Eurovision Song Contest has got off to a very hectic start and this year's final hasn't even begun.
The singing competition returned with a bang as Malmo, Sweden became the host city for this year's Eurovision Song Contest. It comes after Swedish singer Loreen was crowned the 2023 winner as she performed in Liverpool last year. Typically a joyous celebration of music, the 2024 event has been far from it.
The contest has seen an act be banned, boos from the audience and protests taking place across the city. Olly Alexander, who is representing the UK, has been left in tears and press conferences have been cancelled at the last minute. Here is a look at everything that's gone down so far at Eurovision 2024...
Dutch act banned
Joost Klein was banned from Friday's show after an incident (Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima)Joost Klein was banned from performing during the dress rehearsal on Friday night following an incident. He had been spotted in full costume as he took part in the flag parade. However, just 30 minutes later it was announced he wouldn't be performing. The singer was pulled "until further notice" as the European Broadcasting Union said: "We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist. He will not be rehearsing until further notice.
"We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.” Swedish TV network SVT has since reported that the "incident" on Friday involved a "physical confrontation between the artist and a photographer".
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Olly Alexander
The UK's entry took to the stage earlier this week as he performed in a semi-final show. However, Olly was hit with a wave of negative comments where he was accused of being "off-key" and "out of tune" by some fans. The singer addressed the reaction in a social media post as he admitted to being "tired" and "emotional".
Olly said: "Eurovision updates. Semi-final one was last night. I performed - it was... it was good. I had a slight... well, my mic pack fell out halfway through the performance so I had to catch it and... just... it kinda through me off. There were elements of the routine I couldn't really do as well as I'd have liked. I was quite stressed that my pack was gonna fall off entirely and my in-eyes were gonna... anyway, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. That is the thrill of live music, live television - anything can happen.
"But the show was amazing. So many amazing contestants and they all did so well and it's so heartbreaking that anyone had to go home cause they work so hard like... the preparation, the months of rehearsal and everything that goes into it. So it was sad that anybody had to go but they did so well. Everyone was so good." He added: "I'm just quite tired, really. Tired in a deep emotional, spiritual level. And today I'm just doing bits of press."
Booing
Eden Golan faced boos during her performance (TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Ima)Friday's show, which is used as a jury performance, saw fans erupt into boos when it was announced Joost Klein wouldn't be taking to the stage. A spokesperson appeared on stage to announce: "The Dutch artist will not perform live on stage tonight." The EBU has confirmed Joost Klein will be judged by the jurys on his semi-final performance, but it didn't stop fans booing.
Some social media users from in the stadium suggested the show had been entirely stopped due to the angry sounds of the crowd. One wrote on X: "This years contest is in complete and utter disrepute. The jury show is struggling to even begin due to the crowds reaction to everything going on. #Eurovision."
While earlier in the week Israel's contestant Eden Golan took part in the semi-finals and was met with boos from the crowd as she gained a spot in Saturday's show.
Awkward press conferences
Joost challenged Israel's act Eden Golan about her participation in the contest during Thursday's press conference. A journalist had questioned Eden: “Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?” Her moderator told her she didn't have to answer the question and Joost added: "Why not?"
Golan replied: “I think we’re all here for one reason, and one reason only, and the EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone, and so I think it’s safe for everyone and we wouldn’t be here (if not).” On Friday, a media conference with the 'big five' and Sweden was cancelled last minute.
Just hours before it was due to take place, the conference with the UK, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Germany and France was cancelled. An email from the organisers read: “Please note that the big five and Sweden media conference originally scheduled for 18.30 (5.30pm BST) has been cancelled because all artists want to focus on rehearsals.”
Protests
Greta Thunberg joined in protests (JOHAN NILSSON/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Throughout the week, a series of protests have been taking place regarding Israel's participation in the competition. During rehearsals for her song Hurricane, Eden Golan attracted jeers and reportedly shouts of "free Palestine". Her song, which was reworked from an early track October Rain, is thought to be a reference to the attack by Hamas.
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Rory Flynn, 27, from Kildare and a member of the Eurovision Irish fan club, expressed his concerns to PA news agency about Israel's participation overshadowing the event. He stated: "We feel that it's important to make our voices heard in the competition in the arena. Others are doing a full boycott and full respect to people who are doing a full boycott but we think it's important that our voices are heard in the arena and around Malmo." Greta Thunberg was also spotted at the protests.
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