Malta's Eurovision song contest entrant Destiny Chukunyere says she is "heartbroken" to learn that the competition has been cancelled for the first time in its 64 year history.

But the 17-year-old remained stoic as her dreams of winning were dashed, saying: "our safety has to come first".

The cancellation was announced on Wednesday afternoon by the European Broadcasting Union, which produces the yearly show. 

The EBU said it had "explored many alternative options" to allow the contest to go ahead, however, "uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe" had forced the union to come to the decision that it was impossible for Eurovision to go ahead as planned. 

Destiny responded to the news with a post on Instagram.

Reacting on Instagram, Destiny, who won this year's X-Factor Malta and was set to represent Malta in the competition with the song All My Love, thanked her fans for their support.

"Just received the news that this year’s Eurovision is cancelled," she wrote. "Whilst waiting for a clear way forward and what will actually happen in 2021, I stand heartbroken and a bit sad in these uncertain and challenging times. Our safety has to come first!

"Last but not least, a thank you to all my team. This year has already been such a great experience and I will be forever grateful for all the work you have done in this wonderful journey. No words can thank you enough ❤! To all Eurovision fans out there, my thoughts are with you as well."

The EBU said that discussions to host the 2021 Eurovision in Rotterdam were currently ongoing between the EBU and other broadcasters. 

"We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption for the past 64 years, and we, like millions of fans around the world, are saddened that it cannot take place in May," the EBU said in a statement. 

The union also paid tribute to The Netherlands as the host country and commended the 41 members who had worked on the planning of this year's event. 

"The whole Eurovision family across the world will continue to provide love and support for each other at this difficult time." 

The Eurovision Song Contest has been a yearly broadcast event since it's first edition took place in May 1956 in Switzerland. 

Malta debuted in the contest at the 1971 edition in Dublin with Joe Grech's Marija l-Maltija.