Nemo not at flag parade – Norwegian announcer does not perform
Published: Saturday, May 11th 2024, 18:00
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A few hours before the final of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), there were protests against Israel. Swiss ESC hopeful Nemo, for example, stayed away from a flag parade. And the Norwegian score announcer also backed out.
The singer Alessandra Mele justified the move in a video on Instagram on Saturday with the Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip. "A genocide is currently taking place", said the 21-year-old and called on people to be led by "love for the truth".
The ESC motto "United by Music" is in line with her motivation to make music, said Mele. "But at the moment, these words are just empty words." The singer, who also has Italian roots, achieved fifth place for Norway at the ESC last year "with Queen of Kings". Presenter Ingvild Helljesen from broadcaster NRK was to stand in for Mele.
Crisis meeting held
According to information from NRK and the Swedish broadcaster SVT, a crisis meeting was held in Malmö. In addition to Nemo, the representatives of Ireland and Greece did not attend the flag parade. Bambie Thug from Ireland, who had repeatedly criticized the participation of Israeli singer Eden Golan, also missed the rehearsal on Saturday.
Bambie Thug wrote on Instagram that there had been a "situation" when the artists wanted to enter the stage for the flag parade. According to media reports, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer of the ESC, announced that it was investigating the situation.
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