Eurovision 2024

[RunningAndSinging]

Anyone interested in the build up this year? I have been more aware this year as the songs are announced. I like Croatia, Ireland and Finland. Dizzy is hopefully going to do well which makes it exciting - Olli Alexander should be good performing live and he is well known in Europe.

Just reading about the controversy with Israel’s entry and I see that Iceland might send a Palastinian singer.

Ukraine have been the favourites for a while but Croatia is just ahead of them now.

We have the family show this afternoon to get through... The social media from that is going to interesting.

I'm here and wondering if it will be possible to tell when the news filters round the arena. 😬

Bear in mind that it doesn't have to be criminal behaviour to get you kicked out if there's terms in the contract about the standards of behaviour expected.

If someone on Strictly screamed abuse and used really strong language at a runner because their tea was too cold then that's probably not a criminal offence but they'd probably be kicked out anyway if it became public knowledge.

Evie, there'll be more than one diva, who probably did just that!
<Checks shitty wardrobe spreadsheet>

Definitely true. But the statement says about zero tolerance and respect. That's kinda difficult and questionable too. There are a few journalists who should be losing pressure passes this afternoon if the EBU are serious on this because it they need to appear consistent and fair otherwise it's could make this spiral this afternoon.

I’ve never known such a Eurovision that’s courted so much controversy and unrest…(appreciate there have been other incidents in the past…but nothing on this scale)
The whole thing feels like it’s on a knife edge…now I know how some of our parents must have felt with the Cuban missile crisis in the early 60s…!

I've disliked the production values of Eurovision this year from the start. Too much erratic and jarring camera work, far too much strobing, too many special effects including the faux multiplication of characters on stage, and too much bloody drama and inadequate management. Today needs experienced, calm, wise heads - are there any??

I dislike that technology was used to fake an arena reception and reaction that didn't happen. How is that ethical, if multiple major press agencies like PA won't accept a photoshopped Mothers' Day photo?

And I certainly don't like the voting 'anomalies' under scrutiny.

Agree

It's just be issue after issue this week tbh.

There's been so much questionable decisions by the Host.

Wednesday night's Malmö bridge issue which seems to have been unconnected has been yet another disaster to add to the list.

Communication has been terrible. Being in Copenhagen/Malmö when there's been issues going on it's been hard to know whats happening. Stuff like 'where are the protests, so I can make sure I can avoid them' has been hard to come by. It's not in English at all.

The fan village left a huge amount to be desired. Not the size either. The selection of artists for Abba night was just 'what'. (I took photos and videos to show my friends JUST how bad it was). They were selling Deep Fried Mars bars as Irish cuisine! This is borderline offensive to some.

There's not a huge amount to do in Malmö if I'm honest either. I think it was wise of many to stay in Copenhagen where there's a bit more to do during the day. We split our trip between both Denmark and Sweden. If I'd have been Malmö the whole time I think I'd have gone quite mad tbh. The Abba World music had a few things in it but even at 5euros entry it would have been a rip off if we hadn't booked to go when they had a live Mammia Mia performance.

The Loreen Shop was a little wtf. You could write messages to Loreen and see her Eurovision outfits.

I dunno. I think the atmosphere being on edge made it difficult for there to be more street entertainment etc. Don't get me wrong we had a great time but all the disorganisation, lack of communication and incident just made it one long refresh session trying to tell the difference between rumour and truth.

We actually saw the Israeli convoy going back to the hotel yesterday. That was something else too. The level of protection for her and then the other artists - not just Joost - seems to have been totally lacking in terms of duty of care. I mean Olly Alexander admitted he nearly quit. He's a seasoned professional artist.

Oh yes and the shape of the stage has caused numerous issues and just doesn't work in practice.

The jury show overran last night I believe due to technical issues.

Dutch Eurovision broadcaster has apparently said that the decision is 'disproportionate and disgusting'. (Need to verify source on this but DH and I are getting lots of messages from our Dutchie mates this afternoon).

I'm absolutely sure that wardrobe and makeup could dish the dirt on many of the contestants should they so choose.

But I reckon in today's environment some phone footage of a celeb screaming abuse at a young runner for a trivial offence would be unrecoverable.

Am in the arena now. No announcement as yet. Very little chat in the queues about it (apart from us). Show starts in 15...

Worth pointing out the head of the Dutch broadcaster met with Joost Klein in his hotel room this morning.

I hope you have a good afternoon. It is an amazing show.

Blimey. Crossed fingers that you have a great time despite everything.

Verified.

No DQ mentioned.

Thank you for all your reporting from the scenes @RedToothBrush
@CharlotteStreetW1
Hope you manage to have a fab time regardless! 💙💛💙

If Joost has done what’s being alleged, surely that’s completely unacceptable? I would’ve thought even his own country would’ve condemned it 🤷‍♀️

ESC discord
Dutch commentator and delegation member Cornald Maas stresses that the incident has nothing to do with Israel or their delegation.

He also calls the incident "barely anything".

Dutch Commentator.

I just find it so hard to believe they could kick out a competitor this late in the competition unless it was something very serious with solid evidence.
If it was a fairly minor incident I wonder if some of the other competitors will protest?

As I say. Just rumour after rumour. Total lack of communication.

This could be nonsense. It could be true. Part of the point is the EBU are not closing down these rumours promptly.

Well ... See above

What a mess. Such a shame. Ive been really looking forward to watching it (even though my country didn't qualify), and now I'm just nervous and uncomfortable.