Eurovision Shocker: Dutch Entry Disqualified!
Joost Klein, representing the Netherlands, was barred from competing in the Eurovision Song Contest finals on Saturday.
The decision follows a complaint filed by a member of the production team, adding to the challenges facing host country Sweden, which is already grappling with anti-Israel protests.
Eurovision contests are no strangers to scandal, but according to a Reuters source, disqualifying a finalist on the eve of the competition is entirely unprecedented.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on Friday that they are investigating an incident involving Klein. The 26-year-old singer's quirky song, "Europapa," had positioned him as a frontrunner in the competition.
"In light of an ongoing legal proceeding," the EBU said later in a statement, explaining their decision to remove Klein from the competition. They also reiterated their "zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour."
A representative for Klein did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS expressed shock in an email, calling the EBU's decision "disproportionate."
Eurovision expert Paul Jordan told Reuters that disqualifying an artist on the eve of the final is unheard of. "Obviously, the details of the incident are unclear at this point," he said. "Klein may yet be found innocent. However, the show must go on," he commented.
Bookmakers currently favour Croatian entrant Marko Purišić, known by his stage name Baby Lasagna, with the song "Rim Tim Tagi Dim," to win the competition. Israeli singer Eden Golan, performing "Hurricane," is another strong contender. France, Italy, Ukraine, and Ireland are also viewed as potential winners.
Spotify streaming data also suggests Sweden, the host country, has a chance of taking home the trophy.
Following Klein's disqualification, 25 countries will compete in the grand final on Saturday evening.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
