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

Petra Mede is disclosing details about one of the Eurovision 2024 interval acts!

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Through a reel that was uploaded to Eurovision‘s official Instagram account, Petra Mede, one of the hosts, disclosed details about one of the interval acts of this year’s contest.

Specifically, the presenter mentioned, in her own unique way, that she will be participating in one of the interval acts of this year’s contest, which is called “We just love Eurovision too much”. The performance will be comedic in nature and will include dancing and singing. She also added that she would probably not be alone on the stage.

 

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A post shared by Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision)

What are the “Interval Acts”?

“Interval Acts” are performances that serve the flow of the contest. They are outside the competitive process and take place after the completion of the appearances of the participating countries and before the announcement of the results.

Petra Mede is considered a fan-favourite. It is no coincidence that Swedish public television chose her to host the contest for the third time in just eleven years.

Many fans rank Interval Acts, which Petra participated in both 2013 and 2016, among the best moments in the history of the competition. Consequently, expectations for Petra’s show are very high!

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the Eurovision 2024 developments!

Source: Instagram: @eurovision 

Watch the performances of Sweden, Malta and Finland’s representatives in “A Little Bit More”!

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Just like last year, some time before the first rehearsals of the countries, the show called “A Little Bit More” airs on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.

So, for all this time before the rehearsals, Eurovision TV will upload various performances of the artists, like different versions of their songs, or covers of songs from other artists.

Below you can listen to the “Spa Mix” of Finland’s entry for this year’s contest, “No Rules” by Windows95man:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5vUpSzxeFw

You can also listen to the an acoustic version of Marcus & Martinus’ Melodifestivalen 2023 entry, “Air” as well as Sarah Bonnici, covering “Hold Me Closer” by Cornelia Jakobs (Sweden 2022):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMTRQohm74A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QK-6zKvrmY

Did you like today’s performances of “A Little Bit More”? Write us in the comments below!

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, in Malmö!

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
Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!
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: “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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London Eurovision Party 2024: Watch the performances of the artists!

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One more pre-party took place last night. After two parties on Spain, one taking place last week in Madrid and Saturday’s party in Barcelona, it was time for the British party to take place in London.

Read more

Sweden: Marcus & Martinus do not rule out a future Norwegian representation!

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Last month, Marcus & Martinus were crowned winners of Melodifestivalen’s 2024 edition with their song “Unforgettable” and will therefore defend the Swedish title on home ground.

Marcus & Martinus are Norwegian-originated artists and speaking to “The Euro Trip Podcast“, the decision to take part in Melodifestivalen and claim the Swedish representation in Eurovision derived from the fact that they have been working the most in Sweden:

We have been thinking a little bit about it, but for us right now it felt very natural and right to do it in Sweden. 

We’ve been working for most of our time after COVID in Sweden.

Marcus & Martinus would try out MGP

Considering that the duo is from Norway, they were asked whether they would give a chance to Melodi Grand Prix, the Norwegian national selection for Eurovision:

Maybe one time. We’re still young. We have a lot of time to do it. Never say never. It’s hard to answer it right now, but if it’s the right timing or if we’re working a lot in Norway and it suits us, maybe we’ll do it. But right now it’s hard.

Marcus & Martinus were approached by NRK for Eurovision

It appears that NRK has also expressed its interest for Marcus & Martinus but apparently not at the right time. In fact and as revealed by the duo, NRK approached them for Eurovision 2023 but they had already entered Melodifestivalen.

Sweden were far ahead before the Norwegians asked us.

They did [ask us to participate] last year when we entered Melodifestivalen for the first time. But that was many, many months after we already made the song [Air] and did everything around it. They asked very, very late. We couldn’t have had a song ready if they asked so late. 

Sweden felt very right for us.

Marcus & Martinus will represent Sweden in Eurovision 2024 with their entry “Unforgettable“. As the host country, Sweden is automatically qualified to the Grand Final of May 11 and is allocated to perform first.

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

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: TheEuroTripPodcast