Y’all, it’s not stopping. The next stage in the ongoing saga of social media back and forth has come from Germany’s Eurovision 2020 act Ben Dolic. He has spoken out against the comments from former Czech HoD Jan Bors, dropping some scorching hot tea in the process.
The saga is getting complicated but we have summarised it below if you need to catch up. Most recently, ex Czech HoD Jan Bors criticised songwriters that are too focused on Eurovision.
Now Germany’s Eurovision 2020 singer Ben Dolic has come out swinging. Dolic was due to sing “Violent Thing” written by the Bulgarian-Austrian songwriter Boris Milanov — who is also involved in the saga. Dolic made a post on his Facebook page, responding to wiwibloggs’ article on Bors’ comments.
I totally disagree with everything that Jan Bors is saying. I personally, like many other artist that I know would love…
Posted by Ben Dolic on Thursday, March 26, 2020
I totally disagree with everything that Jan Bors is saying. I personally, like many other artist that I know would love to perform the current songs on the Eurovision stage! I don’t think the decision of the Reference Group was quite fair. I also remember that Jan Bors called me when we were searching for the right staging concept, saying how much he likes the song and how he would love to do the staging with his team. I guess he would have been talking differently now, if the NDR and Boris gave him the chance 🙂 I personally enjoy working with Boris a lot, as he’s a really professional and talented music producer.
Well… I guess that’s why so many countries want to work with him.
Dolic said he disagreed with Bors’ comments and noted that he didn’t think the EBU’s decision to not allow delegations to reuse their Eurovision 2020 songs was fair.
He also claimed that Bors has contacted him, pitching to do the “Violent Thing” staging. Germany’s singer did not hold back, saying “I guess he would have been talking differently now, if the NDR and Boris gave him the chance.”
Jan Bors bites back
Dolic also left his remarks as a post on Bors’ Facebook post. And this morning, the ex Czech HoD responded.
In the comment, Bors clarified that he had been asked by the German broadcaster to pitch for the “Violent Thing” staging. Among his comments, he also wrote:
“I have nothing against Boris and other songwriters. Like their music kind of, but I don’t like when someone using somebody else or sending kids for self-defence and talking about disrespect when it was the most ridiculous thing to say. Such a violent thing to say and very inappropriate toward the people who are the voice of all delegations and people who bared the responsibility.”
We’re not going to summarise the whole dramatic thing, but you can read it here.
The saga so far
In case you need to catch up, let us summarise the drama so far. It started one week ago when the EBU confirmed that delegations would not be able to reuse their Eurovision 2020 songs at the next edition.
Not everyone was happy with this decision, especially those involved with internally selected songs. Germany’s Thomas Schreiber was among the first to criticise the decision, saying that “huge investments of the 41 participating countries have been destroyed as well as the hopes and dreams of the artists and the Eurovision family.”
Then it was the turn of successful Eurovision songwriter Boris Milanov. He left a comment on a wiwibloggs Facebook post saying that “basically 80% of the songwriters, music producers, labels and publisher are also upset and disappointed” by the decision.
Also chiming in was one of the people behind Azerbaijan’s “Cleopatra”, Greig Watts. In a wiwibloggs comment, he wrote, “Everyone understands that the competition can’t take place in May, no one is arguing that, but the Olympics are postponed and everyone will be allowed to compete again. If this decision stands, these songs are just cast aside, songwriters dreams shattered.”
Then former Czech Republic HoD Jan Bors spoke out. He criticised Eurovision-focused songwriters, saying “Some of them [are] comparing songwriters to Olympians. Some of them take reference group decision as completely disrespectful toward songwriters and some more of this nonsense that one could possibly think that it is a songwriter contest.”
Meanwhile, countries around the world continue the fight against Covid-19.
What do you think? Who else would you like to see pipe up in the ongoing saga over 2020 songs? Or are there bigger things to worry about right now? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.
I agree. it’s unfair. People have worked hard and put in so much effort into the current songs. To have them cast aside instead of postponed is a really disappointing decision.
Postponing would have been a logistical nightmare at this point. Even if it’s gonna satisfy some songrwriters and artists, and probably even you, it wouldn’t be the case for those who have to adjust everything despite the uncertainty, such as hotels, venues, et al.
I’m obviously against Jan’s comment. I don’t think comparing the esc to the Olympics is fair because you create something for esc, is not your stamina that’s evaluated through a series of competitions. But I also believe every song (even if not my cup of tea) is art and therefore should be preserved. Obviously a song is a piece of art, some more abstract than others, but they don’t have an expiration date, just like a painting has no “best consumed by” date. Is mental to believe a song from 2012 has no impact in the current contest. Let’s take… Read more »
Also, if the argument is that song would lose momentum, so what? Time will tell, not they (the committee behind this bad decisions). You don’t get to decide what we find relevant or not, not you. If a song isn’t shiny anymore, it doesn’t mean it has lost its luster, but that after polishing it could be greatly revised. That luster is up to the artist and PR, again, not dependant on you.
But isn’t th point of artistry to create new, to be creative, to test your limit, not getting stuck in past? Don’t understand why some ESC artists and fans are striving for that one song, and only that song. Is that what artistry is? These songs are still out there and can be enjoined by everyone. Nothing can take away that from them. If people like them enough they will be big and have a life outside ESC. This way they have more than a year to come up with something maybe even better than what they had in 2020,… Read more »
I see your point and it’s totally valid, an artist should be able to deliver and not be encapsulated in a certain song, that is what ultimately defines a good composer from a bad one. There’s a catch. That should be a decision the artist should make, not an imposed one, so that’s why I make a distinction this cannot be a tailored thing. The reason why the comment is insulting is because it doesn’t allow the artist to decide, but assume that everyone should be able to deliver something good, even if the OG artist is to represent the… Read more »
Meanwhile, countries around the world continue the fight against Covid-19.
Haha! Maybe that’s a bit more important than this useless fight…
Oh don’t you dare go that way. Who the hell do you think you are to tell them what they should cover? Is this your creation? No, right! So then, stop pushing your agenda, and weighting what you think is more “relevant”. You don’t deem the relevance of other’s work.
The Ebu’s decision is pathetic. You can’t just tell someone to sing in front of Europe and then suddenly go “nah changed my mind”
They should just let the exact same entries participate next year
They would be in a disadvantage against newer entries that sound fresher to listeners’ ears.
None of this bs drama would be trying this centre stage so desperately if these particular entries like Violent Things and the annoying child playground Rihanna-reject Cleopatrrrra weren’t so highly tipped by fans …
The human ego is really fascinating when it comes to the inability to focus on seriously far more important things …
I am still waiting for Mrs Kirkorov-gurl to complaint a thing or two as usual…
The EBU has the option to revert decisions right?
all this unnecessary drama…
I am getting bored of Eurodrama as well. Every single time it’s the same xD
Unnecessary? I believe drama is up to the beholder to follow it or not, so judging a media outlet on your own bias is trash. Second, unnecessary? Not, you see when you are selfish you don’t allow to put yourself in the place of a composer. A song isn’t just a work you deliver monthly to satisfy your boss, so saying this is unnecessary is truly an insult. If you would be more empathic you’d know what it takes to write a song, even if the end result isn’t want your wanted or expected to be. So creating a song… Read more »
ok
Songwriters >>>>>>>>> Heads of delegations / Reference group members
EBU should’ve had conversation with fans, artists, composers and broadcasters and only then made decisions, period.
Agree, this is very one sided, and no consulting group has been called for. This isn’t a dictatorship, and all opinions matter (except for the censorship ones).
This just makes you feel and think as if these artists are not talented. Like dude, ok the odds have you high, but you’ve got the opportunity to show the world that you are a lot more talented than they think. You should think that “if the odds have me this high with this song, then they should see next year’s song” it makes you feel as if those artists’ talent just stops there, as if they cant anything better. And you can downvote me as much as you want, if they think that a song which will be 1… Read more »
I think you are fooling yourself if you think the song age will make so much of a difference… Close to all casual viewers at home will hear the songs for the first time and decide who to vote for during eurovision. It has nothing to do with being a one hit wonder. Netta released songs like bassa sababa, and nana banana after her win. Those songs sounded 100% authentic to netta’s style but would they have made the same impact as toy? Definitely not. Songs like repondez moi and on fire have that same winner impact this year. You… Read more »
Think of Alexander Rybak, from Fairytale to THYWAS. There’s no winning formula since everyone has different music taste. Win or not it’s not matter to most of them (I think so for Ben), the case is that all teams had contributed so much to the songs and they want to perform it on eurovision, regardless of the result. They love their songs so much. Yes it will be one year old but that doesn’t justify why can’t it be used for esc2021. There’s no right or wrong about whether keeping the songs for 2021 when putting the rules aside. Let’s… Read more »
Songs have a shell life once they are released, especially if they are the only thing the artist will be promoting. It’s already tough to get people excited for one entry upon release, let alone keep them hyped up for 2-4 months leading to the contest. Now you got an entire year and then face the possibility of bing pitted against newer songs that may sound fresher to listener’s ears.
It’s a lose-lose situation.
Totally AGREE with DOLIC. EBU (who is ultimately responsible for the decion despite reference groups and what have it) has made a real dog’s dinner of this – creating discussions, disagreement, upset – when they really should have OPENED UP and shown respect and generosity in every sense!
Just stop disrespecting the artists and allow anyone to use their current songs. There must be a choice and it’s the only viable option. EBU’s decision is a PR disaster but it’s not too late to make things right. Hopefully reason prevails.
I agree, if the EBU decides to pursue this way, I’d call for a sabotage. It isn’t fair to anyone who has been denied the right to perform a song they’ve created.
Sooo my first comment just dissapeared and i don’t understand why? It took quite long to write all that …
I’m more worried about avrotros and npo having to organize the contest all over again. This will cost them a lot of extra money, they’ll have to book ahoy for an additonal 6 weeks, will they be able to secure the same interval acts and hosts or do they need to plan those from scratch. Will they get the same permit for eurovillage and everything and then there is always the risk of having the corona virus flare up again…
Think it’s previous obvious it will have to be from scratch..
Yeah, i think that’s a shame. I just feel like the enthusiasm into the preparations and everything could be a less lot than this year since they’ve put so much effort into everything just to see it get knocked down.
Buuurn. I like them both. They know how to fire shots. I do have a crystal clear opinion here, though: New year, new songs. However, I also believe the broadcasters could have been given the right to choose. Probably only a few would have opted to keep their entry. Those high in the odds come to mind. Most entries will not age well. I’d be thrilled to get the chance to improve if I didn’t have something incredible this time around.
Exactly. There should’ve been an option to choose. Either keep the song or make a new one. And the broadcasters should really be fair, they should ask the chosen artists whether they want to represent next year or not. I find it really disrespectful towards them when they have to participate in a festival/national final again.
This has to be a time for coming together whilst we are staying apart. Let’s spread love and understanding guys – I really don’t think a September rule is that important in the grand scheme of things – if artists want to return with their songs next year, just let them!
Yes. And right now they only make a dire situation even worse with this stupid decision.
Did Jan Bors really just say “… that’s such a violent thing to say…“ – is this a joke to him? I’m baffled, where are the level-headed grown up people. Let’s talk this through with a bit of class. Because it’s actually an important topic. There are not just creative but also economic realities behind this petition. This is no joking matter.
it’s relieving to see the majority of eurovision fans are on god’s side. imagine being so rhadamanthine on the ~rules~ in a situation like this. ben is right.
Why would be an ex-HoD be allowed to do staging? Is he stage designer or what? Many professionals have studied or learned it as dancers, but he workedbas HoD and now he can do staging like Sascha Babtiste or Fokas…? Seriously somebody has a huge ego here.
Perhaps he actually has the expertise for him to be considered by a broadcaster to offer staging proposals. Most Eurovision delegation heads are in their positions now because they have the experience of being in the music industry or have done live entertainment, among others.
He staged Czech republic’s entries in 2018 and 2019.
And in 2017
Doesn’t have EBU a Backup plan? Many things could have happened terrorists attack, artists get ill or die before contest, Enschende in the Netherlands 2000, war like in 1990s… don’t they have backup plans?
Germany pls choose Ben for 2021
Noah – for me Ben get’s a “YES” – because I like him and he is such a smart singer. I want to see him perform for Germany or Slovenia in 2021.
This situation is so complicated as all countries/artists/songs are in different positions.
Some of them for being favourites in 2020 or having a high bar. You never know if you can come up with something better or genuine again or whatever. But 14 months is a lot. Maybe it’s time to move on even tho I have a weird feeling for 2021 and that 2020’s shadow might not be good for the songs and the contest and everything. I have a lot of mixed feeling
Alex – the EBU should let the countries decide if they want to send the same song / artist for 2021. There are countries with “not so good songs” – these countries could bring better songs for 2021 …..so we would maybe have a contest in 2021 with only amazing songs.
Indeed, if Dotter was selected you would be the angry one Rasmus
In these strange times, I think broadcasters, performers should at least be able to make the decision themselves.. I do get the EBU but some countries finally found the right groove, if they want to present the same song a year later than let them.. Up to the countries and all involved.. If not bring on another National final or artist..
Can’t imagine this happening last year with a Dutch song finally being a favorite, I would be devastated.. As I imagine fans and artists from Iceland, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Switzerland and so on are now..
Ben puts the PERIOD there I guess after the disclosure of his hypocrisy I guess Jan should stop trashing everywhere now
Czechs are problematic. They have their own opinions, they will tell you only their thruth and they will never respect your opinions. My personal experience.
You couldn’t be a little more generalizing?
Maybe you are the actual problem in the first place
It is true, though. Look at all the useless drama with their country name.
Gosh get a life
Ben might b saying that now but will he still say it in May 2021? Don’t get this attitude with some ESC acts and fans who wants the artist to just be defined with that one ESC song most people outside ESC bubble has forgotten, and they want to sing only that song. Artistry is about being creative, trying new things, testing yourself.
Ben, other artist and fans should realise this is opportunity to create new songs and sounds instead of clinging on the that 2020 song
Do you really think that Germany will choose him again as their act for 2021? I doubt it, because they choose the whole package (artist + song). Do you realize that maybe Ben will never have the opportunity to perform at the Eurovision stage? Please try to put yourself in his position and maybe you’ll understand.
So? He’s already got far more exposure then he would get on his own. Of course it’s unfortunate but it’s not like he’s owed anything.
Is appearing on ESC stage the only thing that matters for these artists? Is that what their career is all about, to have that one song they return to?
Ben already has exposure and people will hear his song. He can use this time to create something better than Violent Thing, something that might reach beyond ESC
Of course Ben Dolic is saying he agrees with Boris Milanov, who was making “Violent Thing” with his own team. Ben didn’t do anything than sang it
It’s a difficult situation. On one hand, some artist / songwriters have put forward a song they’ve worked on for months or even years, expecting to present it on the biggest music stage in the world. Yes, it still exists without ESC, but it can be quit a disappointment if that moment is taken away from you. On the other hand, I also understand the decision to require new songs. I mean, what would happen if the same songs were allowed, and some of the countries decided to run ads all year long to promote the song? This would present… Read more »
Both sides have their own reasonable reasons if you’re in their shoes. If I were Ben, I would be upset as well judging from the effort put on the song and the performance.
Of course it’s a songwriters’ competition at the end of the day. Even if the artists are the ones who get feted, it’s a *song* contest. The song is the most important thing in all of this.
T H I S !
Any singer songwriter involved in this year has the perfect opportunity right now to come back stronger next year .. I hope that the 2021 selection is much stronger than 2020, it wouldn’t be too hard as the selection this year is mediocre
Obviously the kids are defending their dad, nothing weird. I think that insisting on songs that will be outdated next year defines more them who continue to support this thesis and not who is against it. Singers, we can say artists in general, always want and need to create new things, there’s a fire that does not go out, there is always the desire to improve and create new projects. Then we have some Eurovision acts, who on the other hand, are always striving for a single song. And they want to sing just that one. It’s clear that most… Read more »
Jan Bors has left the chat. Ben is so right, if he got the staging he would be furious
Cause it would be impossible to get the staging next year right?
Ben Dolic may be wanting to still perform “Violent Thing” now on the Eurovision stage in 2021 but let’s see if he is still up to it a year later.
Some sense finally .. these artists should want to release new material and now this gives them extra time to work on stronger entries for next year …
I don’t understand how many of you on here can’t see this..
The way The Refrence group treated the artist, songs and music in general is quite disrespectful and I guess worthy for many people to stop watchin ESC unforunately..
How so .. it’s a competition .. this is the selection for 2020 .. wether the 2020 contest takes places or not … honestly are people soo delicate ..
If the contest takes place in 2021 it’s viewing figures won’t be affected by this .. the majority of people in many countries would have no clue or remember who their entry was from 2020
What would you do when you are facing a pandemic threatening thousands of lives? What choice would you have make that would satisfy everyone, from the host broadcaster to all the artists, songwriters, and everyone else? If it were to postpone within the year, what is the guarantee that the situation would have been resolved by then? If it were set-up in their respective countries’s broadcast studios, how would you make it an even playing field if some broadcasters don’t have the same technical capabilities as their peers? If the option of keeping the songs for the following contest is… Read more »
Exactly, the point about the local music industry is key. Melodifestivalen defines the charts in Sweden every year, Eesti Laul has become a central part of the Estonian broadcaster’s yearly schedule (the tickets go on sale like a year in advance). The national selections are as part of eurovision as the final itself.
Also the viewing figures of some national finals like Melfest have even higher ratings than Eurovision itself. It would be a huge hit for broadcasters if some of the national selections are cancelled/undergo big format changes just to cater the “inhumanity of music”.
Give them the chance to choose then. The power of choice is a democratic right 🙂
They did. Broadcasters were given the go signal to either keep or scrap their artists.
Really? People will stop watching eurovision? The vast majority of the audience won’t have a clue about any of this drama come May 2021. I’ll tell you what, though. If the reference group had gone the other way, I bet anything we would all be moaning that the selections for 2021 were cancelled, that we had no new Eurovision material for over a year, that we were waiting over a year for a competition that (let’s face it) we can all pretty much guess the potential winners of already. Do you really want ALL of these songs to be hanging… Read more »
Totally agree.
In the end I’m sure you, the fans or even locals would still keep watching Eurovision 2021 2022 2023 and so on even without keeping the songs this year for the next. Keep complaining, that’s the spirit 🙂
Rules also said that Australia could not join ESC before 2015, yet the rules were changed.
Australia takes part on an invitation-basis only, courtesy of their association membership and history of broadcasting the contest for over 30 years.
Sure but the rules were altered in order to let them in as “special guest”. That means that rules CAN be changed whenever necessary.
It was never altered. Australia still has to wait every year to be invited. Right now, that invitation has been extended to several years and subject to renewal if the interest is still there by then from both parties. There was no fundamental change to the rules.
The EBU did the same in the case of Kazakhstan for JESC recently, and Canada forEurovision Young Dancers more than 3 decades ago. Both countries have associate membership so their participation became possible because of similar gestures done at the discretion of the EBU.
Prior to 2015, only OFFICIAL members could enter, never associated members. It was unthinkable for such a thing to happen, even to the EBU. I remember Stockselius saying it was a nonsense for Australia to join in 2009 or 2010. Why has it changed then? Because people in charge decided it can happen, therefore, changes were made. Basic stuff.
The EBU has precedence as they have had associate EBU member before more than 30 years ago. Now that issue regarding participating is different from what we have because of one thing: COVID-19. With so many events scheduled in the next few months canceled, including ESC, what other option would have been viable for the EBU that would make all stakeholders happy? Allowing broadcaster the option to keep their artists sounds fair enough. With the songs, it’s much more complicated as they would have by then be published as part of the official album still slated for this year. Keeping… Read more »