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Eurovision thrown into chaos as act ‘pulled’ from rehearsals after ‘incident’ just hours before live final
An incident has been reported to officials - and the performer has been told he will not be rehearsing 'until further notice'
EUROVISION has been thrown into chaos after Dutch act Joost Klein was "pulled" from rehearsals today.
The performer has been told he will not be preparing for tomorrow night's final - despite there being just hours to go.
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It follows an "incident" reported to Eurovision organisers. While unconfirmed by organisers, Swedish outlet SVT reports there was a physical confrontation between Joost and a photographer.
Joost, 26, did not deliver his song Europapa as planned today. He will now not be rehearsing "until further notice".
In a statement to the PA news agency, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said: "We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist.
"He will not be rehearsing until further notice.
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"We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course."
In the first dress rehearsal for tomorrow's Grand Final, Joost appeared during the Flag Parade - but didn't perform his song Europapa when the time came.
Joost Klein
It comes after Joost told Israeli performer Eden Golan, 20, that she should respond to a question about jeopardising the safety of other competitors during a press conference on Thursday.
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A journalist had asked her: “Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?”
The singer replied that she was "very excited to go on stage again, and share my love with everyone", adding she was "overwhelmed with emotions".
Israel's involvement in the competition has been met with fierce criticism due to the country's ongoing war against Hamas inside the Gaza Strip.
However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the event, has dismissed calls for Israel to be excluded.
The competition bills itself as a non-political event and can disqualify countries who break that neutrality rules.
In March, they asked Israel to modify the lyrics of Golan's song "October Rain" as it appeared to reference Hamas's brutal October 7 attack on Israel.
Golan unveiled the amended song, now titled Hurricane, last weekend.
Since October, pro-Palestinian rallies have been a regular occurrence in Malmo, which is home to the majority of Sweden's population of Palestinian origin.
Metal barricades and large concrete blocks have been put up around Malmo Arena.
Organisers have banned all flags other than those of the participating countries inside the arena, as well as all banners with a political message.
Police are guarding the venue and visitors need to pass through metal detectors before entering the arena and are not allowed to bring bags.
UK entry Olly Alexander will be competing in the most-watched contest in the world this weekend in Malmo, Sweden, with his song Dizzy.
Israeli singer Eden Golan shrugs off Eurovision protests after being told to stay in hotel room and delivers powerful semi-final performance
And while he teamed up with Dua Lipa's producer for the track, it appears his efforts haven't won fans over.
Some compared him to fellow pop star Sam Smith, famed for their shock-factor performances.
During the first semi-final Olly performed sporting a plastic jock strap over red combat trousers.
He was accompanied by semi-naked dancers wearing boxing-style shorts and jock straps, thrusting and sticking out their tongues.
One person remarked: "Horrible. Family friendly? It looks like a pornographic movie…"
"As a gay guy this is way too over sexual tbh, this is something for OnlyFans not for Eurovision," another typed beneath the post.
A third irritated viewer commented: "If this is the definition of being gay, then I must be straight. Nevertheless Go Britain to win!"
Eurovision Song Contest odds 2024
Here are all of the odds for this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
- Croatia - Baby Lasagna - Rim Tim Tagi Dim (7/5)
- Switzerland - Nemo - The Code (103/25)
- Italy - Angelina Mango - La Noia (803/100)
- Ukraine - Aloyna Aloyna & Jerry Heil - Teresa & Maria (49/5)
- Netherlands - Joost Klein - Europapa (81/5)
- Ireland - Bambi Thug - Doomsday Blue (181/10)
- France - Slimane - mon-amour (28)
- Israel - Eden Golan - Hurricane (38)
- Greece - Marina Satti - ZARI (107)
- Finland - Windows95man - No Rules! (126)
- United Kingdom - Olly Alexander - Dizzy (156)
- Sweden - Marcus & Martinus - Unforgettable (313)
- Armenia - LADANVIA - JakoAustralia (293)
- Belgium - Mustii - Before The Party's Over (264)
- Norway - Gäte - Ulveham (303)
- Lithuania - Sllvester Belt - Luktelk (401)
- Georgia - Nutsa Buzaladze - Firefighter (371)
- Austria - Kaleen - We Will Rave (460)
- Spain - Nebulossa - ZORRA (734)
- Denmark - SABA - Sand (587)
- Czech Republic - Aiko - Pedestal (979)
- Slovenia - Raiven - Veronika (587)
- Serbia - Teya Dora - RAMONDA (979)
- Germany - Isaak - Always On The Run (597)
- Cyprus - Silia Kapsis - Liar (979)
- Portugal - iolanda - Grito (832)
- San Marino - Megara - 11:11 (979)
- Malta - Sarah Bonnici - Loop (979)
- Luxembourg - TALI - Fighte (979)
- Estonia - 5miinust & Puuluup - (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi (979)
- Latvia - Dons - Hollow (979)
- Albania - Besa - Zemrën N’dorë (979)
Another said: "Love the song. Hate the unnecessary sexual gyrating all over the stage, very much Sam Smith vibes which is why I went off him too."
The event will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday night.
Scott Mills and Rylan Clark have, once again, been commentating on all the Eurovision action for the BBC.
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Graham Norton will take over duties for the Grand Final on Saturday.
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