The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Eurovision’s future is on the line after its most controversial year yet

  • Written by Jess Carniel, Associate professor in Humanities, University of Southern Queensland

Every year claims to be the most controversial year in the Eurovision Song Contest’s history, but it will take a lot to beat the 68th contest.

The 2024 Eurovision contest, which took place in Malmö, Sweden, was marked by conflict, boycotts, protests, harassment and disqualification. Ironically, it was also the year the organisers, the European Broadcasting Union, chose to establish a permanent slogan[1]: United By Music.

Upon announcing the slogan in late 2023, Eurovision’s executive supervisor, Martin Österdahl, said[2]:

By establishing a permanent slogan, we will have consistency in our message that music unites us all. It’s the perfect slogan to underline our values of inclusivity, equality, universality and celebrating diversity through music.

But the backdrop of the October 7 attacks by Hamas on southern Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza have cast a long shadow over Eurovision 2024.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested against the participation of Israeli contestant Eden Golan on May 11, ahead of the final. Martin Meissner/AP

Calls for Israel’s exclusion

Despite the implicit politics of Eurovision’s new slogan, the contest maintains it is a non-political event. Participating broadcasters and artists are required to ensure[3] the contest is not

[…] politicised and/or instrumentalised and/or otherwise brought into disrepute in any way.

But is it possible for a contest of nations to be non-political?

Just as the conflict in Gaza has divided the international community[4], Eurovision fans, artists and broadcasters were also divided regarding Israel’s participation[5].

The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, a founding member of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, called for “all participating broadcasters, national competitors, finalists, production crews and viewers” to boycott the event[6].

Numerous open[7] letters[8], co-signed[9] by members[10] of the creative[11] industries, were also published in the lead-up to the contest. Some called for Israel to be excluded and/or the event to be boycotted[12], while others expressed support for Israel and for the contest as a “celebration of unity[13]”.

Many compared the situation to 2022, when Russia was excluded from the contest following its invasion of Ukraine. In response, the European Broadcasting Union emphasised[14] “the Eurovision Song Contest is a competition for broadcasters” (not states), and the Russian broadcasters were suspended from[15] the organisation and contest for “repeated violations of membership obligations and violation of the rules of the public media”.

So as long as KAN, the Israeli broadcaster, adhered to the membership and contest rules, it would be permitted to remain in the contest.

Some suggest the broadcasting union’s decision itself has brought the contest into disrepute[16], while an anonymous X account[17] has dedicated itself to documenting allegations against KAN regarding adherence to the rules.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested against the participation of Israeli contestant Eden Golan on May 11, ahead of the final. Martin Meissner/AP

Netherlands gets disqualified

Further controversy emerged in the 24 hours ahead of the grand final broadcast. The Dutch act was disqualified for inappropriate behaviour towards a member of the Swedish production team. The European Broadcasting Union said it[18] maintained

a zero-tolerance policy toward inappropriate behaviour […] and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the contest.

With this affirmation of policy in mind, prior to the dress rehearsal, Irish artist Bambie Thug lodged a complaint[19] against the Israeli commentators over remarks made during their performance, claiming they breached the rules of the contest. Bambie Thug also said they had been harassed[20] by Israeli fans.

The 2024 grand final opened with two powerhouse countries: Sweden and Ukraine. Sweden was represented by Norwegian twins Marcus & Martinus and their song Unforgettable[21], while Ukraine’s alonya alyona & Jerry Heil sang the powerful Teresa & Maria[22].

Together with Luxembourg, which returned to the contest for the first time since 1994, Ukraine is the only country to maintain a 100% grand final qualification record.

Victory for Switzerland

Israel performed fifth. Eden Golan’s song, Hurricane, was entered into the contest following two revisions of the lyrics to remove political references, including its original title, October Rain (a reference to the October 7 attack).

The crowd’s fractured response was audible in the broadcast, and footage posted by audience members on social media provides evidence of widespread booing[23]. Despite this reaction in the arena, Israel placed second in the public televote.

Israel was surpassed in the popular vote by crowd favourite Baby Lasagna, from Croatia. Rim Tim Tagi Dim[24] is a catchy metal song about the impact of economic emigration on young Croatians, their connection to family and their cultural identity[25].

However, despite leading the betting odds for most of the contest season, Croatia was pipped at the post by jury favourite, The Code[26], by Nemo from Switzerland. They are the first non-binary artist to win the contest, notably with an artistically impressive and engaging celebration of their non-binary gender identity.

Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with the song ‘The Code’. Martin Meissner/AP

In their victory speech[27], Nemo said:

I hope this contest can live up to its promise and continue to stand for peace and dignity for every person in this world.

With Nemo’s victory, next year’s hosting duties are passed on to Switzerland, the home of the European Broadcasting Union. The country last won the contest in 1988, when it was represented by a little-known French-Canadian artist named Celine Dion[28]. It also hosted (and won) the first Eurovision contest in 1956[29].

Tensions run high

Many are questioning Eurovision’s future. Österdahl was almost drowned out by audience boos[30] while verifying the results. A planned skit dedicated to him was cut from the final broadcast[31], as was the use of the Dutch song title, Europapa, to introduce him.

The audience response to Österdahl is illustrative of the growing disquiet among fans and member broadcasters with the union’s management of the contest. This includes concerns about its partner sponsors (such as Israeli company Moroccanoil[32]), whether it’s effectively safeguarding freedom of the press[33], and doubts about its capacity to maintain the contest as “non-political”.

The stakes are now high for the union, in collaboration with the Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, to convince the world it can be united in music after all.

Read more: Hind’s Hall is Macklemore’s bold new pro-Palestine anthem. What might it actually achieve?[34]

References

  1. ^ permanent slogan (eurovision.tv)
  2. ^ said (eurovision.tv)
  3. ^ required to ensure (eurovision.tv)
  4. ^ divided the international community (www.euronews.com)
  5. ^ regarding Israel’s participation (www.theguardian.com)
  6. ^ boycott the event (bdsmovement.net)
  7. ^ open (www.vg.no)
  8. ^ letters (www.theguardian.com)
  9. ^ co-signed (www.ipsc.ie)
  10. ^ members (www.vrt.be)
  11. ^ creative (www.sbs.com.au)
  12. ^ boycotted (raster.fi)
  13. ^ celebration of unity (www.creativecommunityforpeace.com)
  14. ^ emphasised (www.euronews.com)
  15. ^ suspended from (www.euronews.com)
  16. ^ brought the contest into disrepute (www.dazeddigital.com)
  17. ^ anonymous X account (twitter.com)
  18. ^ said it (eurovision.tv)
  19. ^ lodged a complaint (www.breakingnews.ie)
  20. ^ harassed (www.thetimes.co.uk)
  21. ^ Unforgettable (youtu.be)
  22. ^ Teresa & Maria (youtu.be)
  23. ^ widespread booing (www.newsweek.com)
  24. ^ Rim Tim Tagi Dim (youtu.be)
  25. ^ cultural identity (bakercatherine.wordpress.com)
  26. ^ The Code (youtu.be)
  27. ^ victory speech (www.bbc.com)
  28. ^ Celine Dion (youtu.be)
  29. ^ Eurovision contest in 1956 (eurovision.tv)
  30. ^ drowned out by audience boos (www.youtube.com)
  31. ^ cut from the final broadcast (x.com)
  32. ^ Israeli company Moroccanoil (metro.co.uk)
  33. ^ safeguarding freedom of the press (wiwibloggs.com)
  34. ^ Hind’s Hall is Macklemore’s bold new pro-Palestine anthem. What might it actually achieve? (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/boycotts-protests-harassment-eurovisions-future-is-on-the-line-after-its-most-controversial-year-yet-229369

The Times Features

Why You Need an Expert Electrician for Your Business’s Electrical Upgrades and Repairs

When it comes to maintaining and upgrading your business’s electrical systems, it’s essential to call in a professional. Electrical work in any commercial setting requires the ex...

Why Is It Crucial to Have a Building Inspection Done Before Buying a New Home?

Purchasing a new property is a big financial decision that can impact your future for years. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an investor, good or bad, it is essential to en...

Online Application for Sick Leave Certificate: Understanding When and How to Secure One

A sick leave certificate is an official document issued by a healthcare professional to verify an individual's inability to attend work due to illness. It typically includes the ...

A No-Fuss Guide to an Effective Beauty Routine

Taking care of the skin and appearance need not be complicated; it need not even consume your hours of time. Smart and simple approaches can give one that glow and fresh look witho...

Safe & Effective Tattoo Removal in Auckland – What You Need to Know

If you're looking for tattoo removal in Auckland, modern laser technology offers the safest and most effective way to fade or completely remove unwanted ink. Whether it's an outd...

Fleece-Lined Tights vs. Regular Tights: What’s the Difference?

When temperatures drop, choosing the right pair of tights can make a significant difference in comfort, warmth, and durability. Whether you wear tights for fashion, work, or outdoo...

Times Magazine

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Marketing

In a fast-paced digital world, businesses must find innovative ways to capture consumer attention. Digital signage has emerged as a powerful solution, offering dynamic and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. From retail stores to ...

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

LayBy Shopping