020-05-16|title=Eurovision 2021: Ana Soklic will represent Slovenia|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/05/17/eurovision-2021-ana-soklic-represent-slovenia/254461/|access-date=2020-07-31|publisher=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208200958/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/05/17/eurovision-2021-ana-soklic-represent-slovenia/254461/|url-status=live}}

{{lang|sv|Sveriges 12:a}} (English: "Sweden's 12 [points]") was organised and broadcast by the Swedish broadcaster {{lang|sv|Sveriges Television|i=unset}} (SVT). The competition consisted of a pre-qualifying round on 9 May 2020, hosted by Christer Björkman and David Sundin, and a final on 14 May 2020, hosted by Christer Björkman and Sarah Dawn Finer. Both shows were broadcast live on SVT1, as well as on the streaming platform SVT Play. The winning entry – the hypothetical recipient of Sweden's 12 points – was the Icelandic entry "Think About Things".

OGAE, an organisation of over forty Eurovision Song Contest fan clubs across Europe and beyond, conducts an annual voting poll. After all votes were cast, the top-ranked entry in the 2020 poll was Lithuania's "{{lang|en|On Fire|i=unset}}" by The Roop; the top five results are shown below.{{cite web|author=OGAE|date=15 June 2012|title=Eurovision Fanclub Network|url=http://www.ogae.net/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419213155/http://www.ogae.net|archive-date=19 April 2013|access-date=15 June 2012|work=OGAE}}{{cite web|date=5 June 2012|title=Klubi-info: Mikä ihmeen OGAE?|trans-title=The club info: What on Earth is OGAE?|url=http://www.euroviisuklubi.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=8&Itemid=41|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127121744/http://www.euroviisuklubi.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=8&Itemid=41|archive-date=27 January 2012|access-date=17 June 2012|work=Euroviisuklubi|publisher=OGAE Finland|language=fi}}{{Cite web|date=16 May 2020|title=2020 OGAE Poll|url=https://www.ogaespain.com/concursos-ogae/ogae-poll/ogae-poll-2020/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524101109/https://www.ogaespain.com/concursos-ogae/ogae-poll/ogae-poll-2020/|archive-date=24 May 2022|access-date=24 May 2022|website=OGAE Spain|language=es}}

File:Eurovision - A Tribute to the Artists and Songs 2020.jpeg

Eurovision: A Tribute to the Artists and Songs 2020 is the official compilation album of the contest, put together by the European Broadcasting Union and containing all 41 songs that would have taken part in the competition. It was originally scheduled to be released by Universal Music Group physically and digitally on 17 April 2020 but was delayed to 8 May,{{cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/03/26/eurovision-song-contest-2020-cd-album-8-may/252567/|title=The Official Eurovision Song Contest 2020 CD album with 41 songs to be released 8 May|first=Renske|last=ten Veen|date=28 March 2020|publisher=Wiwibloggs|access-date=28 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328113104/https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/03/26/eurovision-song-contest-2020-cd-album-8-may/252567/|archive-date=28 March 2020|url-status=live}} and later to 15 May.{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2020/04/17/eurovision-2020-cd-delayed/|title=Eurovision 2020 CD release delayed until 15th May|first=Tom|last=Ryan|date=17 April 2020|publisher=ESCXtra|access-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505162654/https://escxtra.com/2020/04/17/eurovision-2020-cd-delayed/|archive-date=5 May 2020|url-status=live}}

• Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, a film featuring a fictional Eurovision Song Contest 2020
• Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://eurovision.tv/}}

{{Eurovision Song Contest 2020}}

{{Eurovision Song Contest}}

2020

Category:Music festivals in the Netherlands

Category:2020 in the Netherlands

Category:2020 song contests

Category:Music events cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Category:Festivals in Rotterdam

Category:Music in Rotterdam