Photo: RTP

Last week Norway’s VG newspaper reported that six countries were poised to withdraw from the Eurovision 2024 grand final — and with just 25 minutes left before the show. The countries it said might walk were: Switzerland, Norway, Greece, Portugal, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

But that list is getting shorter by the day. Management behind iolanda — Portugal’s Eurovision singer — have come out to deny this. And that follows a denial from Switzerland’s Head of Delegation too. 

Greece’s broadcaster ERT previously denied the report that it planned to withdraw. Speaking to the Eurovisionfun web site, ERT said: “We never discussed or considered withdrawing from the competition for any reason. The publication (VG) is incorrect at least when it comes to Greece.”

Portugal and Switzerland deny they planned to withdraw from Eurovision

Portugal’s iolanda painted her finger nails with Palestinian motifs for the grand final, an action that seemingly led the EBU to delay uploading her performance to the official YouTube channel. But despite her show of support for the people of Gaza, her management say she did not have plans to withdraw from Eurovision ahead of the grand final.

Rita Barradas, who runs the agency that represents iolanda, told Expresso more.

“As far as Portugal is concerned, it was never a question of us withdrawing from the contest, or having spoken to the EBU in that regard, much less 25 minutes before the start of the show. There were many controversial issues in this edition, but Portugal’s withdrawal on the day of the final, was never put on the table.”

Switzerland — a massive favourite to win the contest in the months leading up to the final — has also denied that the broadcaster planned to withdraw. 

Yves Schifferle, Switzerland’s Head of Delegation, confirmed to Watson that meetings with the EBU did take place. However, the broadcaster, which is responsible for participation, did not lead these meetings. Instead those were led by the singer Nemo.

“It wasn’t up for debate that the Swiss delegation would withdraw from the ESC,” he said. “Some acts sought talks with the EBU regarding certain etiquette in the backstage area.”

 

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Robert
Robert
5 months ago

Oh. My. God. I just realized that the code is a copy of Jann – Gladiator from last year. Starting with welcome to the party/show. Both having drum and bass/operatic part/rap part. So much about the code being something innovative lol

Vjera Brdar
Vjera Brdar
5 months ago
Reply to  Robert

First time I hear this and I see it was on Polish preselection last year.
I…am…confused and appaled!
WHAT TOOK U PEOPLE SO LONG? 😉
SUE THE YETI!!!!
My, my… Wait till Eva sees THIS! LOL

Alex
Alex
5 months ago
Reply to  Robert

Jann walked so Nemo could run a year later.

Tino
Tino
5 months ago
Reply to  Robert

If you go down that road then you can also write Rim Tim Tagi Dim plagiarism on Google 😐 I personally don’t care because both Nemo’s and BL’s songs are good but in the case of Croatia the similarity with another song is very obvious. However I don’t think it sticks to the definition of plagarism.

Vjera Brdar
Vjera Brdar
5 months ago
Reply to  Tino

Google will also tell you that iz was all pretty much bulls***.
This is blatant.

Musicloverrs
4 months ago
Reply to  Tino

I think that Croatia song its same. But thats ok. But its ok to say every year thats Sweden do a copy song, and everybody is crazy

Vjera Brdar
Vjera Brdar
5 months ago
Reply to  Robert

I am not really following national preselections, so the recent interview with Vedrana Pribicevic on Index provided nice insight into the Swiss process. Have you read it? They had like 3 rounds, making sure the one they pick is the right one. One thing that really bugged me is the presence of international jurors. And yes, the same goes for MF and as of this year Dora. I mean, what’s the point in having a mini-ESC in advance?

Calo
Calo
5 months ago
Reply to  Robert

Very interesting…

Raul
Raul
5 months ago

im reading sometimes this comments . I tryed not to respond . And I will not . Even when Darren call me stupid . I was almost respond saying I’m a mirror of him . But nop . I will not . I just wanna say this : I’m Portuguese . Non religion. Architect . Follow this contest since I remember . I born in the year of ABBA . I love electronic music . 2 Friends of mine from Brasil went to the Nova Festival . Because one of the djs is Brazilian (the father of Dj Alok was… Read more »

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  Raul

I’ll reply seeing as you called me out. We sympathise with the people affected at Nova. I really don’t think anyone here supports the people who done that. However the sadness and anger you feel towards what happened to them is the same sadness and anger that we feel when we see what’s happening in G Aza now. Yes, I called you stupid because what you said was incredibly ignorant. Basically supporting Israel because they support gays and Palestine doesn’t. I mean, there are children being blown to bits. How would you feel if some government got into power in… Read more »

Melissa
Melissa
5 months ago
Reply to  Darren

Plus there are actual queer palestinians being martyred as well by the events occuring, and saying that Israel is pro-gay (which, lets be real, they aren’t even legally in support of) to pinkwash the perishing of queer palestinians is monstrous.

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  Melissa

Exactly!

Samo
Samo
4 months ago
Reply to  Melissa

Queer Palestinians are applying for asylum in Israel, you moron.

Darren
Darren
4 months ago
Reply to  Samo

Oh yes, the beacon of equality that is Israel

Cassette
Cassette
4 months ago
Reply to  Samo

Who would want to be queer in Israel? Aren’t they renowned for having tiny ding a lings? A miniature kosher chipolata is not gonna satisfy anyone.

Paul Sorenson
Paul Sorenson
4 months ago
Reply to  Darren

Not even 1 Pro Palest.nian protest against H.m.s on 7 October in the European streets, and not even 1 until today.

Cassette
Cassette
5 months ago
Reply to  Raul

I read your comments as well. Not only were they stupid but they were obscenely r*acist and psychopathic by nature. Pretty much on par with most of the Israeli’s who have commented on here.

Paul Sorenson
Paul Sorenson
4 months ago
Reply to  Cassette

Cassette, not even 1 Pro Palestinian protest against Hamas on 7 October in the European streets, and not even 1 until today.

Paul Sorenson
Paul Sorenson
4 months ago
Reply to  Cassette

Not even 1 Pro Palest.nian protest against H.m.s on 7 October in the European streets, and not even 1 until today.

Alex
Alex
5 months ago

Not to sound rude but can we all just stop giving attention to these “bots”?

Nils
Nils
5 months ago

‘Regarding certain etiquette in the backstage area’

A good reminder that the real issue with Israel’s 2024 participation shouldn’t be Netanyahu’s policies (which weren’t ordered by KAN or Eden Golan), but the behaviour of the Israeli delegation.

Overall, this has been the most problematic and awful edition of Eurovision I’ve ever witnessed in my life. And honestly, if this is about to get even worse, I’m afraid the contest has outlived itself.

Noel
Noel
5 months ago
Reply to  Nils

The Israel team had evey right to act the way they wanted to act after all abuse that was thrown to them and Eden by everyone

Alex
Alex
5 months ago
Reply to  Noel

And they also had the right to completely ignore the individuals they deemed as haters and focus only on the contest. But in the end, they didn’t.

Nils
Nils
5 months ago
Reply to  Noel

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  Noel

They openly targeted people from countries they deemed “unsympathetic” labelling them as haters.
KAN even done the same during the broadcast whenever any country they seem as “Not friendly” to Israel came on.
They weren’t here to play the game, they where here to cause drama.

Cassette
Cassette
5 months ago
Reply to  Darren

What made it worse Darren is there was no disciplinary action against Israel whatsoever. Based on the boo’s no one wanted them in Malmo.

Samo
Samo
5 months ago
Reply to  Cassette

Plenty of people wanted them there, as shown by the applause. The reaction in the arena was mixed, some people booed and others supported Eden (basing this on the one show I attended, not the TV output). It would be very wrong if we let bullies win by giving up to them. Quite the opposite, we must stand up against people who brought all the hate to Eurovision this year – they are the ones that shouldn’t be there, not Israel.

Kauri
Kauri
5 months ago
Reply to  Nils

I guess you mean the incredibly bad and bulliing behaviour of Joost Klein, especially during the press conference. It was such a shame and the worst moment I ever experienced at Eurovision. He destroyed a lot of what Eurovision means.
But this was already discussed a lot and we shoud finish it by now.

Nils
Nils
5 months ago
Reply to  Kauri

It wasn’t just him, iolanda or Bambie Thug. The Israeli delegation permanently harassed other delegations backstage by filming them (mostly those who supported a boycott, but still).

Darren
Darren
5 months ago

Return of the hasbara bots I see…thought the war was won when we got rid of B ani but I guess not.

jercle
jercle
5 months ago
Reply to  Darren

They’re really out in force, I’ve never had my comments downvoted so much as they have been in the last few days.

At least we know they’re Hasbara, and that no logical person is thinking like them.

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  jercle

The more downvotes just means you said something they didn’t like, most likely the truth

Paul Sorenson
Paul Sorenson
4 months ago
Reply to  jercle

Logical thinking people stand with them, with the Israeli fans, but are tired of commenting and just downvote Darren or Cassette, or move on with life, like me.

Green
Green
5 months ago

Oh my god just cancel eurovision next year and never have it happen again

Fionn
Fionn
5 months ago

Yeah wiwibloggs comment section holds zero credibility anymore after being swarmed with brainwashed z*onists, it’s a shame to watch the downfall of this community

Patrick
Patrick
5 months ago

So that really leaves the desperate do anything for attention pronoun pretenders. The ones who are responsible for making this year so unpleasant. Thankfully they have gone back to obscurity where they belong

Samo
Samo
5 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

I sincerely hope that Israel will be back the next year just so these people finally boycott Eurovision as they promised. Let them spread their hate somewhere else and make Eurovision fun again!

Patrick
Patrick
5 months ago
Reply to  Samo

Ireland particularly was just making empty threats. Because she was in the contest, she got delusions of being important. Such people are toxic and just poison everything they touch. At least now we never have to hear of her again.

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

Yes Patrick we know you don’t recognise NB people. We get it. Move on ffs it’s pathetic. Get over it.

Patrick
Patrick
5 months ago
Reply to  Darren

They can pretend to be what they like for attention seeking purposes. I don’t care about that bandwagon. I do care about an event I love being hijacked by cry bullies who talk about love ans acceptance whilst spewing hatred.

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  Patrick

You’re jumping on that bandwagon in like every article. Anything to do with Bambie or Nemo you come on letting us know they’re NB and you don’t like it. We know, we just don’t care. Are lives are no different whoever they are. You’re the only one making an issue out if it. You’re the very one hijacking the contest by spewing hatred yourself Patrick. You’re the only one using terms like “pronoun pretenders” in basically ALL of your comments. Try practising the love and acceptancs that you want esc to be because right now your position on it is… Read more »

Melissa
Melissa
5 months ago

Oh so the Israeli upvote/downvote bots are back already… They work so fast just for the sake of a comment section on a fansite it’s ridiculous.

Samo
Samo
5 months ago
Reply to  Melissa

Just because someone disagrees with you doesn’t mean they’re a bot. It’s almost funny to watch how you can’t accept that you terrorist supporters are a minority.

Alex
Alex
5 months ago
Reply to  Melissa

Do not summon them please.

Fatima
Fatima
5 months ago

Can the author of the VG report be named so that we can avoid their future output?

Despicable Annie
Despicable Annie
5 months ago

No surprises there. Some of this year’s artists’ performative activism was never going to prevail over the once-in-a-lifetime possibility to perform at the world’s biggest music event. All these people managed to do was fuel compassion for Israel’s 20-year-old participant among the general public and push her into the top 5.

Cassette
Cassette
5 months ago

What has her age got to do with it? There were even younger performers than Golface. If it was your feeble attempt to illicit compassion for her, it failed.

Alex
Alex
5 months ago

Why is the age of 20 such a privilege these days?

Anna
Anna
5 months ago

Age is not a factor here. I mean there were many young people in this year’s contest. Nemo 24 and Joost 25. So practically same age group than Eden.

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
5 months ago

at least now we know we can easily trigger Netherlands delegation into getting themselves dq’d LOL LOL LOL

israel always sticks nicely to the rules

Barry
Barry
5 months ago
Reply to  Anonymous91

This says more about you.

Cassette
Cassette
5 months ago
Reply to  Anonymous91

Ok B_ani, werent you banned with your 39 I.P addresses?

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
5 months ago
Reply to  Cassette

i’m not that person, and that post of mine was mere sarcasm

Kor
Kor
5 months ago
Reply to  Cassette

He should have been banned, if nothing else, for threats against Baby Lasagan, but seems that behaviour is acceptable here

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
5 months ago
Reply to  Kor

i voted for Baby Lasagna, sis so i made up well enough for that nasty thing back then

Kor
Kor
5 months ago

With all this drama, signing a letter against Israel participation, it seems only two artists really stand behind it, and those are Bambie Thug and Olly Alexander. They are the only ones that, after Eurovision, still use their media presence to spread the word about Palestine. Others, as it seems, just used it as a good PR stunt, and they do not need it anymore. Not Nemo, not W95Man, not Silvester Belt, not Saba, not Gate, not Megara made a single public post regarding Palestine afterwards. For them, it’s business as usual, just self promotion.

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
5 months ago
Reply to  Kor

of course self promotion is more important than some irrelevant little pretentious ”war”

Robert
Robert
5 months ago
Reply to  Kor

Angelina is spreading awareness as much as Olly and Bambie. The rest are quiet, true.

Kor
Kor
5 months ago
Reply to  Robert

I didn’t know that. My point was that all which I named in my previous post, signing that letter, were very vocal when they wanted votes and now do not seem to care.

Anna
Anna
5 months ago
Reply to  Kor

They care, their approach is just different now.

Kor
Kor
5 months ago
Reply to  Anna

What is the approach? Keeping quiet?

Sh1ft_key
Sh1ft_key
5 months ago
Reply to  Kor

Marina shares Palestine-related content in her Instagram stories too.

Alex
Alex
5 months ago
Reply to  Kor

The joint statement they made fits more into the #Artists4Ceasefire campaign tbh, artists call for peace in the world, hence why they all demanded a ceasefire and return of the hostages without mentioning that “Israel should be disqualified” or “PaIestine should be free”. Everyone can agree that there should be peace in the region, but not everyone will agree on artist supporting one side of the conflict.

Kor
Kor
5 months ago
Reply to  Alex

You are right, I was wrong about the meaning of the letter. But the rest of my post stands

Alex
Alex
5 months ago
Reply to  Kor

I do think it is strange for some to stop commenting post-ESC about the war but maybe they do not want to find themselves and their careers into socio-political scandals like how Dixie Chicks and Sinnead O’Connor faced in the past.

Stephanie
5 months ago

On the topic of Switzerland, the city of Biel is throwing a huge homecoming/victory celebration for Nemo on June 17

Yeah yeah fire
Yeah yeah fire
5 months ago
Reply to  Stephanie

Only took them a month

Samo
Samo
5 months ago
Reply to  Yeah yeah fire

Maybe he’s riding a horse from Malmö?

Vjera Brdar
Vjera Brdar
5 months ago
Reply to  Stephanie

Embarrassing.
Then again, so is everything about this entry.
Just wait till Eva hears this

Stephanie
5 months ago
Reply to  Vjera Brdar

I honestly don’t care what “Eva” thinks, this person has also been trolling Nemo’s videos on the official YouTube channel with 2 different accounts (krostovkrostov7409 and oldcher8857) calling them “Metler” and saying their victory was rigged (or “rigget”). Nemo won fair and square, and they deserve to be honored by their hometown for what they’ve done

Vjera Brdar
Vjera Brdar
5 months ago
Reply to  Stephanie

She’s keeping jerself busy, I see…
You gotta admire the dedication.

Jonas
Jonas
5 months ago

Okay, my Wiwi summer break lasted less than a week*…

but I’m just back to say that ABBA reunited today to receive a knighthood from the King.

If the interval this year was a disappointment, fear not, here they are together again. For me it’s still a thrill just to see them all together again in the same room.

* It will resume again at 0.00 June 1st

Jonas
Jonas
5 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

ABBA… Eurovision winners… getting a knighthood!

https://youtu.be/RMOJZTSKsHs?si=5yIrgOk5RXDmp7Tq

Jonas
Jonas
5 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

This is better, more complete

ABBA! Together! Today!

https://youtu.be/nKr02G-hYI0?si=HXNUw2KbhiY6wMuT

Cassette
Cassette
5 months ago
Reply to  Jonas

ABBA were wise to stay away from The ESC this year with the crazy drama. Reuniting for the knighthood is a way more classier dignified occasion.

Well done ABBA!

Leendert Jan
Leendert Jan
5 months ago

With the enormous amount of media present in Malmö, including all the fan media, it’s pretty strange that we still don’t know what really happened there.

Fatima
Fatima
5 months ago

I did think that story needed to be taken with a pinch of salt. But I can think of at least one blogger who’ll take it to fit their anti-EBU agenda.

anna
anna
5 months ago

How very shocking that more and more lies are being spread by the pro Palestinians. Misinformation is their greatest ally.

Thanos
Thanos
5 months ago
Reply to  anna

If I start counting the lies Israel has spouted this past few months I’ll probably not be done in time for the next Eurovision

Alex
Alex
5 months ago
Reply to  anna

VG didn’t ask the artists, delegations or broadcasters, they assumed that they all threatened to withdraw simply because they are all pro-Palestine supporters, when it was only Gate who admitted they nearly quit the contest. The others didn’t even state their intention of leaving.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
5 months ago
Reply to  Alex

That is very sloppy journalism.

Alex
Alex
5 months ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

Exactly!!!

anna
anna
5 months ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

It’s not journalism, it’s propaganda. Facts don’t matter as long as it serves a certain narrative.

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  anna

Pro Palestine and proud. And I don’t lie.

Alexandro
Alexandro
5 months ago
Reply to  Darren

Darren, keep your political opinions out of ESC. Fans like you destroyed an amazing euroyear.

Jeroen
Jeroen
5 months ago
Reply to  Alexandro

It could have been an amazing year and it should have been an amazing year and yet it really wasn’t thanks to the incompetent bunch of the EBU

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  Alexandro

Wonder why you did reply to Anna’s comment which started it off? Hmmm

I didn’t destroy esc this year.,the inclusion of Israel did. I wasn’t even in Malmo
Nice try though

Brötchen
Brötchen
5 months ago
Reply to  anna

Gotta give it to Israel, they are horrible in plain sight and are bad at hiding and lying about it.

anna
anna
5 months ago
Reply to  Brötchen

Choke on your hate.

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  anna

That’s vile anna

Darren
Darren
5 months ago

Kan has confirmed that “they will probably participate, as in every other year” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s confirmed.

Russia also planned to participate in 2022. It’s part of the tactic. They will try to participate as often as possible, then if the EBU grow balls and ban them as they should have, KAN and Israel can cry victim and call the contest and the EBU and probably Europe in general antisemitic

Kan won’t walk away without being told to.

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
5 months ago
Reply to  Darren

Israel will participate, and if they won’t there will be no eurovision otherwise 😉

Israel are the only country left in the contest who take the contest seriously

unlike Netherlands resorting to sending that joke troll sexist Joost, or Sweden making a mockery of their music scene by sending a norwegian twin gimmick

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  Anonymous91

lol okay B ani

Barry
Barry
5 months ago
Reply to  Anonymous91

Showing frustration doesn’t make it true.

Brötchen
Brötchen
5 months ago
Reply to  Darren

At least they can’t use the money they waste on failing to buy Eurovision to bomb humanitarian aid workers or fund another terrorist organization to undermine the palestinian state. Both things that are confirmed and reported on by israeli media by the way, I know someone will screech “antisemite” at me but babes… those are just the facts. (Just as much that the israeli foreign ministry paid for the big ad campaign to get votes by people that don’t even watch eurovision.)

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  Brötchen

I agree with you brötchen. 100%

Calo
Calo
5 months ago

I am very confused… Media is steering drama and speculations (for clicks?) – and I don’t know anymore who to believe… Good 2024 edition is over!… I wish we could have the 2025 edition as a celebration for the first ever Eurovision contest (hosted in Switzerland) with live orchestra and real voices !! Is it too much to dream? (Lisbon edition 2018 was also simplistic oriented)

Anonymous91
Anonymous91
5 months ago
Reply to  Calo

celebration? well no, no time for celebrations since all attention again should go to love for israel

love israel or be cancelled

Yodenman
Yodenman
5 months ago

I’m really pleased Israel took part this year. I got to hear an amazing artist deliver a flawless version of a really gorgeous song. Loved it…..and one of the very few songs I still listen to.

CyxCy
CyxCy
5 months ago

There were so many episodes before, during and after this edition that Netflix will end up making a series of it.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
5 months ago
Reply to  CyxCy

A book will be written about this one day.

jercle
jercle
5 months ago

Now that we know Israel is going to the 2025 contest, countries should take action on boycotting the next contest now, before any money is spent on their 2025 entries. The time to have these discussions is NOW, not after a song has been selected or the delegation is already in Switzerland.

ete sech
ete sech
5 months ago
Reply to  jercle

Why didn’t they boycott any edition where Israel took part before 2024, then?
Will these boycott attempts go on forever or wth are you proposing?

Thanos
Thanos
5 months ago

Bambie seemed to hint that there is an ongoing investigation on the events that occured. It’s clear the broadcasters themselves didn’t push for a withdrawal, but it may as well have been the artists who tried to do that.

Also once again and up until it’s finally done, ban Israel from Eurovision.

Jofty
Jofty
5 months ago
Reply to  Thanos

I’m sure Dustin The Turkey, Linda Martin, or Twink could have stood in for Mrs Thug

jercle
jercle
5 months ago
Reply to  Jofty

Twink is a wagon.

Jofty
Jofty
5 months ago
Reply to  jercle

A lighting B by all accounts

Karl
Karl
5 months ago

Ask the artists themselves, not the delegations.

Alex
Alex
5 months ago

So the Norwegian outlet is lying for some clicks. Why don’t they talk about their own act withdrawing?

United by Music
United by Music
5 months ago

Of course, they were never in any sort of planning to withdraw. Also, Israel announced they are participating in 2025 as well.

Scotty
Scotty
5 months ago

If FIFA ban them expect EBU to also block their participation next May. FIFA are awaiting legal advice before they go ahead and exclude Isreal from football. If Israel are convicted by the ICC and UN they should be banned like Russia.

jercle
jercle
5 months ago
Reply to  Scotty

It’s a repeat of Russia in 2022…the EBU took a “This is fine” attitude to Russia competing in Turin, and it was only when organisations like FIFA banned Russia that the EBU finally did something (along with protests from other countries.) FIFA is probably the most corrupt organisation in the world, and the EBU should be very worried that FIFA will be on the right side of history when it seem determined to be wrong.

Alex
Alex
5 months ago
Reply to  Scotty

Not sure if EBU should necessarily rely on other organisations like IOC, FIFA, UEFA etc. EBU excluded Belarus from Eurovision on their own in 2021, one year before everyone else started to boycott/suspend/ban Belarus from taking part in events.

Vjera Brdar
Vjera Brdar
5 months ago

We’ll see about that, buddy!

Darren
Darren
5 months ago

According to Bambie, the investigation is still in going.
I suspect we will hear the actual events when they’re able to speak about them

Jofty
Jofty
5 months ago
Reply to  Darren

Hopefully all the goss will be available after Mass in Macroom on Sunday

Darren
Darren
5 months ago
Reply to  Jofty

Bambie’s a regular parishioner

Jofty
Jofty
5 months ago
Reply to  Darren

The Lord’s Their Shepherd