*This post has been updated as Eurovision stars continue to pay their respects throughout the day.*
The world fell into mourning as the news broke late on Thursday night that the former South African president and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela had passed away. Widely considered as one of the greatest humanitarians of our time, his death has affected people of all creeds and walks of life. His stance against racism, inequality and poverty was an universal one. Not surprisingly his death has touched millions, with many taking to Twitter to express their condolences. Included amongst these are several Eurovision personalities. You can see a selection of their tributes below.
So very sad to hear the news that #nelsonmandela has died but what an amazing, awe-inspiring man. He has changed the world. RIP Madiba
— Cheryl Baker (@Cherylbaker) December 5, 2013
So sad to hear about #NelsonMandela . What an amazing man… The world would not be the same without him. Rip
— Duncan James (@MrDuncanJames) December 5, 2013
Rest in peace #Fighter http://t.co/EmhmknQhCc
— ROBIN STJERNBERG (@StjernbergRobin) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela http://t.co/IbGqo8T0TO
— HADISE ACIKGOZ (@Hadise) December 5, 2013
R.I.P Nelson Mandela. En fantastisk man att minnas.#mandela http://t.co/fcexdpsqB3
— Charlotte Perrelli (@LaPerrelli) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela.. Such an amazing man!! #RIPNelsonMandela
— Ryan Dolan Official (@ryandolanmusic) December 5, 2013
The world has lost one of the most inspiring icon ever lived. May ur soul rest in peace & ur legacy live on forever. pic.twitter.com/chvkoyDl3R
— Stella Mwangi (@StellaMwangi) December 5, 2013
“It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela
— Anggun Official (@Anggun_Cipta) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela RIP, if only more World leaders were like him the planet would be a better safer place.
— Dustin The Turkey (@DustinOfficial) December 5, 2013
Zullen we alle grappen eens niet gaan maken… Zullen we voor 1 keer eens iets respecteren? #RespectMandela
— Waylon (@waylonline) December 5, 2013
Sad news about the passing of Nelson Mandela. May he rest in peace . A true inspiration ????
— Lulu (@lulushouts) December 6, 2013
Long walk to freedom. Rest in peace Madiba. 1918-2013. Photo by Hans Gedda #rememberingmandela #46664 http://t.co/5r6hC3Jf1e
— LOREEN (@LOREEN_TALHAOUI) December 6, 2013
R.I.P. Nelson Mandela… Man vienk?rši nav, ko teikt…
— Ralfs Eilands (@RalfsEilands) December 6, 2013
Buen viaje Mandela, gracias por tu ejemplo #RIPNelsonMandela
— Raquel del Rosario (@raqueldlrosario) December 6, 2013
Extraordinary man. Extraordinary life. RIP #NelsonMandela #Hero #Journey #BeautifulSoul pic.twitter.com/UPbDgdtSfo
— Mika Newton (@MikaNewton) December 6, 2013
Nelson Mandela a true leader R.I.P KB RT
— Simon Webbe (@simonwebbe1) December 6, 2013
Nelson Mandela <3 http://t.co/hqbVngCiEf
— Joan Franka (@JoanFranka) December 6, 2013
#RIPNelsonMandela feeling empty for the great loss of one of the greatest promoters of human dignity, equality and freedom!
— Rona Nishliu (@RonaNishliu) December 6, 2013
To the man who changed the life and feelings of the world for the best, all my love and respect forever. http://t.co/vHgR9I3NIq
— JULIO IGLESIAS (@JulioIglesias) December 6, 2013
Hay personas q deberían ser inmortales,tanto es el bien q ha hecho,nos ha dado tantas lecciones de vida y humanidad! #RIPNelsonMandela
— Pastora Soler (@PastoraSoler) December 6, 2013
Madiba. http://t.co/g7mnPUXXjJ
— Amandine Bourgeois (@mandinote) December 6, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela…
— Sieneke (@Sienekemusic) December 5, 2013
Padraig Jude contributed this report from Ireland. Follow him on Twitter at @PadraigJude. And while you’re at it, like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with the latest Eurovision news and gossip.
Photo: BBC
It is great to see that a man from Africa was so motivational he moved the entire of Europe. RIP Nelson Mandela. I’m from Australia and you were and always will be a great inspiration here.
RIP Mandela :'(
An amazing man. He truly is one of the great men of our times.
So very sad. RIP to a great man and a great leader.
RIP Nelson Mandela. Never let us forget such a great person.
Indeed Rest In Peace Mr Mandela.