Earlier today she criticised the contract that Ukrainian state broadcaster UA:PBC imposed upon her following her victory at Vidbir 2019. But after further discussions between MARUV and the broadcaster broke down this afternoon, it has been confirmed that the singer will not be Ukraine’s representative for Eurovision 2019.
In an official statement on UA:PBC’s Eurovision website, the broadcaster states that they were unable to reach an agreement with MARUV on a number of points. This primarily focuses on the singer’s role as a “cultural ambassador” for the country:
“The performer, who will represent Ukraine on the international arena, also has a commitment: after signing the contract with [UA:PBC] for the time of the contest the performer becomes a cultural ambassador of Ukraine and reports not only their own music, but also becomes the spokesperson for the opinion of Ukrainian society in the world. After the negotiations, [UA:PBC] and the singer MARUV did not find a joint decision on the mission of the representative of Ukraine at the international song contest.”
They go on to discuss the politicisation of the national final in recent days. It is suggested that, if MARUV was kept as their act, then the debate surrounding her appearance could risk the formation of a fracture within Ukrainian society, which goes against UA:PBC’s responsibility to encourage the public to come together as one:
“Also according to the rules of Eurovision (paragraph 2.6), the broadcasting participant must ensure non-political character of the competition. The current situation surrounding the nation-wide election this year has signs of politicization. Public resonance, attempts to exert pressure from the political forces, interfering in the discussion of cultural figures and the information structures of the aggressor country in fact led to the politicization of the results of the national selection.
A public broadcaster also sees the danger of an escalation of the split of Ukrainian society in this situation, which is contrary to the objectives of the Public Broadcasting Company (according to the Law of Ukraine on Public Broadcasting, one of the main tasks of [UA:PBC] is to promote the consolidation of Ukrainian society (Article 4, paragraph 2)).”
Grilled about Crimea on live TV. Told to cancel all concerts in Russia. And now yanked from her rightful place at #Eurovision? Ukraine’s broadcaster has done itself a total disservice. MARUV was gonna bring y’all glory! Our initial reaction to her ?? https://t.co/3KKIKf8SaC pic.twitter.com/hVYCNBG9pv
— William Lee Adams (@willyleeadams) February 25, 2019
MARUV responds
MARUV has responded to the day’s events in a statement posted on her social media accounts.
She revealed that her discussions with UA:PBC today lasted around seven hours, but an agreement could not be reached. She specifically notes that she could not willingly participate in the competition whilst being used for any form of propaganda:
“A few hours before the draw I was asked to participate in the national preselection for “Eurovision-2019”. I agreed and won, and with great pride I was ready to represent my home country – Ukraine at the international song arena.
As I previously said, rejection of concerts in Russia was not a principled thing for us. The main differences have been caused by other paragraphs of the contract, which, if I sign, become a indentured for me. I am a citizen of Ukraine, I pay taxes and sincerely love Ukraine. But I am not ready to perform with slogans, turning your stay at the competition into the promo of our politicians. I am a musician, not a bat in the political arena.”
She finishes by thanking those who have supported her, but asks that her fans do not resort to confronting others about the situation:
“I sincerely thank and appreciate everyone who believed in me and voted. And I ask you to accept this fact and not to go to confrontation. This is the given of today. I want to give my creativity without censorship.
Tomorrow I will wake up with new forces – to win and popularize my music in the world.”
MÉLOVIN shows support for MARUV
Naturally, fans and stars have been quick to show their support for the singer. This includes Ukraine’s Eurovision 2018 representative, MÉLOVIN.
Underneath MARUV’s instagram post linked above, the “Under The Ladder” singer commented: “Speechless, some emotions. Hugs. I wonder who will agree to go.”
MÉLOVIN’s comments follow questions about whether his contract for 2018 was identical to that of MARUV’s. With private broadcaster STB confirming back in October 2018 that they would not be providing financial support for the victor of Vidbir at Eurovision 2019, as they have done for the past three years, this discrepancy between the two contracts was previously known.
However, Sveta Pankova, MÉLOVIN’s PR manager, confirmed through a Facebook post that there were indeed other differences between the two contracts:
“No fines have been prescribed in our contract. Moreover, not in the preparatory stage, nor in Portugal were we told what to do in the number, what elements in it can’t be added, where we can’t walk and what to say.”
These remarks differ from the details MARUV publicised earlier today of the contract UA:PBC had asked her to sign. The singer noted that she would be equipped with a 2 million UAH fine should she improvise on stage or not “clearly fulfill any requirements and instructions of UA:PBC”.
However, Sveta reinforces the point that some requirements are necessary for all acts competing at Eurovision:
“It’s ok when the artist and the team need to comply with the schedule. It is normal that there is a list of mandatory legal procedures directly before the ride that must be passed. All these rules are applicable to the representative of each country who participates in the Eurovision.
Everything written above is specifically about our treaty. What MARUV has – we don’t know. Most likely, this year, a completely different contract was made, which is different from ours.”
Who could be MARUV’s replacement?
With MARUV no longer set to be performing in Tel Aviv in May, the question naturally turns to who will be her replacement.
UA:PBC board chairman, Zurab Alasania, took to Facebook to comment on the situation. Included in his statement, he said that negotiations with the next possible candidate for Eurovision 2019 would start tomorrow morning.
The obvious choice may be the runners-up of Vidbir, Freedom Jazz. The group earned top marks from the jury, but only placed third with the televote, putting them just behind MARUV in the overall rankings. At present, the group’s management have confirmed that they have not yet been approached by UA:PBC to represent Ukraine in Tel Aviv.
However, the jazz vocal trio have also previously performed in Russia, undertaking a dinner show and club night at the WoW club in Moscow as recently as June 2018. If the broadcaster’s main concern with their Eurovision representative is that they can be a good “cultural ambassador” for the country, would they also question this appearance? Additionally, with their lead member currently eight months pregnant, it is possible that Freedom Jazz may feel it would not be appropriate to go to Eurovision at this moment in time.
Notably, sources have apparently informed English/Russian Eurovision News site ESCKAZ that, if they were approached by UA:PBC, Freedom Jazz would not accept the offer. But it is important to remember that nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
#Eurovision #Ukraine #EuroSTB2019 Sources claim Freedom Jazz are likely to withdraw if they are proposed to represent Ukraine. UA:PBC has not confirmed yet who are "the next candidate" negotiations with whom will start tomorrow.
— Andy Mikheev (ESCKAZ) (@ESCKAZ) February 25, 2019
It is perhaps unlikely that other Vidbir acts YUKO or Anna-Maria would be chosen. Both were also subject to harsh scrutiny over their links to Russia at the grand final last Saturday.
That just leaves KAZKA and Brunettes Shoot Blondes, who had placed third and fourth, respectively. KAZKA have also previously performed in Russia.
Would either group be willing to now take up the task of singing in Tel Aviv? Or would they both decline any offer from UA:PBC having seen MARUV’s comments about the requirements of the contract?
Are you upset that MARUV will not be representing Ukraine at Eurovision 2019? Who do you think should be their replacement act? Sound off in the comments below!
People need to come down. Eurovision was always political. Whose who say is not are living in different planet. Have you ever seen voting patterns in Balkans? For Easter Europeans it’s one of the only chances to see their country be represented on the global scale. For Western Europeans Eurovision is a fun, cringy contest to make fun of and that’s ok. However, now act like you understand anything about war torn country and its politics seems to be really condescending.
People who support Maruv here are wrong. Maruv rejected to cancel her concert in Russia. Maybe you don’t know but there’s a war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is invading Ukraine. Can you image, one british singer goes to concert in Nazi Germany in World War 2? How would people react? Shame on you Maruv, you should had cancelled your concerts in Russia and support your country but you sold your heart for money.
You are wrong, she refused publicly to speak in Russia to the whole country.
Most Ukrainians chose Maruv, she wants to present her country, which she loves, but this victory was taken away by her dictatorial terms with the NSTU( not like other participants). HELP MARUV!!! Only Maruv should to represent Ukraine in Tell-Aviv!!! Its a fair choice of all Ukrainians!!! SUPPORT MARUV!!!
You are wrong, she refused publicly to speak in Russia to the whole country.
Ukraine must be the most corrupt non-democratic European country. EBU should ban them from this year’s contest. It’s unacceptable to not let someone ,who rightfully and democratically won the national final , represent the country. It’s really a shame and before you start complaining, I hate MARUV’s song but what they did to her is just disgusting!
I don’t remember I ever was so ashamed of my own country.
Honest opinion I liked Jamala, she wasn’t a Top 5 for me, either was Sergey, if we have to go on there, but I consider it a good song and an acceptable winner. I can see why the EBU let her go, the song has political undercurrents, but the actual events which inspired it were past long enough for be consider safe to talk about- 70 years, three generations- and the lyrics are not as explicitly **** Russia as for example Georgia 2009 was. Actually, up to this day I’m still seeing people discovering 1944 is not about nazis, because… Read more »
I’m also from politically charged country and i cannot understand this stupidity. They shouldn’t have let her compete if ukrainan politicians and the network have issues with her. Hope they won’t qualify to the finals.
I am also dissapointed that Maruv was removed,but I didn’t expect to face with such quantity of HATE from ESC fans towads my country. You don’t want to be involved into politics but that hate is even worse.
Using “Ukraine” as a term for your broadcaster might be misleading, but it’s definitely only against them, not against your country! And you have to agree that, no matter what your opinion on the political circumstances is, they just dealt very bad with the situation.
In fact this is not hate against Ukraine and Ukrainian but against your government and UA:PBC. What they are doing is disgusting. Europe is a continent full of democratic countries so it’s normal that European can’t understand what’s happening. And I’m one of them! I can’t tolerate this. Bored of all these dramas
Our politics don’t care about ESC. But for me it’s cool contest and party. That’t why I am very dissappointed about all comments that call out to remove my country from ESC.
It’s too bad but you have only your broadcaster to thank for the disappointment of fans with respect to how Maruv is being treated. Nobody here hates ukraine or ukrainians. What we are is heavily disappointed with your broadcaster and considering they are in charge for choosing your contestant, many of us feel they have done a poor job and want them held accountable. You should be channeling your disappointment towards your broadcaster, not frustrated eurovision fans. Sorry but that’ just the way it is.
I will decide by myself what I have to feel towards European fans. hope Maruv will be OK, she is smart girl and definately will turn out all this stuff to her own profit.
Jamala is a b1tch
Guys, it’s simple like that: we should boycott Ukraine this year. Let’s not be part of Ukraine’s political games. This country uses Eurovision as a political gun against the enemies. Can you imagine how they will fake the internal voting’s results at Eurovision after what happened to Maruv? Ukraine, you just killed your credibility!
And Russia doesn’t?!? LOL
And how did you even adjust Russia to that comment
Ridiculous situation and depriving this year’s contest of an excellent entry. I fully intend to purchase the track when it becomes available, wouldn’t it be great if we made it a hit all over Europe? Message to Maruv – come and do some shows in the UK, we would love to see you
Jamala and Danilko (aka Serduchka) had a lot to say during Vidbir… where is their voice now? Will thet take any kind of responsibility?
Or they just behave meek to lock their posistion as judges in Vidbir 2020?
Mess.
During the live show, Verka said he wants Maruv or Kazka to represent Ukraine, but Jamala was a b*tch talking politics and other crazy stuff
I wonder who regular Ukrainians see this. Can anyone from Ukraine share? Thank you.
I am from Ukraine. What do you want to know? I am not a fan of Maruv.But it was the choice of people who into ESC. I am really dissapointed.
Thank you for your reply. How do you see the UA:PBC demands to the Ukrainian artists (the contract details) and the fact that the singer on the top of that needs to pay everything by herself/himself?
As fas as I know many perfomers paid their own money.Loboda even pledged her flat. Any Lorak and Aloysha also did everything by themselves. What about other singers I don’t know. I think that contract sould be shown to perfomer before Vidbir,not after.That’s the point.
I support Maruv’s decision, though it is disgusting that Ukrainian Tv forced her to make that decision…
“Siren song” was not an obvious masterpiece, maybe nothing special, but with Maruv’s performance -her look, her passion, choreography it bacame a really interesting performance that could fit ESC perfectly.
Shame Ukraine.
Ukrainian Tv is low-level and unprofessional.
It is politicaly-amenable group of people that makes decisions so we get a result like this (or like the chaos in 2017).
If you don’t want people who perform in Russia to represent you then don’t invite them to perform in your NF!! It is common sense! I can understand why Ukraine don’t want her but it looks like they are deliberately trying to cause drama.
They perform in Russia because in Ukraine they don’t make enough money. And what is wrong going to Russia, performing there, taking their money and come back to Ukraine? Maruv is not a spy, she is an artist!
Disgusting… MARUV was so disrespected. If they didn’t want MARUV they shouldn’t have invited her from the beggining. She is good enough to be a last time replacer, but not good enough to be the winner…. There are many ukranian artists. They should have invited someone else. I am still happy for her. For taking part in Vidbir and taking the victory. Good luck to MARUV in her career! I feel sorry for her replacement…. It will be a though place to be in. And even if it’s not that artist’s fault for this whole situation, this year i will… Read more »
SHAME!
I want EBU to revoke the broadcaster rights from UA:PBC and give them to STB instead, who have been organizing Vidbir for the last 4 years.
BTW, please support the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/european-broadcasting-union-provide-maruv-with-the-opportunity-to-take-part-at-eurovision-song-contest-2019
I hope that no muscician plays the game of UA:PBC – and they show all solidarity by refusion. No act from Ukraine would be a good sign. The spirit of Eurovision would be served by a boycott of the musicians against zensorship.
Can’t Maruv sue UA:PBC for denying her right to represent her country with a contract that seems to violate local labour code ? I’m sure they don’t have the right to do that it’s pure blackmail?
Problem is UA:PBC is the government boradcaster and generally the court would be sympathetic towards the goverment. Im not saying it is corrupt, but it is far from ideal and there is no degree of certainty MARUV would win her case.
What about EBU regarding a contract that is for Eurovision and have definitely a political undertone (forcing the representative to comply with UA:PBC’s diplomatic views as they stated themselves?)
Surely EBU can have a say over a contract dealing with Eurovision participation. The problem is the contract. Make EBU mingle to change it and Maruv can sign it.
I try not to be too sad here. I liked all six entries, so whichever will be eventually chosen will put on a good show in Tel Aviv. Maruv would have been SPECTACULAR though. Now, while I don’t approve of the broadcaster’s course of action, I do understand that Ukraine is in a complicated political situation. No matter which side you are on (if you are on any), it’s impossible to expect from Ukrainians to be 100% non-political when it comes to Eurovision while everything is about politics in Ukraine right now. It would be desirable, but I don’t think… Read more »
But last year they were almost completely unpolitical
The broadcaster had every right to use an internal selection process from the very beginning if there were such requirements.
I think none of them will interested after what happen
Comeone even me will not signed
Congratulations, UA:PBC. You’ve played yourself.
And only now… only now I understand fully why Alexeev withdrew from Vidbir last year. He (or his managers) just rightly foresaw the mess to come, the concerts he would have to cancel, the reprimands for him speaking Russian. One clever boy.
Also, if I remember correctly, his manager is Tayanna’s husband. And Tayanna, despite being confirmed for Vidbir selection for the third time in a row, suddenly decides not to participate. So perhaps, they knew about this new controversial contract beforehand.
Tayanny was chickened out of Kazka after Kazka’s sucesess with song Plakala. Everybody expected their new song but Apart turned out to be too weak for such contest.
That’s not true. Alexeev didn’t have any chance against Melovinators. He didn’t have so huge fans’ suppot as Melovin had. And after all he failed his perfomance and wasn’t qualified to final.
Deerlover does not approve
By the way guys, just a heads up, Zurab Alasania, the CEO of UA:PBC is on his way out. He was fired by the broadcaster’s board earlier this month so the decision with regards to that contract given to Maruv to sign may not necessarily be a decision he solely made but that of the over-all TPTB running the conglomerate. There were apparently concerns earlier on that the broadcaster’s independence could be in doubt following his firing, hence this is certainly affecting their Eurovision preparations.
Interesting, so you mean to say this choice of preventing Maruv from going to Tel Aviv is coming from a different source than him?
Possibly. He was voted out from the board because of his independence and him wanting the broadcaster to be impartial, in line with UA:PBC’s mandate when it first launched in 2016/17. At the moment, he could be speaking on behalf of the broadcaster but not necessarily for himself. In fact, fresh news has come out that he is trying to have his dismissal overturned by the court. He is due to leave earlier before his contract expires this year.
Where did you get this information? If true, it may explain a lot, but it’s such a flustercuck.
Here you go: https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/568475.html
Imagine having an amazing artist and song be chosen to represent your country possibly leaving in a top 10 even top 5 victory only to be like….nah let’s lose this year
I feel sorry for the Ukrainian public who were also let down by this situation. The only country this year that managed to choose the right act.
And Portugal could be next to join the club….
What do you mean? What’s up with Portugal?
The big favorite from the public and eurofans could be out of ESC just because of the juries.
Jamala is a disgrace. Nobody would ask Maruv if Crimea is Ukraine, and even if someone did, she could say “No comment”. This is what happens if political songs are allowed in the first place (1944), now Jamala feels entitled.
BTW remember in 2016 when at the press conference Samra from Azerbaijan was asked about Iveta from Armenia and her Nagorno Karabakh flag? Samra gave the right answer and said Eurovision is only about music. And that’s all, you don’t have to engage in political debates.
Who knows… Melovin was asked by Baltic journalist about his attitude to singers who have concerts in Russia during his pressconference in Lisbon.
And what did he say? Do you have the proof?
I deeply regret I voted for her 14 times.
Wow, this is such abuse of power! Poor MARUV and Ukrainian public. Their broadcaster is humiliating their artists and their country. Disgusting.
What a mess? Which of the other national finalists even want to get involved with this, now? Withdrawal seems the only option.
I wonder, if an act who didn’t even quality for the finals now comes forth with the notion they are willing to accept all these ludicrous conditions, would they be picked? And wouldn’t that be completely disrespectful towards the audience?
Oh, who am I kidding, these people have no idea of what respect even is. Ukraine should definitely be withdrawn from the contest.
UGLY YEAR, UKARNIA MUST BE OUT OF EUROVISION
First of all learn how to spell country’s name!
Second, although I’m Ukrainian myself I do believe that the company should be not only forbidden to participate but also charges with fine for utter violation of rules and human rights!
poor Maruv, but I think maybe that is the best.. for her and for her beloved country..
BS! Absolute BS!
This is super unfair.
How to reform national finals: 1. National finals must give voters at least 50% of vote, not less, but it may give more power to televoters and some entries can be selected 100% by viewers. 2. All participation agreements need to be reviewed by the EBU in order to exclude such horrendous clauses as UA:PBC’s. 3. If the brodcaster refuses to send the selected participant, it needs to pay a fine and be terminated for one year. 4. Hosts of the national finals need to be instructed with talking about politics during the contest and when it happens shut down… Read more »
1. Giving more power to the televote would mean an act will be chosen based on their name recognition, not necessarily because they have the best song. This could go either way.
That’s practically how Bilal got chosen.
He got good enough marks from the jurors, which were enough to potentially overtake anyone from the jury’s top 3 provided he got a siginificant share of the televote.
Likewise for Madam Monsieur last year when they were pegged down by the jury but the televote zoomed them past Lisandro Cuxi for first place. And they weren’t even well-known names then, and Lisandro was.
So, some countries would be allowed to pick internally selected names, and others will have to follow these rules?
Now I’m thinking who on Earth will even think about entering another Eurovision selection made by UA:PBC after this precedent. It’s obvious that the broadcaster doesn’t actually give a f. about their artists unless he/she follows their political agenda. My heart goes out to MARUV and the Ukrainian eurofans and viewers who had to go through all of this crap caused by UA:PBC’s incompetence.
Yeah, all because of the broadcaster trying to bring some nationalist bs into the contest. Disgusting to say the least.
Also, can STB get EBU membership so they’ll can organize Ukraine’s future Eurovision participations?
>>>Now I’m thinking who on Earth will even think about entering another Eurovision selection made by UA:PBC after this precedent.
Believe me lots of people will. Ukraine is the country where nothing is impossible. Unfortunately.. :((
even if you’re not a fan of maruv or siren song, you have to admit this is disgusting. ukraine should withdraw from esc 2019.
wow, terrible decision-making from ua:pbc
After this fiasco Ukraine deserves to just sit it out a year. Disgusting, and an insult to those who voted in the final there.
This years ESC is CURSED and let me explain why. 1. None of the Eurofan community’s winners are chosen, its quite uncommon for literally none of the favorites to be selected. Examples being; Kerri Anne Maria Seemone Aly Ryan Laura Bretan to just name a few. 2. The overwhelming drama in all the national selections. Spain: Maria and the other girl quite literally saying “vote miki” and singing his song, not only that but them openly disliking ESC. France’s selection of Bilal an the overwhelming Hate he had gotten from EVERYONE. Italy same for Mahmood where he nearly withdrew due… Read more »
Fan-favorites not winning their respective selections are as common as their reality competition counterparts, it’s just part of the experience and shows the dedication fans have as part of the whole community.
Fan favorites occasionally not winning is a normal thing. It happens 3 or 4 times every year. Fan favorites losing every time is certainly not a usual occurrence. Arguably, only public forthrunner to win his NF is Victor Crone.
It’s just one of those off-years I guess for the fandom. I don’t even try to hop on someone’s bandwagon unless I hear something that matches my taste, which does not necessarily reflect those of others. And that kind of helps me not feel disappointed when a fan-fave doesn’t win their respective selection.
Interestingly, not only that all expected favorites lost, but also all of my personal fav. underdogs. Top NF songs list is gonna be 10 times better than the actual top ESC list this year.
RIP ESC 2019 , the most disgraceful contest ever , in my opinion.
JUSTICE FOR MARUV
Ukraine probably does that because they don’t want to host ESC in case they might win it.
Come on, this song would have no chance to win. Scoring top 8 from the jury would already be a miracle.
Eurovision is just as political as every other international contest where countries compete against each other , just deal with it.
Don’t exaggerate. This doesn’t happen with the Olympics, Wimbledon, etc.
Comparing bullet wounds to mosquito bites, isn’t helpful. JS
Jakra….are you kidding me, olympics not political??? 1976, Summer Olympics, Montreal: Twenty-five African countries boycotted the Games to protest the IOC’s decision to let New Zealand compete in the Olympics despite the fact that its rugby team had played in South Africa in defiance of calls by the United Nations for a sporting embargo. Taiwan withdrew after China put pressure on host Canada not to allow the Taiwanese to participate. 1980, Summer Olympics in Moscow: The United States led more than sixty nations in a boycott of the Moscow Games to protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. 1984, Summer Olympics… Read more »
I think it is already time for the EBU to take actions:
I strongly suggest that the process to choose the singer in each country is controlled directly by the EBU.
In addition, national finals must be 50/50 jury and televote.
If the singer chosen is turned down by the broadcaster, the country will be banned for 2 years or forced to withdraw.
These are just ideas, but it is time to act and stop all this nonsense.
Best from Spain
As stated in a previous post, homogenizing participating EBU members’ national selections is easier said than done for multiple reasons. While broadcasters are encouraged by the EBU to select their acts by using televised competitions, there are others who opt for selecting their acts internally. And some of the national selections used by a couple of countries are either just as old as ESC itself, or even older thus they do their own thing that don’t necessarily gel with what most Eurofans expect from an NF. Sanremo is older than ESC and is RAI’s default national selection, likewise for RTSH’s… Read more »
Contests like Melodifestivalen, Eesti Laul, DMGP, Supernova, Festival da Cancao, ect. don’t need a change of format. Some, like A-dal and Selectia Nationala, need a refreshment. Some, like Vidbir, need to change completely. Ditch the judging team, ditch the long interrogation sequences, ditch the political context. Reboot it all from the scratch. It was embarrassing and boring to watch for the last 3 years.
Countries can withdraw only until October 10. Now is too late for Ukraine to withdraw without paying a fine. They will probably send Jamala.
Jamala against Sergey 2.0
They want to get disqualified it seems. They will talk about the consequences of politicization of Vidbir 2019 with EBU lawyers. Financially they are not able to pay the fine. But if EBU disagrees to disqualify them then they will send one of the acts from Vidbir.
They should be forcefully withdrawn AND pay a HUGE amount of fine anyway.
I feel like this entire national final season is more gloom than ever before. Is it just me?
I agree so much!
Time to act by EBU
NO MY FRIEND THIS YEAR IS SO UGLY
As dreadful and corrupt as this situation is, I’m actually very happy MARUV won’t be going to ESC – it was an absolutely awful song (if you can even call it a song…).
I’m really hoping Brunettes Shoot Blondes get selected now – they’re a brilliant band and they had a great song. And the title of their song is ever more fitting: “Houston, we have a problem” ;-).
I think this is disgusting and sad 🙁 I think Jamala’s unnecessary comments set the tone for what was inevitably going to happen here. If I’m honest, I still think 1944 should have been disqualified because of the blatant political undertones, which is now even more evident with her attitude after she won (in comparison to the humble charade she put on in Stockholm), either way, the song was still a wrong entry for a contest which was created to bring countries together post WWII rather than use it as an instrumental tool for individuals to push agendas. In short,… Read more »
You organize a national final.
You let the public decide.
The public wants Maruv to go.
Maruv wins and you stop her participation??? Honestly, wtf UA:PBC?? What the hell were you thinking?? You should be ashamed of playing with her emotions! Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, I wish a last place for you!
I’m so sorry for the Ukrainian public. What can I say? Giving you the final word and still not respecting your choice. Unbelievable!
You know how I always try to be positive?
This time I just can’t be.
Is this really what the Ukranian people wanted their broadcaster to do for their Eurovision selection? If the answer is yes, then they are all missing the point of the contest. Time to pull out, I’m afraid. Thank you Ukraine for your fantastic music over the past 16 years. I’m sad that things might end this way.
When even you, who are usually so balanced and encouraging cannot find a positive thing, I think it’s safe to say this the low point of Eurovision. I really hope 2019 will be better. Hugs.