The fate of The Netherlands’ Eurovision entry lies in the balance, after the Dutch representative failed to perform in Friday evening’s jury final.
Eurovoix News reports that artist Joost Klein is under investigation for an incident that took place off-stage, and was prevented from performing on Friday while this was ongoing. Klein has not been disqualified, and a video of his performance from Thursday evening’s semi-final was used instead.
The European Broadcasting Union has released a statement, saying:
“The investigation into the incident with the Dutch artist in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest is still ongoing. Discussions are also taking place between the EBU and AVROTROS, the Dutch participating broadcaster.
“While the investigation continues the EBU has decided that Joost Klein will not perform during Dress Rehearsal 2 of the competition which is voted on by juries in the 37 participating countries.
“His performance from Semi Final 2 will be used instead.”
Eurovoix News reports that Klein’s absence on Friday came at the last minute on Friday, with stage crew already setting up the staging for the dress rehearsal prior to the jury final, until they were told to move onto the next act instead.
Klein, whose song ‘Europapa’ has become one of the surprise hits of the Contest, is being investigated after a physical altercation between him and a photographer, according to Swedish broadcaster SVT, which says police are now investigating the matter. The EBU will be hoping this is completed speedily, so a decision can be made on Klein’s participation in tonight’s Grand Final.
This is an extra challenge for a Contest already mired in controversy over Israel’s participation. While the Israeli entry Eden Golan got through the semi-final on Thursday and is now the second favourite to win the competition, protests outside the venue attracted a reported 12,000 people, demonstrating against Israel’s inclusion in the multi-national event.
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