Eurovision introduces back-up pre-recorded performances for 2021

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 3d

The organisers of Eurovision announce plans for each of the acts to submit backup recordings of their performances to enable the show to go ahead come what may in 2021.

Eurovision organisers have announced that participants in next year's show will be asked to provide pre-recorded performances as a back-up measure.

This year's contest was cancelled due to coronavirus but organisers have insisted that the show will go ahead no matter what in 2021 and have developed various scenarios - ranging from a regular show to a no-frills, audience-less contest - to adjust to whatever the situation is with COVID-19 at the time.

As part of those plans, every country will be asked to submit a pre-recorded version of their performance by the end of March, which could then be substituted in if any of the acts are unable to perform live on the night for whatever reason.

In a statement, the Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU) explained: "This recording will be delivered prior to the event and will take place in a studio setting. The recording will take place in real time (as it would be at the Contest) without making any edits to the vocals or any part of the performance itself after the recording.

"Delegations are allowed to use similar technical possibilities and dimensions that would be available on-stage in Rotterdam, but are also free to opt for a more down-scaled production setup. The live-on-tape recordings should not contain any augmented or virtual reality, overlays, confetti, drone shots, water, use of chromakey or green screen."

The final of the contest is due to be held on May 22, 2021.