“I went to Hell and back,” sang Nemo during their Eurovision 2024 winning song “The Code.” This became the theme for many during this year’s contest, which saw controversy after controversy develop. Disqualifications, harassment of artists and journalists, withdrawals of spokespeople, flag bans — the list goes on.
Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet summed up the thoughts of a lot of fans and attendees with the abruptly titled thought piece: “What a shitshow.”
Naturally, there is a lot for the contest’s organisers at the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) to go away and think about.
In their first statement since the conclusion of this year’s event, the EBU puts the focus on the actions of delegations from unnamed competing countries, and avoids taking any responsibility for its own role in any incidents at Eurovision 2024:
“We regret that some delegations at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Malmö didn’t respect the spirit of the rules and the competition both onsite and during their broadcasts.
“We spoke to a number of delegations during the event regarding various issues that were brought to our attention.”
The EBU’s comments essentially act as a holding statement for the time being.
They go on to note there will be a period of reflection before any actions are taken on the various incidents at Eurovision 2024. Discussions will take place within the contest’s reference group on how to proceed with each individual case:
“The EBU’s governing bodies will, together with the heads of delegations, review the events surrounding the ESC in Malmö to move forward in a positive way and to ensure the values of the event are respected by everyone.
“Individual cases will be discussed by the event’s governing body, the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group made up of representatives from participating broadcasters, at its next meeting.”
It is clear that many rifts have opened during the events of this year’s contest. Organisers will have to find a way to fix these within the 12 months before it all plays out again in 2025.
What do you think of the EBU’s statement following Eurovision 2024? What changes would you like them to make at the contest moving forward? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Ebu shows no reflection on its own behaviour, only pointing fingers to ‘some ‘ delegations. Ebu know how to make it even worse . I think it would be good it few countries just withdraw for the time being just to make it clear ebu should not mess with their artists and fans.
Glad that I heared that Austrian delegation had respectfull contact to Israeli delegation and did endorsement to Eden .
Perhaps it would be a good idea for all the complaining countries to unite to enforce the EBU for changes. If not, they won’t participate in 2025. United by Music.
This is absurdity personified:
https://twitter.com/DrLoupis/status/1790484263105601594
And they are still surprised that decent people with a shred of humanity rise up against what is happening.
I expect a heavy sanction for Belgium who interrupted the broadcast to pass a political message. Unacceptable. A fine for Iolanda and Nemo and Eric Saade for smuggling forbidden flag/symbol. A fine for whomever in the israeli team for posting pictures of the contestants with mean slanderous comments. Those are the main ones I can think of…
Those are brave people who aren’t afraid to stand for peace and justice. The fines will be badges of honor.
They can’t sanction Belgium because they had to allow it by law. Union has a right to do it. It wasn’t opinion of Belgium nor the belgian broadcaster, it was the stance of the workers union of flemmish broadcaster.
Besides it was before and after the show so not within contract. Serbia shower Xi’s visit during the show.
It’s unfortunate that the propaganda on both sides has polarised people so much that they couldnt leave their differences at the door for 4 little hours. Exarcerbated by social media blackmail and pressure to get involved in drama or be considered complicit to either g3nocide or ant1semeticism.
Nobody is being antisemitic, don’t play with the meaning of words. Antizionists, yes. Because Zionism is a morally bankrupt ideology.
That is literally my point. It is used as propaganda to silence criticism of Israel’s actions on this conflict.
I hope antisemitism won’t return next year or I won’t be watching.
Anti-zionism*. And yes, it will return as I will be in Switzerland.
Anti-zionism is antisemitism.
Except it isnt.
Can I ask though, when you refer to antisemitism, what do you mean? if its in reference to the booing at Israel, I wouldn’t call that antisemitism as Tali is a jewish Israeli from Israel and she wasn’t booed during her performance, that proves that its not an antisemitic issue, this is a mixture of issues for fans. One being that people were angry that Israel being there was going to be another 2022 all over again and it did happen, and two that Israel being there is quite clearly a propaganda move and a very smart one at that.… Read more »
Israel should’ve not been allowed to participate. EBU has itself to blame. They went so far to use bots for voting and manipulate televote. If they can do this for a silly music contest who knows what else they are capable of doing.
Not surprised, they’ve scammed this way in the past with the current Mexican govt (made up stuff to save face for the current regime).
I mean, its owner is Carlos Slim, a tycoon of Arab ancestry who became filthy rich thanks to Andrés López, Mexico’s current president.
I stand with the comments of Bambie Thug and Cornell Maas. I love Eurovision more than anything…but it is time for a new alternative contest and show EBU that what has happened this uear is not okey.
The Nordics should pull out and take most of the west with them (except Germany) as well as others that feels the same about EBU this year. We should not send representatives if the representatives dont feel safe or heard by the EBU!
But the Nordics are also ruining the Eurovision. So I would avoid that in a new Eurovision, Sweden still has the executive supervisor and the Nordics exchange votes or never vote for some countries. I would prefer an Eurovision driven by some other country for a while. More human. Less technologic. Where the song, the artist, the voice and the quality of the lyrics are at the first place. Eurovision is the only event/festival where a joke/funny entry or a talentless singer who runs half naked on the stage or with a thong may actually win it. Think if Oscars… Read more »
Anyway it is the “except Germany” that scares me. Strange you didn’t write except Germany who supports the presence of Isr@el because of the million jews the German n@zis have killed. And of course, I guess you mean also except Israel. For your info (because you probably don’t know), an Italian, Sergio Pugliese, had the idea of the Eurovision taking the idea from the Festival of Sanremo, born 5 years before in 1951. The idea was “to unify Europe and his Citizens thorn apart by 2 world wars, generated within Europe, with music”. 68 years passed but still Europe is… Read more »
I understand where you’re coming from, but human decency prevents some artists from being apolitical when atrocities are being committed and there is a blatant attempt to whitewash them.
If the EBU wanted to be honest about keeping the contest apolitical, it would have listened to the artists and fans, who warned in advance that the inclusion of Israel would be problematic, and would have asked KAN to stay away for a year or two until the situation in Israel calm down.
If EBU want normal ESC, banned all countries in war in this moment Ukraine,Israel. If they didn t that allow Russia and Belarus to participate .No double standard, to banned some countries and allow other countries to use ESC for propaganda against banned countries.
But I don’t want Russia and Belarus back. They attacked Ukraine. One day they will attack your country to. And we will see if you will still agree that your country must be excluded. What us lacking from people nowadays is the capability to put themselves in the shoes of other. Think if it was your home to be destroyed with Russian missiles. I tell you, if Russia and Belarus are to be readmitted, thanks to your totally crazy approach, all the other countries should step out. So you will be by yourself with your friends Putin and Lukashenko. In… Read more »
Actually only Russia attacked Ukraine, Belarus allowed Russia to use their territory, so technically they didn’t attack anyone, and got banned because their entry in 2021 was too political, and afterwards the tv station was excluded. That was before the war started
Yes. I remember perfectly. But if a dictatorial regime wants to use the Eurovision to do his propaganda, it’s their fault. EBU prohibits flags. I guess the dictatorial propaganda of Belarus must be excluded, too.
Next year no more ESC! Enough is enough! Unless the EBU stands down, than it might happen the year after that. But this was disastrous, in every was. If this go on, rather wat h football or Teletubbies!
The countries that are bitch about the EBU need to grow up or leave the eurovision song contest to countries that aren’t bitch about the way the EBU act
In a democracy, no one is above criticism, especially organizations whose funding comes directly or indirectly from taxes paid by citizens.
Use your vote. Is how democracy works.
That will be the end of the ESC
Try again, recycled news from two years ago. You’re bad at disinformation.
Wath about this one from 3 weeks ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUDrtigt_mU
You didn’t choose this one because ii does not support your position. We have access to multiple news sources and are capable of critical thinking.
They do both sides all the time. Nowadays they are doing your side. You should be happy about that.
Well, since multiple sources point in the same direction in all this drama, I’m inclined to believe in them.
What about Haaretz?
He’s a lunatic. I’m only feeding the troll because I’m with “La noia”.
It flew over your head.
Stop being antisemitic
Backstage at the ESC… Part One… Can’t verify validity but it does track and was released before a lot of the official reports:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeC9cLp8/
More confirmation about everything we already know. The reports keep coming from multiple sources, all saying the same thing. The EBU knew how explosive the situation was and didn’t take the necessary precautions.
Sources, please!
You’re very bad at this game.
Don’t reply… It’s just food for these tools.
At this moment I’m enjoying it. Usually, I don’t engage in social networks, but I cannot let g3noc1de apologists go unscathed.
Have a good night:)
The word “Amalek” from the mouth of Bibi himself.
Recorded spoken words are facts.
Aren’t you ashamed!? The number was revised to around 25,000 dead. Isn’t that a big enough pile of corpses for you? What are you? A sociopath?
That’s about 7 billion less than required. 😛
I’m bored with you. Bye!
No, simply truly bored.
Source: TikTok
Pretty shocking listen, fvck israel
Backstage at the ESC… Part Two… Can’t verify validity but it does track and was released before a lot of the official reports:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeC93u3j/
Try again, propagandist.
BREAKING: A journalist from the New York Times based in Tel Aviv just revealed that the Israeli government hired experts in multiple countries to manipulate the televote for Israel. Check his Twitter @Yonatal_Touval
Government intervention is definitely not political…. ROLL EYES
He’s also a reporter for Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Dutch news now reports that the Dutch broadcaster filed a complaint with the EBU on Friday, already before the situation with Joost escalated, about “an unsafe environment” in the delegation bubble. No further details are given.
Was this before or after EBU put Netherlands and Israel next to each other (both producers choice and both top 2 of Semi 2), meaning they were neighbours backstage?
They filed a complaint a day before the incident
They filed two complaints, one on thursday before the incident with the camera operator happened, which we know was right after he got of stage in the semi final. The press conference was after that semi final. They filed a second complaint on friday and they say that it was not about the incident itself.
Another one to join the list. From the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reporter:
https://twitter.com/ShelleyGldschmt/status/1790427786861011420
As suspected, there was some degree of concertation to manipulate the televote.
Not at all surprised.
I think the result was pretty obviously not genuine.
That was obvious. The Italian vote that was shown mistakenly to RAI viewers of semi 2 should have been a warning sign that something was seriously off!
They didn’t give a sh!t about it, and felt human lives were more important.
Solved.
EBU keeps going lower and lower…. What a shame….
They keep digging…
They’re spineless
First of all EBU must stop calling Eurovision non-political.
How dare Bambie use a press conference for press attention. I mean, really. What next, people using microphones to make their voices louder? Make Eurovision Great Again! #MEGA
https://twitter.com/Yonatan_Touval/status/1790416886716399857?s=19
SCOOP: Ahead of last week’s @Eurovision, the Israeli government hired expert(s) to set up voting communities across dozens of countries aimed at pumping up the popular votes for the ?? song. The effort was successful as the song won 2nd place in the popular vote.
It was nakedly a PR stunt by Israel. Shame on the EBU.
*nakedly political pr stunt
We call that propaganda
Investigation now!
She is a Swedish citizen, and got a job on a Swedish producton. Coming in to work from Tel Aviv every morning would have been a long commute.
Solved.
So she probably has the Israeli nationality not the Swedish one, of maybe both?
How about as many Eurovision artists join their talents in a collective rendition of “Tachzor (Come back)” by Eurovison family members the Idan Raichel Project with Roni Dalumi? It’s an absolutely amazing song and Roni Dalumi has an absolutely amazing voice.
Organize a campaign and ask them. But don’t try to use it as a means of whitewashing the criminal acts of the Israeli government.
Imposing sanctions on a broadcaster (not a country, a broadcaster) should not be that hard. There should be a mechanism for the EBU to impose its oversight on a broadcaster not playing by the rules. Meaning Israel could still participate, but KAN would be overseen and monitored by an independent commission set up by the EBU.
Classic gaslighting statement by the EBU, which demonstrates their complete inability to self-reflect. I fear we won’t see any improvement in the upcoming years
I fear they’ll bury the contest before they do any self-reflection, they haven’t shown any redeemable trait 🙁
I wonder what would have happened if 2024 had been the year Israel sent Unicorn – a song that so many fans loved (not including me though)?
Can people still listen to Unicorn and enjoy it? (I never enjoyed it.)
I believe it would be a lot better, to be honest, but not because the song is better or better liked. What absolutely didn’t help is that they send a very transparently political song in the first place. That made it quite impossible to see the participating broadcaster, their delegation and their performer separately from their government, or at least seperate from the conflict they were referencing. That was an unforced error, and probably a spark to ignite the mess. I think the EBU at that moment should’ve disqualified the performer and lyricists, because that stench was never going away… Read more »
Yes you are probably right. The whole thing should have ended with the DQ of the political song. No one would have truly losted face. Maybe that was what the Israeli broadcaster secretly hoped for.
But then the president interfered …..
S10 (Netherlands, 2022) has made a documentary that will be aired on 22nd May. In an interview today she talked about her experiences at Eurovision and she too claimed that it was very difficult for her because artists boundaries were not respected by the Eurovision crew. Wonder if we’ll learn more about that in her documentary.
Fcking TikTok. It is a scourge on humanity. EBU, please see sense and bin it.
There was an interesting interview with a Belgian camera operator in the Belgian media. Between 2008 and 2018 he did the same work as the alleged Vitim: making backstage footage for Eurovision’s social media. He said that things can be tough backstage, but that he would always respect the wishes and boundaries of artists. If a conflict would arrise he would simply work it out with them later in their dressing room. He showed a lot of understanding for Joost’s situation.
The “I’m sorry you feel the way you do” non-apology apology – EBU edition
That Martin fellow needs to resign. Ever since he took over eurovision is getting worse and worse.
Again blocked for defend Israel ….
Don’t play victim. Nobody is blocking no one. You have to be careful with some words like g3noc1de, P@lest1ne, H@m@s, G@z@.
The Martin Osterdahl tribute from Saturday’s show, “You’re good to go”, sung by Linda Woodruff has been released on Spotify!
Oh Karma, you’re a funny bitch.
I’m beginning to question if the EBU lacks self-awareness or are engaging in some kind of sophisticated trolling.
You are good to go, Martin. Enough of your manipulations
I see alot of people wants EBU to ban Israel, bit how do you think this can be done? I see many say country in war shouldn’t participate, but exactly what is «being at war»? When NATO went into Afghanistan, were all NATO-countries at war? Was UK at war in their fight against IRA in the 80’s and 90’s? Bosnia was in the contest while at war in the 90’s. Where do one draw the line?
Invaders and occupiers shouldn’t be allowed to participate. I am OK with Israel participating as long as Russia is allowed back. One standard for them all. Or ban both or allow both.
But NATO-countries participated during the invasion of Afghanistan?
And they should have been banned. But it’s OK if you are attacking brown people, just don’t touch white Christian people. That will get you banned in a second.
You are thirsty for white Christian blood, aren’t you ;
Hypocrite talisman.
I’m a white Christian….
Excellent point
To invaders and occupiers, you can the categories: g3noc1dal states and promoters of apartheid.
How do you explain there’s 2 million Arabs in Israel with full rights, then?
Exactly. The typically hypocrisy of the “mostly peaceful” protesters.
Whatever you think of Martin Österdahl, I think the best course forward is for him to resign. That would make it a lot easier for the EBU to turn a page, and maybe revise some of their decisions this year. Regardless of what Israel has done, it would be no doubt that if they win the ESC is over. The EBU should make decisions that ensure the competition remains, if nothing else.
I’m yet to meet someone who sees him in a good light lol
Choosing the attack as a defense is something I expect from a war general. Not the supervisor of the ESC.
https://youtu.be/9ktJQ5UR_iU?si=patJCMSTB0l_NNdC
what I find interesting is how quickly after the contest the accounts supporting Isr*el have disappeared from these comment sections. and they expect us to believe the televoting was not r1gged lol
I came quite often in defense of Israel explaining facts but wiwibloggs always delect my comments
Maybe most of them are fed up with the Wiwi blog after these months.
For several reasons, I also have made a list of blogs and ESC youtubers I will or won’t follow next year.
I wish Deban will go independant.
Exactly. I basically ignored Wiwi for most of the season because of the antisemitic sh@t in the comments section. Most of the time mods wouldn’t even delete calls for murder.
Me too, I just came back sometime last week but I don’t think I’ll stick around for much longer
Myself, and except for this blog, I stopped following ESC blogs and YouTubers bc of that. All of the virtue signaling and horrible stuff many felt entitled to say ruined the experience.
And it’s quite ironical, because I recall many users going “yass queen!” with Noa last year and then go on to bashing Eden this year.
Artists had freedom of art and speech. They could use LGBT flags as if they could do it in every other TV show, even in 2024. They brought messages to their songs, including anti-ageism – things that 160 millions watched. Nothing was taken from them.
Until some of them said things like “Peace will prevail”. Then all hell broke loose.
Until someone dared to have nails barely visible on screen, but hey, it was with colours used on Palestinian scarf. Because nails can destroy Eurovision, right?
Tell that to my cats…
Meow Ricardo’s cats, please meow back
They immediately removed Joost from the competition but his videos are still on line,I guess they need the money, talking about hypocrisy
Is it justify to hit/threaten a person and get away from that because it suits your agenda?
“By all means” slogan suits here.
Talking about hypocrisy.
Yes, if that person bullies you and doesn’t respect your personal space.
No I don’t approve of what he did, I said it’s hypocrite they keep his videos online, to earn more money, don’t jump to conclusions.
Yes, but then they should take away Joost videos as well.
Or maybe they will donate the money from the ads for charity and anti-violence organizations.
It’s official . The Swedish police send the situation to court . He has haressed a Swedish woman
And the woman harrassed him first
All they have to do is get rid of that one country ruining the contest for everyone else – It’s literally that simple.
This was the first year I didn’t enjoy the contest, and I’m sure many fans feel the same way. In my opinion, the contest will continue on a downward spiral if that particular country continues to participate.
Same here
Yes next time get rid of the young girls so the bad guys wouldnt do anything to them.
I see its already happing in europe, some places those young girls cant go out by themselsf……..
Jesus YOU ARE DOOMED.
I see Israel is doing this… removal of young girls for the G@z@ns, how generous
Young boys too, and the women
It’s the same in the whole Western World, that sh*t happens even in Mexico and Chile
Same as Samo says.
Women should never adjust to men who can’t control themselves.
And people should never give in to terrorism and bully’s.
Yeah. Fu*k San Marino!!!!
I’m not against Israel taking part, unlike you, but I believe that even if they had gotten rid of Israel, most of this year’s drama would’ve happened regardless
Can you believe the EBU had the gall to make it about the participating broadcasters and not about themselves? It’s astonishing how they don’t even want to attempt looking in the mirror. The EBU needs reminding that they are in service of the broadcasters, not the other way around.
If I had a say in all of this, if I was someone on this EBU i would just say ok, we quit, we dont organize Eurovision anymore. Do It yourselves. Bye!
They would never do that, they like money too much. Avaricious not stupid.
I believe this was a long time coming. I could feel something bubbling since the 2022 edition and I think its came to a head this year. I really wanna say that next year will go back to a more relaxed Eurovision. I also think that the EBU needs to do massive shakeups in their payroll. Since Martin has come on to the scene, we have seen nothing but ridiculous changes to the competition (some which the Eurovision fandom had to come out strongly against), unfair political bias (even on countries who I support) and absolutely zero transparency on the… Read more »
“Their argument for Israel staying in was that the broadcaster committed no crimes, but you could say the same for the Russian broadcaster.”
What a load of hogwash. Please think and research before you post nonsense like that.
Russian broadcasters are just propaganda loudspeakers of their governments with no criticism whatsoever.
Meanwhile, Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation is not and shows several viewpoints on the current issues, including those very opposed to the government.
The government actually tried to close it down and split it, but failed due to backlash.
Well, I don’t know if you know this but KAN tried multiple times to submit a political song, and also ran their National final with everyone wearing military uniforms. So in my eyes thats extreme propaganda for the government of Israel.
So would you say that they are both propaganda machines for their governments? Im not familiar with the how KAN broadcast their news but just from what I’ve seen since February, it paints itself in a very political light.
Honestly, I feel that this was brewing for longer before, 2014-2015 first gave me the vibe that something like this could pop out
An independent investigation needs to be made regarding the public voting and how votes were casted . To put assumptions to rest , either legitimate or not legitimate .
I think the votes go through independent revision company before EBU gets them
PWC I believe.
And why not regarding the jury vote also? That IS the way you act… If Jury gives points to the one you want, everything is legit… If you dont like the results of the televote, an independent investigation needs to be made..
Israel gave 12 points to Luxembourg, we all know why
And most juries usually give high points to Sweden no matter what they send, we all know why
I have been on-again, off-again (Malta, 2004) watching ESC since (well) 2004. I cannot recall a more politically charged edition, and a more controversial & sour-taste leaving show than 2024’s. One very bad decision at the beginning brought about a chain of horrible decisions and mishandlings running up to and during the contest. Performers endured unprecedented levels of stress and scrutiny about what they were allowed to bring or display on-stage, delegations were provoked, disputed disqualification of a frontrunner, artificial show and hosting, serious questions regarding the voting system, spokespeople embarrassed or shameless, relentless booing being suppressed, and the city… Read more »
For 2025 there needs to be HUGE changes to the contest if it wants to continue to exist! Österdahl needs to go Israel needs to go (brought the contest into clear disrepute) Drop MoroccanOil as the official sponsor Listen to the audience and fans of this contest and not the interests of the elitist, corporatist lords at EBU Ensure mental well-being and support to all artists and delegations I’ve never known the contest to be in such a dire state as it is right now. The Eurovision is on life support! We need to save it, but it can only… Read more »
Drop Moroccan oíl as sponsor? Are you going to sponsor It yourself?
Better a smaller and cheaper contest than a rigged one
The issue is that Germany, which suffers from serious guilt, has said they will leave (and take their money with them) if you-know-who is thrown out. So it’s not just about Moroccan Oil, sadly.
Normal people don’t think Israel brought the contest into disrepute. Go touch some grass, weirdo
It was the attention seekers who poisoned it. Bambie Thicko and the Swiss dude. Why couldn’t they just respect the rules of the competition?
Why can’t you respect the rules of basic decency?
Bambie wasn’t decent at all, her whole act was intending to be transgressive
That’s just foolish.
If Netherlands withdraws, the membership will go up and that will maybe cause a chain reaction buy raising fee’s for other countries, especiallythe smaller ones with not great results? Netherlands pays the highest membership fee outside of the big 5.
And an edition in Switzerland will be expensive too. With all the controversy and higher expected costs, I won’t be surprised if more countries pull out.EBU were so happy to have Luxembourg back so Eurovision 2024 still had 37 countries participating, after Romania withdrawing, they rewarded them with the closing spot in their semi final.
The last time we had less than 37 countries was 2004! There was just one semi final back then, which is what we will be going back to I am sure. One night less Eurovision also means less income.
Why they need to ban Isreal if enough broadcasters threaten to withdraw the EBU will have no choice but to ban Isreal as this is what happened with Russia.
Maybe expand the reference group to more than 8 broadcasters?