Thirty-nine countries participated in the contest, of which twenty-six re-entered the artists chosen for 2020 (albeit with different songs, as per the contest's rules). Compared to the 2019 edition, Bulgaria and Ukraine returned while Hungary and Montenegro did not. Armenia and Belarus had originally planned to participate, but Armenia withdrew due to its social and political crises following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, and Belarus was disqualified after submitting entries in violation of the rules twice, and not providing an eligible entry before the deadline.
The winner was Italy with the song "Zitti e buoni", performed by Måneskin and written by the band's members Damiano David, Ethan Torchio, Thomas Raggi, and Victoria De Angelis. France, Switzerland, Iceland and Ukraine rounded out the top five, with France and Switzerland achieving their best results since 1991 and 1993, respectively. Italy won the combined vote and televote, but placed fourth in the jury vote after Switzerland, France, and Malta. Italy was the second member of the "Big Five" since its introduction to win the contest after Germany in 2010. For the first time since 1995, none of the top three entries were performed in English, with France and Switzerland performing in French, and Italy in Italian.
Also, for the first time since the current voting system was implemented in 2016, more than one country received no points from the televote in the final; these countries were Germany, Spain, the host country the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, the last of those becoming the first country to receive no points from both the jury and televote. It was the second time that the United Kingdom had received no points in the contest, the last time having been in 2003. For the first time since its debut in 2015, Australia failed to qualify for the final, making Ukraine the only country that has never failed to qualify from the semi-finals since their introduction in 2004.[a]
The EBU reported that the contest had an audience of 183 million viewers in 36 European markets, an increase of a million viewers from the previous edition, with an increase of seven percent in the 15–24 year old age range.[1][2]
Location of host venue (red) and other contest-related sites and events (blue)
The 2021 contest was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands,[3] following the country's victory at the 2019 edition with the song "Arcade", performed by Duncan Laurence. It was the fifth time that the Netherlands had hosted the contest, having previously done so in 1958, 1970, 1976 and 1980. The selected venue was the 16,400-seat Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam Ahoy, a convention centre and multi-purpose indoor arena located on Ahoyweg, which serves as a venue for many events, including concerts, exhibitions, trade fairs, and conferences. Rotterdam Ahoy had previously hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007, and was set to host the 2020 contest before its cancellation. The "Turquoise Carpet" event, where the contestants and their delegations[b] are presented before the accredited press and fans, took place at the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal on 16 May 2021.[5][6]
By Eurovision tradition, the Netherlands received the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest after the country won the competition in 2019. The Dutch host broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS launched the bidding process in the same month on 29 May,[7] in which five cities – Arnhem, 's-Hertogenbosch, Maastricht, Rotterdam, and Utrecht – submitted their bid books during a ceremonial event held in Hilversum on 10 July 2019.[8] On 16 July, Maastricht and Rotterdam were shortlisted,[9] and after NPO visited both cities,[10] on 30 August 2019, Rotterdam was announced as the host city of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020.[11]
Following the cancellation of the 2020 contest, the EBU began talks with broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS, as well as the city of Rotterdam, on the possibility of staging the 2021 contest in the city.[12] On 23 April 2020, the municipal council of Rotterdam approved an increased budget after Dutch media reported that the city would require an additional €6.7 million to host the contest.[13][14] The decision was imminent as it was required that the EBU be informed by late April if Rotterdam was willing to host the contest. If Rotterdam declined to host the event, NPO, NOS and AVROTROS had until mid-May 2020 to find an alternative.[15] During the broadcast of Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light, which aired on 16 May 2020, Rotterdam was confirmed as the host city of the 2021 contest.[16]
Eligibility for potential participation in the Eurovision Song Contest requires a national broadcaster with active EBU membership capable of receiving the contest via the Eurovision network and broadcasting it live nationwide. The EBU issued an invitation to participate in the contest to all active members. Associate member Australia did not need an invitation for the 2021 contest, as it had previously been granted permission to participate at least until 2023.[17]
The EBU initially announced on 26 October 2020 that 41 countries would participate in the contest, featuring the same line-up of countries that were set to participate in the cancelled 2020 edition. Bulgaria and Ukraine returned after their absence from the 2019 contest, while Hungary and Montenegro were confirmed as non-returning following their latest appearances in 2019.[18]
In March 2021, Armenia and Belarus confirmed their non-participation in the contest; Armenia withdrew due to its social and political crises in the aftermath of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, while Belarus was disqualified from the contest for failing to provide an eligible entry before the deadline. Thereby, the number of participating countries was reduced to 39.[19][20]
After the cancellation of the 2020 contest, the participating broadcasters of 24 countries announced that, for the 2021 contest, they would internally select the same artists initially selected for 2020. Those artists were: Efendi for Azerbaijan, Montaigne for Australia, Vincent Bueno for Austria, Hooverphonic for Belgium (albeit with a different lead singer), Victoria for Bulgaria, Benny Cristo for the Czech Republic, Tornike Kipiani for Georgia, Stefania for Greece, Eden Alene for Israel, Lesley Roy for Ireland, Daði og Gagnamagnið for Iceland, Samanta Tīna for Latvia, Destiny for Malta, Natalia Gordienko for Moldova, Roxen for Romania, Jeangu Macrooy for the Netherlands, Vasil for North Macedonia, Senhit for San Marino, Hurricane for Serbia, Ana Soklič for Slovenia, Blas Cantó for Spain, Gjon's Tears for Switzerland, Go_A for Ukraine, and James Newman for the United Kingdom. In addition, the artists initially selected for Estonia and Lithuania in 2020, Uku Suviste and The Roop respectively, won their countries' national finals again to represent their countries in 2021.[23]
Discounting 2020, the contest featured three representatives who also previously performed as lead vocalists for the same country, and five artists who participated in other Eurovision events or as backing vocalists for the same or for another country. Among the representatives who returned as lead vocalists, Natalia Gordienko had previously represented Moldova in 2006 with Arsenium and Connect-R;[24] Senhit had represented San Marino in 2011;[25] and Sanja Vučić, a member of Hurricane, had previously represented Serbia in 2016 in a solo performance.[26]
Armenia – Having intended to compete in 2020, Armenia was initially confirmed for the 2021 contest when the list of participants was announced by the EBU in October 2020, and was set to perform in the second half of the second semi-final.[18][31] However, on 5 March 2021, the Public Television Company of Armenia (AMPTV) confirmed that it was subsequently unable to participate due to social and political crises in the country in the aftermath of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War.[19]
Belarus – Having intended to compete in 2020, Belarus was initially confirmed for the 2021 contest when the list of participants was announced by the EBU in October 2020, and was set to perform in the first half of the first semi-final. However, after its intended entry "Ya nauchu tebya (I'll Teach You)" by Galasy ZMesta was rejected due to violating the rules, and no eligible replacement entry was submitted before the deadline, the EBU announced on 26 March 2021 that Belarus had been disqualified.[20] Six days after the Eurovision final, the EBU voted to suspend Belarusian broadcaster BTRC's membership due to concerns about the content that it was broadcasting. BTRC was given two weeks to respond before the suspension comes into effect on 11 June, but there was no public response.[32] The broadcaster was expelled from the EBU on 1 July, rendering future participations impossible for an indefinite amount of time.[33][34]
In August 2020, the EBU stated that it did not intend to invite Kazakhstan for this year.[42]
Non-EBU members
In August 2020, the EBU stated that it did not intend to invite Kosovo to participate in the 2021 edition of the contest.[42][better source needed]Liechtensteiner broadcaster 1 FL TV, despite previous attempts to become an EBU member, halted its plans after director Peter Kölbel's unexpected death, and did not resume them due to the lack of sufficient funds and of government support; thus it ruled out debuting in 2021.[43]
Production
The Eurovision Song Contest 2021 was a co-production between three related Dutch television organisations — Nederlandse Publieke Omroep (NPO), Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) and AVROTROS — of which each assumed a different role.[44] Sietse Bakker and Astrid Dutrénit served as executive producers, while Emilie Sickinghe and Jessica Stam served as deputy executive producers.[45] Marnix Kaart, Marc Pos and Daniel Jelinek served as directors of the three live shows,[46][47] and Gerben Bakker served as head of show.[48][49] Background music for the shows was composed by Eric van Tijn.[50][51]
In January 2020, the EBU announced that Martin Österdahl would become the executive supervisor for the Eurovision Song Contest after the 2020 edition, succeeding Jon Ola Sand.[52] Before his appointment, Österdahl had been an executive producer for the 2013 and 2016 editions, and had been a member of the Eurovision Song Contest reference group between 2012 and 2018.[53]
The total budget for the shows was €22 million, of which €3.7 million was left unspent after the contest, according to the municipal executive. The additional money was allocated to contingency scenarios that were eventually discarded.[54]
On 7 May 2020, the Dutch authorities prohibited all mass gatherings in the country until a COVID-19 vaccine became available.[55] The host broadcasters stated that they were assessing the decision and how it would impact the event.[56]
On 18 September 2020, the EBU released a summary of contingency scenarios for the contest in order for it to take place regardless of the pandemic situation, including:[57][58]
The event being held as in previous years (Scenario A);
The event being held with social distancing measures in place (Scenario B);
Providing the option for acts to perform from their home country if they are unable to travel to Rotterdam (Scenario C);
In February 2021, the EBU and the host broadcasters stated that they had ruled out hosting the contest as normal (Scenario A). Scenario C was also modified – all acts would perform remotely like in scenario D.[59] A health and safety protocol was published on 2 March 2021, with the EBU affirming that the contest would be held under scenario B, while reiterating that downscaling options remained on the table should circumstances change.[60] On 30 April 2021, the EBU confirmed that the contest would be held under scenario B.[61]
On 1 April 2021, it was announced that an audience of 3,500 people would be allowed at each of the nine shows, including the three live shows and six rehearsals;[62] the Dutch cabinet later gave its approval on 29 April.[63] All audience members must have had tested negative for COVID-19.[64]
Due to pandemic precautions, the "Turquoise Carpet" event was the only in-person side event to take place in 2021. Impacted side events included: the Opening Ceremony event, which was not held;[65] the Eurovision Village, which took place from 15 to 23 May in an online-only form;[66][67] and the EuroClub, which was cancelled for this year.[68]
Visual design
The graphic design of the 2021 contest on display in Rotterdam
On 18 September 2020, along with possible scenarios, the EBU confirmed that the planned visual design and slogan for 2020, "Open Up", would be used in 2021 as well.[57] The revamped official logo and branding was unveiled on 4 December 2020. Designed by Clever°Franke, it is "an abstract presentation inspired by the map of the world and visually connects the location of the capitals of the [then] 41 participating countries with Rotterdam as Europe's beating heart".[69][70] The revamped visual identity, designed by MediaMonks and NEP, was built around patterns and 'tracks' that symbolises the Netherlands and the concept of "opening up".[71][72][73]
Stage design
Stage and green room in the arena
During the announcement of the dates of the 2021 contest, executive producer Sietse Bakker stated that the planned stage design for 2020 would also be used in 2021.[74] The design was inspired by the slogan "Open Up" and the typical Dutch flat landscape. The Eurovision stage was designed by German stage designer Florian Wieder, who also designed the stages for the contests in 2011–12, 2015, and 2017–19.[75][76] Its features included a revolvable primary LED screen that is 52 metres (171 ft) wide and 12 metres (39 ft) high, and a retractable semi-transparent LED screen which could be used as a backdrop for the secondary stage.[77][78][79] The stage design was complemented by augmented reality effects.[80] Unlike the 2019 contest, the green room was placed in the main performance venue, and encompassed the entire floor space previously reserved for the standing audience, so as to facilitate social distancing.[81]
Postcards
The "postcards" were 40-second video introductions shown on television whilst the stage was being prepared for the next contestant to perform their entry.[82] Filmed between January and April, and directed by Martijn Nieman and Laurence Drenthe, with Kevin Soares serving as executive producer, the 2021 postcards were based on the "Open Up" theme of the contest. In a departure from the initial concept created for the 2020 contest owing to travel restriction concerns, the postcards involved the acts being presented through footage shot in their country of origin. These were inserted via chroma keying onto the framework of a 'tiny house' set-up in various locations around the Netherlands, and decorated with items personal to the artist. At the end of each postcard, a light streak hit the house and was refracted into a country-specific coloured streak, mimicking the prism and transitions to the stage, where the ceiling was lit up with that country's flag colours using augmented reality.[73] The postcards were produced by Amsterdam-based production company IDTV, with additional post-production and VFX work by Antwerp-based agency Storm.[83][84] The following locations were used for each participating country:[85][86]
On 18 September 2020, along with possible scenarios, the EBU confirmed that the 2020 planned presenters would be appointed as presenters for the 2021 contest as well: actress and television host Chantal Janzen, singer and commentator for the contest Jan Smit, singer Edsilia Rombley, who represented the Netherlands in the 1998 and 2007 contests, and beauty vlogger Nikkie de Jager (NikkieTutorials).[57][87][88]
For this year, delegations were given the option to use pre-recorded backing vocals. Each delegation could still choose to use backing singers, whether on or off stage, or a combination of live and recorded backing vocals. All lead vocals performing the melody of the song must still be live, according to the rules.[95][96] As a measure to guarantee that all participants could take part in the contest, every national broadcaster were required to create a 'live-on-tape' backup recording prior to the contest, which could be used if a participant was unable to travel to Rotterdam, or subjected to quarantine on arrival. The recordings took place in a studio setting, in real-time (as it would be at the contest) without any edits to the vocals or any part of the performance itself after the recording. A set of production guidelines was also revealed to ensure fairness and the integrity of the recordings.[97] All live-on-tape recordings, excluding those of Ireland and the United Kingdom, were later released on 28 and 29 May 2021, as part of the Eurovision Song Celebration: Live-on-Tape shows on the contest's official YouTube channel.[98][99]
Other rules for the entries stayed the same in the 2021 contest. This includes that the maximum length for a song is three minutes, that there can be at most six performers on stage, and that the compositions (lyrics and music) must not have been commercially released before 1 September of the year before.[100] Following the cancellation of the 2020 contest, the EBU explored the option of allowing the songs selected for the 2020 contest to compete in the 2021 contest, which needed to be discussed with the Eurovision Song Contest reference group and the national broadcasters.[12]Victoria, Bulgaria's representative for 2020 and 2021, publicly expressed her support for such a move.[101] However, on 20 March 2020, the reference group decided that, in accordance with the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest, the 2020 songs would not be eligible to compete in the 2021 contest.[102]
Results of the semi-final allocation draw for the 2020 contest, which was retained for 2021
Participating countries in the first semi-final[f]
Pre-qualified for the final but also voting in the first semi-final
Participating countries in the second semi-final[g]
Pre-qualified for the final but also voting in the second semi-final
On 17 November 2020, the EBU confirmed that the semi-final allocation draw for the 2021 contest would not be held. Instead, the semi-finals would feature the same line-up of countries as determined by the draw for the 2020 contest's semi-finals, which was held on 28 January 2020 at the Rotterdam City Hall and hosted by contest presenters Chantal Janzen, Jan Smit and Edsilia Rombley. The draw also determined which semi-final each of the six automatic qualifiers – host country the Netherlands and "Big Five" countries France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom – would broadcast and vote in. The EBU also decided to retain the Netherlands' running order position in the final – 23.[31]
The pots used initially for the 2020 contest featured as follows:
The first semi-final took place on 18 May 2021 at 21:00 (CEST).[74] Sixteen countries participated in this semi-final, with the running order published on 30 March 2021.[105] Malta won the most points, followed by Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania, Israel, Cyprus, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Belgium, and Norway. The countries that failed to reach the final were Slovenia, Australia, North Macedonia, Ireland, Croatia, and Romania. All the countries competing in this semi-final were eligible to vote, plus Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.[31]Belarus was originally allocated to participate in the first half of the semi-final, but was disqualified from the contest after submitting entries in violation of the rules twice, and not providing an eligible entry before the deadline.[20]
This semi-final was opened by Duncan Laurence performing "Feel Something",[106] and featured singer and YouTuber Davina Michelle and actress Thekla Reuten in an interval act titled "The Power of Water", centering on the Netherlands' history of water management.[107][108] Michelle performed her new single "Sweet Water" in the performance. In both acts, augmented reality was used. The Dutch, German, and Italian artists were then interviewed, and clips of their competing songs were played.
Qualifiers
Results of the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021[109]
The second semi-final took place on 20 May 2021 at 21:00 (CEST).[74] Seventeen countries participated in this semi-final, with the running order published on 30 March 2021.[105] Switzerland won the most points, followed by Iceland, Bulgaria, Portugal, Finland, Greece, Moldova, Serbia, San Marino, and Albania. The countries that failed to reach the final were Estonia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Georgia, Latvia, and Denmark. All the countries competing in this semi-final were eligible to vote, plus France, Spain and the United Kingdom.[31]Armenia was originally allocated to participate in the second half of the semi-final, but withdrew from the contest due to its social and political crises in the aftermath of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War.[19]
This semi-final was opened by breakdancer Redouan "Redo" Ait Chitt and singer-songwriter Eefje de Visser,[112][113] with ballet dancer Ahmad Joudeh and BMX-er Dez Maarsen performing during the interval;[114] the acts are titled "Forward Unlimited" and "Close Encounter of a Special Kind", respectively. The British, French, and Spanish artists were then interviewed, and clips of their competing songs were played.
Qualifiers
Results of the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021[115]
The final took place on 22 May 2021 at 21:00 (CEST).[74] Twenty-six countries participated in the final, with all thirty-nine participating countries eligible to vote. The running order for the final was published on 21 May 2021.[118] Italy won with 524 points, also winning the televote. France came second with 499 points, with Switzerland (who won the jury vote), Iceland, Ukraine, Finland, Malta, Lithuania, Russia, and Greece completing the top ten. San Marino, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom occupied the bottom five positions, of which the last four countries received no points from the televote.
The final was opened by the traditional flag parade, introducing all twenty-six finalists, accompanied by a remix of "Venus" produced and performed by 16-year-old DJ Pieter Gabriel, with co-presenters Chantal Janzen, Jan Smit and Edsilia Rombley singing parts of the song.[119][120] The interval acts included a medley of "Hero", "Ten Feet Tall" and "Titanium" performed by DJ Afrojack, singers Wulf and Glennis Grace, and an orchestra composed of young Dutch musicians;[121][122] the "Rock the Roof" interval act, where six former Eurovision winners – Måns Zelmerlöw, Teach-In, Sandra Kim, Lenny Kuhr, Helena Paparizou and Lordi – performed their winning songs – "Heroes", "Ding-a-dong", "J'aime la vie", "De troubadour", "My Number One" and "Hard Rock Hallelujah" respectively – atop several venues in Rotterdam;[123] and Duncan Laurence, who performed his winning song "Arcade" and his new single "Stars".[j][125][120] A dance sketch titled "The Human Countdown" was then performed, which signified the closure of the voting window.[120]
Results of the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021[126]
The ten qualifiers from the first semi-final were determined by televoting and/or SMS-voting (50%) and five-member juries (50%).[128] All sixteen countries competing in the first semi-final voted, alongside Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.[31] The ten qualifying countries were announced in no particular order, and the full results of how each country voted was published after the final had been held.
Below is a summary of all 12 points received in the first semi-final. In the jury vote, Malta received the maximum score of 12 points from eight countries, while Russia received three sets of 12 points. Israel were awarded two sets of 12 points, while Australia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Romania, Sweden, and Ukraine were each awarded one set of 12 points. In the public vote, Ukraine received six sets of 12 points, while Lithuania received the maximum score of 12 points from five countries. Croatia and Malta each received two sets of 12 points, while Cyprus, Israel, Norway, and Russia were each awarded one set of 12 points.[129]
The ten qualifiers from the second semi-final were determined by televoting and/or SMS-voting (50%) and five-member juries (50%).[128] All seventeen countries competing in the first semi-final voted, alongside France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.[31] The ten qualifying countries were announced in no particular order, and the full results of how each country voted was published after the final had been held.
Below is a summary of all 12 points received in the second semi-final. In the jury vote, Switzerland received the maximum score of 12 points from seven countries, while Bulgaria received four sets of 12 points. Iceland were awarded three sets of 12 points, Greece and Moldova each received two sets of 12 points, while Poland and Portugal were each awarded one set of 12 points. In the public vote, Moldova received eight sets of 12 points, while Iceland received the maximum score of 12 points from three countries. Finland and Serbia each received two sets of 12 points, while Denmark, Greece, Portugal, San Marino, and Switzerland were each awarded one set of 12 points.[130]
The results of the final were determined by televoting and jury voting in all thirty-nine participating countries.[128] The announcement of the jury points was conducted by each country individually, with the country's spokesperson announcing their jury's favourite entry that received 12 points, with the remaining points shown on screen. Following the completion of the jury points announcement, the public points were announced as an aggregate by the contest hosts in ascending order starting from the country which received the fewest points from the jury.
Below is a summary of all 12 points received in the final. In the jury vote, France and Switzerland each received the maximum score of 12 points from eight countries, with Italy and Malta each receiving four sets of 12 points. Bulgaria, Greece, and Moldova received the maximum score from two countries, while Albania, Cyprus, Iceland, Lithuania, Portugal, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, and Ukraine were each awarded one set of 12 points.
In the public vote, Italy, Lithuania, Serbia, and Ukraine each received the maximum score of 12 points from five countries, with France receiving four sets of 12 points. Finland and Iceland received the maximum score from three countries, Cyprus, Greece, and Moldova were each awarded two sets of 12 points, and Israel, Russia, and Switzerland were each awarded one set of 12 points.[131]
All participating broadcasters may choose to have on-site or remote commentators providing an insight about the show and voting information to their local audience. While they must broadcast at least the semi-final they are voting in and the final, most broadcasters air all three shows with different programming plans. Similarly, some non-participating broadcasters may still want to air the contest.
The European Broadcasting Union provided international live streams of both semi-finals and the final through their official YouTube channel with no commentary. The live streams were geo-blocked to viewers in Australia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, United States and the United Kingdom. After the live broadcasts, all three shows were made available for every country listed above except the United States.[132][133][134][135]
Broadcasters and commentators in participating countries
Two days after "Ya nauchu tebya (I'll Teach You)" was announced as the Belarusian entry for the contest, the EBU ruled that the song did not comply with the contest's rules against political entries, and that the song was not eligible to compete in the contest unless it was modified or replaced.[258] After failing to meet an extended deadline for submitting an eligible entry, with their second submission "Pesnya pro zaytsa (Song About Hares)" also being found to not comply with the rules, it was announced on 26 March 2021 that Belarus was disqualified from the contest.[20]
Ukrainian rehearsal stand-in
Before Ukraine's second rehearsal on 12 May, the lead singer of Go_A, Kateryna Pavlenko, reported feeling unwell. In accordance with the contest's health and safety protocols, Pavlenko was required to quarantine in her hotel room. The other band members tested negative and were able to rehearse, with Dutch stand-in singer Emmie van Stijn providing vocals instead of Pavlenko.[259][260][261] Pavlenko took a COVID-19 PCR test, which came back negative the following day, allowing her to perform again.[262]
Van Stijn received positive reactions for her performance, in particular for her pronunciation of the Ukrainian lyrics, and was invited to sit with the Ukrainian delegation in the green room during the first semi-final.[263]
COVID-19 infections
A COVID-19 testing zone was set up outside Rotterdam Ahoy during the Eurovision event weeks.
Ahead of the "Turquoise Carpet" event, one member of each of the Polish and Icelandic delegations tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, those delegations were absent from the event, having gone into self-isolation in accordance with the contest's health and safety protocols.[264][265] The Romanian and Maltese delegations were also absent from the event on a precautionary measure, as they were based in the same hotel as the Polish and Icelandic delegations.[266]
All other members of the Polish and Icelandic delegations tested negative, and remained in quarantine until the jury show of the second semi-final.[267][268] However, it was later confirmed that a member of the Icelandic group Daði og Gagnamagnið had tested positive, and as a result, the group withdrew from performing in the live shows. Footage from their rehearsal at Rotterdam Ahoy was broadcast instead during both the jury show and the live show of the second semi-final; this footage was also shown in the final.[116][117] The remaining members of the Polish delegation were subsequently released from isolation.[269]
On 20 May, the EBU confirmed that Duncan Laurence had tested positive and would not perform live in the final.[270] He was due to perform his winning song "Arcade" and his new single "Stars" during the interval, and present the points on behalf of the Dutch jury; the latter role was filled by Romy Monteiro.[125][271] Pre-recorded rehearsal footage of Laurence's interval performance was broadcast instead during the final. Due to the positive test result, Laurence was also not present to hand over the trophy to the winner; the presenters handed over the trophy instead.[124][120]
The day after the final, a member of the Norwegian delegation tested positive and was forced to remain in Rotterdam for isolation. It was later confirmed that six additional members of the delegation had tested positive after returning to Norway.[272]
Technical issues
Jury show issues
During the jury show of the first semi-final, the Romanian, Ukrainian and Maltese delegations reported problems with their performances; most notably, Roxen was heard to be off-beat with the chorus of her song "Amnesia". The EBU later confirmed that in-ear monitoring issues had occurred and that all artists involved would be given a second chance to perform.[273] No issues occurred during the second performances.
During San Marino's jury final performance, the rotating platform did not stop when it was supposed to, leading Senhit to have to jump from it while in motion. The Sammarinese delegation later filed a complaint, also claiming that all the camera shots were distorted due to these timing issues. The delegation offered to allow Senhit and Flo Rida to withdraw from the event, though they ultimately decided to stay. The contest's executive supervisor, Martin Österdahl, apologised to the delegation and reaffirmed that the issue would be addressed moving forward and that they would be protected to the highest degree.[274]
Camera breaking prior to Ireland's performance
During the setup for Ireland's performance in the first semi-final, a camera broke, which caused an extended delay after the postcard was shown. Co-presenter Chantal Janzen improvised in the green room during the live broadcast to fill in the time.[275]
False allegation of drug use
During a green room segment in the final, Damiano David, lead singer of the Italian band Måneskin, was claimed by some online viewers on social media to be seen snorting a line of cocaine when leaned over a table, although there were no drugs in the footage and the singer was sitting away from the table, close to the Italian delegation members.[276][277][278] In the band's press conference following their victory, Torbjörn Ek, a journalist working at the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, asked about the allegations, which David denied by suggesting that fellow member Thomas Raggi had broken a glass which David was picking up off the floor, going on to say "I don't use drugs, please guys, do not say that."[279][280] The band later released a statement on their official Instagram account, stating: "We are really shocked about what some people are saying about Damiano doing drugs. We really are AGAINST drugs and we never used cocaine. We are ready to get tested, cause we got nothing to hide."[281] The EBU released a statement the following day, stating that the band, their management and the Italian head of delegation had denied any allegation, and the singer in question, Damiano, requested to be tested the same night, but as testing could not be immediately organized, he would "take a voluntary drug test after arriving home". It was also confirmed that "broken glass was found after an on site check".[282] The allegations were mostly covered by the French press and briefly commented on by the French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian,[283] but the French participating broadcaster France Télévisions announced that it won't file any official charges, while in the Italian press, it was described as a social media joke that had gone too far and become fake news.[284][285]
On 24 May, the EBU released a statement confirming that no drug use took place in the green room during the final, following a negative drug test and inspection of all available footage. The EBU also expressed concern over "inaccurate speculation leading to fake news [that] has overshadowed the spirit and the outcome of the event and unfairly affected the band."[286]
Dutch televoting issues
The EBU confirmed on 24 May that they had issues handling the Dutch televote in the final. Numerous Dutch viewers complained on social media about their votes not being counted and had only received their confirmation texts hours after the show. The EBU later confirmed to NOS that those votes were not counted due to a problem with the Dutch branch of the telecom provider T-Mobile, while clarifying that they had no authority over the issue. The Dutch televoting results, therefore, remained valid.[287][288][289]
Italy's win in the 2021 contest marked the breakthrough of its entrant, Måneskin, in the international music market.[290] Following the contest, the band's releases, including their second studio album Teatro d'ira: Vol. I (2021), which contained their winning song "Zitti e buoni" as well as tracks "I Wanna Be Your Slave" and "Coraline", entered European and global weekly charts.[291][292][293][294] "Zitti e buoni" and "I Wanna Be Your Slave" also entered the top ten of the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.[295][296][297] "Zitti e buoni" became the first Italian-language song in 30 years to chart on the top 20 of the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 17,[298] as well as "I Wanna Be Your Slave" peaking at number five,[299] which was the first song by an Italian rock band to reach the UK top ten,[300][301][302][303] thus making the band the first Eurovision winning act since Céline Dion to have two songs in the UK top 40,[304][305] and a top ten hit with a non-contest song.[306] Buoyed by viral success on video sharing service TikTok, their 2017 cover of "Beggin'" peaked at number six,[307] thus making them the first Italian act and the first Eurovision-associated act to have two songs charting in the UK top ten at the same time.[308][309] "Beggin'" later debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 78 and went on to peak at number 13,[310] making them the second Eurovision winning act in recent history to enter the chart, after 2019 winner Duncan Laurence had done so earlier in the year with his winning song "Arcade".[311][312]
Several other entries in the 2021 contest also impacted the charts after the event.[313] France's entry "Voilà" entered the Billboard Global 200 chart dated 5 June 2021 at number 148, followed by Ukraine's entry "Shum" at number 158, which also marked the first time that a Ukrainian-language song had entered the chart. On the Billboard Global Excl. US chart also dated 5 June 2021, in addition to "Zitti e buoni" (at number 11), "Voilà" (at number 70) and "Shum" (at number 80), four other entries entered the chart: Finland's "Dark Side" at number 105, Switzerland's "Tout l'univers" at number 119, Iceland's "10 Years" at number 128, and Cyprus' "El Diablo" at number 170.[314][315]
Other awards
In addition to the main winner's trophy, the Marcel Bezençon Awards and the Barbara Dex Award were contested during the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. The OGAE, "General Organisation of Eurovision Fans" voting poll also took place before the contest.
Marcel Bezençon Awards
The Marcel Bezençon Awards, organised since 2002 by Sweden's then-Head of Delegation and 1992 representative Christer Björkman, and winner of the 1984 contest Richard Herrey, honours songs in the contest's final.[316] The awards are divided into three categories: the Artistic Award, the Composers Award, and the Press Award.[317] The winners were revealed shortly before the Eurovision final on 22 May.[318]
OGAE, an organisation of over forty Eurovision Song Contest fan clubs across Europe and beyond, conducts an annual voting poll first held in 2002 as the Marcel Bezençon Fan Award. After all votes were cast, the top-ranked entry in the 2021 poll was Malta's "Je me casse" performed by Destiny; the top five results are shown below.[319][320][321]
The Barbara Dex Award, created in 1997 by fansite House of Eurovision and organised by fansite Songfestival.be since 2017, was awarded to the performer voted to have worn the most notable outfit. The top-ranked entry this year was Norway's representative Tix, who was the last person to ever receive the award, due to its cancellation the following year.[322]
The Eurovision Awards, first held in 2021, saw competing acts celebrated across ten categories. Shortlists were determined by major Eurovision fansites and podcasts, with editors and presenters nominating their favourites in each category; the final result was determined by followers of the official Eurovision Instagram channel who cast votes for their favourite act.[323]
Winners are listed first, highlighted in boldface, and indicated with a double dagger (‡). Runners-up are indicated with a single dagger (†).
Eurovision Song Contest: Rotterdam 2021 is the official compilation album of the contest, put together by the European Broadcasting Union and released by Universal Music Group digitally on 16 April 2021 and physically on 23 April 2021.[324][325] The album features all 39 entries including the semi-finalists that failed to qualify for the final.
Charts
Chart performance for Eurovision Song Contest: Rotterdam 2021
^No country has always participated in the final since the introduction of semi-finals in 2004. Ukraine, despite having always reached the final, did not participate in the 2015 and 2019 contests. Additionally, the 2020 contest was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
^ abFollowing a positive COVID-19 test result for a member of Gagnamagnið, Iceland competed using footage from their rehearsal at Rotterdam Ahoy, recorded on 13 May.[116][117]
^Laurence's interval performance in the final was pre-recorded due to him testing positive for COVID-19 two days prior.[124]
^Monteiro was a replacement for Duncan Laurence, who was absent due to testing positive for COVID-19.
^ abDespite finishing with the same number of points as Bulgaria, Greece is deemed to have finished in tenth place due to receiving a greater number of points in the televote.
^ abcdDespite 4 countries finishing with 0 points, tiebreaking rules put the United Kingdom in 23rd place with the televote, Spain 24th, Germany 25th and the Netherlands 26th due to their running order positions.
^All shows were broadcast live, with a primetime rebroadcast in the evening between 21 and 23 May.
^The second semi-final was broadcast on La Une on a 90-minute delay.
^Jandrain was a late replacement for Maureen Louys, who was absent due to testing positive for COVID-19.
^The final was broadcast on VivaCité on a 60-minute delay.
^Due to the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, the shows would be deferred to Kan Educational in the event that the main broadcast on Kan 11 is interrupted.
^The first semi-final was broadcast on a two-hour delay, starting at 22:15 WEST.[210][211]
^Cox was a late replacement for Rylan Clark-Neal who was absent due to illness but still appeared in pre-recorded segments.[241]
^"Rotterdam 2021 FAQs". European Broadcasting Union. 16 May 2020. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021. The EBU has decided on Scenario B in consultation with the Contest organizers NPO, NOS and AVROTROS and the municipality of Rotterdam.
^Jiandani, Sanjay (Sergio) (22 April 2021). "Eurovision 2021: The stage is lit and in full action!". ESCToday. Archived from the original on 26 April 2021. For example, we have a TV screen that is 52 meters wide and 12 meters high. Inside there are doors that can open. That has never been done on such a scale.
^"Klubi-info: Mikä ihmeen OGAE?" [The club info: What on Earth is OGAE?]. Euroviisuklubi (in Finnish). OGAE Finland. 5 June 2012. Archived from the original on 27 January 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
^"2021 OGAE Poll". OGAE International. 12 April 2021. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
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