An edition under high tension. The 68th edition of Eurovision takes place on Saturday May 11 in a context weighed down by criticism surrounding the participation of Israel and the exclusion of the Dutch candidate. The Israeli singer Eden Golan is one of the favorites of this edition, as is the Frenchman Slimane with his title “Mon amour”. Some 25 countries compete in songs to succeed Loreen and her hit Tattooin Malmö (Sweden).
The Dutch broadcaster recognizes a “threatening movement” by Joost Klein towards a camerawoman. New details have emerged after the exclusion of Joost Klein, the singer supposed to represent the Netherlands. The Dutch broadcaster, Avrotros, acknowledges in a press release that its candidate had “threatening movement” against a camerawoman on the sidelines of the semi-final on Thursday, without touching her. The company claims that the technician had not respected the singer’s wish not to be filmed, and judges the sanction “disproportionate”. The organization of the competition had justified its exclusion, Saturday morning, by a “inappropriate behavior”without explaining the “nature of the incident”and the Swedish police had confirmed the opening of an investigation for “intimidation”.
The artist representing Ireland misses the last rehearsal due to a new incident. Bambie Thug, the artist who is to represent Ireland, explained that he missed the last rehearsal, Saturday afternoon, due to a new incident: “Something happened while we were waiting to get on set” as part of the preparations, the interpreter detailed in an Instagram story, without giving further details. “I felt the need to alert” the organization, whichtook the subject seriously”adds Bambie Thug, concluding his message by addressing his supporters: “I hope to see you on stage tonight”.
The participation of Israel, a pebble in the shoe of the organizers. A petition launched in the Nordic countries, artists who threaten to slam the door of the competition, a song rewritten several times because it evokes too explicitly the attack of October 7… It is an understatement to say that the presence of the Israeli delegation, led by singer Eden Golan, arouses controversy. Demonstrations by opponents took place all week. Israel had even advised its nationals against going to Sweden to encourage their singer, but the country’s participation has never been called into question by the organizers, who argue that the situation is not comparable with Russia, excluded from the big song rally in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine. Several competing candidates nevertheless showed their disapproval. The Dutch Joost Klein, in particular, placed next to Eden Golan during a press conference, covered his face with his flag to mark his disagreement.
Croatia is favorite. The Croatian Baby Lasagna is favored by the predictions, thanks to his song Rim Tim Tagi Dim (to shine in society, know that it is a folk dance mixing techno, heavy metal and pop). Swiss artist Nemo and his pop song The Code could offer the Helvetians their first victory since 1988 (the third in total). If France is used to disappointments, its candidate this year, Slimane, also has his chances, the bookmakers ranking him in fourth position according to the Eurovision World site and its odds aggregator. That of the Israeli candidate, Eden Golan, jumped after the semi-finals, to the point that she is now in second place among bettors.
Sweden, bored of Eurovision? This is the seventh time that the country, co-record holder for the number of victories, has hosted the competition. And between geopolitical tensions and a certain weariness, Eurovision fever is not being felt too much in the city of Malmö, scene of the competition. Perhaps the hypothetical reformation of the legendary group ABBA, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their victory (thanks to the hit Waterloo) will bring a smile to the faces of Swedish fans. Even if it only happens via a hologram, the solution that held the line in the face of the refusal of certain members of the group.