Synopsis

The Hague once again welcomed the song contest, following refusals from both Israel and the United Kingdom to host. Israel's repeated declines to host had necessitated a hurried arrangement for the 1980 event. Dutch television, NOS, had to repurpose much of the stage from 1976, their last hosting of the competition. NOS scheduled the contest for April 19th, but with this date coinciding with Holocaust Memorial Day in Israel, the reigning champion elected not to participate. This marked a singula