A few hours before the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, underway in Malmo, Sweden, the Dutch artist Joost Klein, competing with "Europapa", was disqualified. The decision was taken after the Swedish police opened an investigation into the complaint of "intimidation" lodged by a member of the production crew. Klein, according to the accusations, addressed sexist insults to her.
«While the legal proceedings take their course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the competition - reads a note from the organizers - We would like to clarify that, contrary to what has been reported by some media and speculation on social media, this episode did not involve no other artists or members of the delegation." « We maintain a zero tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior during our event - continues the statement - and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all Competition staff. In light of this, Joost Klein's behavior towards a team member is considered contrary to the rules of the Competition. The final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs."
The evening's lineup
There are therefore 25 and not 26 finalists competing tonight, live on Rai1: 10 finalists from the first semi-final, 9 from the second after the disqualification of the Netherlands, 5 Big Five (Italy, Spain, France, Germany, UK) and Sweden as the host country. Angelina Mango is the 14th in the lineup.
Here is the order of appearance:
Sweden: Markus & Martinus, with Unforgettable
Ukraine: Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil, with Teresa & Maria
Germany: Isaak, with Always on the Run
Luxembourg: Tali, with Fighter
Israel: Eden Golan with Hurricane
Lithuania: Dons with Hollow
Spain: Nebula with ZORRA
Estonia: 5MIINUST x Puuluup con (nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
Ireland: Bambie Thug, with Doomsday Blue
Lithuania: Sylvester Belt, with Luktelk
Greece: Marina Satti with ZARI
UK: Olly Alexander, with Dizzy
Norway: Gåte with Ulveham
Italy: Angelina Mango with La noia (around 10.30 pm)
Serbia: Teya Dora, with Remonda
Finland: Windows95Man, with No Rules!
Portugal: Iolanda, with Grito
Armenia: LADANIVA with Jako
Cyprus: Silia Kapsis, with Liar
Switzerland: Nemo with The Code
Slovenia: Raiven, with Veronika
Croatia: Baby Lasagna, with Rim Tim Tagi Dim
Georgia: Nutsa Buzaladze with Firefighter
France: Slimane with Mon amour
Austria: Kaleen with We Will Rave
The vote
As always, you will not be able to vote for the artist who performs for your country but only for all the others : you can vote via text message, telephone or via app. The complete rules on the Eurovision website.
The guests
A tribute to ABBA is planned, fifty years after the victory with Waterloo (Eurofestival 1974). There will also be the Swedes Carola, winner in 1991, and Perelli (1999) and the Austrian Conchita Wurst (2012). There will be last year's winner, Loreen, and the Swedish Alcazar.
(Unioneonline/D)