Editorial: How fair will the “live on tape video” be for Eurovision 2021?

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The announcement of the EBU and the Dutch organizers for the live on tape video that will be made by the 41 participants of Eurovision 2021, although it ensures that the contest will take place even in the worst case scenario regarding the course of the pandemic, but leaves many questions in the part of justice and equal conditions that should govern the competition.

What exactly is live on tape video?

According to what was announced, all participating broadcasters were asked to record a live performance of their entry in their country. This recording will be delivered before the contest and will take place in a studio. The recording will take place in real time (as it would in the Contest) without making changes to the vocals or any part of the show itself after the recording.

There will be freedom in the delegations, to present as they consider their entries better, but instructions will be given which will ensure the fairness and integrity of the competition. There will be no audience and the recording should be unique and not be published before the event in May.

Delegations are allowed to use similar technical capabilities and dimensions that would be available on stage in Rotterdam, but are also free to choose a more limited production facility. Video recordings must not contain augmented or virtual reality, overlays, confetti, drone shots, water, color use or green screen.

How to ensure meritocracy and fairness in the contest?

In addition to the above, the EBU also announced a series of safety valves, which will ensure that the 41 live video tapes will have been made under the same conditions. Indicatively, we mention that those present in the video recording will be a representative of the Dutch public broadcaster, while the shooting will be watched by the executive supervisor of the contest, as well as a representative from an independent voting observer (E&Y). The duration of the shooting will be one hour and at this time the participants will be able to videotape up to three times their appearance. The selection of the shot will be made by the Head of Delegation and another authorized representative.

Our doubts about live on tape video

First of all, let’s say that even under normal conditions, not everyone competes on equal terms. What do we mean by that? We see in recent years on the eurovision stage, impressive appearances, with the help of the use of technology. Technology that not all broadcasters can use. Fro example Serbian public broadcaster cannot spend the money that Swedish public broadcaster spends. Albanian television cannot spend the money spent by Russian or Azerbaijani television and so on.

So, many times the countries participating in the contest can start from different points of view, but what mitigates the above a bit is that they share the same stage and it is ensured that everyone sings live. With the advancement of technology, and given that each country can use any studio it wants, even that is in question.

We read that Russia uses virtual reality in its appearance for Junior Eurovision 2020, where the contest will take place via live on tape video. An effect that other countries probably will not have at their disposal, for economic and technical reasons.

Of course for the live on tape videos of Eurovision 2021 the EBU has banned such special effects. However, LEDs are not prohibited and it is possible for different sized scenes, something that, as you understand, will differentiate the final result.

What we all hope is that everything you read remains on a theoretical level only. The situation with the pandemic to improve and to have a Eurovision as close to normal as possible, with the 41 artists performing their songs on the stage of the Ahoy Arena!

What is your opinion about the live on tape video? Are equal conditions guaranteed for all?

Eurovision 2021: Participants will record their songs “live-on-tape” to ensure Contest will happen!

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The EBU recently revealed how to ensure that Eurovision 2021 will happen, even in the worst case scenario with the course of the coronary pandemic.

Eurovision 2021 will take place in every way

After yesterday’s announcement that the distribution of countries in the two semifinals remains the same as that of Eurovision 2020, but also the presentation of the four possible scenarios for the conduct of Eurovision 2021, now another detail is given, concerning scenario D. In the new announcement of the EBU, concern the case in which in May the situation with the pandemic will be such that it will not allow air travel and reconnaissance, having a contest as Junior Eurovision 2020 will happen in a few days . With video appearances of the participants!

What is the process

All participating broadcasters were asked to record a live performance of their entries in their country. This recording will be delivered before the contest and will take place in a studio. The recording will take place in real time (as it would in the contest) without making changes to the vocals or any part of the show itself after the recording.

There will be freedom in the delegations, to present as they consider their participations better, but instructions will be given which will ensure the fairness and integrity of the competition. There will be no audience and the recording should be unique and not be published before the event in May.

Delegations are allowed to use similar technical capabilities and dimensions that would be available on stage in Rotterdam, but are also free to choose a more limited production facility. Video recordings must not contain augmented or virtual reality, overlays, confetti, drone shots, water, color use or green screen.

How will it be fair?

Normally in the Eurovision Song Contest all the artists would appear on the same stage under the same conditions giving everyone the same opportunity to shine. For the live recordings, the Reference Group of the Eurovision Song Contest approved additional measures to guarantee the fairness of the contest.

Prior to the recording, each participating broadcaster will meet with a representative from Host Broadcasters and submit a recording session schedule, studio setup and camera schedule.

The Head of Delegation will be on site during the registration period of 60 minutes and up to three authorized expirations, either alone or with an appropriate mandate, to make the final decision on the selection of the final receipt (from three).

A live link will be created during the recording to allow the Eurovision Executive Supervisor and a representative from an independent voting observer (E&Y) and Host Broadcaster to monitor the recording, provide assistance and support, and ensure the integrity and fairness of the contest.

No videos of the appearances from the national finals can be submitted, but each country can record on the same stage. The “live-on-tape” recordings must be delivered by the end of March.

Of course, as we mentioned at the beginning of the article, all of the above will apply in the case of contestants who will not be able to attend Rotterdam in May. The 65th Eurovision Song Contest will take place anyway!

Source: Eurovision.tv

Eurovision 2021: Allocation draw in semi-finals remains the same as in 2020!

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A little while ago through the official social networks of the contest, it was announced that the draw of the semi-finals of this year’s contest will also apply to Eurovision 2021. Read more

Eurovision 2021: 41 countries to participate!!

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A few moments ago, the EBU revealed the list of the participating countries at the upcoming contest of Eurovision 2021, on 18th, 20th and 22nd of May in Rotterdam the Netherlands. Actually they are the same 41 nations that were about to take part in the 2020 contest that was canceled due to the COVID19 pandemic.

EBU and the Dutch host broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS have already revealed the 4 scenarios which their are focused on, and they abide by the restrictions and the facts of the pandemic and according to which the Eurovision 2021 will take place. The scenario, which will be chosen, will be announced in due time.

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said:

“We are grateful for the commitment of the 41 participating broadcasters in helping us bring the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2021.”

“We have the exact same line up of countries that would have competed in 2020 and we are thrilled that they will all return next year. Together with our host broadcasters we are continuing to develop the 4 different scenarios and maintaining a dialogue with all participants. The team from NPO, NOS and AVROTROS are working hard on ensuring the Eurovision Song Contest will provide the excitement and innovation expected by over 180 million viewers, despite the challenging circumstances.”

 

Of the 41 nations taking part, 35 will compete in two Semi-Finals with 10 successful acts from each Semi-Final joining the Big 5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom) and hosts the Netherlands in the Grand Final.

Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, said:

“It is fantastic that the same 41 countries that would have taken part this year still want to come to the Netherlands in May 2021. This demonstrates their confidence in our country still being able to organize a successful Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam next year, after the cancellation of the 2020 edition.”

“We have set the bar high to create 3 amazing live shows for an audience of 180 million people, even in these challenging times. To achieve this, we are working on an extensive protocol that guarantees the health of employees, participants, the press and visitors as much as possible.”

 

Participating broadcasters
The following countries (and EBU Member broadcasters) will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam:

Albania (RTSH)

Armenia (AMPTV)

Australia (SBS)*

Austria (ORF)

Azerbaijan (Ictimai TV)

Belarus (BTRC)

Belgium (VRT)

Bulgaria (BNT)

Croatia (HRT)

Cyprus (CyBC)

Czech Republic (CT)

Denmark (DR)

Estonia (ERR)

Finland (YLE)

France (FT)

Germany (ARD/NDR)

Georgia (GPB)

Greece (ERT)

Iceland (RUV)

Ireland (RTE)

Israel (KAN)

Italy (RAI)

Latvia (LTV)

Lithuania (LRT)

Malta (PBS)

Moldova (TRM)

The Netherlands (AVROTROS)

North Macedonia (MKRTV)

Norway (NRK)

Poland (TVP)

Portugal (RTP)

Romania (TVR)

Russia (Channel One)

San Marino (RTV)

Serbia (RTS)

Slovenia (RTVSLO)

Spain (TVE)

Sweden (SVT)

Switzerland (SRG SSR)

Ukraine (UA:PBC)

United Kingdom (BBC)

*EBU Associate

 

It is worth to be mentioned this is the first time since 1990 that we have the same amount of participating countries in two consecutive years.

Source: Eurovision.tv

Portugal: Confirmed for Eurovision 2021 | Through Festival da Cancao the representative!

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One of the countries that would participate in Eurovision 2020 and had not yet confirmed their participation in the next contest, was Portugal. The country’s public television (RTP) recently announced that it will normally take part in Eurovision 2021, while it has also started the procedures for FdC 2021, through which the representative of Portugal will be selected.

The deadline for those who wish to submit their proposals for FdC 2021 is November 25. Eurovision regulations apply, and the authors must be Portuguese citizens, or permanent residents of the country, or musicians who have released at least one record work within Portugal.

The open invitation concerns two places in the semifinals of FdC 2021, while the remaining 18 will be filled by creators who will be directly invited by the Portuguese public television.

O Festival da Canção 2021 dá os primeiros passos com a seleção dos autores que irão criar as canções da edição do…

Posted by RTP – Festival da Canção on Friday, October 16, 2020

The above announcement practically means that Portugal is added to the group of countries that will choose a new representative for Eurovision 2021. The truth is that Elisa, who was this year the winner of the FdC and representative of Portugal at Eurovision 2020, had foreshadowed RTP’s decision.

Below let us remember once again the song with which Elisa would represent Portugal at Eurovision 2020:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIZ48w4epng

Elisa is going to Rotterdam for Portugal

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After Salvador Sobral, Cláudia Pascoal and Conan Osíris had winning the last three years of the renewed edition of Festival da Canção, the city of Elvas hosted the 2020’s Portuguese national final Saturday evening, presenting the eight finalists coming from the two previous semifinals.
Read more

Portugal: Detailed results of Festival da Canção 2020

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Yesterday night,the grand final of the Festival da Canção 2020 was completed  with Elisa named as the big winner Elisa with “Medo de sentir”. Thus, she will also be the representative of Portugal at the 65th Eurovision contest in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

In contrast to previous years, the detailed results of the two semifinal rounds were not released at the end of each night but were announced today at the end of the festival.

Detailed results

  • First Semifinal
SEMI-FINAL 1 – 22 FEBRUARY 2020
DRAW ARTIST SONG JURY TELEVOTE TOTAL PLACE RESULT
1 MEERA “Copo de gin” 5 3 8 7 Eliminated
2 Filipe Sambado “Gerbera amarela do Sul” 12 5 17 3 Finalist
3 Ian Mucznik “O dia de amanhã” 4 4 8 8 Eliminated
4 Bárbara Tinoco “Passe-Partout” 8 12 20 1 Finalist
5 Blasted Mechanism “Rebellion” 6 8 14 5 Eliminated
6 Elisa “Medo de sentir” 10 10 20 2 Finalist
7 JJaZZ “Agora” 3 6 9 6 Eliminated
8 Throes + The Shine “Movimento” 7 7 14 4 Finalist

The big favorite even for the representation of the country at Eurovision, the Blasted Mechanism with “Rebellion” lost fourth place in the qualifying round. As it was already known, in the semifinals and in the event of a tie, the committees outperform the public, with the final decisive role being played by the public.

The eventual winner of the Elisa festival failed to win her semifinal after being tied for first with Bárbara Tinoco, who came in first in the public rankings. Elisa did not come first in the committee or the public!

 

  • Second Semifinal
SEMI-FINAL 2 – 29 FEBRUARY 2020
DRAW ARTIST SONG JURY TELEVOTE TOTAL PLACE RESULT
1 Dubio feat. +351 “Cegueira” 4 7 11 6 Eliminated
2 Luiz Caracol & Gus Liberdade “Dói-me o país” 7 6 13 5 Eliminated
3 Judas “Cubismo enviesado” 6 4 10 7 Eliminated
4 Kady “Diz só” 12 8 20 2 Finalist
5 Elisa Rodrigues “Não voltes mais” 8 5 13 4 Finalist
6 Cláudio Frank “Quero-te abraçar” 3 3 6 8 Eliminated
7 Tomás Luzia “Mais real que o amor” 5 10 15 3 Finalist
8 Jimmy P “Abensonhado” 10 12 22 1 Finalist

The results in the second semifinal were clearer with Jimmy P. taking first place.

  • Final
    FINAL 7TH MARCH 2020
    DRAW ARTIST SONG JURY TELEVOTE TOTAL PLACE
    1 Filipe Sambado “Gerbera amarela do Sul” 12 4 16 3
    2 Jimmy P “Abensonhado” 7 6 13 5
    3 Tomás Luzia “Mais real que o amor” 3 8 11 6
    4 Elisa Rodrigues “Não voltes mais” 4 3 7 8
    5 Throes + The Shine “Movimento” 6 5 11 7
    6 Kady “Diz só” 8 7 15 4
    7 Elisa “Medo de sentir” 10 10 20 1
    8 Bárbara Tinoco “Passe-Partout” 6 12 18 2

Even in the final, Elisa could not come first in the committee or the public. Nevertheless, she managed to be the big winner.

Portugal: With Elisa and the “Medo De Sentir” in Rotterdam

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Yesterday night, the grand final of the Festival da Canção 2020 was completed, with Portugal’s representative for the 65th Eurovision Contest in Rotterdam.

The presenters
The hosts of the evening were Filomena Cautela (one of the four Eurovision 2018 presenters) and Vasco Palmeirim.

The candidate songs

Eight artists competed to represent the country in the Eurovision competition.

1 . Filipe Sambado – “Gerbera amarela do Sul”

2 . Jimmy P – “Abensonhado”

3 . Tomás Luzia – “Mais real que o amor”

4 . Elisa Rodrigues – “Não voltes mais”

5 . Throes + The Shine – “Movimento”

6 . Kady – “Diz só”

7 . Elisa – “Medo de sentir”

8 . Bárbara Tinoco – “Passe-Partout”

Results

Each geographical area of Portugal had its own jury which rated the eight candidate songs. District committees determined 50% of the result while the remaining 50% were determined by the television audience.
FINAL 7TH MARCH 2020
DRAW ARTIST SONG JURY TELEVOTE TOTAL PLACE
1 Filipe Sambado “Gerbera amarela do Sul” 12 4 16 3
2 Jimmy P “Abensonhado” 7 6 13 5
3 Tomás Luzia “Mais real que o amor” 3 8 11 6
4 Elisa Rodrigues “Não voltes mais” 4 3 7 8
5 Throes + The Shine “Movimento” 6 5 11 7
6 Kady “Diz só” 8 7 15 4
7 Elisa “Medo de sentir” 10 10 20 1
8 Bárbara Tinoco “Passe-Partout” 6 12 18 2

 

The winner

Elisa was named the winner of the Festival da Canção 2020 after the set-off of the committee and audience scores. She will represent Portugal in the Eurovision competition with “Medo De Sentir”!

Listen to the studio version of the winning song below:

 

Portugal: Tonight’s grand final of the Festival da Canção 2020

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Tonight  the grand final of the Festival da Canção 2020, the process by which Portugal will choose to participate in the 65th Eurovision Contest will take place.

Unlike the semifinals that took place in the country’s capital, Lisbon, the final will take place in Elba. There, we will be welcomed by the hosts of the evening Filomena Cautela (one of the four Eurovision 2018 presenters) and Vasco Palmeirim.

 

The candidate songs

Eight artists will contest the country’s representation at Eurovision.

  1. Filipe Sambado – “Gerbera amarela do Sul”
  2. Jimmy P – “Abensonhado”
  3. Tomás Luzia – “Mais real que o amor”
  4. Elisa Rodrigues – “Não voltes mais”
  5. Throes + The Shine – “Movimento”
  6. Kady – “Diz só”
  7. Elisa – “Medo de sentir”
  8. Bárbara Tinoco – “Passe-Partout”

How will the winner emerge?
The result will be determined by 50% by a special jury and the remaining 50% by the Portuguese public. The jury will not be the same as the semifinal round. Each geographical area of ​​Portugal will have its own committee which will announce its results at the end of the night.

Bárbara Tinoco will compete with the air of the victory favorite, as “Passe-Partout” is being discussed since the song’s release in January.

The grand final of Festival da Canção 2020 will take place at 22:00 CETY time  and you can watch it through the Portuguese Public Television website by clicking HERE.

Portugal: The distribution of the “Festival da Canção 2020” semifinals

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An official announcement of the distribution of the 16 candidate artists and their songs to the two semifinals of the “Festival da Canção 2020” has taken place shortly before by the Portuguese public broadcaster RTP.

The first semifinal will take place on February 22, while the second semifinal will take place on February 29. The top four from each semifinal will compete again in the grand final scheduled for March 7, 2020.

In 2019, Conan Osiris represented the country with the song “Telemoveis” which, although a favorite  of many fans, failed to qualify for the Grand Final, finishing 15th with 51 points.