Good evening and a warm welcome to the grand finale of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. A competition so established, it has been around longer than RTÉ television. Are we on the verge of witnessing Ireland secure its surprising eighth victory, and first since 1996, courtesy of Bambie Thug with their haunting track, Doomsday Blue? You never know, Eurovision has history of delivering unexpected outcomes.
Keep your eyes peeled, tonight promises to be entertaining and unpredictable, especially as Ireland is set to compete in the weekend spectacular for the first time since 2018, and Sweden plays host amidst the most contentious contest yet.
This year’s contest has been marred by tension and protest due to the participation of Israel amidst its continued aggressive action in Gaza. Regardless of what transpires tonight, this has made for a disharmonious and uneasy Eurovision. Bambie missed their final rehearsal this afternoon because they felt an ‘urgent issue’ needed addressing by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), who are the contest organisers. However, they assured their devoted fanbase via social media of their presence on stage tonight.
As we wait for the curtain to rise, I’ll review the recent controversies, (Netherlands was disqualified after a fracas involving production staff member), divulge some fun Eurovision trivia and present an analysis of this year’s songs – many of which explore triumphing over personal struggles – and rate Bambie’s chances.
The show will be on at 8pm, and I will be covering the performances of the 25 participating acts, from Croatia to a cluster of hopefuls including Ireland, culminating in a tense wait for the announcement of the winner just before the stroke of midnight.
So, you’re invited to revisit my commentary from Tuesday’s semi-final, get comfortable on your favourite chair, indulge in some delicious Swedish cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant pageantry that is the Eurovision Song Contest. Fun fact: Bambie is set to take the stage for the ninth performance (although their track is listed as the 10th song).
Bambie Thug’s stance has been given an update, re-emphasising their resistance to observations on Israeli broadcaster Kan and the response by EBU. “Recently, I have lodged numerous objections with the EBU concerning problems I have encountered this week. My team was confirmed by the EBU in a meeting earlier today that Kan’s commentator breached the code of conduct during the First Eurovision Semi-Final. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the EBU’s decision subsequent to this rule violation. However, I have observed a contradicting statement issued by Noel Curran, the director-general of the EBU. I remain in anticipation for an official communication from the EBU.”
A vibrant celebration of music, a display of delight, and a global honouring of extraordinary song composition is what this event is all about; a gathering where flamboyantly-attired European enthusiasts unite to cheer, holler, and tear up from the intensity of emotion. Every moment of the performance is synchronously dissected on social media, live.
But let’s not continue discussing tonight’s Taylor Swift gig happening in Paris.
The climax of a strenuous week for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö is imminent – where the ultimate attempt to garner votes from 26 nations, albeit one less, is set to unfold.
Joost Klein, a Dutch artist, had attained a place in the finals with his vibrant song, Europapa, already debated as the best and worst song title of the evening. However, post an incident involving a woman who was part of the production team the prior day, Klein’s qualification has been annulled.
The European Broadcasting Union stated, amid the investigation by Swedish police, it would be unsuitable for Klein to remain in the competition as his actions were considered to contravene contest regulations. The EBU dismissed rumours circulating in media and on social networks that implicated another performer or team member in the occurrence.
These remarks were aimed at clarifying mistaken beliefs hinting at potential involvement of Eden Golan, the Israeli candidate, or any other member of the Israeli team.
The Dutch broadcaster Avrotros branded the decision “excessive” and expressed their shock, promising to revisit the matter later. Despite this, the Netherlands will participate in the voting process tonight. The mood of their jury representative during results verification is awaited with interest.
The Netherlands was set to be the fifth performer, but following this, the show will directly proceed from Song Four (Luxembourg) to Song Six (Israel).
Bambie justified their nonattendance at today’s rehearsal with an Instagram post which suggested a problem that required the EBU’s prompt attention. They regretted missing their trial and apologised to their fans, but provided assurance of appearing on stage later that evening.
The organisers expressed hope for a swift resolution to the situation and for Bambie’s planned appearance. Incidentally, the Cork artist continued to post about the Eurovision including voting instructions on their Instagram stories.
Earlier this week, remarks translated for RTÉ by Israeli broadcaster Kan stirred some controversy, including a warning that a particularly frightening song was about to be performed and a comment about Bambie’s tendency to criticise Israel.
In a conversation with Evelyn O’Rourke, RTÉ News’s Malmö-based arts and media correspondent, Bambie expressed heightened anger and resolve. At a press conference following their semi-final performance, Bambie also disclosed that the EBU requested the removal of Ogham inscriptions on their body, which read “ceasefire” and “freedom for Palestine”.
The show organisers have so far been unsuccessful in fully enforcing their strict policy against references to Gaza on-stage. On Tuesday, Swedish singer Eric Saade drew criticism from the EBU and an executive at SVT, this year’s host broadcaster, when he wore a keffiyeh—a Palestinian scarf—on his wrist during his performance at the beginning of the show.
Saade, of Palestinian descent, said his intention was merely to express his heritage and was surprised the EBU saw it as a political statement. He referred to the incident as an act of “racism”.
It is not necessary to boycott the show to find this act of policing ethnic identities deeply unjust and clearly unmanageable.