On May 14, the final of the 2022 edition of Eurovision will be held from the PalaOlimpico in Turin, Italy, after the victory last year of the Maneskin group. And, already, we know that Russia will not be able to take part in the contest because of the current war against Ukraine.
“In the context of the unprecedented crisis unfolding today in Ukraine, it was feared that a Russian participation this year would discredit the Competition. Before taking its decision, the EBU took the time to consult widely with its members.“, underlines in a press release published Friday, February 25 the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). This time not only no artist representing Russia will be able to participate to this popular event, broadcast live on all public television channels on the European continent and which has taken on a cult dimension, but this country will not be able to vote for the other benefits.
Russia “is completely excluded from the whole event“which brings together tens of millions of spectators each year, said an EBU spokesperson interviewed by AFP.We remain committed to protecting the values of a cultural competition that promotes international exchange and mutual understanding, brings audiences together, celebrates diversity through music and unites all of Europe on one stage.“, further underlines the EBU, which brings together many public broadcasting organizations and serves a potential audience of one billion people.
Russia had won this contest only once, in 2008 with believe, sung in English by Dima Bilan. Ukraine she won twice in 2004 and 2016. That year with the song 1944 whose words today sound almost like a premonition, after the invasion of the country by Russian troops…
Italy will host the 66th edition of this contest – with Mika notably at the helm – after leather-clad Italian rockers Maneskin won last year in Rotterdam.