Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light to showcase the 2020 acts this Saturday
We won't be without Eurovision despite the lockdown!
Last updated 14th May 2020
After the news was announced back in March that the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was cancelled, fans of the annual celebration were left wondering how they'd fill their evenings on Saturday 16th May 2020.
Thankfully, the organisers of the European phenomenon have ensured that something will be going ahead in its place, and have put together Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light, which will air in the UK on BBC One at 8pm and be hosted by Graham Norton.
Eurovision have described it as follows, 'The show will honour all 41 participating entries in a non-competitive format and provide all kinds of surprises for viewers at home along the way. It will also bring together 2020’s artists, from their locations across Europe, in a unifying performance of Eurovision 1997's Love Shine A Light by Katrina And The Waves.'
This will be welcome news for fans of the UK's 2020 contestant, James Newman - brother of John Newman - who was set to take to the stage to perform his original song 'My Last Breath'.
We'll also get to see historic Eurovision performances from years gone by, and Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event of the 65th Eurovision Song Contest, said, "We want to make a show that puts a spotlight not only on the 41 artists that were due to appear in Rotterdam but also inspire those at home and connect people from across Europe and beyond in these difficult times.
"Of course, we will also honour those who are affected by the coronavirus crisis and those who work so hard to fight it. Let’s make this an unforgettable moment in Eurovision history!"
Graham Norton added, "Eurovision offers a real escapism for people, which is something we need more than ever throughout these times. This year people at home can celebrate the amazing spirit of the event and hopefully get the chance to take their mind off the current situation for a few hours."
Scroll through to see which TV shows we can't wait to return:
Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light will air on BBC One on Saturday 16th May at 8pm.