Two of the favorites for Eurovision 2024, Ukraine and Croatia, won their ticket to the final on Tuesday evening, May 7, which takes place on Saturday in Malmö, Sweden. Teresa
Beyond the musical performances, the possible positions taken by the artists were scrutinized during the first part of this competition which claims a non-political character.
Since the start of the year, petitions have multiplied to demand the exclusion of Israel. At the end of March, candidates from nine countries, including Bambie Thug (Ireland) in the running this Tuesday evening, called for a lasting ceasefire.
The conflict in the Middle East takes the stage
During the opening number, it was ultimately the Swedish singer Eric Saade who attracted attention. The artist, whose father is of Palestinian origin, had warned that he wanted to use his performance to protest against Israel’s participation and wore a keffiyeh around his arm.
His gesture was deplored by Swedish public television, SVT, which is organizing this 68th edition with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). “It is regrettable that he uses his participation in this way,” Ebba Adielsson, executive producer of this edition, told Agence France-Presse.
At the end of this first semi-final, decided by public votes, Serbia, Portugal, Slovenia, Lithuania, Finland, Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg have also qualified. They join the six countries automatically qualified for the final: Sweden, title holder, and the big five – Germany, Spain, France, Italy, United Kingdom – the biggest contributors to the organization of the competition.
Israel participates in the second semi-final which takes place on Thursday before the final on Saturday. Several demonstrations, calling for Israel to be excluded from the competition, are to take place.