Happy Junior Eurovision month everyone!
We’re only a matter of weeks away from the 2020 Junior Eurovision Song Contest (JESC), so let’s take a look at what we know so far in what will be the most unique edition of the contest in its history.
More on why it’s so unique later, but first, the basics.
When will the contest be held?
The 2020 contest will be held on the Sunday 29th November at 5pm Central European Time. In Australian time, this is the early morning of Monday 30th November at the following time in each of the different states:
WA – 12:00am
NT – 1:30am
QLD – 2:00am
SA – 2:30am
ACT/NSW/VIC/TAS – 3:00am
Where will the contest be held?
For the second year in a row, it will be held in Poland, after they won the 2019 contest. This year it will be held in the country’s capital Warsaw, but unlike normal contests, it will be held in a TV studio in Warsaw.
Which nations are competing?
12 countries will be competing this year:
Belarus
France
Georgia
Germany
Kazakhstan
Malta
Poland
Russia
Serbia
Spain
The Netherlands
Ukraine
Wait... where is Australia?
Unfortunately for the first time since their debut in 2015, Australia will not be participating at Junior Eurovision. SBS previously stated that "Due to the current travel restrictions and the ongoing uncertainty around this situation, Australia will not be competing in the Junior Eurovision Contest 2020.”
Alongside Australia, the following countries that participated in 2019 won’t be competing in 2020: Albania, Armenia, Ireland, Italy, North Macedonia, Portugal and Wales.
All nations except Armenia cited the pandemic as the reason for their withdrawal. Armenia's official reason was: “due to the introduction of martial law in the region” as a result of the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan.
A unique edition of the contest?
Yes, this year’s contest will be unlike any other contest we have seen in the past. Because of the pandemic, there will be no audience at the live show, and the participants will not travel to Warsaw. Instead, each country will prerecord their performance on a stage in their own country. There will still be presenters and a live show on the night, but the competing performances won’t be live.
Where can we watch it?
Unfortunately, if you are in Australia your only option is the livestream on the Junior Eurovision YouTube channel. Neither SBS, which now runs our Junior Eurovision participation, or ABC ME are going to broadcast the show, either live or delayed.
Ok great, how can I listen to the songs?
You can listen and watch the songs via the Junior Eurovision YouTube channel.
These currently list 11 of the 12 songs as Georgia have not selected their song yet, and will do so on the morning of the 14th November Australian time.
Also for the first time since 2012 you will be able to buy the physical CD of all the songs from this years Contest. The digital album will be released on November 13 and the physical CD will be released on November 27.