Thoughts on the Eurovision 2024 drama?

[Lucian Hodoboc]

The Eurovision 2024 event was marked by significant controversy surrounding Israel’s participation. Israeli singer Eden Golan was selected to represent her country with the song “Hurricane” after winning the national talent show ‘HaKokhav HaBa’ (‘The Next Star’). Despite her successful performance, which led Israel to finish 5th in the competition, the inclusion of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Malmö, Sweden, sparked protests and debates12. The contention was fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with rising civilian casualties and deteriorating humanitarian conditions, leading to pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Malmö against Israel’s involvement in the cultural event12.

The situation escalated when authorities reportedly confiscated Palestinian flags and scarves, further aggravating tensions among demonstrators who argued that Israel’s participation was inappropriate given the geopolitical circumstances2. The Eurovision organizers faced criticism for their handling of the situation, as the contest’s apolitical stance was challenged by the unfolding events. The drama highlighted the complex interplay between politics and cultural events, and how global platforms like Eurovision can become arenas for political expression and dissent12.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Stravinsk]

Not much. I saw the controversial stuff around Israel's performer (the booing) and also one performance by another country that seemed Satanic to me. For this reason, Eurovision doesn't interest me all that much - as a musician myself (a real one) I've long known that, especially in our times, to "get anywhere" your message has to be consistently more in line with what the "establishment" approves of.

As for "Israel", geographically it's not even part of Europe. Why should it be represented in EuroVision at all? Even without all the baggage it brings from the residents there genociding the Palestinians.

 

[Lucian Hodoboc]

that seemed Satanic to me

It was. Ireland legit sent a self-proclaimed witch who did a wicca exorcism on the stage.

As for the name "EuroVision", that's kinda outdated, but it's unlikely to be changed, for the sake of convenience. It started with only European countries back in the 50s, but then they allowed countries from other continents. Australia is allowed too for some reason.