Eurovision 2024: Demonstrations against Israel’s participation authorized!

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Eden Golan will perform in the Second Semifinal next May 9, in Malmö Arena.  At the same time, a demonstration against Israel’s participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö.

The organization Stop Israel is planning this demonstration.  They have obtained permission from the police to organize two different protest demonstrations.  The first one will take place at Stortorget on May 9 at 3 p.m.   A second protest will take place on the day of the Grand Final on May 11 regardless of whether Israel makes it to the final or not.  The program includes a speech, followed by music before the march departs to Slottsparken.  According to organizer Pia Jacobsen, they are expecting at least between 10,000 and 20,000 people to show up to protest.

The demonstration ends with artists such as Mikael Wiehe, General Knas, Kofia, and others performing on a stage in Slottsparken.

“It is absurd and outrageous that Israel is singing while the bombs are falling. Russia was excluded from participating in the ESC following the
invasion of Ukraine. Excluding Israel is now self-evident” Stop Israel

Sweden Strengthens Security Measures Amid Eurovision 2024

Swedish police are strengthening security measures for Eurovision.  The measures will include establishing a no-fly zone during the event and technology to take down drones from the air.

Swedish police will get support from police officers from Denmark and Norway who will guard everything from the arena to surrounding events, hotels and demonstrations.  Furthermore, the Swedish Armed Forces are also involved and could assist with logistic issues if necessary.

Source: Sydsvenskan / SVT 

Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for more news about the Eurovision Song Contest 2024!

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Eurovision 2024: More “flexibility” for the producers to determine the Grand Final running order!

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The 68th Eurovision Song Contest introduces a significant change in how the Grand Final running order is determined. Artists now have more options, with a new category introduced to give producers greater flexibility in shaping the lineup.

In March, it was announced that Malmö would see some major changes to enhance the Eurovision Song Contest‘s excitement. Following the revelation that the “Big 5” would perform their songs in full during the Semi-Finals and that fans could start voting as soon as the first artist hits the stage in the Grand Final, another significant change has emerged!

In recent years, qualifying countries from the Semi-Finals and the Big 5 have randomly selected which half of the Grand Final they will perform in. Subsequently, the show’s producers decided where within the First Half (songs 1 to 13) or Second Half (songs 14 to 26) of the Grand Final those acts would perform.

This year, a new category called “Producer’s Choice” will be introduced.

Host broadcaster SVT revealed that 25 of the 26 artists in the Grand Final (Sweden already has position 1) will have the option to choose First Half, Second Half, or Producer’s Choice through a random draw.

If an artist selects Producer’s Choice, the show producers will have the discretion to place that song anywhere in either the First or Second Half of the running order.

This change means there will be 6 slots available to pick in the First Half of the running order, 6 slots in the Second Half, and 13 Producer’s Choice slots.

The purpose of this change is to provide producers with more opportunities to ensure all songs in the Grand Final stand out and to create the most dynamic running order possible.

Christer Björkman, this year’s Contest Producer, elaborated on the rationale behind the change:

“It’s all about creating the best TV show possible and giving all artists a chance to shine. Adding the flexibility of Producer’s Choice allows me to create an even better flow of different tempos and an even more thrilling Grand Final.”

The Big 5 will select either First Half, Second Half, or Producer’s Choice after their second Rehearsal on Saturday, May 4, live during a Reddit AMA. Then, each of the 10 qualifiers from the First Semi-Final on Tuesday, May 7, will draw one of those three options live on the Official Eurovision Song Contest TikTok channel immediately after the show.

The 10 qualifying artists from the Second Semi-Final will draw from the remaining options live on TikTok after the show ends on Thursday, May 9.

Once all 25 options are chosen, producers will compile the running order for the Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in the early hours of Friday, May 10. It will then be revealed on the Contest’s website and social media channels.

The last time such a change to the running order was made was also in Malmö, in 2013.

Before 2013, the running order of the Grand Final was determined via a random draw. However, in 2013, host broadcaster SVT initiated a change to create a more entertaining evening of television for viewers. This format has remained in place every year since, with the introduction of the Producer’s Choice element in 2024 being the first major change in over a decade.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments!

Source: Eurovision.tv

Eurovision 2024: Extremists Allegedly Plan to Target Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden ?

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Recent reports suggest that Islamic extremists are allegedly plotting to bomb the Eurovision Song Contest venue in Sweden next month as a protest against Israel‘s participation. Israeli reporters, who conducted an undercover visit to a mosque in Malmö, claim to have been warned by guards about the planned attack.

Posing as Muslim British tourists, the reporters engaged with guards at the largest mosque in Malmö, the host city of the event. According to their accounts, the guards cautioned them against attending the contest, citing the possibility of an explosion at the venue.

The Israeli TV channel, Keshet 12, has reported the conversation to event organizers and Swedish authorities, who have initiated an investigation into the matter.

Despite these threats, a Eurovision spokesperson confirmed that the contest will proceed as planned at the 15,000-seat Malmö Arena, featuring artists from at least 37 countries. The event is expected to draw fans from around the globe.

This alleged plot comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Israel‘s participation in the contest. Pro-Palestinian activists have called for a boycott of Israel over its actions in Gaza, which they claim have resulted in significant civilian casualties.

Israel‘s representative in this year’s Eurovision, 20-year-old Eden Golan, has also faced controversy. Her entry song, initially titled “October Rain,” was criticized for its references to the Hamas attack. Eurovision organizers demanded that the lyrics be rewritten to adhere to the competition’s political neutrality policy.

In addition to the security concerns raised by the alleged plot, journalists investigating the matter faced hostility while in Malmö. Muslim individuals reportedly verbally abused and physically assaulted the reporters upon learning of their Israeli identity.

The documented visit to Al-Wakf mosque revealed further alarming sentiments, with security guards purportedly expressing anti-Israel sentiments and warning against attending the Eurovision event.

Despite these challenges, Eurovision organizers remain committed to ensuring the safety of attendees and staff. Any threats brought to their attention are promptly reported to the relevant authorities.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments regarding the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.

Source: Daily Mail

The Model: Predicted Results for Eurovision 2024!

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The Model is a project by Eurovoix aimed at predicting the results of the Eurovision contest, based on betting odds, fan voting online, app usage, song views and streamings on electronic platforms, historical voting patterns, and even the position in the running order. It also takes into account other external factors such as political developments that could influence the outcome, or the nationality of an artist.

As the computational prediction model is constructed based on contemporary data, which dynamically change during the pre-party period, its recently updated version predicts Switzerland as the winner instead of Italy.

Ukraine and The Netherlands continue to be the winners of the two semi-finals, while in this edition, Greece and Cyprus also advance to the final, both with an upward trajectory.

First Semi-Final Scoreboard

Second Semi-Final Scoreboard

The change observed here is the qualification of Georgia for the Grand Final and the displacement of Denmark among the non-qualifiers. Clearly, Nutsa Buzaladze’s outstanding performance at the London Eurovision Party last weekend won over the fans and gave a boost to the Georgian entry.

Final Scoreboard

Perhaps the most challenging in terms of prediction, the voting outcome crowns Switzerland as the big winner of Eurovision 2024. According to this computational model, Greece will finish 13th (10th in both televoting and juries), while Cyprus will place 19th (21st with the juries and 16th in the televote).

What do you think of The Model’s results? Will they be confirmed in May? Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the updates!

Source: eurovoix.com

Eurovision 2024: Massive Nordic police operation ensures security for Eurovision in Malmö!

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The final week in early May will, if not the biggest, be one of the biggest police operations in Malmö‘s history. For a whole week, Eurovision enthusiasts from around 80 countries gather to party, rejoice, and follow the competition live at Malmö Arena.

At the same time, protests against Israel‘s participation in the competition are becoming increasingly loud. Many demand that the country be prevented from participating. For the police, this situation means that security around the event must be strengthened. Nils Norling, press spokesperson for the Malmö Police says:

“For the police, Eurovision is a very big operation. Large parts of the personnel of the Malmö police are involved in this command. We also have a lot of people from other parts of Region South, and we will receive reinforcements from other parts of the Swedish Police Force throughout the week.”

Positive about the cooperation

The assessment is that it is not enough. The Swedish police are now seeking assistance from Danish and Norwegian police to reinforce the operation. Nils adds:

“We view their arrival very positively. It not only gives us relief but also the opportunity to train and work together, strengthening Nordic police cooperation. All foreign police officers will be supervised by Swedish officers.”

Collaboration between Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish police has occurred before. Swedish police have supported Danish colleagues in Denmark, and Norwegian police have assisted at football matches in Stockholm.

“It is part of Nordic police cooperation that we can support each other. The way Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian police work is very similar.”

says Nils Norling.

Previous collaborations

Danish and Norwegian police officers come with their own equipment, which may include police vehicles.

“We have previously received help from Danish police and borrowed firefighting vehicles, for example, during the Rosengård riots.”

Nils Norling does not want to disclose how many police officers – Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish – are involved in the command during Eurovision.

“We should not expose ourselves to being identified.”

Focus on the public festival

The police have been preparing for six months for Eurovision week. As the competition approaches, more and more employees have been involved.

“For every week, more people are engaged.”

Nils Norling says that residents and visitors to Malmö will notice a significant police presence in the city during the week of the competition. Throughout the city, there are activities related to Eurovision. In Malmö Arena, there are events almost daily, with finals and semi-finals and double rehearsals before them.

“We can assure everyone in Malmö that there will be a lot of police officers. People living in and visiting Malmö should be able to focus on the public festival. The police will handle security work.”

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding this year’s Eurovision Song Contest to be held this May in Malmö, Sweden and any updates regarding its planning!

Source: Skånska Dagbladet
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

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Eurovision 2024: SVT regrets choosing Malmö as the host city?

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One of the most well-known radio producers on Israeli public radio, Yigal Ravid, mentioned today on a KAN radio program that members of the Swedish broadcaster admitted to the Israeli delegation that Malmö’s selection as the 2024 Eurovision host city was apparently a mistake.

For SVT and the EBU, choosing Malmö to host the 68th Eurovision Song Contest is turning out to be a major security risk. With over 70,000 Muslims calling this city home, it is widely regarded as the most pro-Palestinian city in the nation, with numerous anti-Israel demonstrations occurring literally every day.

When the host city was chosen, the events of October 7th had obviously not occurred. But now that the situation is tense, this option appears dangerous.

On the other hand, Stockholm was out of the running due to Taylor Swift’s concerts which coincide with Eurovision, as well as the refusal of the city’s football teams. Hence, there was no arena available, making Malmö the only choice for hosting the event.

Eurovision 2024 approaches, with security measures tighter than ever before, as the EBU and Swedish organizers face their most difficult challenge.

@kan_reshetbet ״הבחירה במאלמו הייתה טעות גדולה״: יגאל רביד על המשלחת הישראלית לאירוויזיון והאיומים שעלו מדרגה #השעההבינלאומית #עדןגולן #אירוויזיון ♬ original sound – כאן רשת ב
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Source: KAN

 

Eurovision 2024: Activists protest Israel’s Eurovision Participation outside Malmö City Hall

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“Long live Palestine!” and “Israel is a terror state” – these slogans resounded outside Malmö City Hall as vocal activists gathered to influence the city’s politicians during the municipal board meeting earlier today, Wednesday, coinciding with the municipal executive board’s consideration of a citizen’s proposal to halt Israel‘s participation in Eurovision.

Today, the board will take a position on citizens’ initiatives aimed at stopping Israel‘s participation in the competition in May. The City of Malmö‘s government has already made it clear on several occasions – it is not up to the municipality to stop countries from participating.

“But they can do something. In that case, the City of Malmö should make a statement that Israel is not welcome in Malmö.”

says Yomn Kadoura, spokesperson for the network Stop Israel to TT and adds:

“And that they send emails to the EBU and say that Israel is not welcome at Eurovision!”

The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Malmö between 7 and 11 May, and the war between Israel and Hamas has stirred up strong feelings around Europe regarding the music competition. Sydsvenskan has previously reported that Tarabband, Crying Day Care Choir, and Nevergreens have canceled their concerts. Yesterday, Medina also announced their resignation.

The fact that the festivities are surrounded by growing criticism is a concern for the host city. Karin Karlsson, the main project manager for the City of Malmö‘s hosting, told TT last week.

“We want a Malmö where we come out of this in one piece.” 

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding this year’s Eurovision Song Contest to be held this May in Malmö, Sweden and any updates regarding its planning!

Source: Anna Karolina Eriksson/TT
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se

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Eurovision 2024: EBU’s FAQ on Israel’s participation!

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There have been numerous voices calling for Israel to be excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest since the start of the crisis in Gaza in October. Many participating countries have witnessed protests, and many artists who were competing in national selections have expressed doubts and worries about taking part in Eurovision because of Israel’s presence.

But in spite of all the criticism, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) chose to list Israel among the participating nations for Eurovision 2024, a move that incited more criticism.

A press release from the EBU has been prepared to address any frequently asked questions regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024.

Why is Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest?

The Eurovision Song Contest is open to all members of the European Broadcasting Union which represents broadcasters from right across Europe and the Middle East.

The Israeli public service broadcaster has been a member of the EBU since 1957 and has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for 50 years.

The Eurovision Song Contest remains a non-political event that unites audiences around the world through music.

Why is Israel still a Member of the EBU when Russia was suspended?

As a non-political organization, the EBU’s role is to support public service broadcasters throughout Europe and the Middle East.

The Israel public service broadcaster has been a member of the EBU for over 60 years. The Russian public service broadcasters had their EBU membership suspended in 2022 due to consistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service media values.

Why is the Israeli entry eligible to compete?

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) can confirm that the official submission from its Israeli Member Kan has been deemed eligible to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest in May.

The Contest’s Reference Group, its governing board, made the decision to accept the song ‘Hurricane’ for the upcoming competition after careful scrutiny of the lyrics.

It was agreed that ‘Hurricane’ met the necessary criteria for participation in accordance with the rules of the competition.

Will there be more security than usual this year, because of the fact the Israel is competing?

We take the safety of attendees and staff at the Eurovision Song Contest very seriously. We continue to work closely with SVT, the City of Malmö, Malmö Arena, the local Police and other law enforcement agencies and feel confident in being able to create a safe event for all participants and visitors in May.

How will the EBU react if there are protests in Malmö?

The EBU is a firm advocate for freedom of speech and the right for people to express their deeply held views and opinions. We understand that people may wish to make their voices heard and support the right of those who wish to demonstrate peacefully.

What does the EBU think about the fact that many people have said they will boycott Eurovision this year, because Israel is allowed to compete?

We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East but the Eurovision Song Contest’s values of universality, inclusivity and celebrating diversity through music have never been more important. Hundreds of millions around the world share those values and engaged with the event on television and online in 2023. We look forward to being “United By Music” again this year.

EBU’s official response on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024 was given back in February by the organization’s General Director, Noel Curran.

A new statement from the EBU confirms Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024!

Israel will participate in Malmö with Eden Golan and her song “Hurricane“. Eden Golan will perform fourteenth in the second semi-final on May 9.

You can also watch EurovisionFun’s reaction video on “Hurricane“, below:

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: eurovision.tv

Israel: Eden Golan shares her Eurovision 2024 top 5

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Israel’s representative at this year’s Eurovision, Eden Golan, revealed through her personal TikTok account, her five favorite entries from this year’s contest.

Although Eden acknowledged that there are many great songs in this year’s competition, she singled out the following five entries.

  • Greece – ZARI – Marina Satti
  • Germany – Always on The Run – ISAAK
  • France – Mon Amour – Slimane
  • Italy – La Noia – Angelina Mango
  • Switzerland – The Code – Nemo
@golaneden_music there are soooo many great songs this year, but here are a few of my faves #eurovision2024 #אירוויזיון2024 #hurricane ♬ original sound – EDEN GOLAN

Eden Golan will represent Israel with the song “Hurricane”, which she will perform in the second semi-final on 9 May.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the Eurovision 2024 updates!

Eurovision 2024: “Can’t guarantee safety but do everything we can!” | Police ahead of Eurovision

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Now it’s only a month left before the world’s biggest music festival, the Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Malmö, Sweden. And preparations are in full swing so that the competition can be carried out with the best possible safety.

Petra Stenkulla is the police area manager in Malmö and was interviewed on P1-Morgon of Sveriges Radio by reporter August Haskbom. Petra comments on the situation:

“It is of course the case that Sweden has a terror threat level of four out of five. And that means that we need to intensify our work together with the security police. But really, you can say that all types of events where there are very many people in the same place always pose a certain risk and that means that we need to take measures to have many police officers and have good planning for anything that could happen, even if it is an accident or anything at all.”

In a time with high terrorist threat, Israel‘s participation has aroused strong reactions and with up to one hundred thousand visitors, the city of Malmö is still planning on an open event. Petra Stenkulla adds:

“Our ambition is for it to be a festive event where people can still feel safe and have fun. Right now, we’re planning for it to be an open event that is happening in several different places. There will be events and people need to be able to move between them. And this is part of our planning.”

In safety planning, the City of Malmö and the police have had frequent communication with last year’s host city, Liverpool.  And Petra Stenkulla thinks that a good plan has been formed for this year’s music competition:

“We can never guarantee safety but we will do our upmost to make people feel safe. And we can also assume that there will be both rumor spreading and other factors that will lead to, for example, threats that we need to assess. But we will continue to work with this, we have a solid plan and we feel confident with that plan. So that everyone can feel comfortable.”

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding this year’s Eurovision Song Contest to be held this May in Malmö, Sweden and any security updates regarding its planning!

Source: Sveriges Radio/P1 Morgon/August Haskbom/Ekot
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

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