The Dutch candidate, accused of “inappropriate behavior”, was excluded a few hours before the Eurovision final, Saturday May 11, the organizers announced in a press release. A sanction “disproportionate”according to Dutch broadcaster Avrotros, which said to himself “shocked” of the decision, on his account.
The Dutch public broadcasting system NPO also described it as “very radical”. “This is a disappointment for millions of Eurovision fans in the Netherlands and other European countries”, he said. Neither company has provided details on the incident mentioned by the organizers. Saturday evening, 26 countries will compete in songs to succeed Loreen and her hit Tattooin Malmö (Sweden), from 9:10 p.m. on France 2. Follow our live stream.
An investigation opened for “intimidation”. According to the organizers, the Swedish police received a complaint from a member of the production against Joost Klein after an incident during the semi-final on Thursday. The latter confirmed having opened an investigation for “intimidation”.
Croatia, Ukraine and Switzerland are favorites. 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). Just behind, the Swiss artist Nemo and his pop song The Code could offer the Helvetians their first victory since 1988 (the third in total). The Ukrainians of Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil whose title Teresa & Maria somewhat reminiscent of the folk rap of the Kalush Orchestra, victorious in 2022, will also be in the running for a podium.
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.
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.