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Sweden: The left party demands the ban of Israel from Eurovision Song Contest! | The response of SVT!

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In May, Malmö will host the Eurovision Song Contest. On May 7, the festivities kick off and on May 11, it’s time for the final. But lately the contest is leaning towards politics. The leader of the Left Party, Nooshi Dadgostar, demands that the organizers ban Israel from participating in the competition. Nooshi Dadgostar explicitly says:

“Eurovision should not invite Israel.”

The reason for the Left Party‘s announcement is the ongoing war that in Gaza, where Israel has been dragged before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The legal process has been initiated after South Africa filed a complaint against Israel to the court.

“Aggressive war against children”

Nooshi Dadgostar adds on the matter:

“Tens of thousands of people have been killed. It is not the right signal to send that Sweden gives space on stage to such a state. Israel is waging an aggressive war against children and their parents and is now being prosecuted for genocide and there are many indications that they are committing war crimes right now.”

When asked if it is reasonable for her, as a politician, to interfere in a production in this way, she responded:

“I love Eurovision. It is a place of celebration and fellowship, but I think many people share the view that a state that has killed so many children cannot be given this place. Otherwise, it’s as if the outside world doesn’t care about the killing. This has to stop.”

Social Democratic party doesn’t want to interfere

Social Democratic MP Lawen Redar, who sits on the Riksdag‘s Culture Committee, strongly disagrees.

“I don’t interfere in how this type of programme should be implemented. It must be up to the public service broadcasters in Europe, and it is certainly unusual to boycott individual nations from participating.”

The response of SVT

SVT refers the question of Israel‘s participation in Eurovision to the European Broadcasting Union and Madeleine Sinding-Larsen write:

“SVT will not comment on this because it is the EBU that decides which members participate in the competition and SVT will follow the EBU’s decision.”

Aftonbladet has reached out to the EBU but there is no response yet.

Source: Aftonbladet / Fredrik Björkman
Photo: Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU

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Sweden: Hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in a geopolitically-unstable time!

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Sweden is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in a geopolitically-unstable time.

In Finland, more than 1300 people from the music industry have signed a petition calling for Finland to boycott the contest in Malmö if Israel participates. Similar demands have been made in Iceland in the past.

And recently, demonstrators gathered outside the NRK headquarters in Oslo, demanding the exclusion of Israel from Eurovision because of the war in Gaza.

Ben Robertson, who covers Eurovision for ESCInsight, comments on the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Malmö this May that it could be the most politically sensitive in Eurovision‘s history:

“It will be very tough to organise the Eurovision Song Contest this year. It demands a lot from Malmö and SVT. It’s not just about Israel. It’s about Sweden too, about the high terrorist threat.”

Ben also notes that this will be another season of Eurovision in the shadow of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. Ukraine is participating in this year’s competition. So does Armenia, which came into focus last autumn due to the conflict with Azerbaijan and also says he will neither be surprised if artists and songwriters choose to address political issues this year nor will he be surprised if fans demand that artists who travel to Malmö take a stand in the Israel – Hamas conflict.

The Eurovision Song Contest is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The EBU‘s members are public service broadcasters in various countries, especially in Europe. But countries such as Israel, Morocco and Lebanon are also members of the EBU.

In recent years, two countries have been excluded from the EBU and banned from the Eurovision Song Contest. Belarus was expelled because the country violated the rules of the competition and refused to change a song lyric with too political a message. Russia was expelled after the attack on Ukraine, reflecting a concern that, in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry would bring the competition into disrepute.

Now voices are being raised that Israel should also be expelled. But Paul Jordan, who comments on Eurovision for British media, believes Israel will participate this year. He says the situation is different than when Russia was excluded.

“When Russia was excluded, it had been banned from other international events. The EBU watched the World Cup and others who didn’t want Russia there, and then it would have looked very strange if Russia had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.”

The idea behind Eurovision is that countries should be able to put aside conflicts and bad relations for one night. In the UK, Olly Alexander, who will represent the country in Malmö, has made headlines with his criticism of Israel.

Paul says that there is a risk that Israel, even if it is not excluded, feels that it is not welcome to participate in Malmö.

“If the war is still going on, and we see these horrific images from Gaza, it can also be perceived as distasteful to participate in Eurovision while people are dying.”

At the same time, Eurovision is an important platform for Israel, which has participated in the contest for 45 years.

Karin Karlsson is the project manager for the Eurovision Song Contest, employed by the City of Malmö. She had the same role in 2013.

She notes that many things are different today. The target group of the competition has become younger. Social media plays a very different role than in 2013. The Eurovision Song Contest doesn’t just mean televised stage performances at Malmö Arena. There will also be a week’s festival in different places in the city. At the same time, Sweden has a high terrorist threat. Karin comments on that:

“And it’s much more complicated in terms of security, this year. We work with safety all the time, every day.”

Source: Svenska Dagbladet

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Sweden: No Auto-Tune in Melodifestivalen, says producer Karin Gunnarsson!

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The organizers of the Norwegian equivalent to Melodifestivalen, Melodi Grand Prix, have decided to allow Auto-Tune to enhance the singing voices in this year’s competition.

Now SVT is responding to the neighboring country’s decision. Karin Gunnarsson, competition producer of Melodifestivalen spoke to Sveriges Radio Kulturnytt and said that SVT follows the guidelines of Eurovision Song Contest and hence it would be challenging to use Auto-Tune in the Swedish national selection process:

“This means that there would be a version of a song that must be revamped to suit Eurovision. And that’s just a good thing.”

Auto-Tune can be explained as an effect used to correct and manipulate the pitch of a voice. Among, other things, to avoid false notes. It is widely used in both live productions and recordings. And sometimes it is used, says Karin Gunnarsson, as a personal artistic choice:

“Some use it as an artistic and unique selling proposition to make their music or song stand out. But it will be hard to get that expression into Melodifestivalen as it is now. Those artists are not relevant, so to speak. Furthermore, there is no need or pressure from the industry artists that they want Auto-Tune.”

And Mårten Tomassen, who is chairman of the Norwegian Eurovision fan club, spoke to Sveriges Radio and expressed his belief that allowing Auto-Tune would be a step in the wrong direction.

“I don’t like it, one of the dubious aspects of Melodifestivalen is that the artist sings with the voice they are known with. Sometimes it’s an amazing vocal experience, other times not so good.” 

Do you think that Auto-Tune should be introduced at Melodifestivalen or any other Eurovision national selection processes? Let us know in the comments section below!

Source: Sveriges Radio / Kulturnytt / Helena Stinkvist Sörlin & Gustav Ingerhage

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Eurovision 2024: Pernilla Månsson Colt and Farah Abadi to lead the semi allocation draw!

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The Eurovision year in SVT already starts in January with the “Eurovision Song Contest 2024 – the draw” directly from Malmö on January 30 as you read in one of our past articles. The broadcast, officially called the Semi-Final Draw, will decide which of the two semi-finals the participating countries will compete in in May.

SVT profiles Pernilla Månsson Colt and Farah Abadi host the lottery and the duo is charged for the assignment. Pernilla Månsson Colt, who had the same assignment in connection with Eurovision 2013, says:

“It will be great fun to kick off Sweden’s Eurovision year from Malmö. The draw is a more important thing than you think for the competition later. We hope that it will be both exciting and fun to watch the program.”

Farah Abadi adds:

“This is the kick-off for Eurovision and it is extra fun to be able to do the program together with Pernilla, but also that it is in our hometown Malmö that everything will happen.”

France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, Germany and Sweden, as last year’s winners, are directly qualified for the final. But in the Semi-Final Draw it is also decided in which semi-final the viewers in these “the Big Five” countries and Sweden will be able to participate and vote. In the same semi-final, clips from the countries’ rehearsals on the Eurovision stage will also be shown.

The draw will be broadcast live on Tuesday 30 January 2024 at 19.00 CET on SVT Play and in SVT2.

The world’s largest live music competition will be broadcast from Malmö Arena in May. The semi-finals will be broadcast on the 7th and 9th and the grand final on the 11th of May after Loreen won for a second time in Liverpool with the song “Tattoo“.

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

Source: SVT Pressrummet

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Eurovision 2024: First look at next year’s stage!

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SVT, host broadcaster for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, has unveiled the impressive stage our 37 artists will be performing on in Malmö next May.

https://twitter.com/Eurovision/status/1737103178682761461?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Movable LED cubes, LED floors, light, video and stage technology will combine to create some spectacular variations in the arena, while the stage is placed right in the middle of the audience, shaped like a cross, creating a unique 360-degree experience that the audience and viewers will get to experience in May.

The names behind the concept are Florian Wieder, Production Designer, and Fredrik Stormby, Light and Screen Content Designer.

According to the Executive Producer, Ebba Adielsson:

It is with great pride that we present our vision of the stage and lighting design for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. We have not seen anything like this before at Eurovision and the concept gives us endless opportunities to create unique spaces and expressions for both the competing artists and the opening and interval acts. Florian and Fredrik’s creation is simply fantastic and it will be so much fun to see the end result!

One of the stage creators, Fredrik Stormby adds:

We believe that together we have created what is an unexpected and updated concept for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 and are looking forward to showing it off for real! I am honoured to have been commissioned to design the light and video in collaboration with the team from our studio, and the production team that SVT has put into place for the project. 

We’ve developed a strong concept together, and I’m really looking forward to the continued collaboration in production, the creative process with the delegations, and eventually getting my teeth into the show and doing the broadcasts!

The Eurovision 2024 stage is unique. It is the first time that the stage is placed centrally, while the audience surrounds it. Moreover, there will be an installation of video and light, centered above the stage, where the lighting design has been crafted to truly embrace the artists and their performances, hence there will be led screens everywhere.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is organized in collaboration with the city of Malmö and will be broadcast from Malmö Arena on Tuesday 7 May (semi-final 1), Thursday 9 May (semi-final 2) and Saturday 11 May (final) after Loreen won for a second time in Liverpool with the song “Tattoo“.

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

Source: eurovision.tv

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Eurovision 2024: The theme art of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest!

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The theme art of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest has just been revealed. Following EBU’s announcement it is now revealed that “The Eurovision Lights” will serve as the theme art for the contest held in Malmö.

https://youtu.be/tBzQQHJpLS8

This visual identity for Eurovision 2024 was created by combining the northern lights and the harmonic rhythm of sound equalizers. ‘The Eurovision Lights’ is a concept based on simple linear gradients, inspired by the vertical lines that pervade both the northern lights and sound equalizers, and was designed to be a versatile identity that can be adapted based on need and device.

The Deputy Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, namely Christel Tholse Willers, mentions that:

We are so proud to present an identity that is designed to be flexible and useful both on and off screen. It is inspired by the magnificent ‘northern lights’, the beauty and mystery of which has been transformed into ‘The Eurovision Lights’. It is a captivating and beautiful mix of the Eurovision Song Contest’s sparkling brand colours that will not only be seen across the three live shows but also in exciting variations in different contexts across the event’s digital platforms and gives a Eurovision feel in Malmö’s urban spaces.

Johan Bello from design agency Uncut, the creator of the artwork mentions:

The identity is not just a logo but a story in itself, with the northern lights as the basis and the Eurovision Song Contest’s [brand] colour palette as the driving force. This union of elements creates a dynamic and versatile palette that will open up for creative use in different ways.

Sidney Lim, who was also involved in the design, added:

Our goal is to use clean, simple gradients as basic building blocks to create a Eurovision identity that is bright, modern and forward-looking.

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden during 7-11 of May 2024, following Loreen’s second win in Liverpool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE2Fj0W4jP4

What do you think of this year’s theme art? Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all news!

Source: eurovision.tv

Eurovision 2024: Semi-final allocation draw will be held on January 30!

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31 countries will compete in the Semi-Finals. The Semi-Final in which they compete will be decided by a draw to be held on Tuesday 30 January 2024, as published by eurovision.tv a while ago on their FAQ. 10 countries from each Semi-Final will qualify for the Grand Final.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is organized in collaboration with the city of Malmö and will be broadcast from Malmö Arena on Tuesday 7 May (semi-final 1), Thursday 9 May (semi-final 2) and Saturday 11 May (final) after Loreen won for a second time in Liverpool with the song “Tattoo“.

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

Source: eurovision.tv

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Eurovision 2024: Ensuring thousands of fans and 600 volunteers are safe is a top priority!

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The organisers behind Eurovision Song Contest are currently looking for around 600 volunteers to welcome artists and Eurovision fans to Malmö next year, while applications for the various roles open on Friday. Johan Rönning, who is the event’s volunteer coordinator, was interviewed by Sara Assarsson and Sveriges Radio on the volume of people visiting Malmö, the volunteers as well as the security in place:

“It’s been a big interest from volunteers, from 2013 and from other events that have been in between, not only from Eurovision, And also a lot of Eurovision fans that want to be part of it, but the application is open this Friday. So it will be interesting to see how many application we get the first few days.”

As well as welcoming delegations from all the participating countries volunteers are needed for the Eurovision Village and to work as ambassadors for the city of Malmö. Others are needed backstage or to help with accreditations and other types of admin. Malmö hosted Eurovision back in 2013 and has also hosted, several international sports events such as the World Handball Championships, and the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Johan Rönning says the experience from running these events will come in handy when the city welcomes more than a hundred thousand Eurovision fans in May. Having been asked if Johan is worried that Malmö won’t find enough people he responds:

“Not at this moment. We know there is big interest and we have we have a good volunteer experience in Malmö as well and know that we have a lot of people that’s used to work in these kinds of events.”

Volunteer Requirements

All volunteers must be at least 19 years old, or turning 19 next year. They also need a good grasp of Swedish and English, as well as having access to Swedish digital ID, such as Bank ID or Freya eID, speaking an additional language is favourable, says Johan Rönning:

“We will welcome 37 delegations from the whole Europe and Australia but also fans from the whole world. So if you know an additional language, it will be a big plus.”

Fan and Volunteer Safety

Ensuring the fans and volunteers are safe at all times, is a top priority, he says. All applicants must register by using digital ID and will also be subject to digital security check:

“With many people getting in one place during Eurovision, security measures are important for us to ensure the safety for the visitors and volunteers.”

On December 15 at 10 a.m., the opportunity to apply will open at malmo.se, and recruitment will continue until January 7.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is organized in collaboration with the city of Malmö and will be broadcast from Malmö Arena on Tuesday 7 May (semi-final 1), Thursday 9 May (semi-final 2) and Saturday 11 May (final) after Loreen won for a second time in Liverpool with the song “Tattoo“.

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

Source: Sara Assarsson/Sveriges Radio

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Sweden: Malmö city hall reveals Eurovision Village location!

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A few hours ago, the city hall of Malmö published a public call for volunteers who would be absorbed in several Eurovision activities, when the city gets to host the Eurovision Song Contest next May.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 will be a festival where music, creativity and care for everyone will be celebrated. On Friday, December 15, the recruitment of 600 volunteers who want to contribute will begin.

The tasks for the volunteers during the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö will vary – everything from guiding invited guests around the city and hosting the Eurovision Village in Folkets Park to building décor, helping the different countries’ delegations and contributing time and commitment to be Malmö‘s face to the outside world.

On December 15 at 10 a.m., the opportunity to apply will open at malmo.se, and recruitment will continue until January 7.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is organized in collaboration with the city of Malmö and will be broadcast from Malmö Arena on Tuesday 7 May (semi-final 1), Thursday 9 May (semi-final 2) and Saturday 11 May (final) after Loreen won for a second time in Liverpool with the song “Tattoo“.

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

Source: malmo.se

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Eurovision 2024: Second chance to buy tickets soon! | Floor standing tickets will be available!

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Earlier today the first tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö were released. The interest was great and the tickets for all the live broadcasts sold out during the afternoon, while there were still a few tickets left for the rehearsals.

Ebba Adielsson, executive producer of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, confirmed what we reported in our article earlier today that not all ticket types were available to purchase today for production reasons and commented:

“It’s great fun with the great interest and of course we want to offer as many people as possible to see one of the nine shows between May 6 and 11. For production technical reasons, we could not release all tickets now. More tickets will be offered later so those who did not get a ticket now will have a second chance.”

Due to the high pressure on the ticketmaster.se website, they have chosen to slow down the pace to ensure that ticket sales take place in a safe manner. Ebba said:

“We are happy that the technology worked as it should and at the same time grateful for the patience the ticket buyers had in the long queues.”

There was huge engagement even when the BBC released their tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, a telecast watched by over hundreds of millions of people worldwide and millions more online.

“It is only half a year since the fantastic competitions when Loreen took home the historic win, certainly that and the great buzz on social media may have contributed to the great interest in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024”

says Ebba Adielsson.

Ticket Prices

  • Semi-finals – Evening rehearsals: 145 – 795 SEK
  • Semi-finals – Afternoon rehearsals: 145 – 545 SEK
  • Semi-finals – Live shows: 525 – 2395 SEK
  • Grand Final – Evening rehearsal: 525 – 2395 SEK
  • Grand Final – Afternoon rehearsals: 145 – 1385 SEK
  • Grand Final – Live show: 860 – 3795 SEK

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is organized in collaboration with the city of Malmö and will be broadcast from Malmö Arena on Tuesday 7 May (semi-final 1), Thursday 9 May (semi-final 2) and Saturday 11 May (final). The tickets for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 are sold via Ticketmaster Sweden.

Tickets have already started to spring up in ticket secondary sale platforms, at really insane prices.

Source: SVT Pressrummet

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