Eurovision Song Contest 2019
| Eurovision Song Contest 2019 | |
|---|---|
| Dare to Dream | |
 | |
| Dates | |
| Semi-final 1 | 14 May 2019 |
| Semi-final 2 | 16 May 2019 |
| Final | 18 May 2019 |
| Host | |
| Venue | Expo Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel |
| Presenter(s) | Erez Tal Bar Refaeli Assi Azar (green room) Lucy Ayoub (green room) |
| Executive supervisor | Jon Ola Sand |
| Executive producer | Zivit Davidovich[1] |
| Host broadcaster | Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC) |
| Interval act |
|
| Participants | |
| Number of entries | 41 |
| Debuting countries | None |
| Returning countries | None |
| Withdrawing countries |  Bulgaria Ukraine |
| |
| Vote | |
| Voting system | Each country awards two sets of 12, 10, 8–1 points to their 10 favourite songs: one from their professional jury and the other from televoting. |
Forty-one countries will take part in the contest, with Bulgaria and Ukraine absent,[5] both for the first time since 2015.
Contents
Location
Expo Tel Aviv – host venue of the 2019 contest
Venue
The contest will take place at Expo Tel Aviv's 7,300-seat[7] congress and convention centre called "Bitan 2" (Pavilion 2), which was inaugurated in January 2015.[4][8] Located on Rokach Boulevard in northern Tel Aviv, the convention centre serves as a venue for many different events, including concerts, exhibitions, trade fairs, and conferences. The fairground has ten halls and pavilions, plus a large outdoor space. The new pavilion hosted the 2018 European Judo Championships from 26–28 April.[9]Bidding phase and host city selection
Locations
of the candidate cities in Israel: the eliminated cities are marked in
red, with the shortlisted cities in green and the chosen host city in
blue.
On 18 June 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel had committed to remaining in compliance with EBU rules regarding the constitution of member broadcasters, so as not to affect its hosting of Eurovision. The IPBC's establishment included a condition that news programming would later be delegated to a second public broadcasting entity, which violates EBU rules requiring member broadcasters to have their own internal news departments.[14][15]
On 19 June 2018, Israel was officially confirmed as the host country,[16] and on 24 June 2018, KAN formally opened the bidding process for cities interested in hosting the 2019 contest.[17] On 28 July 2018, Israeli Minister Michael Oren, who is closely connected to Prime Minister Netanyahu, stated that Jerusalem did not have the resources to host the contest, restating the common talking point that Tel Aviv was the more likely host.[18] Soon afterwards, reports surfaced of the government not providing the €12 million downpayment requested by KAN to cover hosting expenses and security, but a compromise was reached on 29 July 2018.[19]
Following a tense back-and-forth between KAN and the government, a compromise between the two parties was reached that would see KAN paying the €12 million to the EBU and the Finance Ministry covering expenses should complications arise. The Mayor of Tel Aviv announced that the city would be willing to pay for the Convention Center itself, should it be chosen as the host city.[20]
In the week of 27 August 2018, executive supervisor/scrutineer Jon Ola Sand led a handful of EBU delegates around Israel to scope out the potential venues in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and to hear the bid from Eilat. On 30 August 2018, Sand stated in an interview with KAN that Eilat was no longer in the running to host, leaving it between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. He also stated that there was no serious discussion among members of the EBU about boycotting the event.[21]
On 13 September 2018, the EBU announced Tel Aviv as the host city, with Expo Tel Aviv as the selected venue for the 2019 contest.[4]
Key: † Host venue ‡ Shortlisted
| City[22] | Venue | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eilat[23] | Hangars on the port | 10,000 | Proposal intended to connect two hangars to a hall, in order to meet the EBU's capacity and venue requirements. |
| Haifa | Sammy Ofer Stadium | 30,870 | Candidacy had been dependent on the construction of a roof. |
| Jerusalem ‡ | Pais Arena | 11,000 | Indoor arena similar to the venues of recent contests. It was Jerusalem's preferred venue, in case they were chosen to be the host city. |
| Teddy Stadium | 31,733 | Candidacy had been dependent on the construction of a roof. | |
| Tel Aviv | Expo Tel Aviv, Pavilion 2 † | 9,000[24] | The IPBC expect Pavilion 2 to have room for up to 9,000 attendees, while an additional 1,500 fans will be able to gather in the greenroom. |
Other sites
Location of host venue (red) and other contest-related sites and events (blue)
The "Red Carpet" event and the Opening Ceremony, where all the contestants and their delegations are presented before the accredited press and fans, are expected to take place at Habima Square in central Tel Aviv on 12 May 2019 at 19:00 IDT.[26]
Format
Visual design
The slogan for the contest, Dare to Dream, was unveiled on 28 October 2018.[27] Its visual design was revealed on 8 January 2019 which features logo consisting of triangles forming a golden star. Along with the main version, there are two more alternative versions of the logo. The logo, brand and theme was created by Studio Adam Feinberg.[28]Presenters
On 25 January 2019, KAN announced that four presenters will host the three shows: TV hosts Erez Tal (who was also one of the Israeli commentators for the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 grand final) and Assi Azar who work for the Israeli Channel 12, supermodel Bar Refaeli, and KAN host Lucy Ayoub, who was also the Israeli spokesperson at the 2018 contest.[29] Tal and Refaeli will be the main hosts, while Azar and Ayoub would be hosting the green room.[30]Semi-final allocation draw
The draw to determine the allocation of the participating countries into their respective semi-finals took place on 28 January 2019 at 17:00 CET, at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.[31] The thirty-six semi-finalists had been allocated into six pots, based on historical voting patterns as calculated by the contest's official televoting partner Digame. Drawing from different pots helps to reduce the chance of so-called neighbourly voting and increases suspense in the semi-finals. The draw also determined the semi-final that each of the six automatic finalist countries (host country Israel and Big Five countries France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) will broadcast and vote in. The ceremony was hosted by contest presenters Assi Azar and Lucy Ayoub, and included the passing of a Eurovision insignia from the city of Lisbon (host city of the previous contest) to the city of Tel Aviv.[32]| Pot 1 | Pot 2 | Pot 3 | Pot 4 | Pot 5 | Pot 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Participating countries
Participating countries in the first semi-final
Pre-qualified for the final but also voting in the first semi-final
Participating countries in the second semi-final
Pre-qualified for the final but also voting in the second semi-final
On 27 February 2019, Ukraine announced its withdrawal from the contest, due to controversy around their national selection. This reduced the number of participating countries to 41.[5]
Returning artists
The contest will feature five representatives who previously performed as lead vocalists for the same countries. Two of these returning artists participated in 2016 – Sergey Lazarev represented Russia with the song "You Are the Only One", winning the first semi-final and placing 3rd in the final, while Serhat represented San Marino with the song "I Didn't Know", which placed 12th in the first semi-final. Joci Pápai represented Hungary for the first time in 2017 with the song "Origo", placing 8th in the final. Tamara Todevska represented Macedonia now named North Macedonia in 2008, alongside Vrčak & Adrian, with the song "Let Me Love You", placing 10th in the second semi-final. She was also a backing vocalist in 2004 and 2014 for Toše Proeski and Tijana Dapčević, respectively. Nevena Božović represented Serbia in 2013 as part of Moje 3, with the song "Ljubav je svuda", which placed 11th in the first semi-final. She also represented the country in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007 with the song "Piši mi", which placed 3rd.In addition, the contest will feature artists returning as first-time lead singers for their country – Jurijus Veklenko provided backing vocals for Lithuania's representatives in 2013 and 2015 – or as backing vocalists after representing another country – Sahlene, the Estonian representative in 2002, will return as a backing vocalist for the United Kingdom. She also provided backing vocals in 1999 for her native country, Sweden, and in 2016 for Australia.[35]
Semi-final 1
The first semi-final will take place on 14 May 2019 at 22:00 IDT (21:00 CEST).[36] Seventeen countries will participate in the first semi-final. Those countries plus France, Israel and Spain will vote in this semi-final.[37] Ukraine was originally allocated to participate in the second half of the semi-final, but withdrew from the contest due to controversy about its national selection.| Country[38] | Artist[38] | Song[38] | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| First half | |||
 Belarus
|
Zena | "Like It" | English |
 Cyprus
|
Tamta | "Replay" | English |
 Czech Republic
|
Lake Malawi | "Friend of a Friend" | English |
 Finland
|
Darude feat. Sebastian Rejman | "Look Away" | English |
 Hungary
|
Joci Pápai | "Az én apám" | Hungarian |
 Montenegro
|
D mol | "Heaven" | English |
 Poland
|
Tulia | "Fire of Love (Pali się)" | Polish, English |
 Serbia
|
Nevena Božović | "Kruna" (Круна) | Serbian[c] |
 Slovenia
|
Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl | "Sebi" | Slovene |
| Second half | |||
 Australia
|
Kate Miller-Heidke | "Zero Gravity" | English |
 Belgium
|
Eliot | "Wake Up" | English |
 Estonia
|
Victor Crone | "Storm" | English |
 Georgia
|
Oto Nemsadze | "Sul tsin iare" (სულ წინ იარე) | Georgian[d] |
 Greece
|
Katerine Duska | "Better Love" | English |
 Iceland
|
Hatari | "Hatrið mun sigra" | Icelandic |
 Portugal
|
Conan Osíris | "Telemóveis" | Portuguese |
 San Marino
|
Serhat | "Say Na Na Na" | English[e] |
Semi-final 2
The second semi-final will take place on 16 May 2019 at 22:00 IDT (21:00 CEST).[36] Eighteen countries will participate in the second semi-final. Those countries plus Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom will vote in this semi-final. Switzerland was pre-drawn into this semi-final due to scheduling issues.[37]| Country[39] | Artist[39] | Song[39] | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| First half | |||
 Armenia
|
Srbuk | "Walking Out" | English |
 Austria
|
Pænda | "Limits" | English |
 Denmark
|
Leonora | "Love Is Forever" | English, French[f] |
 Ireland
|
Sarah McTernan | "22" | English |
 Latvia
|
Carousel | "That Night" | English |
 Moldova
|
Anna Odobescu | "Stay" | English |
 Romania
|
Ester Peony | "On a Sunday" | English |
 Sweden
|
John Lundvik | "Too Late for Love" | English |
 Switzerland
|
Luca Hänni | "She Got Me" | English |
| Second half | |||
 Albania
|
Jonida Maliqi | "Ktheju tokës" | Albanian |
 Azerbaijan
|
Chingiz | "Truth" | English |
 Croatia
|
Roko | "The Dream" | English, Croatian |
 Lithuania
|
Jurij Veklenko | "Run with the Lions" | English |
 Malta
|
Michela | "Chameleon" | English |
 Netherlands
|
Duncan Laurence | "Arcade" | English |
 North Macedonia
|
Tamara Todevska | "Proud" | English |
 Norway
|
Keiino | "Spirit in the Sky" | English[g] |
 Russia
|
Sergey Lazarev | "Scream" | English |
Final
The final will take place on 18 May 2019 at 22:00 IDT (21:00 CEST).[36] Twenty-six countries will participate in the final, with all 41 participating countries eligible to vote.| Draw[40] | Country[40] | Artist[40] | Song[40] | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 |  Israel
|
Kobi Marimi | "Home" | English |
 France
|
Bilal Hassani | "Roi" | French, English | |
 Germany
|
S!sters | "Sister" | English | |
 Italy
|
Mahmood | "Soldi" | Italian[h] | |
 Spain
|
Miki | "La venda" | Spanish | |
 United Kingdom
|
Michael Rice | "Bigger than Us" | English |
Other countries
Eligibility for potential participation in the Eurovision Song Contest requires a national broadcaster with active EBU membership that will be able to broadcast the contest via the Eurovision network. The EBU issued an invitation of participation in the contest to all fifty-six active members. The Israeli Minister of Communications Ayoob Kara has also invited countries from the Middle Eastern and North African region, with which Israel largely has tense relationships or no diplomatic relations. Kara pointed out Tunisia and the Gulf states Saudi Arabia as well as Dubai and Abu Dhabi as part of the United Arab Emirates.[41][42][43] Tunisia is eligible to participate but has not due to rules banning the promotion of Israeli content, while the Gulf states do not have national broadcasters with EBU membership.Active EBU members
Andorra – Despite being absent for 10 years, local media reported that Ràdio i Televisió d'Andorra
(RTVA) was still interested in returning to the contest, but the
principality's failure to make the final along with the cost was
discouraging the broadcaster from participating. In order for a return
to take place, RTVA would need funding from the Andorran Government.[44] On 19 May 2018, Andorra confirmed that they would not return in 2019.[45]
Bosnia and Herzegovina – On 25 May 2018, the Bosnian broadcaster, Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina
(BHRT), stated that the country would not be allowed to return to the
contest in 2019 until debt-related sanctions placed on them by the EBU
are lifted. Bosnia and Herzegovina last took part in 2016.[46]- Bulgaria – Despite confirming their preliminary participation in the 2019 contest, Bulgarian National Television (BNT) announced on 13 October 2018 that many members of the delegations were moving onto other projects,[47] and on 15 October 2018, BNT announced that they would withdraw from the contest in 2019 due to financial difficulties.[34]
Luxembourg – On 21 July 2018, the Luxembourgish broadcaster RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg (RTL) announced that they would not return to the contest in 2019. Luxembourg last took part in 1993.[48]
Monaco – On 17 August 2018, the Monégasque broadcaster Télé Monte Carlo (TMC) announced that they would not return to the contest in 2019. Monaco last took part in 2006.[49]
Slovakia – On 31 May 2018, the Slovak broadcaster Rozhlas a televízia Slovenska
(RTVS) announced that the country would not return to the contest in
2019 due to financial difficulties. Slovakia last took part in 2012.[50]
Turkey – After the Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım had stated in an interview that Turkey had no plans to return to the contest,[51] on 4 August 2018 İbrahim Eren, the General Manager of Türkiye Radyo Televizyon Kurumu (TRT), said that at the moment the broadcaster was not considering returning to the contest for various reasons, including Conchita Wurst's victory for Austria in 2014. Turkey last took part in 2012.[52][53]- Ukraine – On 27 February 2019, UA:PBC announced the withdrawal of the country in the contest, due to controversy surrounding their national selection.[5] However, the channel will still broadcast the show.[citation needed]
Associate EBU members
Kazakhstan – On 22 December 2017, it was claimed that Channel 31 had finalised negotiations with the EBU, allowing Kazakhstan to debut in 2019;[54]
however, on 23 December 2017, the EBU told Esctoday that "Channel 31
Kazakhstan has indeed expressed interest in becoming a member of the EBU
and hence participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. However, since
Channel 31 is outside the European Broadcasting Area and is also not a member of the Council of Europe, it is not eligible to become an active member of the EBU".[55][56] On 25 July 2018, it was announced that Kazakhstan will participate in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2018, thus making a debut in 2019 possible.[57]
On 30 July 2018, the EBU stated that the decision to invite Kazakhstan
was made solely by the Junior Eurovision reference group, and there were
no current plans to invite associate members other than Australia.[58] On 22 November 2018, Jon Ola Sand
said in a press conference that "we need to discuss if we can invite
our associate member Kazakhstan to take part in adult ESC in the future,
but this is part of a broader discussion in the EBU and I hope we can
get back to you on this issue later."[59] However, he later clarified that Kazakhstan would not have an entry in the 2019 edition.[60]
Non-EBU members
Kosovo
– According to EBU guidelines, Kosovo's participation in 2018 would
have been possible due to Portugal recognising Kosovo as a state.[61] Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) decided not to participate, however still broadcast the contest in 2018.[62] Israel does not recognise Kosovo, but both states foster good relations.[63][unreliable source?]
RTK general director Mentor Shala said that they are still pushing for
full membership, and still hope to debut at the 2019 contest. They are
currently still in talks with the EBU.[64]
The EBU will vote on full membership of the Kosovar broadcaster in June
2019, possibly allowing the country to debut in 2020, or in the near
future after that.[65]
Liechtenstein – On 4 November 2017, 1 Fürstentum Liechtenstein Television
(1 FL TV), the national broadcaster of the Principality of
Liechtenstein, confirmed that the country were planning a debut in the
2019 contest, and that they were currently in the process of applying
for EBU membership and are "in [the] process of complying all
requirements".[66] They also reiterated their intention to select the participant through a national selection process in the form of Liechtenstein Music Contest "open to any form of music".[67] However, on 20 July 2018, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) stated that 1 FL TV had not applied for EBU membership.[68]
On 26 July 2018, 1 FL TV confirmed that Liechtenstein will not debut at
the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 due to the sudden death of the
broadcaster's director, Peter Kölbel.[69]
Commentators and spokespersons
Spokespersons
The spokespersons announce the 12-point score from their respective country's national jury.- Netherlands – Emma Wortelboer[70]
Commentators
Most countries will send commentators to Tel Aviv or comment from their own country, in order to add insight to the participants and, if necessary, the provision of voting information.- Belgium-French: Maureen Louys and Jean-Louis Lahaye (La Une, all shows)[71]
- Cyprus – Evridiki and Tasos Trifonos (RIK 1, RIK Sat, RIK HD and Trito Programma, all shows)[72]
- Germany – Peter Urban[73] (Das Erste, final)
- Greece – Giorgos Kapoutzidis and Maria Kozakou (ERT1, ERT HD, ERT World, ERA 1, Voice of Greece, all shows)[74]
- Hungary – Bogi Dallos and Freddie (Duna, all shows)[75]
- Italy – Federico Russo and Ema Stokholma (Rai 4, semi-finals); Federico Russo (Rai 1, final); Ema Stokholma and Gino Castaldo (Rai Radio 2, final)[76][77][78]
- San Marino – Lia Fiorio and Gigi Restivo (San Marino RTV and Radio San Marino, all shows)[79]
Non-participating countries
Canada – TBA (Omni Television, all shows)[80]
Incidents and criticism
Religious requests
On 14 May 2018, Yaakov Litzman, leader of the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism and Israel's former Minister of Health, drafted a letter to the Ministers of Tourism, Communications, and Culture and Sports, in which he requested that the event not violate religious laws: "In the name of hundreds of thousands of Jewish citizens from all the populations and communities for whom Shabbat observance is close to their hearts, I appeal to you, already at this early stage, before production and all the other details of the event has begun, to be strict [in ensuring] that this matter does not harm the holiness of Shabbat and to work in every way to prevent the desecration of Shabbat, God forbid, as the law and the status quo requires".[81] According to Jewish religious law, Shabbat—the holy sabbath—is observed from just before sunset on Friday evening until Saturday night. The Saturday evening broadcast of the show, which will start at 22:00 local time, will not conflict with this. However, the Friday evening jury show and Saturday afternoon rehearsals would. Similar protests arose in the lead-up to the 1999 Israeli-held competition, but then there were fewer competing teams allowing for certain adjustments to be made to accommodate the issue. The Chairman of the EBU's Eurovision committee, Dr. Frank-Dieter Freiling, noted that he was well aware of the tension, and has plans to address it in his communications with the Israeli broadcaster.[82] Shalva Band, who will perform as the interval act during the second semi-final, withdrew from Israel's national final citing similar concerns on possibly performing during Shabbat in the rehearsals for the final, should they have won.[83]Calls for boycott
Due to the contest being held in Israel, and initially there being a potential for Jerusalem to host for a third time, some have expressed their discontent and called for a boycott, as part of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Despite this, no country withdrew as a result of such calls.- Australia – The Australian Greens party raised questions about a potential boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel with Senator Lee Rhiannon
stating: "Recent events along the Gaza border have shown that the
Israeli army engage in lethal military actions, on days that are seen as
‘significant’ or when Palestinian-protests are planned," she said.
"This means Eurovision's activities could impact on who lives and who
dies. Will SBS consider these factors when it considers whether to
participate in next year's contest or if it's held in 2020?" Michael Ebeid, the CEO of Special Broadcasting Service
(SBS) stated "Israel has won before, Israel has hosted before and it in
the spirit of unity and bringing people together and cultures together I
can't imagine that we would not televise Eurovision next year."[84] Australia later confirmed their participation on 1 October 2018.
- Iceland
– Although Iceland confirmed provisional participation in the 2019
contest, 23,000 Icelanders signed a petition calling on the Icelandic
national broadcaster Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV) to boycott the event. Icelandic musician Daði Freyr stated that he would no longer participate in the Icelandic national selection Söngvakeppnin
and called upon RÚV to boycott the event, tweeting "We can't imagine
taking part in the fun that is Eurovision with a clear conscience while
the Israeli state and their army use such terrible violence against the
Palestinian people."[85]
It was then announced that RÚV would stage a meeting deciding if they
would boycott the event, following calls from Icelandic fans.[86] On 13 September 2018, Iceland confirmed participation in Eurovision 2019.
- Ireland – Former Lord Mayor of Dublin Mícheál Mac Donncha,
who is banned from entering Israel due to his support for the BDS
movement, stated that Ireland should withdraw from the 2019 contest due
to it taking place in Israel.[87] Sinn Féin MEP, Lynn Boylan called for a boycott via Twitter; "Israel wins Eurovision so let's make BDS more successful than ever in 2019". MEP Nessa Childers
stated "Jerusalem? The mind boggles. I thought Tel Aviv". Fellow Sinn
Féin member Órla Nic Biorna also expressed her discontent. The Irish
Alternative called for a boycott.[88] Irish Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan
has also called for RTÉ to boycott the event, stating "Look, we don't
agree with this, to celebrate while other people are dying."[89] Former Irish TV host Mike Murphy has also called for a boycott of the event.[90] Irish television show The Tonight Show
aired a segment in regards to Israel's right to host the contest. On
the panel was a range of Irish celebrities all of whom spoke in favour
of a boycott. This included members of the public.[91] On 21 June 2018, sitting Tánaiste Simon Coveney
stated that he did not believe a boycott would advance the Palestinian
cause, and rejected the idea of Ireland boycotting the 2019 contest on
those grounds. Sinn Féin called on RTÉ to boycott the event.[92] On 16 August 2018 Ireland confirmed their participation in the 2019 edition.
- Portugal – Several Portuguese artists have appealed in an open letter addressed to RTP,
responsible for choosing the national representative, to boycott
Portugal participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. "We urge RTP
to act within the EBU-European Broadcasting Union so that the festival
is transferred to a country where war crimes – including murders of
journalists – are not committed and otherwise withdraw completely from
the 2019 Festival," reads the letter. It also states that "Eurovision
does not combine with Apartheid,"
alleging that the public station, announcing Portugal's participation
in the contest in May, "confirms its willingness, in the name of
entertainment, to cover up the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian
territory and the continued denial of the human rights of the Palestinian people."
It concludes: "We do not want to become complicit in the human rights
violations of the Palestinian people. We want to call the world's
attention to colonization, which is becoming more violent every year."
The list of signatories includes, among others, writer Alexandra Lucas
Coelho, artist Joana Villaverde, singer Francisca Cortesão, actors João
Grosso, Maria do Céu Guerra and Manuela de Freitas, painter Teresa Dias Coelho, filmmaker Susana Sousa Dias and the photographer Nuno Lobito.[93][94]
- Sweden – The Left Party's Malmö
department suggested that Eurovision Song Contest should not take place
in Israel, stating: "It's absolutely unreasonable for Israel to host
this gigantic music contest while the occupation is in progress. We want
Israel to be excluded from Eurovision on humanitarian grounds. We can
not continue dancing while the persecution of the Palestinian people
continues. Boycott Israel now!"[95] Sweden confirmed provisional participation in the 2019 contest, and competed in both the 1979 and 1999 contests held in Israel.
- United Kingdom – On 7 September 2018, centre-left British newspaper The Guardian published an open letter containing 141 signatures from artists and music industry professionals, including 15 from the United Kingdom, calling for a boycott of the contest due to "violations of Palestinian human rights".[96] The Times also published a debate column online entitled "Should we boycott Eurovision" a month following Netta's win in Lisbon.[97] On 19 September 2018, the BBC confirmed they will take part in 2019.
National selection disruptions
As part of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel, several national selections were disrupted in the run-up to the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. On 19 January 2019, the second-semi final of Destination Eurovision was invaded by stage intruders who held up signs declaring that Eurovision 2019 should be boycotted as it is hosted in Israel.[98] On 20 January 2019, protesters gathered outside the Eurovision Gala of Operación Triunfo, handing out leaflets calling for a boycott of the contest.[99] On 22 February 2019, vans were parked outside the final of Unser Lied für Israel playing an anti-apartheid song calling for Germany to boycott the contest.[100] In Denmark, several organisations called for demonstrations outside the final of Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2019 on 23 February 2019 to add pressure to DR to withdraw from the contest.[100]The European Broadcasting Union reportedly sent a special letter to all participating broadcasters advising precautions that they could take to prevent similar disruptions.[101]
Ukrainian late withdrawal
During the final of the national selection, it was announced that the broadcaster had reserved the right to change the decision made by the jury and Ukrainian public. Following Maruv's win, it was reported that the broadcaster had sent her management a contract, requiring Maruv to cancel all upcoming appearances and performances in Russia in order to become the Ukrainian representative. She was also given 48 hours to sign the contract or be replaced.[102] The day afterwards, Maruv revealed that the broadcaster's contract had additionally banned her from improvising on stage and communicating with any journalist without the permission of the broadcaster, and required her to fully comply with any requests from the broadcaster. Later, the broadcaster published a statement explaining every entry of the contract.[103] If she were to not follow any of these clauses, she would be fined ₴2 million. Maruv also stated that the broadcaster would not give her any financial compensation for the competition and would not pay for the trip to Tel Aviv.[104]On 25 February 2019, both Maruv and the broadcaster confirmed that she would not represent Ukraine in Israel due to disputes within the contract, and that another act would be chosen.[105] National final runner-up Freedom Jazz announced on 26 February 2019 that they had rejected the broadcaster's offer to represent Ukraine as well, with third place finisher Kazka confirming they had rejected the offer as well the following day.[106][107]
The incident garnered media coverage from major international outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Billboard, The Telegraph, The Independent, SBS News, The Irish Independent, Le Figaro, Cosmopolitan, and ABC.[108]
On 27 February 2019, it was announced that Ukraine will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.[5]
Ticket sales controversy
The prices of the tickets for this year’s event sparked criticism, both in Israel and abroad,[109] with The Times of Israel calling it "likely the most expensive ever for Eurovision".[110] Reasons attributed to the high prices are the high cost of living in Israel and that the Israeli government is not funding this year's Eurovision production,[111][112] and although the venue can hold up to 10,000 people, only 7,300 seats are available due to the size of the stage, the technical equipment and the security features. Of those 7,300 seats, 3,000 have been reserved for the EBU, leaving only 4,300 for the fans.[113]On 3 March 2019, ticket sales froze due to irregularities noticed by the Oversight Committee of the Israeli broadcaster KAN. Hebrew-language Israeli media reported tickets being illegally resold for 2.5 times the original price. Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan has instructed an investigation.[114]
On 14 March 2019, tickets went back on sale. According to KAN, 220 improperly-purchased tickets to the Final live show were revoked and will be available again on the second round of ticket sales.[115]
Polish music video controversy
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See also
- Eurovision Choir 2019
- Eurovision Asia Song Contest 2019
- Eurovision Young Dancers 2019
- Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019
- ABU Song Contest 2019
- Turkvision Song Contest 2019
Notes and references
Notes
- Contains two lines in Arabic.
References
- "Eurowizja 2019: Gdzie jest krzyż? Oświadczenie Universal Polska i zespołu Tulia" (in Polish). Onet.pl. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
External links
Media related to Eurovision Song Contest 2019 at Wikimedia Commons
