Despite headwinds, Israel prevailed in the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest and received cheers – while demonstrations took place in front of the door.
Demos in the streets, boos in front of the stage: Israel’s entry in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest faced a lot of headwind – but the audience voted singer Eden Golan into the final. She now qualified with nine other acts in Malmö. The artist was greeted with boos and applause during rehearsals. Whistles were sometimes heard when the result was announced. At the show itself, however, there was massive cheering.
At several demonstrations that day in the southern Swedish city, several thousand people called for the country to be excluded from the competition – climate activist Greta Thunberg also took part. Police estimated that between 10,000 and 12,000 people joined the demonstrations under the slogan “Exclude Israel from Eurovision.” But there was also supposed to be a solidarity demonstration that evening.
The Israeli act was undeterred. During an emotional ballad, Golan danced in a white dress that was visually reminiscent of bandages. Israel’s participation has been highly controversial for months.
Switzerland also secured a ticket to the final. Theatrically, the non-binary act Nemo spun on a disc on the large stage with a powerful voice. Rap, drum and bass, even opera – all included in Nemo. Germany ESC commentator Thorsten Schorn also heard “a bit of James Bond” in the song. Latvia, Austria, Norway, Greece, Estonia, Georgia, Armenia and the Netherlands also qualified.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
