Eurovision 2020: Artists Who Performed in Russia Barred from Ukrainian Selection
Ukraine's national selection for Eurovision 2020 has started.
Artists who took part in any public or private events in Russia, as well as in Crimea and the occupied part of Donbas after 15 March 2014, will not be allowed to take part in Ukraine's national selection for Eurovision 2020, which started on Wednesday, 16 October.
This is stated in the official rules of the selection.
“The participant meets the requirements and guarantees that ... has not engaged in concert activity, performances, or participation in any public and/or private events organized by state bodies, institutions, business entities, etc. of the aggressor country or on the territory of the aggressor country, in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and/or in the occupied territory of Ukraine after 15.03.2014” — the terms of participation in the selection state.
In addition, a participant of the selection must not plan or announce such performances either during the selection or after it — up to the Eurovision final.
Also, artists who visited Crimea in violation of Ukrainian law will not be admitted to the selection.
“Eurovision — a special song contest, it is not only about music, it is about the opportunity to present your country to the world, — said Zurab Alasania, head of the board of UA: Public Broadcasting. — That is why, for us as Ukraine's public broadcaster, it is important to organize the selection together with STB so that Ukraine's representative is not only a talented and bright artist, but also someone who fully understands this responsibility, shares the position and values of Ukrainian society and is ready to abide by the rules of the contest; someone who can better represent our country on the international stage”.
No other rules of the national selection were changed. The selection consists of 3 stages:
- all-Ukrainian online collection of applications — until 25 December
- television semi-finals — 8 and 15 February
- final, during which Ukraine will name its representative to Eurovision 2020 — 22 February.
Both solo performers and groups of no more than 6 people may take part in the contest.
The competition song must be original, no longer than 3 minutes, and its lyrics may not contain calls of a political, commercial or military nature. Songs that have already been fully or partially performed publicly before 1 September 2019 are not allowed to participate.
The participant must own the exclusive property rights to the song.
The 65th international Eurovision Song Contest 2020 will take place on 12, 14 and 16 May 2020 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Zelensky: Russia Used 115 Missiles, Nearly 1,900 Guided Bombs and Over 3,000 Drones in a Week
Attack on Major DTEK Energy Facility in Northern Odesa Region Leaves Some Families Without Power
Britain Threatens Sanctions on Kremlin-Linked People; Poland Ready to Hand Ukraine Ammunition
Russia says it has completed "planned exercises" in the Black Sea
MVD: Fake Riots With Prop Blood Were Being Prepared Near Presidential Office
Law Enforcers Name Another Klitschko Deputy as Suspect
Berlin Holds Protest Against War in Ukraine; EU Prepares for Possible Russian Halt of Gas Supplies
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Over Record Distance in Five Years
Irish Fishermen Force Russia to Postpone Naval Drills
US sanctions in case of invasion of Ukraine could completely destroy Russia's economy, NYT reports
