Bambie Thug, Ireland’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest, communicated through an Instagram story that they were unable to attend their dress rehearsal due to a serious issue that demanded immediate attention from the EBU (European Broadcasting Union). They expressed regret to their fans for this absence and an eagerness to be back on the stage.
A review on Bodkin’s work, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, was notably critical, describing it as exaggeratedly Irish in a cringeworthy way.
In response to the situation, Eurovision’s organisers merely stated that they were looking into the matter.
Interestingly, there have already been some contentious circumstances surrounding the event – Joost Klein from the Netherlands was expelled before the final performance following two missed dress rehearsals on Friday. This arose due to a probe into an alleged misconduct.
The EBU explained that a complaint by a female crew member instigated a police investigation. While the controversy remains unsettled, they deemed it improper for Klein to continue with the contest. They emphasised the incident was isolated, not involving any other performer or team member.
The EBU’s official stance was on upholding a strict policy against unauthorized behaviour and ensuring a risk-free work arena for everyone involved in the event. Consequently, they found Klein’s conduct towards a crew member to be against contest regulations.
In what is the 68th edition of the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest, the event will now go ahead with 25 songs, following Klein’s disqualification.
The Songfestival, responsible for sending representatives to the Eurovision on behalf of the Netherlands, expressed their astonishment and considered the decision to be unjustifiable.
Joost Klein, a 26-year-old rapper and singer, had originally progressed to the semi-finals on Thursday with his high-tempo song, Europapa, paying homage to his deceased parents.
Earlier, a representative of the Swedish law enforcement announced that a man is under suspicion for delivering illegitimate threats. The act was purportedly carried out at Malmo Arena on a Thursday night. The suspect, although not in custody, is currently under police interrogation. The individual pressing the charges works for Eurovision.
Prompt and thorough investigative steps were performed by the police, ensuring the questioning of the suspect, the person who reported the crime, and any witnesses. The investigatory procedures have now concluded. The authorities have assured that the case will go through the usual judicial procedures, with an expedited form of prosecution being employed. The case is expected to be transferred to a district attorney’s office within a few weeks. The law enforcement has clarified that no Eurovision participant is involved as the complainant.
This year’s Eurovision drew to a close with the grand finale, although it’s been embroiled in controversy. The Malmo Arena in Sweden, broadcasted the final show, featuring performances from the ‘big five’ countries – the UK, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy – along with defending champions, Sweden, and 20 other qualifiers all vying for the coveted title.
Irish musician, Bambie Thug, made it into the final, breaking the country’s drought since 2018 thanks to the successful performance of qualifying song, ‘Doomsday Blue.’