“Eurovision” is shaken by the scandal about the Swede’s performance: the organizers regret

On the evening of May 7, the first semi-final of the “Eurovision” song contest took place, where performances were held by representatives of fifteen countries.

The first semi-final of Eurovision 2024

(15 photos)

Silia Kapsis, representative of Cyprus (photo by SCANPIX)

Teya Dora, representative of Serbia (photo by SCANPIX)

Silvester Belt, representative of Lithuania (photo by SCANPIX)

Bambie Thug, representative of Ireland (photo by SCANPIX)

Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil, representatives of Ukraine (photo by SCANPIX)

Luna, representative of Poland (photo by SCANPIX)

Baby Lasagna, representative of Croatia (photo by SCANPIX)

Hera Björk, representative of Iceland (photo by SCANPIX)

Raiven, representative of Slovenia (photo by SCANPIX)

Windows95man, representative of Finland (photo by SCANPIX)

Natalia Barbu, representative of Moldova (photo by SCANPIX)

Fahree and Ilkin Dovlatov, representatives of Azerbaijan (photo by SCANPIX)

Electric Fields, Australian representatives (photo by SCANPIX)

Iolanda, representative of Portugal (photo by SCANPIX)

Tali, representative of Luxembourg (photo by SCANPIX)

Former Swedish contestant Eric Saade opened the show and sang his song “Popular”, with which he performed in 2011. took third place.

The musician was seen wearing a keffiyeh, an Arabic headscarf, which is commonly used to show support for Palestine amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, although Eurovision is described as a “non-political event”.

Eurovision organizers regret

A spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a press release:

“The Eurovision Song Contest is a live television show. All artists are made aware of the rules of the competition, so we regret that Eric Saade decided to violate the non-political nature of the event.

Before the event started at the Malmö Arena, participants went through a ‘strict security check’ and were told not to bring any Palestinian flags, symbols or bags.”

After her performance, Saade wrote on her Instagram story: “Reminder: It’s only love. It is united by music.”

Ahead of this year’s contest, Eurovision faced calls to boycott the contest over the inclusion of Israeli singer Eden Golan as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.

News portal tv3.lt reminds that the first semi-final of the song contest was successful for Lithuania – Silvester Belt made it to the grand final, which will be held on May 11.

After the semi-final, Silvester Belt was met with tumultuous cheers and chants outside the hotel.

“I didn’t understand what happened there. I got off the stage, we drew a line, we will be in the first half of the final. I was a little nervous because I wanted to be in the second half, but I realized that being in the beginning was probably even better. I am very happy,” S. Belt smiled.

Just before the semi-final, Silvester’s family was also waiting at the Malmö Arena. However, the performer could not meet them after the triumph in the semi-finals. “We just called each other. They took us from one place to another from the stage, I didn’t even have time to catch my breath, but I’m going to call them.”