Kross-European Song Contest of 1981

This was the 55th edition and was held in May 1981. Preparations began on 2nd June 1980. Kross Company collaborated with again with RecZa Studios and EmbeX Studios and both an Irish motor company and British broadcasting company for sponsorship. Kiana Ratz returned as executive with Krystal Gales as assistant.

Kiana Ratz once again invited all European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean and North Africa but none of them rejoined the contest. See other nations for more information. No nations returned or debuted. Spain and Sweden both withdrew due to bad results and disagreements with the new voting system.

Despite the Irish win, Ireland could not host again. Hosting was expensive and it had also previously hosted the 1979 and 1980 contests. It was decided that the United Kingdom would host the contest but on the isle of Ireland (which the UK had territory on in the form of Northern Ireland). Belfast was chosen as the host city as it was the biggest in Northern Ireland. No semi finals would be held.

Other countries

 * Sweden.png Sweden was displeased with coming last in 1980 and so as a protest on the new system, withdrew.
 * Spain.png Spain, despite winning the jury vote, was left as ninth place in 1980 and so withdrew out of protest.
 * Andorra.png Andorra had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * SanMarino.png San Marino announced that a 1981 participation was impossible due to lack of funding.
 * Liechtenstein.png Liechtenstein had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * EastGermany.png East Germany stated that it would not rejoin the contest while West Germany participated.
 * Malta.png Malta held a council on 1st December 1980 deciding they would not rejoin the 1981 or 1982 contest.
 * Algeria.png Algeria announced on September 17th 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining the contest.
 * Egypt.png Egypt announced on September 19th 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining the contest.
 * Turkey.png Turkey announced on September 20th 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining the contest.
 * Morocco.png Morocco announced on September 22nd 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining the contest.
 * Libya.png Libya announced on September 24th 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining the contest.
 * Lebanon.png Lebanon announced on September 21st 1977 that it had no intention of rejoining while Turkey didn't also participate.
 * SovietUnion.png Soviet Union announced on November 4th 1979 reaffirmed that it would not rejoin the contest but of it's western agenda during voting patterns.