On this page you can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2021 will take place in Ahoy, Rotterdam on 18, 20 and 22 May 2021. Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam here.
Read all about the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 ticket sales on our ticket page. There, you will also find answers to frequently asked questions about tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020.
The Eurovision Song Contest is broadcast on TV in over 40 countries. You can watch past Semi-Finals and Grand Finals of the Eurovision Song Contest via the official YouTube channel, without commentary.
Marketing questions
How to request for permission to use the Eurovision Song Contest logo and theme artwork?
Information about the logo and theme artwork, as well as how to request permission to use them, can be found on the Brand page.
Where to inquire about sponsorship opportunities around the Eurovision Song Contest?
International sponsorship of the Eurovision Song Contest is being coordinated by Highlight Event AG.
Can I organise a Eurovision Song Contest related event?
It is strictly prohibited to use the Eurovision trademark, the Eurovision Song Contest logo or theme artwork to publicly advertise an event, public or private, commercially or non-commercially, without the explicit written permission of the EBU.
Press questions
How and when can I apply for accreditation to the Eurovision Song Contest?
Go to our Accreditation page for more info on accreditation for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. Sign up to our newsletters to be alerted when it opens.
Where can I download high-resolution images, logos and theme artwork?
A selection of high-resolution images is available free of charge on the Galleries page. These images may only be used by media for editorial purpose. It is mandatory to credit the photographer in accordance with the copyright information provided with each image. Logos and theme artwork of the Eurovision Song Contest are available on the Brand page. Please make sure you always follow the contest’s brand guidelines.
What kind of facilities are available at the Press Centre?
Traditionally, the Press Centre provides a wide variety of services and facilities to allow media representatives to cover the Eurovision Song Contest in the best possible way. More information about the facilities at the Press Centre can be found on the Press page as the contest approaches.
Will there be pigeon holes at the Eurovision Song Contest?
It has been decided that pigeon holes will no longer be made available in the press centre in an effort to modernize and streamline the exchange of information between artists, delegations and the press. The EBU is dedicated to creating a greener environment by producing minimal waste wherever possible and we are excited to usher in a digital-first approach for years to come!
We understand that many of those attending will miss the tradition of pigeon holes, but we hope that everyone will welcome a greener, quicker and modernised approach in its place.
Website questions
How can I report a problem on your website?
Our online team is working hard to make sure you have an excellent experience on Eurovision.tv. Should you find an error or bug, please send us a message at [email protected].
Where can I follow the national selections for the Eurovision Song Contest?
A substantial amount of broadcasters organize televised national selections for the Eurovision Song Contest. Broadcasting these shows online is strongly encouraged by the EBU, but remains at the discretion of the respective broadcaster. Whenever a national selection is being streamed live online, we will make a link to the live stream available via Eurovision.tv.
Why can I not watch contests from before 2004 on the official YouTube channel?
The EBU only has the rights to the Eurovision Song Contest since 2004. Each previous contest is owned by its respective Host Broadcaster. Occasionally, we make available clips of historic material on the official YouTube channel. Unfortunately, recordings of the 1956 and 1964 contests have gotten lost over time.
Competition questions
How can I participate as an artist in the Eurovision Song Contest?
All entries to the Eurovision Song Contest are selected by the Participating Broadcasters. These are the Member Broadcasters of the EBU that take part in the Eurovision Song Contest. Some select their respective entry internally, while others organise public national selections. For more information about how to represent your country, we recommend you contact your national public broadcaster. Read more: How to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest?
Why is Kosovo not participating in the Eurovision Song Contest?
Kosovo cannot take part in the Eurovision Song Contest because their public broadcaster is not a Member of the EBU. The statutes of the EBU say that a Member must come from a country that is a Member of the International Telecommunications Union or is a Member of the Council of Europe. Kosovo is in neither. The EBU helped set up Kosovo’s public service broadcaster RTK in 1999 and it continues to work closely with RTK to protect public service media in Kosovo.
Why is Australia participating in the Eurovision Song Contest?
The Eurovision Song Contest has been broadcast in Australia for more than 30 years. The Australian broadcaster SBS is an Associate Member of the EBU and in 2015, to mark the 60th Eurovision Song Contest, was invited to submit an entry. In 2016 the broadcaster requested to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest again. The Reference Group, the governing body of the Eurovision Song Contest, voted unanimously in favour of Australia’s participation in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively. In February 2019, it was announced that Australia has secured participation as a competitor at the Eurovision Song Contest until 2023. It is yet to be decided whether Australia will become a permanent participant in the contest.
Did the voting change for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019?
No, the actual voting did not change. However, there was a change in the presentation of the votes. The order in which the televoting results were revealed were determined by the ranking of the jury result. The announcement of the televoting results starts with the country receiving the fewest points from the juries and ends with the country that received the highest points from the juries. The presenters shall announce the sum of points that each song has received from the votes of the televote across all participating countries. Read more about voting.
Organisation questions
Who organises the Eurovision Song Contest?
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual event organised under the auspices of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the largest union of public service media in the world. The EBU co-produces the Eurovision Song Contest together with its Member Broadcasters, most notably the public broadcaster of the preceding winning country, the Host Broadcaster.
How is the Eurovision Song Contest financed?
The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-profit event, mostly financed by:
contributions from the Participating Broadcasters (the so-called participation fee), adding up to €6.2 million combined. This fee is different for each country based on the solidarity principle that the strongest shoulders carry the most weight. It is at the sole discretion of each Participating Broadcaster to decide if they wish to make public the financial details of their participation;
a contribution from the Host Broadcaster, which is generally between €10 and €20 million, depending on local circumstances and available resources.
a contribution from the Host City, either financially or 'in kind' (e.g. covering expenses of city branding, side events, security, etc.);
commercial revenue from sponsorship agreements, ticket sales, televoting and merchandise, which varies from year to year.
On average, over 90% of all available funds are being earmarked for the TV production and event organisation. Approximately 5% of available funds represent the budget for the EBU's Eurovision Song Contest team and its partners. Any remaining funds are being reimbursed to the Participating Broadcasters, for as long local legislation allows such reimbursement. The budget is overlooked and approved by the Reference Group, on behalf of all Participating Broadcasters, on an annual basis.
How to get a job, traineeship or volunteer position within the organisation?
Job vacancies at the European Broadcasting Union can be found on EBU.ch. Generally, no traineeships are available.
The Host Broadcaster(s) for the Song Contest is in charge of recruiting volunteers. This year the broadcasters are NPO, NOS and AVROTROS in the Netherlands. Applications to volunteer for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 have closed.
Can I get access to the Eurovision Song Contest’s physical archive for the purpose of a thesis?
The Eurovision Song Contest's physical archive is safely stored at the EBU's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. In principle, the archive is not open to the public. Exceptions may be made at a case-by-case basis, at the EBU's sole discretion.
When will the Eurovision Asia Song Contest take place?
Work on the inaugural Eurovision Asia Song Contest is still ongoing and the EBU is working closely with the organisers to help them bring it to fruition. The Contest is still in the development stage and it is too early to talk about specific details such as dates and venues, although we are very excited at the progress being made.
Once we have more practical information, we will make an announcement through the official Eurovision and Eurovision Asia channels.
Is the answer to your question not listed above?
You can reach the organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest via the following addresses; public inquiries, questions and suggestions can be sent to [email protected], media inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
