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Eurovision 2024: EBU Strives to Maintain Apolitical Stance

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Amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is determined to uphold the apolitical stance of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Bambie Thug from Ireland faced instructions to alter their appearance for Semi-Final One after attempting to convey a message advocating for a ceasefire on the Eurovision stage. During rehearsals, the singer sported body paint inscribed with Ogham script translating to “ceasefire” and “freedom.” In a press conference, the singer expressed:

“It was very important for me because I’m pro-justice and pro-peace … Unfortunately, I had to change those messages today to ‘Crown the Witch’ only (which was an) order from the EBU.”

The EBU clarified in a statement:

“The writing seen on Bambie Thug’s body during dress rehearsals contravened contest rules that are designed to protect the non-political nature of the event. After discussions with the Irish delegation, they agreed to change the text for the live show.”

Despite efforts to curtail political statements, a member of the Australian performance managed to convey a message on the contest stage. Fred Leone disclosed on Instagram that he incorporated a ‘Watermelon’ into his body paint to protest against genocide in Gaza.

 

Furthermore, Eric Saade, who participated in the Opening Act for Eurovision 2024, faced criticism from show producers and the EBU for performing with a Palestinian shawl wrapped around his wrist.

The EBU stated to SVT:

“The Eurovision Song Contest is a live program. All artists are informed of the rules of the competition. We regret that Eric Saade chose to disregard the non-political nature of the event.”

Since the commencement of the war in Gaza on October 7, Israel’s participation in Eurovision has been a contentious issue. Numerous artists, musicians, and fans across Europe have called for Israel’s exclusion from the competition due to its involvement in military action.

Several of this year’s Eurovision artists, including Windows95Man from Finland and SABA from Denmark, have also expressed contemplation on whether competing in Eurovision was appropriate if Israel remained involved.

Source: RTE / SVT

Eric Saade with the Palestinian headscarf in hand at the opening act

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The 68th Eurovision Song Contest got off to an unexpected start, as in the opening act of the First Semi-Final now taking place at the Malmo Arena, Eric Saade appeared with a Palestinian headscarf tied to his arm.

The opening act of the First Semi-Final featured Eleni Foureira, Chanel and Eric Saade. The Palestinian-born artist who has made a career in Sweden, having represented the country in 2011 – even winning third place, appeared at the Live Show of the semi-final with a tied Palestinian headscarf on his arm.

Eric Saade is very active on social media, even advocating in previous years for Israel to be banned from the competition, which of course didn’t happen.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Eurovision 2024: Eleni Foureira, Eric Saade, and Chanel to Open First Semi-Final!

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SVT has unveiled the star-studded lineup for the opening act of the First Semi-Final of Malmö 2024. Eurovision enthusiasts can anticipate a dazzling performance featuring three beloved Eurovision Song Contest veterans on Tuesday, 7th May.

Eleni Foureira, Eric Saade, and Chanel have been handpicked by SVT to kick off the festivities with a spectacular show titled “United By Music.” This grand opening not only embodies the official slogan of the Eurovision Song Contest but also celebrates the enduring legacy of artists who captivated audiences worldwide with their performances.

Since her electrifying runner-up finish at Eurovision 2018 with “Fuego,” Eleni Foureira has continued to soar, delivering chart-topping hits like “Temperatura” and “El Telephone.” Similarly, Eric Saade‘s third-place triumph for Sweden in 2011 with “Popular” remains etched in Eurovision history, solidifying his status as a pop sensation. Meanwhile, Chanel‘s victory at the inaugural Benidorm Fest and her subsequent third-place finish for Spain in Eurovision 2022 with “SloMo” have catapulted her to superstardom, with hits like “Loka” and “Clavaíto” dominating the Spanish charts.

Accompanied by 24 dancers, Eleni, Chanel, and Eric will grace the stage with their iconic Eurovision entries, promising an unforgettable performance that embodies the spirit of unity through music.

Director and scriptwriter of Eurovision 2024, Edward af Sillén, shares his vision for the opening act:

“We aim to ignite this year’s edition with a high-energy pop spectacle that showcases Sweden‘s unwavering passion for the Eurovision Song Contest and exemplifies our collective bond through music. These three phenomenal artists, though they may not have clinched the top prize, have undoubtedly won the hearts of fans across Europe. This performance is poised to set the tone for an exceptional week, and we hope viewers will be swept away by its magic.”

Tune in to the First Semi-Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Tuesday, 7th May at 21:00 CEST to witness this electrifying spectacle unfold.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments about the 68th Eurovision Song Contest!

Source: Eurovision.tv

 

A “Popular” eurostar take on Israel: “Israel is the most dangerous and disgusting nation in the world.”

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Over the last couple of months, many Eurostars have expressed their views publicly in their social media, about the ongoing Middle-Eastern conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The Swedish–Lebanese superstar Eric Saade has been expressing his opposition to Israel on a daily basis, after Israel started their operations in Gaza. On one of his Instagram stories one day before Christmas, he described Israel as “the most dangerous and disgusting nation in the world“, on a story that can be seen below:

Saade was also one of the many Swedish stars that on the 20th of October signed a petition addressing the Swedish government, to condemn all violence against civilians and every violation of the international law.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Eric Saade (@ericsaadeofficial)

Eurovision 2024

At the moment, Eric‘s role in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest is unclear. There have been rumours of Gina Dirawi leading the contest to be held in Malmö, Sweden, but it will be no surprise if the Swedish–Lebanese superstar is involved in the show in any way. It remains to be seen in the following weeks or months.

Who is Eric Saade?

Eric Saade is a Swedish–Lebanese singer and songwriter, born on October 29, 1990, in Kattarp, Sweden from a Swedish mum and a Lebanese of Palestinian origin father. With a career that spans pop, R&B, and dance music, Saade has been a notable presence in the Melodifestivalen, Sweden‘s annual music competition to select their Eurovision entry. His first foray was in 2010 with the song “Manboy” securing a respectable third place. The following year, in 2011, Saade not only competed but triumphed with the electro-pop hit “Popular” earning him the Melodifestivalen title and subsequently giving him the chance to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, Germany.

His Mello-presence continued in 2015 when he returned with the song “Sting” finishing in fifth place. His final and fourth participation at the Swedish national selection process was in 2021, when he almost represented Sweden with the song “Every Minute” after placing second at the grand final.

In 2019 he was one of the presenters of Melodifestivalen and along with Sarah Dawn Finer, Marika Carlsson and Kodjo Akolor he performed an Israel mashup, following the Eurovision victory of Israel and Netta with the song “Toy“, which is something that, due to the latest circumstances, we will probably not see him do in the foreseeable future.

Eric Saade‘s Melodifestivalen journey showcases his versatility and enduring popularity in the Swedish music scene. His contributions to the music industry extend beyond Eurovision, as he has released several successful albums and singles, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the Swedish music scene.

Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for all the latest news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest!

Photo: Stina Stjernkvist, SVT

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Sweden: Official Video Clip of Saade’s Every Minute is out!!

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The official video clip of Eric Saade’s Every Minute was released earlier today. This is the 4th time Eric Saade takes part in Melodifestivalen, the process through which Sweden choose its representative at Eurovision Song Contest.

Eric Saade with Every Minute is already in the Final of Melodifestivalen 2021 on 13th of March, after his qualification from the 4th Semi-Final.

Below you can watch the official video clip of Every Minute. Will it be uploaded at the official YouTube channel of Eurovision as the 60th Swedish entry? Let us know in the comments below!!

Sweden: Melodifestivalen odds shortly after the announcement of the distribution in the semifinals!

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The announcement of the distribution of the artists in the semifinals of Melodifestivalen 2021, as well as the order of their appearance in them, has caused some differences in the bets.

The last place, in the fourth semifinal for Eric Saade, dropped his odds and brought him to the first place, together with Danny Saucedo, who will also appear last, but in the first semifinal. It is common practice for Christer Bjorkman, who decides the order of appearance, to place in the last place of each semifinal, the strongest participations. Tradition wants the last place of the fourth semifinal to always be the big favorite of Melodifestivalen, although last year in this position was Hanna Ferm, who finally took the fourth place in the final.

After Eric Saade and Danny Saucedo, Dotter follows, Tusse and The Mamas close the top five. Charlotte Perrelli is in seventh place.

Danny Saucedo 4.00
Eric Saade 4.00
Dotter 6.50
Tusse 6.50
The Mamas 8.00
Kadiatou 12.00
Charlotte Perrelli 16.00
Paul Rey 18.00
Anton Ewald 21.00
Mustasch 24.00
Frida Green 26.00
Klara Hammarström 36.00
Alvaro Estrella 41.00
Arvingarna 51.00
Efraim Leo 51.00
Elisa Lindström 51.00
Emil Assergård 51.00
Patrik Jean 51.00
Sannex 51.00
Jessica Andersson 61.00
Lovad 61.00
Tess Merkel 61.00
Clara Klingenström 76.00
Lillasyster 86.00
Nathalie Brydolf 86.00
Wahl feat. Sami 100.00
Julia Alfrida 126.00
Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos 251.00

Melodifestivalen 2021 starts on February 6 with the First Semifinal and ends with the Grand Final that will take place on March 13. 2021 is the last year that Christer Bjorkman is at the helm of Melodifestivalen. He would very much like to achieve Sweden’s seventh victory and tie Queen Ireland.

Sweden: Eric Saade near his return to Melodifestivalen | Two more names confirmed!

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An artist who has been a target of Christer Bjorkman almost every year, seems to be thinking seriously this year. We are referring, of course, to Eric Saade, who in 2011 took third place in the Eurovision Song Contest with Popular. But two more names confirm their participation. These are Arvingarna, but also Paul Rey.

Eric Saade returns to Melodifestivalen

The production team of Melodifestivalen would love Eric Saade and tried to persuade him to participate again this year, but without success. In 2021 things are easier. In fact, a person close to the artist states that it is most likely that we will see him competing in Melodifestivalen 2021. Another Aftonbladet source claims that he has not decided yet, although he has a very strong song in his hands.

If Eric Saade finally says yes, it will be his fourth participation in the Melodifestivalen, which as we said above he won in 2011, then representing Sweden in Eurovision. He was the presenter of the Green Room at Eurovision 2013, in Malme, while he was also the presenter of the Melodifestivalen.

Sixth entry for Arvingarna

The band Arvingarna, which represented Sweden in 1993 at Eurovision, after their victory at Melodifestivalen that year, returns for its sixth appearance. Arvingarna’s last participation in the Melodifestivalen was in 2019, managing to qualify for the final through the second chance. Their entry, I Do, which took 7th place became a great success and so the Arvingarna decided to try again.

Second consecutive attempt for Paul Rey

Paul Rey left the best impressions with his participation in Melodifestivalen 2020, even occupying the sixth place in the final. He will be the fifth artist from this year’s Melodifestivalen to participate again, after The Mammas, Dotter, Alvaro Estrella and Klara Hammarström. He has been preparing for his participation for a long time, hoping that this time he will do even better.

The artists who have confirmed for Melodifestivalen 2021 until now are:

  1. Julia Alfrida  (from the radion contest P4 nästa)
  2. Tusse Chiza
  3. Sannex 
  4. Sami Rekik och Wahl
  5. The Mamas
  6. Dotter
  7. Jessica Andersson
  8. Klara Hammarström
  9. Alvaro Estrella
  10. Arvingarna
  11. Paul Rey

The artists who are rumored for participation in Melodifestivalen 2021:

  1. Eric Saade

The program of Melodifestivalen 2021 is as follows:

  • 1st semifinal on February 6
  • 2nd semifinal on February 13
  • 3rd semifinal on February 20
  • 4th semifinal on February 27
  • Second chance round on March 6
  • The final on March 13

The full list of participants for Melodifestivalen 2021 is expected to be revealed by the end of November. At this point, let us remind you that up to 2747 songs have been submitted for the upcoming Melodifestivalen.

Stay tuned on Eurovision Fun far all the developments as far as the participation of Sweden is concerned.

Source: Aftonbladet