According to the official rules for Eurovision 2022, pre-recorded backing vocals are set to be permitted for a second contest.
The official rules of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 have been revealed by the Icelandic broadcaster RUV as it launches its selection for Italy today. The rules from the European Broadcasting Union show that pre-recorded backing vocals will be permitted for the 2022 edition of the contest.
Pre-recorded backing vocals were introduced for the 2021 contest, with the EBU stating at the time that:
We believe allowing backing vocals to be pre-recorded increases the creative potential and diversity of acts and facilitates modernisation of the Eurovision Song Contest. It also allows songwriters and producers to present their work as close as possible to their original composition. The change also provides the flexibility for participating broadcasters to minimise the size of their delegations, thus saving costs.
Permitting recorded backing vocals also contributes to reducing the technical burden and costs for the host broadcaster as well. This all contributes to the sustainability of the Contest in our new reality.
A review was set to be held after the contest in Rotterdam to determine whether the rule change would remain. As with the rules in 2021, the 2022 rule states that:
The backing track in question shall not contain Lead Vocals, Lead Dubs and/or any other vocals that would have the effect of, or aim at replacing or unduly assisting the Lead Vocal(s) during the live performance on stage.
The change in rules for 2021 saw a number of countries opt to use pre-recorded backing vocals including large choirs or numbers of singers. Iceland saw hundreds of people record part of the chorus, while North Macedonia and Slovenia used choirs in their backing track.