Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020

File:Siedziba Telewizji Polskiej w Warszawie 2017.jpg

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020 took place in Studio 5 in the TVP Headquarters located in Warsaw, Poland, after the country won the 2019 edition on home soil in Gliwice with the song "Superhero" by Viki Gabor. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time, all the competing songs were performed in a studio in each participating country.{{Cite web |date=8 September 2020 |title=13 countries will 'Move the World' at Junior Eurovision 2020 |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/13-countries-will-move-the-world-at-junior-eurovision-2020 |website=junioreurovision.tv |publisher=EBU}}

It was the third time Warsaw hosted a Eurovision event (after the Eurovision Young Musicians 1994 and the Eurovision Young Dancers 2005), and the first time the contest is held in the same country in two consecutive years.

{{Location map many |relief=y |Poland |width=200 |float=left

| caption = Location of the candidate city (red) and the chosen host city (blue)

| label1 = Warsaw

| mark1 = Blue pog.svg

| coordinates1 = {{coord|52.14|N|21.1|E}}

| label2 = Kraków

| coordinates2 = {{coord|50.06|N|19.94|E}}

}}

After Poland's victory in the {{Escyr|2019|Junior}} contest, the director-general of Polish broadcaster Telewizja Polska (TVP), Jacek Kurski, stated that the country would apply to host the event again in 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/junior-eurovision-2019-winner-viki-gabor-talks-to-press|title="Poland is so proud of you": 2019 Winner Viki Gabor talks to the press|publisher=EBU|website=junioreurovision.tv|date=24 November 2019|access-date=24 November 2019}} However, Kurski stated that the possibility of two consecutive editions of the event in Poland could be frowned upon by the EBU. After a period of uncertainty, in the last week of December 2019, it was reported by Gazeta Wyborcza that some Kraków City Councillors were expressing interest in taking the proposal that the contest be held in the city, focused on Tauron Arena. A few days later on 8 January 2020, the proposal was discussed at the City Council and accepted by the majority of its members.{{Cite web|last=Granger|first=Anthony|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/01/12/poland-councillors-support-motion-for-krakow-to-host-junior-eurovision|title=Poland: Councillors Support Motion For Krakow To Host Junior Eurovision|website=Eurovoix|access-date=12 January 2020|date=12 January 2020}} Poland was confirmed as the host country in March 2020 and Kraków was seed as the main possibility to be host city.{{Cite web|url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/poland-will-host-junior-eurovision-for-2nd-year-in-a-row|title=We're going back to Poland!|website=junioreurovision.tv|date=5 March 2020}}

Following the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, work on the event was suspended indefinitely.{{Cite web|url=https://gazetakrakowska.pl/eurowizja-dla-doroslych-odwolana-co-dalej-z-eurowizja-junior/ar/c13-14876205|title=Eurowizja dla dorosłych odwołana. Co dalej z Eurowizją Junior?|website=Gazeta Krakowska|date=24 March 2020}} On 16 May 2020, during the airing of Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light, it was confirmed that the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020 would be held in a minor scale inside a television studio in Warsaw on 29 November. Gabor also revealed the competition's logo and slogan during the broadcast.

On 7 October, Rafał Brzozowski revealed in an interview for TVP that the contest would take place in Studio 5 at the TVP Headquarters in Warsaw. In that studio, TVP1 has produced the game show Jaka to melodia? since 2019. Previously, the venue had organised the national finals (in 2003–04 as Krajowe Eliminacje and from 2006 to 2008 as Piosenka dla Europy) for the adult and children's (until 2004) versions of the contest.

On 8 September 2020, the EBU released the initial list of participants with 13 competing countries. {{Esccnty|Germany|Junior}} would make their debut appearance, while {{Esccnty|Albania|Junior}}, {{Esccnty|Australia|Junior}}, {{Esccnty|Ireland|Junior}}, {{Esccnty|Italy|Junior}}, {{Esccnty|North Macedonia|Junior}}, {{Esccnty|Portugal|Junior}} and {{Esccnty|Wales|Junior}} would not return, having participated in 2019. All of these countries cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for their withdrawal. Although initially confirmed as a participating country, {{Esccnty|Armenia|Junior}} withdrew from the contest on 5 November 2020 due to the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, reducing the number of participating countries to 12.{{Cite web |date=5 November 2020 |title=Armenia withdraws from Junior Eurovision 2020 |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/armenia-withdraws-from-junior-eurovision-2020 |website=Junioreurovision.tv |publisher=EBU}} This was the lowest number of participating countries since {{Escyr|2013|Junior}}, which also had twelve participating countries.

File:JESC 2020 album cover.jpg

Prior to the event, a digital compilation album featuring all the songs from the 2020 contest was put together by the European Broadcasting Union and released by Universal Music Group on 13 November 2020. It was the first time since 2012 that the compilation was released physically.{{Cite web |date=10 November 2020 |title=The Junior Eurovision 2020 album will be released soon! |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/the-junior-eurovision-2020-album-will-be-released-soon |access-date=10 November 2020 |website=junioreurovision.tv |publisher=EBU}}{{Cite web |date=12 November 2020 |title=Junior Eurovision Song Contest Poland 2020 by Various Artists |url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/junior-eurovision-song-contest-poland-2020/1539172562 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112124750/https://music.apple.com/nz/album/junior-eurovision-song-contest-poland-2020/1539172562 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |website=music.apple.com |publisher=Apple Music}}

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was, like the previous year, a joint project held by TVP and the EBU. In January 2020, the EBU announced that after the Eurovision Song Contest 2020, Martin Österdahl would become the new executive supervisor of both the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and the Eurovision Song Contest, succeeding Jon Ola Sand.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/martin-osterdahl-new-eurovision-song-contest-executive-supervisor|title=Martin Österdahl new Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor|date=20 January 2020|publisher=EBU|website=Eurovision.tv}} Österdahl stated during the press conference before the contest final that this year's event "faced more challenges than perhaps ever before",{{Cite web|url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/the-ebu-tvp-present-junior-eurovision-2020|title=The EBU & TVP present Junior Eurovision 2020|date=27 November 2020|publisher=EBU|website=Junioreurovision.tv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234511/https://junioreurovision.tv/story/the-ebu-tvp-present-junior-eurovision-2020|archive-date=28 November 2020|url-status=live}} and that some worked double or triple the normal amount.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtlboulevard.nl/entertainment/news/artikel/5199855/junior-eurovisiesongfestival-2020-zal-niet-snel-worden-vergeten|title='Organiseren Junior Eurovisiesongfestival 2020 lastiger dan ooit'|language=nl|trans-title=Organising the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was more challenging than ever|date=28 November 2020|publisher=RTL|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129112808/https://www.rtlboulevard.nl/entertainment/news/artikel/5199855/junior-eurovisiesongfestival-2020-zal-niet-snel-worden-vergeten|archive-date=29 November 2020|url-status=live}}

For the first time in the contest's history, most of the participants performed their songs remotely, in a series of performances on their country of origin. The EBU stated "to ensure continuity and the fairness of the competition, EBU Members in the [then] 13 participating countries have agreed to use a similar stage layout and technical set up to capture the performance of their artist(s)." Due to logistical reasons, aside from Poland, the only three countries to record their performances in Warsaw were {{Esccnty|Malta|Junior|y=2020}}, {{Esccnty|Serbia|Junior|y=2020}} and {{Esccnty|Ukraine|Junior|y=2020}}.{{Cite web |last=Stojanović |first=Nikola |date=28 October 2020 |title=Four Countries Are Going To Record Their JESC Performances At TVP? |url=https://escbubble.com/2020/10/four-countries-are-going-to-record-their-jesc-performances-at-tvp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101120934/https://escbubble.com/2020/10/four-countries-are-going-to-record-their-jesc-performances-at-tvp/ |archive-date=1 November 2020 |website=ESCBubble |quote=(...) four countries are going to record their performances at TVP those countries are Poland, Serbia, Ukraine and Malta.}}

The opening ceremonies, the draw and the interval acts were also broadcast live from Warsaw, with, according to the EBU, "all presenters and necessary crew socially distancing." There was a small audience present.{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=28 November 2020 |title=Junior Eurovision'20: Small Audience Will Be in Attendance For The Show |url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/28/junior-eurovision20-small-audience-will-be-in-attendance-for-the-show |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129104158/https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/28/junior-eurovision20-small-audience-will-be-in-attendance-for-the-show |archive-date=29 November 2020 |website=Eurovoix}}

On 7 October 2020, it was announced that Ida Nowakowska, Rafał Brzozowski, and {{ill|Małgorzata Tomaszewska|pl}} would host the contest.{{Cite web|date=7 October 2020|title=Meet the presenters of Junior Eurovision 2020!|url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/meet-the-presenters-of-junior-eurovision-2020|access-date=7 October 2020|website=Junior Eurovision|language=en}} Nowakowska was the first person to host either the junior or adult contest two times in a row. Brzozowski is a Polish singer and TV presenter, and later represented Poland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. Tomaszewska is a co-host of The Voice of Poland.{{Cite web|last=Blazewicz|first=Maciej|date=7 October 2020|title=🇵🇱 Eurowizja Junior 2020: Ida Nowakowska, Małgorzata Tomaszewska i Rafał Brzozowski poprowadzą konkurs|url=https://dziennik-eurowizyjny.pl/2020/10/07/%f0%9f%87%b5%f0%9f%87%b1-eurowizja-junior-2020-ida-nowakowska-malgorzata-tomaszewska-i-rafal-brzozowski-poprowadza-konkurs/|access-date=7 October 2020|website=Dziennik-Eurowizyjny.pl|language=pl-PL}}

On 14 November 2020, journalist and TV host Mateusz Szymkowiak was confirmed as the host for the Opening Ceremony, which took place on 23 November in Warsaw. Szymkowiak was the first person to host the Opening Ceremony of either the junior or adult contest two times in a row.{{Cite web|date=14 November 2020|title=Junior Eurovision'20: Mateusz Szymkowiak to Host the Opening Ceremony|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/14/junior-eurovision20-mateusz-szymkowiak-to-host-the-opening-ceremony/|access-date=15 November 2020|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}}

The theme for the contest, #MoveTheWorld!, was revealed on 16 May 2020, during the broadcast of Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light by Junior Eurovision 2019 winner Viki Gabor. The creative concept behind the slogan is the belief in children that "all important things are done by renowned people: scientists, astronauts, athletes and actors", celebrating the millions of people around the world perform their day-to-day duties with capability and care and the "collective power we hold together."

The main stage in Warsaw was designed by Anna Brodnicka.{{Cite web|url=https://escbubble.com/2020/10/junior-eurovision-stage-revealed|title=Junior Eurovision Reveal Stage Design|last=Grocott|first=Matthew|date=27 October 2020|website=ESC Bubble|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101105850/https://escbubble.com/2020/10/junior-eurovision-stage-revealed|archive-date=1 November 2020|url-status=live}} It was "inspired by the rich symbolism of a circle and its connection to our lives." The participating broadcasters were presented two versions of the stage to film their performances in their own countries.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/10/29/broadcasters-were-offered-two-stage-options-for-filming-junior-eurovision-performances|title=Broadcasters Were Offered Two Stage Options For Filming Junior Eurovision Performances|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=29 October 2020|website=Eurovoix|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101213758/https://eurovoix.com/2020/10/29/broadcasters-were-offered-two-stage-options-for-filming-junior-eurovision-performances|archive-date=1 November 2020|url-status=live}} One version of the stage featured LED screens, while the other more simplified stage used projections instead.

The trophy was designed by Kjell Engman of the Swedish glass company Kosta Boda, using the same design as was first introduced in the 2017 contest.{{Cite web|last=Herbert|first=Emily|date=27 November 2020|title=Junior Eurovision 2020 Trophy Revealed|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/27/junior-eurovision-2020-trophy/|access-date=27 November 2020|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}} The main trophy is a glass microphone with coloured lines inside the upper part, which symbolize the flow of sound.{{Cite web|last=Herbert|first=Emily|date=21 November 2017|title=Junior Eurovision 2017 Trophy Revealed|url=https://eurovoix.com/2017/11/21/junior-eurovision-2017-trophy-revealed/|access-date=27 November 2020|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}}

Each postcard took place in a different location in Poland. They all began with a short clip of the upcoming performer creating a heart with their hands or otherwise gesturing to the camera, followed by an extended sequence involving dance troupes dancing around cardboard models related to a certain profession. Each postcard ended with the upcoming performer giving a gift to a worker in that profession.{{Cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XVjDr88nnrQ|title = Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020 - Live Show|website = YouTube}}

{{div col start}}

• {{Esc|Belarus|Junior}}{{snd}}Gdańsk
• {{Esc|France|Junior}}{{snd}}Forest in Podkarpackie Voivodeship
• {{Esc|Georgia|Junior}}{{snd}}Moszna Castle
• {{Esc|Germany|Junior}}{{snd}}Solina Dam
• {{Esc|Kazakhstan|Junior}}{{snd}}Royal Castle, Warsaw
• {{Esc|Malta|Junior}}{{snd}}Masuria
• {{Esc|Netherlands|Junior}}{{snd}}Palace of the Kraków Bishops in Kielce
• {{Esc|Poland|Junior}}{{snd}}Białowieża National Park
• {{Esc|Russia|Junior}}{{snd}}Katowice
• {{Esc|Serbia|Junior}}{{snd}}Łódź
• {{Esc|Spain|Junior}}{{snd}}Szczecin
• {{Esc|Ukraine|Junior}}{{snd}}Centennial Hall, Wrocław

{{div col end}}

The event took place on 29 November 2020 at 17:00 CET. Twelve countries participated, with the running order published on 23 November 2020.{{Cite web |date=23 November 2020 |title=This is the Running Order for Junior Eurovision 2020 |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/this-is-the-running-order-for-junior-eurovision-2020 |access-date=2 June 2023 |website=junioreurovision.tv |language=en}} All the countries competing were eligible to vote with the jury vote, as well as participating and non-participating countries under an aggregated international online vote, eligible to vote.{{Cite web |date=21 November 2018 |title=How to vote at Junior Eurovision 2020 {{!}} Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/voting |access-date=2 June 2023 |website=junioreurovision.tv |language=en}} France won with 200 points, winning both the jury and online vote. Kazakhstan came second with 152 points, with Spain completing the top three. Russia, Serbia and Germany occupied the bottom three positions.

Opening the show, Viki Gabor performed her winning song "Superhero". She later returned during the interval to perform the 2019 adult Eurovision winning song "Arcade" with Roksana Węgiel and Duncan Laurence, the latter having his appearance inserted via chroma keying.{{Cite web |last=Waarden |first=Franciska van |date=27 November 2020 |title=Duncan Laurence, Viki Gabor and Roksana Wegiel to Perform at Junior Eurovision 2020 |url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/27/duncan-laurence-viki-gabor-and-roksana-wegiel-to-perform-at-junior-eurovision-2020/ |access-date=27 November 2020 |website=Eurovoix |language=en-GB}} Alicja Szemplińska then performed "Empires", the intended Polish entry for the cancelled Eurovision Song Contest 2020. The show's co-host, Ida Nowakowska, performed as a backup dancer for Szemplińska. Closing the interval, all participants performed the common song, "Move the World", with their appearance also inserted via augmented reality and chroma key.{{Cite web |date=27 November 2020 |title=Even more music at Junior Eurovision 2020! |url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/even-more-music-at-junior-eurovision-2020 |access-date=27 November 2020 |website=junioreurovision.tv |language=en}}

Following the final, multiple delegations, including winner France, were accused of having used playback and pre-recorded vocals in the recordings of their performances. A formal request to respond to the allegations was denied by the EBU, which responded, "all countries were subject to the same controls and that the playback allegations were not true."{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=William Lee |date=30 November 2020 |title="Valentina sang live — there is no debate!" France HoD denies playback...and says broadcaster wants to host JESC 2021 |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/11/30/france-hod-denies-playback-wants-host-jesc-2021/259149/ |access-date=2 June 2023 |website=wiwibloggs |language=en-US}}

Breaking a tradition introduced in recent years, in which spokespeople from each participating country were part of their respective delegations and giving the results at the contest's venue, for this year the spokespersons announced the jury 12 points from their respective countries and were connected to Warsaw via satellite, in the same way as the adult contest. The following announced the jury 12 points for their respective country:

{{Div col|colwidth=33em}}

1. {{esc|Germany|Junior}}{{snd}}Olivia{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
2. {{esc|Kazakhstan|Junior}}{{snd}}Saniya Zholzhaksynova{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/25/kazakhstan-saniya-zholzhaxynova-spokesperson/|title=Kazakhstan: Saniya Zholzhaxynova Revealed as Junior Eurovision 2020 Spokesperson|date=25 November 2020|last=Herbert|first=Emily|website=Eurovoix}}
3. {{esc|Netherlands|Junior}}{{snd}}Robin de Haas{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/09/30/netherlands-robin-revealed-as-spokesperson-for-junior-eurovision-2020|title=Netherlands: Robin Revealed as Spokesperson for Junior Eurovision 2020|date=30 September 2020|last=Farren|first=Neil|website=Eurovoix}}
4. {{esc|Serbia|Junior}}{{snd}}Darija Vračević{{Cite web|last=Farren|first=Neil|date=24 November 2020|title=Serbia: Darija Vračević Revealed As Spokesperson for Junior Eurovision 2020|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/24/serbia-darija-vracevic-revealed-as-spokesperson-for-junior-eurovision-2020/|access-date=24 November 2020|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}}
5. {{esc|Belarus|Junior}}{{snd}}Ksenia Galetskaya{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/27/belarus-ksenia-galetskaya-announced-as-spokesperson-for-junior-eurovision/|title=Belarus: Ksenia Galetskaya Announced as Spokesperson for Junior Eurovision|date=27 November 2020|access-date=27 November 2020|work=Eurovoix|first=Anthony|last=Granger}}
6. {{esc|Poland|Junior}}{{snd}}Marianna Józefina Piątkowska{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/28/poland-marianna-jozefina-returns-at-spokesperson-for-junior-eurovision/|title=Poland: Marianna Józefina Returns as Spokesperson for Junior Eurovision|date=28 November 2020|access-date=28 November 2020|work=Eurovoix|first=Anthony|last=Granger}}
7. {{esc|Georgia|Junior}}{{snd}}Marita Khvedelidze{{Cite web|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=17 November 2020|title=Georgia: Marita Khvedelidze Revealed as Spokesperson for Junior Eurovision|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/17/georgia-marita-khvedelidze-revealed-as-spokesperson-for-junior-eurovision/|access-date=17 November 2020|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}}
8. {{esc|Malta|Junior}}{{snd}}Leah Mifsud{{Cite web|date=29 November 2020|title=Leah Mifsud{{snd}}Facebook post|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=966104690247075&story_fbid=1677418675782336|access-date=4 December 2020|website=Facebook|language=en-GB}}
9. {{esc|Russia|Junior}}{{snd}}Mikella Abramova and Khryusha{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/27/russia-alsous-daughter-mikella-abramova-announced-as-spokesperson|title=Russia: Alsou's Daughter Mikella Abramova Announced as Spokesperson|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=27 November 2020|work=Eurovoix|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127125942/https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/27/russia-alsous-daughter-mikella-abramova-announced-as-spokesperson|archive-date=27 November 2020|url-status=live}}
10. {{esc|Spain|Junior}}{{snd}}Melani García{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtve.es/television/20201116/melani-portavoz-jurado-espana-junior-eurovision-spain/2048287.shtml|title=Melani será la portavoz del jurado de España en Eurovisión Junior 2020|date=16 November 2020|publisher=RTVE|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116111739/https://www.rtve.es/television/20201116/melani-portavoz-jurado-espana-junior-eurovision-spain/2048287.shtml|archive-date=16 November 2020|url-status=live}}
11. {{esc|Ukraine|Junior}}{{snd}}Sophia Ivanko{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/25/ukraine-sophia-ivanko-revealed-as-spokesperson-for-junior-eurovision-2020/|title=Ukraine: Sophia Ivanko Revealed As Spokesperson for Junior Eurovision 2020|date=25 November 2020|access-date=25 November 2020|work=Eurovoix|first=Neil|last=Farren}}
12. {{esc|France|Junior}}{{snd}} Nathan Laface

{{div col end}}

Below is a summary of all 12 points received from each country's professional juries.

According to the EBU, a total of over 4.5 million valid votes were received during the voting windows.{{Cite web|date=29 November 2020|title=Valentina wins Junior Eurovision 2020 for France!|url=https://junioreurovision.tv/story/junior-eurovision-2020-winner|access-date=1 December 2020|website=junioreurovision.tv|publisher=EBU|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=29 November 2020|title=Full Junior Eurovision 2020 online voting results: France beats Kazakhstan by 251,000 votes|url=https://escxtra.com/2020/11/29/junior-eurovision-2020-online-voting-results/|access-date=1 December 2020|website=ESCXTRA.com|language=en-GB}}

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

For a country to be eligible for potential participation in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, it needs to be an active member of the EBU.{{Cite web|url=http://www3.ebu.ch/sites/ebu/contents/programming/tv/tv-groups/junior-eurovision-song-contest-s.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528005833/http://www3.ebu.ch/sites/ebu/contents/programming/tv/tv-groups/junior-eurovision-song-contest-s.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 May 2014|title=EBU - Junior Eurovision Song Contest Steering Group|date=28 May 2014|access-date=5 October 2019}}

• {{Esc|Albania|Junior}}{{snd}}Albania did not appear on the list of participants published by the EBU on 8 September 2020. RTSH later revealed that they did not enter due to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|last=García|first=Belén|date=17 September 2020|title=Exclusive: Albania reveals the reasons behind Junior Eurovision withdrawal|url=https://www.esc-plus.com/exclusive-albania-reveals-the-reasons-behind-junior-eurovision-withdrawal/|access-date=17 September 2020|website=ESCplus|language=en-GB}}
• {{Esc|Armenia|Junior}}{{snd}}Initially, Armenia was on the list of participating countries as announced by the EBU on 8 September 2020. However, on 5 November 2020, Armenia withdrew from the contest, citing martial law imposed on the country as a result of the then-ongoing Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. On Instagram, Armenia's Head of Delegation David Tserunyan revealed that Maléna had been internally selected to represent Armenia this year.{{Cite web|last=Farren|first=Neil|date=5 November 2020|title=Armenia Withdraws From Junior Eurovision 2020|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/05/armenia-withdraws-from-junior-eurovision-2020/|access-date=5 November 2020|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}} Her intended entry "Why" was released on 29 November 2020.{{cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2020/11/29/armenia-malena-releases-why-junior-eurovision-2020/259110/|title=Armenia: Maléna releases "Why", the song that would have been her Junior Eurovision 2020 entry|work=Wiwibloggs|date=29 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020}} Maléna was subsequently re-selected to represent Armenia in the 2021 edition, and later won the competition with the song "Qami Qami".{{Cite web|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=19 November 2021|title=🇦🇲 Armenia: "Qami Qami" Revealed For Junior Eurovision|url=https://eurovoix.com/2021/11/19/armenia-qami-qami-junior-eurovision/|access-date=21 November 2021|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}}
• {{Esc|Australia|Junior}}{{snd}}In July 2020, the Australian national broadcaster SBS announced that they would not participate in the 2020 contest due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns.{{Cite web|date=15 July 2020|title=Australia withdraws from Junior Eurovision 2020 due to travel restrictions|url=http://wiwibloggs.com/2020/07/15/junior-eurovision-2020-australia-withdraws-covid-19-travel-restrictions/256117|access-date=15 July 2020|website=Wiwibloggs|language=en-US}} However, they expressed their intention to return to the event in 2021.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
• {{Esc|Bulgaria|Junior}}{{snd}}In December 2019, Bulgarian National Television stated that they had no plans to return to the contest at the time, as it was consolidating its participation in the adult contest.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/12/09/bulgaria-junior-eurovision-return|title=Bulgaria: Junior Eurovision Return Currently Not Under Discussion|website=Eurovoix|date=9 December 2019|access-date=10 December 2019|first=Emily|last=Herbert}} However, in July 2020, they stated that the broadcaster was looking to return to the contest in 2021{{Cite web|last=Herbert|first=Emily|date=21 July 2020|title=Bulgaria: Considering Returning to Junior Eurovision in 2021|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/07/21/bulgaria-junior-eurovision-return-2021/|access-date=23 July 2020|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}} and had not completely ruled out the possibility of returning to the contest in 2020.{{Cite tweet|user=bg_eurovision|number=1285990273147953152|title=At this stage we won't rule out that completely but given the situation with COVID-19 and the ongoing restrictions, a return to the competition could be more probable next year.|access-date=23 July 2020|date=22 July 2020}} Bulgaria did not appear on the list of participants published by the EBU on 8 September 2020.
• {{Esc|Greece|Junior}}{{snd}}In June 2020, it was reported that Greek broadcaster ERT was seriously considering returning to the contest in 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/06/15/greece-ert-considering-return-to-the-junior-eurovision-song-contest|title=Greece: ERT Considering Return To The Junior Eurovision Song Contest|website=Eurovoix|date=15 June 2020}} However, weeks later, it was revealed that the broadcaster had decided not to return to the contest in 2020.{{Cite web|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=14 June 2020|title=Greece: ERT Decides Against Return to Junior Eurovision in 2020|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/06/27/greece-ert-decides-against-return-to-junior-eurovision-in-2020|access-date=27 June 2020|website=Eurovoix}} Greece last participated in {{Escyr|2008|Junior}}.
• {{Esc|Iceland|Junior}}{{snd}}In December 2019, the Icelandic Head of Delegation for the Eurovision Song Contest Felix Bergsson revealed that no decision had yet been made regarding a potential debut in the contest.{{cite web|last=Ryan|first=Tom|date=27 December 2019|title=Felix Bergsson says "no decision has been made" about JESC|url=https://escxtra.com/2019/12/27/felix-bergsson-no-decision-jesc/|access-date=18 July 2020|website=ESCXTRA.com|archive-date=4 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204215907/https://escxtra.com/2019/12/27/felix-bergsson-no-decision-jesc/|url-status=dead}} Iceland did not appear on the list of participants published by the EBU on 8 September 2020.
• {{Esc|Ireland|Junior}}{{snd}}Despite having confirmed their participation in the contest in January 2020, TG4 announced in August 2020 that Ireland would not participate in the 2020 contest due to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|last=Farren|first=Neil|date=4 August 2020|title=Ireland: Withdraws from Junior Eurovision 2020|url= https://eurovoix.com/2020/08/04/ireland-withdraws-from-junior-eurovision-2020/|access-date=4 August 2020|work=Eurovoix}}
• {{Esc|Italy|Junior}}{{snd}}While Rai Gulp had previously stated in an Instagram story dated 4 November 2019 that they intended to participate in the 2020 contest;{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/stories/rai_gulp/|title=Rai Gulp stories in official account confirms appointment to viewers for the next year|website=instagram.com}} they stated in July 2020 that they had yet to make a decision on participation.{{Cite web|last=Herbert|first=Emily|title=Italy: RAI Yet to Make Decision on Junior Eurovision Participation|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/07/21/italy-junior-eurovision-2020|website=Eurovoix|date=21 July 2020|access-date=22 July 2020}} Italy did not appear on the final list confirmed by the EBU on 8 September 2020. Later that month, the broadcaster stated that they had not decided yet on their participation, but no further statement on such was made and no Italian entry competed at the contest.
• {{Esc|North Macedonia|Junior}}{{snd}}In July 2020, Macedonian Radio Television announced that North Macedonia would not participate in the 2020 contest due to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=27 July 2020|title=North Macedonia: MRT Will Not Participate in Junior Eurovision 2020|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/07/27/north-macedonia-mrt-will-not-participate-in-junior-eurovision-2020|access-date=27 July 2020|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}}
• {{Esc|Portugal|Junior}}{{snd}}While Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP) had provisionally confirmed their participation in the contest in August 2020,{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/08/13/portugal-rtp-confirms-junior-eurovision-2020-participation|title=Portugal: RTP Confirms Junior Eurovision 2020 Participation|date=13 August 2020|access-date=8 September 2020|work=Eurovoix|first=Anthony|last=Granger}} Portugal did not appear on the list of participants published by the EBU on 8 September 2020. RTP later revealed that they did not enter due to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=9 September 2020|title=Portugal: RTP Withdrew From Junior Eurovision 2020 Due To COVID-19|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/09/09/portugal-rtp-withdrew-from-junior-eurovision-2020-due-to-covid-19/|access-date=9 September 2020|website=Eurovoix}}
• {{Esc|Scotland|Junior}}{{snd}}In June 2019, BBC Alba stated that talks had taken place that could enable its participation in 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2019/06/30/scotland-potential-junior-eurovision-debut-in-2020|title=Scotland: Potential Junior Eurovision Debut in 2020|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=30 June 2019|website=Eurovoix|access-date=5 October 2019}} However, in April 2020, the broadcaster announced that it had no plans to debut at the contest in 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/04/21/scotland-no-debut-junior-eurovision|title=Scotland: No Debut At Junior Eurovision In 2020|website=Eurovoix|date=21 April 2020}}
• {{Esc|Sweden|Junior}}{{snd}}In January 2020, Head of SVT Barn Safa Safiyari stated that Sveriges Television had no plans at the time to return to the contest, having concluded that it "does not fit the mix we want on our content". Nonetheless, the broadcaster did not rule out participation in the future. Sweden last participated in {{Escyr|2014|Junior}}.{{cite web |last1=Granger |first1=Anthony |title=Sweden: SVT Does Not Close Door On Return to Junior Eurovision |url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/01/26/sweden-svt-does-not-close-door-on-return-to-junior-eurovision/ |website=Eurovoix |access-date=18 July 2020 |date=26 January 2020}}
• {{Esc|Wales|Junior}}{{snd}}In April 2020, it was reported that Welsh broadcaster S4C and production company Rondo Media had stopped any decision on Junior Eurovision participation due to the situation caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|last=Ryan|first=Tom|title=S4C stops making any decisions regarding Junior Eurovision participation|url=https://escxtra.com/2020/04/22/s4c-stops-making-any-decisions-regarding-junior-eurovision-participation|website=ESCXTRA|date=22 April 2020|access-date=14 July 2020}} On 14 July 2020, it was confirmed that Wales would not participate in 2020 due to the pandemic.{{Cite web|last=Farren|first=Neil|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/07/14/wales-withdraws-from-junior-eurovision-2020|title=Wales: Withdraws From Junior Eurovision|website=Eurovoix|access-date=14 July 2020|date=14 July 2020}}

| {{cite web|url=https://tvprofil.com/ba/show/14000713/junior-eurovision-song-contest|title=četvrtak, 6. oktobar 2022.|publisher = RTSH Shkollë| access-date = 23 June 2023}}

|-

!scope="row"|{{Flagu|Lithuania}}

|TVP

|TVP Wilno

|Artur Orzech

|{{Cite web|last=S.A|first=Telewizja Polska|title=Konkurs Piosenki Eurowizji - 18. Konkurs Piosenki Eurowizji dla Dzieci Polska 2020|url=https://www.tvp.pl/program-tv/konkurs-piosenki-eurowizji-18-konkurs-piosenki-eurowizji-dla-dzieci-polska-2020/5fb08f2fd034105f2756539f?o%5B%24id%5D=5fb331c4d034106ddc4b961a|access-date=17 November 2020|website=www.tvp.pl|language=pl}}{{Cite web|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=19 November 2020|title=Lithuania: TVP Wilno to Broadcast Junior Eurovision 2020|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/19/lithuania-tvp-wilno-to-broadcast-junior-eurovision-2020/|access-date=19 November 2020|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}}

|-

!scope="row"|{{Flagu|North Macedonia}}

|MRT

|{{N/A|}}

|Eli Tanaskovska

|{{Cite web|last=Herbert|first=Emily|date=27 November 2020|title=North Macedonia: MRT To Broadcast Junior Eurovision 2020|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/27/north-macedonia-junior-eurovision-2020/|access-date=27 November 2020|website=Eurovoix|language=en-GB}}

|-

!scope="row"|{{Flagu|United Kingdom}}

|colspan="2"|Radio Six International

|Ewan Spence, Ellie Chalkley

|{{Cite web|last=Granger|first=Anthony|date=28 November 2020|title=Radio Six Is Broadcasting The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020|url=https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/28/radio-six-is-broadcasting-the-junior-eurovision-song-contest-2020|access-date=28 November 2020|website=Eurovoix|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129104608/https://eurovoix.com/2020/11/28/radio-six-is-broadcasting-the-junior-eurovision-song-contest-2020|archive-date=29 November 2020|url-status=live}}

|}

• Eurovision Song Contest 2020
• Eurovision Young Musicians 2020

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

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

{{Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020}}

{{Junior Eurovision Song Contest}}

Category:2020 in Poland

Category:Events in Warsaw

Category:November 2020 in Europe

Category:Events affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

Category:Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industry

Category:Music in Warsaw