Initiating the much anticipated 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, artists from various countries across Europe and beyond took to the stage in the initial of two semi-finals hosted in the Swedish city of Malmö. This preliminary round, coupled with another, aims to narrow down the field of 37 participating nations to 26 finalists who will vie for victory in Saturday’s grand finale amidst both celebrations and demonstrations.
From the first semi-final’s lineup of 15 acts, 10 were selected by viewers to progress to the final stage. Notable among them is Croatian singer-songwriter Baby Lasagna, whose catchy electro track “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” has emerged as a frontrunner for victory. Also capturing attention are Ukrainian duo alyona alyona and Jerry Heil, who are representing their country with the powerful anthem “Teresa & Maria” amidst the challenges their nation faces.
Included among the qualifiers were Irish vocalist Bambie Thug, known for her goth-inspired style, Finnish entertainer Windows95man, who embraces 1990s nostalgia with a humorous twist, and Portuguese singer Iolanda, renowned for her soulful performances. Additionally, acts from Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Serbia, and Slovenia secured spots in the final.
However, Iceland, Azerbaijan, Poland, Moldova, and Australia faced elimination from the competition.
Palestinian solidarity protest
The first pro-Palestinian protest occurred quickly on the Eurovision stage. Eric Saade, a former Swedish Eurovision contestant not in the competition, wore a traditional Middle Eastern keffiyeh scarf, a symbol associated with pro-Palestinian sentiment, around his wrist during the opening performance.
A representative of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) expressed regret, stating that Saade’s action compromised the event’s non-political stance. Saade, whose father is of Palestinian descent, criticized the EBU’s handling of the situation and consistently opposed Israel’s participation.
Despite calls for Israel’s exclusion from the competition, the EBU resisted, but mandated a change to Israel’s song lyrics due to perceived references to a Hamas attack. The song was renamed “Hurricane,” allowing Israeli singer Eden Golan to continue competing.
Increased security worries
Security measures are stringent in the Swedish city, anticipating an influx of around 100,000 Eurovision fans and tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Demonstrations are scheduled for Thursday and Saturday against the Israel-Hamas conflict, resulting in nearly 35,000 Palestinian casualties.
Only national flags and the rainbow pride flag are allowed, while all other flags and signs, including Palestinian flags, are prohibited inside the Malmö Arena venue.
History of the Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest was born out of a desire to bring together countries in post-war Europe through the power of music. It was inspired by the Italian Sanremo Music Festival and initially organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest took place in Lugano, Switzerland, with seven participating countries. Switzerland’s Lys Assia won with the song “Refrain.”
Over the years, the contest expanded significantly, with more countries joining and competing. It became a platform for showcasing diverse musical styles and cultures from across Europe.
The basic format of the contest involves each participating country submitting an original song to be performed live. A combination of jury votes and public televoting determines the winner. The winning country then hosts the contest the following year.
Eurovision quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers each year. It launched the careers of numerous artists and produced iconic songs that have stood the test of time.
The contest has not been without controversy, with political tensions sometimes influencing voting patterns. Despite efforts to keep the contest apolitical, political statements and protests have occasionally occurred during performances.
In recent years, the contest has expanded beyond its European roots, with countries from outside Europe participating as guest performers or even competing. Notable examples include Australia’s participation since 2015.
The contest has evolved with the times, introducing changes to its voting system, format, and stage production. It continues to adapt to new trends in music and entertainment while maintaining its status as one of the world’s largest and most-watched non-sporting events. Overall, the Eurovision Song Contest remains a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the diversity and unity of Europe through music!
