Eurovision Song Contest 2021
The Eurovision Song Contest 2021 was the 65th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. It took place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, following the country's win at the 2019 contest with the song "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence. The Netherlands was set to host the 2020 contest, before it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcasters Nederlandse Publieke Omroep (NPO), Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) and AVROTROS, the contest was held at Rotterdam Ahoy, and consisted of two semi-finals on 18 and 20 May, and a final on 22 May 2021. The three live shows were presented by Dutch television presenters and singers Chantal Janzen, Edsilia Rombley and Jan Smit, and Dutch YouTuber and make-up artist Nikkie de Jager.
| Eurovision Song Contest 2021 | |
|---|---|
| Open Up | |
| Dates | |
| Semi-final 1 | 18 May 2021 |
| Semi-final 2 | 20 May 2021 |
| Final | 22 May 2021 |
| Host | |
| Venue | Rotterdam Ahoy Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Presenter(s) | |
| Directed by |
|
| Executive supervisor | Martin Österdahl |
| Executive producer |
|
| Host broadcaster | |
| Website | eurovision |
| Participants | |
| Number of entries | 39 |
| Number of finalists | 26 |
| Debuting countries | None |
| Returning countries | Bulgaria Ukraine |
| Non-returning countries | Armenia Belarus Hungary Montenegro |
| Vote | |
| Voting system | Each country awards two sets of 12, 10, 8–1 points to ten songs. |
| Winning song | Italy "Zitti e buoni" |
| 2019 ← | |
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). Bulgaria and Ukraine returned after their absence from the 2019 contest, while Hungary and Montenegro did not return after their participation in the 2019 edition. 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 edit
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]
Host city selection edit
By Eurovision tradition, the Netherlands received the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest after the country won the competition in 2019.[7] The Dutch host broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS launched the bidding process in the same month on 29 May,[8] 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.[9] On 16 July, Maastricht and Rotterdam were shortlisted,[10] and after NPO visited both cities,[11] on 30 August 2019, Rotterdam was announced as the host city of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020.[12]
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.[13] 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.[14][15] 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.[16] 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.[17]
Participating countries edit
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.[18]
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 absences from the 2019 contest, while Hungary and Montenegro were confirmed as non-returning following their latest appearances in 2019.[19]
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 after submitting entries in violation of the rules twice, and not providing an eligible entry before the deadline, thereby reducing the number of participating countries to 39.[20][21]
Returning artists edit
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.[24]
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;[25] Senhit had represented San Marino in 2011;[26] and Sanja Vučić, a member of Hurricane, had previously represented Serbia in 2016 in a solo performance.[27]
Former backing vocalists who competed as lead artists included Ksenija Knežević, a member of Hurricane, who had previously served as a backing vocalist for Montenegro's entrant Knez in 2015;[27] Destiny, who had provided backing vocals for Malta's Michela in 2019;[28] Vincent Bueno, who had backed Austria's Nathan Trent in 2017;[29] and Vasil, who had provided backing vocals for North Macedonia's Tamara Todevska in 2019.[30] Two artists had previously competed in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, Malta's Destiny, who had won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2015, and Greece's Stefania, who had competed for the Netherlands in the 2016 Junior contest as a member of the group Kisses.[28][31] Mladen Lukić, who had previously competed for Serbia in 2018 as a member of Balkanika, returned as a backing vocalist for Hurricane.
Other countries edit
Active EBU members edit
- 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.[19][32] 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.[20]
- 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, on 26 March 2021, Belarus was disqualified by the EBU after its intended entry "Ya nauchu tebya (I'll Teach You)" by Galasy ZMesta was rejected due to violating the rules, and not being able to submit an eligible replacement entry.[21] 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.[33] The broadcaster was expelled from the EBU on 1 July, rendering future participations impossible until at least 2025.[34]
In November 2019, Democrats for Andorra, the ruling party of former participant Andorra, stated that they would assess the costs in order to grant the country's return to the contest;[35] in 2020, 2009 Andorran representative Susanne Georgi claimed to have secured the funding[36] and held a meeting with Prime Minister of Andorra Xavier Espot Zamora, ultimately agreeing to push the Andorran return to 2022 in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.[37] Former participants Morocco and Turkey, despite rumours of a possible return in 2021,[38][39] did not appear on the final list of participants.[19] Active EBU member broadcasters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Monaco and Slovakia confirmed non-participation prior to the announcement of the participants list by the EBU.[40][41]
Associate EBU members edit
In August 2020, the EBU stated that it did not intend to invite Kazakhstan for this year.[42]
Non-EBU members edit
In August 2020, the EBU stated that it did not intend to invite Kosovo to become a member.[42] 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 edit
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]
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic edit
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);
- A fully-remote contest hosted from Rotterdam (Scenario D), with all acts performing from their home country, and no in-person festivities or audience in Rotterdam. This scenario was trialled during the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020.
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]
| Contest aspect | Scenario A (Normal) | Scenario B (1.5-metre) † | Scenario C (Travel restrictive) | Scenario D (Lockdown) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shows from Ahoy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Participants in Rotterdam | All | All/most | Some | None |
| Audience in the arena | 100% | 0–80% | 0–80% | None |
| Side events in Rotterdam | Yes | Adapted | Reduced | None |
| Press centre | 1,500 on site | 500 on site 1,000 virtual | 1,500 virtual | 1,500 virtual |
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 edit
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 edit
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 edit
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]
- Albania – Hoge Brug, Maastricht
- Australia – Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel, Rotterdam
- Austria – Nannewiid, Frisian Lakes
- Azerbaijan – Giethoorn
- Belgium – Bourtange
- Bulgaria – Agelo
- Croatia – Broek op Langedijk
- Cyprus – 's-Hertogenbosch
- Czech Republic – Almere
- Denmark – Nijmegen
- Estonia – Circuit Zandvoort
- Finland – Sibelco silver sand quarry, Heerlen
- France – Houtribdijk
- Georgia – Port of Rotterdam
- Germany – Scheveningen
- Greece – Halley Astronomical Observatory, Vinkel
- Iceland – Zeeburgereiland, Amsterdam
- Ireland – H'ART Museum
- Israel – Utrecht Centraal railway station
- Italy – Arnhem
- Latvia – Middelburg
- Lithuania – Rotterdam Centraal railway station
- Malta – Vlissingen
- Moldova – Schiermonnikoog
- Netherlands – Ouddorp
- North Macedonia – Dolmen D14, Eext
- Norway – Koppelpoort, Amersfoort
- Poland – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
- Portugal – Markt, Delft
- Romania – Leeuwarden
- Russia – Bolwoningen, 's-Hertogenbosch
- San Marino – Evoluon, Eindhoven
- Serbia – Keukenhof, Lisse
- Slovenia – Marker Wadden
- Spain – Doornspijk
- Sweden – Museumplein, Amsterdam
- Switzerland – Noordereiland, Rotterdam
- Ukraine – Veluwezoom National Park
- United Kingdom – Gasselte
Presenters edit
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]
In addition, De Jager and Krista Siegfrids (Finland's representative in the 2013 contest) were the presenters of the contest's online content. Siegfrids hosted Krista Calling, a weekly YouTube series with behind-the-scenes coverage from Rotterdam,[89][90] and De Jager hosted LookLab with NikkieTutorials, an online talk show series featuring 38 participants with Queen Máxima as a special guest.[e][92][93] Koos van Plateringen, Hila Noorzai and Samya Hafsaoui moderated the contest's press conferences, while Van Plateringen and Fenna Ramos hosted the "Turquoise Carpet" event.[94][5]
Format edit
Entries edit
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]
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.[98] 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.[13] Victoria, Bulgaria's representative for 2020 and 2021, publicly expressed her support for such a move.[99] 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.[100]
Semi-final allocation draw edit
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 maintain the Netherlands' grand final running order position – 23.[32]
The pots used initially for the 2020 contest featured as follows:
| Pot 1 | Pot 2 | Pot 3 | Pot 4 | Pot 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Contest overview edit
Semi-final 1 edit
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.[103] 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.[32] 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.[21]
This semi-final was opened by Duncan Laurence performing "Feel Something",[104] 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.[105][106] 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.
| R/O | Country | Artist | Song | Points | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lithuania | The Roop | "Discoteque" | 203 | 4 |
| 2 | Slovenia | Ana Soklič | "Amen" | 44 | 13 |
| 3 | Russia | Manizha | "Russian Woman" | 225 | 3 |
| 4 | Sweden | Tusse | "Voices" | 142 | 7 |
| 5 | Australia[h] | Montaigne | "Technicolour" | 28 | 14 |
| 6 | North Macedonia | Vasil | "Here I Stand" | 23 | 15 |
| 7 | Ireland | Lesley Roy | "Maps" | 20 | 16 |
| 8 | Cyprus | Elena Tsagrinou | "El Diablo" | 170 | 6 |
| 9 | Norway | Tix | "Fallen Angel" | 115 | 10 |
| 10 | Croatia | Albina | "Tick-Tock" | 110 | 11 |
| 11 | Belgium | Hooverphonic | "The Wrong Place" | 117 | 9 |
| 12 | Israel | Eden Alene | "Set Me Free" | 192 | 5 |
| 13 | Romania | Roxen | "Amnesia" | 85 | 12 |
| 14 | Azerbaijan | Efendi | "Mata Hari" | 138 | 8 |
| 15 | Ukraine | Go_A | "Shum" | 267 | 2 |
| 16 | Malta | Destiny | "Je me casse" | 325 | 1 |
Semi-final 2 edit
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.[103] 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.[32] 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.[20]
This semi-final was opened by breakdancer Redouan "Redo" Ait Chitt and singer-songwriter Eefje de Visser,[109][110] with ballet dancer Ahmad Joudeh and BMX-er Dez Maarsen performing during the interval;[111] 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.
| R/O | Country | Artist | Song | Points | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Marino | Senhit[d] | "Adrenalina" | 118 | 9 |
| 2 | Estonia | Uku Suviste | "The Lucky One" | 58 | 13 |
| 3 | Czech Republic | Benny Cristo | "Omaga" | 23 | 15 |
| 4 | Greece | Stefania | "Last Dance" | 184 | 6 |
| 5 | Austria | Vincent Bueno | "Amen" | 66 | 12 |
| 6 | Poland | Rafał | "The Ride" | 35 | 14 |
| 7 | Moldova | Natalia Gordienko | "Sugar" | 179 | 7 |
| 8 | Iceland[i] | Daði og Gagnamagnið | "10 Years" | 288 | 2 |
| 9 | Serbia | Hurricane | "Loco loco" | 124 | 8 |
| 10 | Georgia | Tornike Kipiani | "You" | 16 | 16 |
| 11 | Albania | Anxhela Peristeri | "Karma" | 112 | 10 |
| 12 | Portugal | The Black Mamba | "Love Is on My Side" | 239 | 4 |
| 13 | Bulgaria | Victoria | "Growing Up Is Getting Old" | 250 | 3 |
| 14 | Finland | Blind Channel | "Dark Side" | 234 | 5 |
| 15 | Latvia | Samanta Tīna | "The Moon Is Rising" | 14 | 17 |
| 16 | Switzerland | Gjon's Tears | "Tout l'univers" | 291 | 1 |
| 17 | Denmark | Fyr og Flamme | "Øve os på hinanden" | 89 | 11 |
Final edit
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.[114] 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.[115][116] 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;[117][118] 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;[119] and Duncan Laurence, who performed his winning song "Arcade" and his new single "Stars".[j][121][116] A dance sketch titled "The Human Countdown" was then performed, which signified the closure of the voting window.[116]
Spokespersons edit
The spokespersons announced the 12-point score from their respective country's national jury in the following order:[122]
- Israel – Lucy Ayoub
- Poland – Ida Nowakowska
- San Marino – Monica Fabbri
- Albania – Andri Xhahu
- Malta – Stephanie Spiteri
- Estonia – Sissi
- North Macedonia – Vane Markoski
- Azerbaijan – Ell and Nikki
- Norway – Silje Skjemstad Cruz
- Spain – Nieves Álvarez
- Austria – Philipp Hansa
- United Kingdom – Amanda Holden
- Italy – Carolina Di Domenico
- Slovenia – Lorella Flego
- Greece – Manolis Gkinis
- Latvia – Aminata Savadogo
- Ireland – Ryan O'Shaughnessy
- Moldova – Sergey Stepanov (also known as "Epic Sax Guy")
- Serbia – Dragana Kosjerina
- Bulgaria – Joanna Dragneva
- Cyprus – Loukas Hamatsos
- Belgium – Danira Boukhriss
- Germany – Barbara Schöneberger
- Australia – Joel Creasey
- Finland – Katri Norrlin
- Portugal – Elisa
- Ukraine – Tayanna
- Iceland – Hannes Óli Ágústsson (as Olaf Yohansson from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga)
- Romania – Cătălina Ponor
- Croatia – Ivan Dorian Molnar
- Czech Republic – Taťána Kuchařová
- Georgia – Oto Nemsadze
- Lithuania – Andrius Mamontovas
- Denmark – Tina Müller
- Russia – Polina Gagarina
- France – Carla
- Sweden – Carola
- Switzerland – Angélique Beldner
- Netherlands – Romy Monteiro[k]
Detailed voting results edit
Semi-final 1 edit
| Place | Combined | Jury | Televoting | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Points | Country | Points | Country | Points | |
| 1 | Malta | 325 | Malta | 174 | Ukraine | 164 |
| 2 | Ukraine | 267 | Russia | 117 | Malta | 151 |
| 3 | Russia | 225 | Ukraine | 103 | Lithuania | 137 |
| 4 | Lithuania | 203 | Israel | 99 | Russia | 108 |
| 5 | Israel | 192 | Cyprus | 92 | Israel | 93 |
| 6 | Cyprus | 170 | Sweden | 91 | Azerbaijan | 91 |
| 7 | Sweden | 142 | Belgium | 70 | Cyprus | 78 |
| 8 | Azerbaijan | 138 | Lithuania | 66 | Norway | 77 |
| 9 | Belgium | 117 | Romania | 58 | Croatia | 53 |
| 10 | Norway | 115 | Croatia | 57 | Sweden | 51 |
| 11 | Croatia | 110 | Azerbaijan | 47 | Belgium | 47 |
| 12 | Romania | 85 | Norway | 38 | Romania | 27 |
| 13 | Slovenia | 44 | Slovenia | 36 | North Macedonia | 11 |
| 14 | Australia | 28 | Australia | 26 | Slovenia | 8 |
| 15 | North Macedonia | 23 | Ireland | 16 | Ireland | 4 |
| 16 | Ireland | 20 | North Macedonia | 12 | Australia | 2 |
The ten qualifiers from the first semi-final were determined by televoting and/or SMS-voting (50%) and five-member juries (50%).[123] All sixteen countries competing in the first semi-final voted, alongside Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.[32] 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.
| Total score | Jury score | Televoting score | Jury vote | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lithuania | Slovenia | Russia | Sweden | Australia | North Macedonia | Ireland | Cyprus | Norway | Croatia | Belgium | Israel | Romania | Azerbaijan | Ukraine | Malta | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | |||||
Contestants | Lithuania | 203 | 66 | 137 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 12 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 3 | |||||
| Slovenia | 44 | 36 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 5 | ||||||||||||
| Russia | 225 | 117 | 108 | 10 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 12 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 12 | ||||
| Sweden | 142 | 91 | 51 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 4 | 5 | |||
| Australia | 28 | 26 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| North Macedonia | 23 | 12 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||
| Ireland | 20 | 16 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Cyprus | 170 | 92 | 78 | 4 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 3 | |||||
| Norway | 115 | 38 | 77 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 6 | 4 | ||||||||||
| Croatia | 110 | 57 | 53 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 2 | ||||||
| Belgium | 117 | 70 | 47 | 10 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |||||||||
| Israel | 192 | 99 | 93 | 7 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 12 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 12 | 8 | |||||
| Romania | 85 | 58 | 27 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 12 | 6 | 1 | ||||||||||
| Azerbaijan | 138 | 47 | 91 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 2 | |||||||||||
| Ukraine | 267 | 103 | 164 | 12 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | ||||
| Malta | 325 | 174 | 151 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 8 | 7 | ||
| Total score | Jury score | Televoting score | Televote | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lithuania | Slovenia | Russia | Sweden | Australia | North Macedonia | Ireland | Cyprus | Norway | Croatia | Belgium | Israel | Romania | Azerbaijan | Ukraine | Malta | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | |||||
Contestants | Lithuania | 203 | 66 | 137 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 12 | 7 | 12 | 8 | 8 | ||
| Slovenia | 44 | 36 | 8 | 3 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Russia | 225 | 117 | 108 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 10 | 2 | 12 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 5 | ||
| Sweden | 142 | 91 | 51 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 2 | ||||||||
| Australia | 28 | 26 | 2 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| North Macedonia | 23 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Ireland | 20 | 16 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cyprus | 170 | 92 | 78 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Norway | 115 | 38 | 77 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 3 | |||
| Croatia | 110 | 57 | 53 | 12 | 2 | 5 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7 | ||||||||||
| Belgium | 117 | 70 | 47 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||
| Israel | 192 | 99 | 93 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | |||
| Romania | 85 | 58 | 27 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 10 | ||||||||||||||
| Azerbaijan | 138 | 47 | 91 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 4 | |||
| Ukraine | 267 | 103 | 164 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 7 | 12 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 10 | 12 | 10 | ||
| Malta | 325 | 174 | 151 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 12 | ||
12 points edit
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.[124]
| N. | Contestant | Nation(s) giving 12 points |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Malta | Australia, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Norway, Romania, Russia, Sweden |
| 3 | Russia | Azerbaijan, Belgium, Netherlands |
| 2 | Israel | Italy, North Macedonia |
| 1 | Australia | Ukraine |
| Cyprus | Slovenia | |
| Lithuania | Israel | |
| Romania | Malta | |
| Sweden | Germany | |
| Ukraine | Lithuania |
| N. | Contestant | Nation(s) giving 12 points |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Ukraine | Australia, Croatia, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Russia |
| 5 | Lithuania | Cyprus, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Ukraine |
| 2 | Croatia | North Macedonia, Slovenia |
| Malta | Belgium, Netherlands | |
| 1 | Cyprus | Malta |
| Israel | Azerbaijan | |
| Norway | Sweden | |
| Russia | Israel |
Semi-final 2 edit
| Place | Combined | Jury | Televoting | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Points | Country | Points | Country | Points | |
| 1 | Switzerland | 291 | Switzerland | 156 | Finland | 150 |
| 2 | Iceland | 288 | Bulgaria | 149 | Iceland | 148 |
| 3 | Bulgaria | 250 | Iceland | 140 | Switzerland | 135 |
| 4 | Portugal | 239 | Portugal | 128 | Moldova | 123 |
| 5 | ||||||