Last week, Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) finally confirmed that Jacques Houdek will represent Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. And yesterday they kept the news flowing with the revelation of the song’s title “My Friend”.

Speaking about the announcement the animated crooner said: “My wish with this Eurovision song, like with all my songs so far, is to promote the sense of togetherness, friendship and respect for diversity”.

The theme — which is giving us major Miss Congeniality vibes — continues with his digital campaign #beMyfriend. Writing on his official Facebook page, he posted a photo encouraging people to create new friendships.

“Remember your friends, make them happy by dedicating a photo to them, show them how important they are to you, make new friends. Let this song and the #beMyfriend campaign be a celebration of friendship, the joy of living and a priceless wealth of love, trust and mutual respect.”

“We believe that by the time we post new interesting details about our performance at the Eurovision Song Contest, the #beMyfriend campaign will exert a positive influence on creating a friendly atmosphere and celebrating diversity, which the Eurovision motto encourages us to do.”

Fans and observers on various Eurovision forums have already suggested the song and associated campaign are an attempt to wash away years of allegations that Jacques is a homophobe. In 2011 Croatian news site Index nominated him ‘homophobe of the year’. In a report from 2005, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) listed Houdek as ‘a public figure who gave homophobic statements’.

But those comments were then and the #beMyfriend campaign is now, giving the singer a new chance to show the tolerance and respect Eurovision is built around.

Although the song title was revealed yesterday, the entry is yet to be released, with more information coming over the next few weeks. Croatia’s Head of Delegation Željko Mesar says: “For now, the song will remain a surprise. At this point, let’s just say it will be very interesting, Eurovision-y, and its structure and complexity is extremely thought-provoking. We are confident it will arouse interest.”

According to Croatian newspaper, Jutranji ListJacques will demonstrate the full power of his extremely strong voice with a song that combines both classical and pop genres while also channelling his idol Luciano Pavarotti. It is also reported that he will perform in a costume with one side that conjures the look of a classical pop singer and another side that is more of a party outfit.

Jaques is not new to the Croatian Eurovision scene. He’s tried to represent his country multiple times with the most recent effort coming in 2011. Over the past two years he’s been a coach of The Voice Croatia, where he mentored last year’s representative for Croatia at Eurovision, Nina Kraljic.

What do you think about Jacques and his campaign? Share your thoughts below!

Read more Croatia Eurovision news

45 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
fr3ddy88
fr3ddy88
7 years ago

@CroESC2017
yes you are right. I’ve never ever heard of gay men who are married and have children. total fale news! just doesn’t exist. rofl

kris
kris
7 years ago

I want Nina’s team to work on his song.I know that if that happens they can find their lighthouse.
Also where was Raiven’s staging director when Nina needed him/her.

CroEsc2017
CroEsc2017
7 years ago

Jacques is married to a woman, with two kids. I highly doubt he is gay. He just has that kind of persona. I am from Croatia and I don’t like him that much, because he is such a diva. He threw a meltdown when he lost on Dora 2011 to Daria Kinzer… he also throws tantrums and causes scandals on The Voice because his clothes doesn’t fit.. but anyway if the song is good, and he does have a wonderful voice, it might as well be alright.

Tktk
Tktk
7 years ago
Reply to  CroEsc2017

Hahahaha “he s married to a woman and has children, so he s not gay”….,Yeah. Sure. Unfortunately most of gays and lesbians in the world are STILL married to the opposite sex. There s no “type” of gay. That s a stereotype. Anyone could be gay. And homophobe at the same time.
I hope he s not just “changed” for the eurovision voters….

Mateo
Mateo
7 years ago

Homphobe? Please… He’s clearly gay

mocosuburbian
mocosuburbian
7 years ago

oh lord
this is going to be a proper mess isn’t it

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

Guys, stay to music.
I like he concept of the song, but if the title is “my friend”, the lyrics will be in English? There’s not a clarification about that. I’d love to listen the song in Croatian.

Jonas
Jonas
7 years ago

Denis isn’t the brightest spark.

Roxy
Roxy
7 years ago

It is silly that people from other countries throw hates on Jacques when they actually don’t know him at all. It is also silly that you created your opinion about him from an article. People.. did you ever about exaggeration in media? If you didn’t it is your loss. You would be surprised how big heart he has.

Iberian
Iberian
7 years ago

@Denis, well, you’re probably trolling, but still, are you serious with “to accept the views of people who oppose you”. Hate (and homophobia) is not simply a “different point of view”. Hate against gays, foreigners, women, jews, christians, muslims… is NOT an opinion. Think about it: you can never justify hating on or bully someone with “freedom of speech”. You cannot “oppose” someone because of race, religion, sexual orientation. Read most of the Constitutions of many European countries.

Jonas
Jonas
7 years ago

Denis – again, you are talking absolute and utter nonsense. Nobody has ever said the contest in just for gay people, and I am completely baffled how you could be under that impression. I know you are probably just trolling, but to call yourself ultra-liberal is a joke and I would encourage you to wise up. Jacques’ (alleged) comments are offensive to all – regardless of sexuality. It is not simply a difference of opinion. Where do you draw the line? Also – Jacques may indeed be gay, he certainly sets off my gaydar too, but that does not preclude… Read more »

blondboybc
blondboybc
7 years ago

Hmmm, first of all, usually the biggest homophobes are actually closet cases. Somebody “out” this guy before May, SVP! 😀

Next, his song sounds like it will be another silly English “peace, peace, love, love” song. No thanks. ZZZZZ!

Finally, he appears to have all the charisma of a wet paper bag. 😉

viva 4 ever
viva 4 ever
7 years ago

Lyrics revealed:

Mama I love you
Mama my friend
You are my friend

Blaise
Blaise
7 years ago

You forgot to mention the authors of the song 🙂

#weareunstoppable
#weareunstoppable
7 years ago

@Frau Von Storch
totally agree with you on this one

TJ
TJ
7 years ago

I’m always stunned how people can write such nonsense as “homophobes should not be attacked for their personal believes”. OF COURSE THEY SHOULD! In what way makes the fact that a believe is personal this very belief immune to critique or the one who expresses it?? Would you say the same thing about a racist? Or about somebody who personally believes a woman should be stoned because she didn’t behave properly? May I ask you to remember that a homophobe is the attacker in the first place for their very personal WAY OF BEING! (which does NOT hurt others, whereas… Read more »

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

@Rock Me – Oh, it was an ironic comment. No worry, I believe same as you, who cares about his personal life, as long as he is good to others.

@Polegend – He DID apologize, the article was found. It’s over. Done.

Can we now focus on the song, please?

Ornacia
Ornacia
7 years ago

Can we take notice on how good his eyebrows are ????

Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

If y’all want the homophobia comments to end then he better apologize. Homophobic until proven regretful, tbh.

Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

@ cheesecake – just search “Katy Perry worst outfits” on Google. Among the first results you’ll see a photo of her from 2009 that perfectly describes that tragic outfit he’s gonna wear lmao

Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

A homophobe celebrating diversity is a Russia sending peace songs-sized hypocritical mess.

Rock Me
Rock Me
7 years ago

@Colin I’m gay and I’m also sick and tired of people bullying Jacques because of some things he said years ago (or maybe NEVER) and specifically addressed that on his facebook profile.He is a huge eurovision fan and has many gay friends so he shouldn’t be attacked because of his personal beliefs, whatever they are.And I’m not his fan btw.

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

”combines both classical and pop genres while also channelling his idol Luciano Pavarotti”

Maybe :
-Croatia 2013
-Romania 2013
-France 2011
-Latvia 2007

Colin
Colin
7 years ago

I don’t know what to expect from a song. I was convinced that Jacques was going for a ballad. With this title and campaign, I am starting to believe his song might be a cheerful one after all. I was hoping for a Croatian language, though. With Montenegro singing in English and Bosnia withdrawing, it would stand out more. But a good English song is a good English song. No matter. I just hope it’s not cheesy and sappy like many togetherness songs recently.

@Rock Me – Either you are joking or your ignorance knows no boundaries.

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

I’ve heard that he is pansexual. Anyway, he is the one who seems to try too hard to prove he is not homophob. He keeps this topic alive, he tries too hard now.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

Yeah, people should drop the homophobia stuff already. Sure, being homophobic is a bad thing, but this contest is (supposed to be) more than just a cheap gay parade. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton was homophobic until 2012, and she almost became president, so I think Jacques will do just fine. That is, if the song is good.

KennyESC
KennyESC
7 years ago

@Diva, girl, go get a life, it seems you are here just to say bad things about him.

Btw I hope Croatia sends a good song.

Rock Me
Rock Me
7 years ago

Nowadays everybody who doesn’t declare as at least a bisexual is homophobic

Chicken Kyiv?
Chicken Kyiv?
7 years ago

Sounds fantastic

As for the comments, it’s possible his mind has changed over the past 12 years. Think about western Europe and how much it had changed in this time.

Mattie
Mattie
7 years ago

If you post one more comment about how Jacques is homophobic, I will send Jacques to eat you.

#weareunstoppable
#weareunstoppable
7 years ago

@EUROFAN MEXICO
no mames güey, este tipo de “chicas” nunca salgan del closet 😀

EUROFAN MEXICO
7 years ago

QUE SALGA DEL CLOSET LA CHICA Y YA

D
D
7 years ago

I have really low expectations. Honestly though the homophobia allegations need to end. People can grow and change. Just because he said discriminatory things in the past doesn’t mean he still believes them. It’s when people continuously bring them up that it’s hard to move past them.

Vladimir P.
Vladimir P.
7 years ago

Jacque is a talented singer, but his personality is difficult. And, yes, he’s been very antigay.

cheesecake
cheesecake
7 years ago

“It is also reported that he will perform in a costume with one side that conjures the look of a classical pop singer and another side that is more of a party outfit.”
Oh god, Barbara Dex award twice in a row for Croatia?

Möhrant
Möhrant
7 years ago

I have a feeling that Croatia is going big on Love Love Peace Peace this year. I’m not sure if they’ll make the final (not that we’ve heard the song yet), but I bet we’ll remember what they’re going to send.

Héctor
Héctor
7 years ago

If Jacques wasn’t homophobic, I wouldn’t do this comment, but… he looks extremely gay!

Paul D.
Paul D.
7 years ago

An homophobe that looks gay okay lmao

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

It seems that Jacques Houdek and Philip Kirkorov share the same surgeon.

Diva
Diva
7 years ago

***context, sooooory! 😀

Diva
Diva
7 years ago

Oh, Axel Hirsoux from Belgium 2014 was having plastic surgery and emerged to Jacques Houdek. Face only, he kept the body size… I presume that even the song will be similar to his previous attempt – from “Mother” to “Dear friend”. Let me guess: a ballad as well, right? Riiiiiight! I find the song’s title very original, and somehow…inspiring! :)))) I am only kidding. The guy seems very straight… Kidding again, can’t help it! Sorry… :)) Somebody stop me! I’m sure though…by the time Eurovision starts he’ll say in interviews it was a misunderstanding, and he is not homophobic… And… Read more »

#weareunstoppable
#weareunstoppable
7 years ago

@EscAddict
No, this is how latent gay guys look like all around the world.

#weareunstoppable
#weareunstoppable
7 years ago

So homophobe of the year in Croatia wants to celebrate diversity? Sounds like a bad joke! He is probably just that type of guy who would eat s*** for a bit of glory. So sad!

Adam
Adam
7 years ago

isnt he homophobic? lmao

EscAddict
EscAddict
7 years ago

Is this what straight guys in Croatia look like? I am so confused.