By Criss
By Zoe Delaney, Assistant Showbiz Editor
Malmö, Sweden – The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest unfolded on Saturday night, leaving an indelible mark on music enthusiasts worldwide. However, this year’s competition was far from harmonious, with controversy swirling around the event. Let’s delve into the key moments you might have missed during this electrifying show.
The Israel-Palestine Debate
In the lead-up to the grand final, Eurovision fans expressed outrage over Israel’s participation. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) faced criticism for allowing Israel, situated in the Middle East, to compete while the country was embroiled in conflict with Palestine. Comparisons were drawn to Russia’s exclusion in 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine, leading to accusations of hypocrisy against the EBU.
Despite the backlash, Israel’s representative, Eden Golan, took the stage in Sweden and delivered a powerful performance of her song “Hurricane.”
The Boos and Anti-Boo Technology
As Golan sang her heart out, boos reverberated through the Malmö Arena. Viewers at home, however, were shielded from the disapproval. EBU bosses allegedly employed “anti-boo technology” to suppress crowd jeers during the televised broadcast. Social media erupted with fans sharing clips of Golan being booed, decrying the perceived censorship. Some labeled Israel’s inclusion as controversial, given the ongoing conflict in the region.
Eden Golan’s Triumph
Despite the controversy, Eden Golan secured fifth place with an impressive audience score of 323 points. Notably, she received 12 points from the United Kingdom’s public vote. The Malmo Arena echoed with both cheers and jeers as the results were announced. For a brief moment, Israel led the scoreboard with a total of 375 points, even though their jury votes from other countries were comparatively low.
Ireland’s Hidden Crisis
While Ireland’s representative, Bambie Thug, dazzled on stage, a behind-the-scenes crisis unfolded. Viewers were unaware of the turmoil Thug faced during the performance. The iconic singer finished in sixth place, but her personal struggles remained hidden from the spotlight.
