Dutch Eurovision contestant Joost Klein is being investigated by organisers due to an unexplained “incident” and will repeat it until there is “more ice”.
The Dutch singer missed his spot at the show’s penultimate dress practice session in Malmö, Sweden, on Friday, where he was scheduled to perform his song Europapa in fifth place, just ahead of Israel’s Eden Golan, 20, with it. Hurricane song.
The protests have fueled the festival about Israel’s inclusion in the context of the Gaza war.
A video posted on social media platform X showed a manufacturer announcing that Klein would not perform on Friday, prompting a series of boos from members.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organiser of Eurovision, said in a statement: “We are lately investigating an incident that has been brought to our attention involving the Dutch artist. He’ll repeat it until there’s more ice. “
“We have no comment at this time and will update in due course. “
Klein had participated in the flag parade at the start of the practice session and walked around the level in full costume, but failed to make it to the level for his performance about 30 minutes later.
It was later revealed that the 26-year-old singer would not be performing at Friday night’s final practice session and that the investigation is “still ongoing. “
The EBU said talks were also underway between the EBU and Avrotros, the Dutch broadcaster.
It is still known whether Klein will perform in the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday.
A snippet of Klein’s happy-hardcore-inspired contribution Europapa was played in the 26-song recap clips showing the practice session, but with a snippet of an earlier practice session via Klein.
The song, which is one of the most memorable in the series and has been described by one critic as “so bad” it will “put you off forever,” is among the favorites to win.
The “Access Denied” Error in Occasion Ads
To add insult to injury, the EBU’s online page went down later on Friday evening, and when attempting to log in, a message was displayed saying “access denied” and denying access permission. It started working again after about an hour offline.
Meanwhile, the Spanish public broadcaster criticized the EBU, calling on it to respect “the press and opinion” at this year’s event. RTVE wrote on social media: “The Spanish delegation of @eurovision_tve communicated to the @EBU_HQ its commitment to freedom of expression, press and opinion and @Eurovisión for them to watch. “
The post came shortly after it was announced that Madrid would host the Junior Eurovision Song Contest later this year.
Some 26 countries, Britain’s Olly Alexander, 33, with his song Dizzy, and Ireland’s Bambie Thug, 31, with the song Doomsday Blue, are expected to compete on Saturday for the coveted Eurovision Song Contest Crystal Trophy.
Controversy and confusion at a media event
Klein spoke Thursday night at a press conference of the 10 artists selected from the semifinal to the final, including Israel and the Netherlands.
Near the end of the conference, Polish radio Newsletter asked the Israeli Golan if it thought it posed a threat to the protection of other participants at the end of the event.
The convention’s moderator, Swedish presenter Jovan Radomir, told Golan that she was not required to answer the question if it was not necessary.
Klein shouted loudly, “Why not?
Golan responded to the question by saying, “I think we’re all here for an explanation of why, and just an explanation of why. And the EBU is taking any and all protective precautions to make this a safe and united position for one and all. And so, I think it’s safe for each and every one, otherwise we wouldn’t be here. “
His reaction was met with a round of applause.
Early in the media session, when a member asked Klein, “Do you think your song can bring us all together through music?
He replied temporarily, “That’s a smart move for the EBU. “
At the start of the press conference, Klein also covered his head with what appeared to be a Dutch flag and sat there for a moment before the questions began.
Sky News emailed Klein’s representatives to comment on his absence from the costume rehearsal.
Greece’s entry-level, Marina Satti, gave the impression of pretending to fall asleep while the Israeli Golan spoke.
Read more: Will Abba make it through that night? Acts to watch out for and why two songs are controversial
Increased security in Malmö amid protests
More pro-Palestinian protests are planned in Malmö to coincide with the grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest, amid the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Police estimated that more than 10,000 people had taken part in a march on Thursday.
In recent months, protests and calls to action have taken a stand to boycott the show, after the EBU refused to remove Israel from the competition, insisting it had violated broadcasting rules.
The song “Hurricane from Golan” is a reworking of an earlier song titled October Rain, which referenced Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7.
On Wednesday, at a prerehearsal, Golan greeted with boos and shouts of “Free Palestine,” and an audience member gave the impression that a Palestinian flag had been removed from the auditorium.
On Friday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the protests against Israel’s participation in Eurovision “fake,” adding that “the scenes we saw here [in Malmö] were outrageous. “
:: Sky News will be in Malmö with updates, a blog and the latest news as it unfolds on Saturday.