- The Eurovision 2020 final should have been held on Saturday. However, the competition was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Instead, around forty channels from around the world will broadcast "Europe Shine A Light", a special program that will allow, among other things, to hear the songs that should have competed this year.
- The show will be broadcast on France 2 from 9 p.m. Stéphane Bern will provide comments, surrounded by former participants and commentators of the competition.
This year, for the first time since its launch in 1956, Eurovision has withdrawn due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At least, in its competition version because, on Saturday evening, instead of the final which should have been held in Rotterdam (Netherlands), it is a special program, called Europe Shine A Light , which will resonate in homes Europeans. "We will keep the light on, we keep the flame alive," emphasizes Stéphane Bern, who will comment on the evening on France 2. It is good to ensure the continuity of the event in this way. Europe must be united, we must show our solidarity. "
“This year more than ever, let's celebrate music together! »
With @TomLeebOfficial we are meeting you on Saturday evening, live, for" Europe #ShineALight ": the great Eurovision concert! pic.twitter.com/oBjEzL4lzf
Diodato, the singer who should have represented Italy, thinks the same thing. "In this difficult time, it is important to feel that we are part of the same whole," he said on Thursday during a virtual press conference. And the Italian is delighted with this special program which “breaks down barriers and walls” and “proves that music can really bring people together. "
However, there must be a reason, the competition aspect and the distribution of "12 points" that goes with it, will not be topical this year. The forty-one songs, representing as many countries, which should have been in the running, will be honored during the evening. The candidates will not interpret them in full but will give an overview. Diodato thus recorded his performance in the mythical arenas of Verona, completely empty. The image will be striking.
A surprise from Tom Leeb
"The artists will also all meet via Skype and sing Love Shine A Light, " explains Stéphane Bern. For neophytes of the contest, Love Shine A Light is the song with which Katrina and The Waves offered the United Kingdom its last victory. It was in the last century, in 1997. This title was chosen for its unifying dimension in this troubled context. The lyrics speak of illuminating every corner of the world and making everyone shine the light of love.
Tom Leeb, who should have defended French chances, will obviously be in this virtual choir. "It will also surprise us," warns Stéphane Bern. France 2 plans to enhance the program, produced by Dutch television, with its sauce. The channel has chosen to call on former contestants (Bilal Hassani, Madame Monsieur, Natasha St Pier, Nana Mouskouri…) and ex-commentators (Jean Paul Gaultier, Laurent Ruquier, Dave, Cyril Féraud, Olivier Minne , Mireille Dumas…).
“I'm going to take the antenna around 8:50 pm, to ask them for a reaction on what we are going through. During the show, there will be videos, blah, so we will do something more French. There will also be three breaks planned for pubs, but as there will not be any on France 2, we will continue to chat, ”says Stéphane Bern.
Alumni and fans
During the evening will also appear former Eurovision winners. Among them, the Dutchman Duncan Laurence and the Israeli Netta, winners in 2019 and 2018, will perform their new songs. Gali Hatari, she will cover Hallelujah the song with which she triumphed for Israel in 1979, with a choir of former Eurovision Junior participants. Johnny Logan, the only artist to have won two victories (in 1980 and 1987) will also be there.
Europe Shine A Light will therefore be an opportunity to celebrate Eurovision yesterday and today. Fans of the competition, Eurofans, will also have the opportunity to push the song. “That the competition does not take place is painful for them, notes Stéphane Bern. Some spend 5,000 euros on hotels, accommodation and transport. It's their vacation week. But this year, it's the same for everyone: the spirit of Eurovision will only be lived in our salons.
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- Song
- Music
- Stephane bern
- France 2
- Television
- Eurovision
- Tom leeb