“Positive and safe” - Eurovision hopes to re-boot in 2025
Backstage problems at 2024 event were a turning point
It’s no news that the Eurovision song contest was dogged by deep problems in 2024. The issues kicked off when Israel - in the middle of military operations in Gaza – was asked to reword the lyrics of the song it was submitting. They complied, but many people questioned whether the country should be allowed to participate at all this year.
As Eurovision – the world’s largest live music event - does everything it possibly can to avoid politics, the decision was made to go ahead. But the show in Malmö, Sweden, was marred by a number of incidents. Increased security and a very tense atmosphere backstage strained the tempers of many people, culminating in the elimination of the Dutch contestant following an incident with the production crew.
The organising body, EBU, received many complaints and undertook to modify the code of conduct. The new code aims to better support artists, introducing: camera-free zones in key artist preparation areas; more closed-door rehearsals to allow artists to focus; optimized rehearsal schedules to provide artists with more time for rest; and the appointment of a welfare officer.
What has not changed is Eurovision’s strict no-politics stance. “We are united through music – and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the Contest remains an event that promotes unity, diversity, and inclusion,” according to Martin Green, the new contest director.
The next Eurovision will take place in Basel, Switzerland in May 2025.
(Michael Leahy. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Jens Büttner)