Banijay, ProSieben launch ‘Eurovision replacement’ contest

Banijay Group-owned Brainpool, German broadcaster ProSieben and domestic producer and entertainer Stefan Raab have teamed up to create a new competition to replace the cancelled Eurovision Song Contest 2020.

The Free European Song Contest is being produced by Raab for Brainpool. A former Eurovision competitor himself, Raab also produced and hosted the contest when it was held in Germany in 2011. It will air live from Cologne on 16 May on his home network ProSieben.

The special edition show will “celebrate passion, fun and a love for music.”

Raab said: “Music connects people, especially in difficult times. This marks the birth of a new, and free, European song competition. This marks the birth of the Free European Song Contest. Special challenges need special solutions and this evening will see Europe come together in a special and unique way.”

Daniel Rosemann, MD at ProSieben, said: “Stefan Raab loves music and he loves Europe. We are happy about the great opportunity to live and celebrate Europe in these times with a new music competition and are really looking forward to the Free European Song Contest.”