Kross-European Song Contest of 1980

This was the 54th edition and was held in May 1980. Preparations began on 1st November 1980. This was significantly later than other editions because the Irish already had experience hosting the contest and had time to (and wanted to) take a break. Kross Company collaborated with again with RecZa Studios and EmbeX Studios and an Irish food 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. Luxembourg rejoined the contest after previously denying the request to return to 1977, 1978 and 1979.

Ireland hosted this year's contest. Cork was chosen as it was another large city in Ireland and would expand foreigners views of the nation after a second Irish victory. No semi finals would take place (although it was considered) and overall, twenty-eight participants would take place in the contest. Kiana

Other countries

 * Andorra.png Andorra had no comment on participation. They did not appear on the list of finalists.
 * SanMarino.png San Marino announced that a 1979 participation was impossible due to lack of funding. A Sanmarinese artist would be sent to Sanremo 1979 that year, however.
 * 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 announced on May 1st 1978 that a board meeting had taken place which discussed 1979 and 1980 participation. They would not rejoin.
 * 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.