Last year Jere Pöyhönen, better known as Käärijä, took Europe by storm and quickly became the fan favourite of the contest in Liverpool. Along with his bright green bolero and some very memorable backup dancers, he won the public vote in a huge landslide with the song “Cha Cha Cha” and finished runner-up to Loreen.
He reprised his legendary track at the Second Semi-Final of this year’s contest in Sweden and was scheduled to be the spokesperson for the Finnish Jury at the final. Unfortunately Käärijä has since dropped out.
Posting on his Instagram Story, Käärijä said he is not giving out the votes tonight as “it doesn’t feel right”.
Here is the post in full.
He’s the second Eurovision 2023 act to do so. Earlier today, Norway’s Alessandra posted an Instagram video explaining that she feels the slogan “united by music” rings hollow because of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Spokespersons take themselves way too seriously and always steal time. Get rid them.
I agree Ari, when they were off screen things were much quicker and there was still the magic of linking up with another country. Now they all want to give a little speech before giving out one number. Plus the delay which was so evident last night. We’d cut an hour from the show without them being on screen.
But no problem to share the same stage on the same night with Israel when he performed! Hypocrisy at its best!
It wasn’t because of Israel, it was because of Joost. The two of them became friends during Kaarija’s european tour last year.
Dutch commentator when the audience booed Österdahl giving the Dutch results: “Eat your heart out, Martin Österdahl. With your incompetent bunch”.
Don’t think relations between Netherlands and EBU will be repaired very soon. Chances are quite big we won’t see a Dutch entry in 2025.
What did the dutch commentator say when they read out the televotes at the end and Netherlands gave 12 to Israel?
because of some right wing politicians who were begging to vote for Israel and I’m ashamed of it.
Why was this downvoted so much? It’s a simple question. And I would like to know that either.
He said nothing about that what I can remember .
He wouldn’t have known at that stage.
I hope we won’t participate for a couple of years, the DQ of Joost would never have happened when Moroccan Oil was a Dutch company.
Love that comment! He deserves that.
Käärijä had no problem performing in the semis. I wonder what the difference is now? Inspired by the events today?
Probably because of the events occurring after semi finals…
Yes because of Joost
He’s friends with Joost, the news of him getting disqualified for no actual reason mustn’t have suited him
The DQ of his friend Joost
After the disqualification of Joost he posted an Instagram story of broken heart emoji on a blue background.
There is no article covering the grand final live. Probably will only be published after the winner is announced.
I am watching the show and It seems people dont give half a crap about any of this. I really think the Eurovision on internet and the real event are two different things.
The audience on the venue IS behaving like usually, shouting, jumping and moving flags… Having fun.
Well, they paid for it…
They might care. The EBU’s propaganda -lile anti-booing and selective production HEAVILY limit what is seen and heard from within the arena. The vast majority of people are very not in favour of terrorists states.
It doesnt show. In Spain the commentators had to say that she was booed and clapped 50/50 but we didn’t Heard anything odd.
Oh, they did care, just listen to the crowd whenever Martin Osterdahl is on screen.
I honestly think most viewers don’t even vote; it’s really only internet fans that vote.
That’s why they boo-ed very loud during the performance of Israel, and went crazy when Joost was announced, ( not visible live but on You Tube)
We can expect havoc from spokespersons this year.
But the public won’t know or care. It IS so pointless.
Joost iš buddy of Kaarija
Loreen also said she will refise to hand the trophy to Israel if they win.
She is frim Morocco so no big surprisw
That’s the cherry on top for her petty win
Well they never won thank God. Loreen didn’t have to stoop so low thankfully.
Nikkie from NL, and probably the whole team witdraws as well. No spokesperson at all from nL
The Dutch also decided to withdraw from the result announcements
The only right decision. I hope the EBU has to face this moment themselves.
So will the Dutch results be nullified or will they just be presented by Martin O?
I wonder if Martin O has the guts.
Maybe when the result is low, when its high they never will
Hopefully we’ll see more countries withdraw before next year’s competition. The EBU need to be shown that without these countries and without the support of the general populous, they have nothing. Fingers crossed the UK pull out too.
I would enjoy the show more with fewer countries. So yes, let them pull out. And let’s a have a final of 15 songs. Twenty-six is far too many for one show.