MALMÖ (Dagbladet): The Eurovision Song Contest is in full swing. On Thursday, 16 new countries are ready to take the stage. Norway among them.
Nevertheless, it is Israel’s participation that characterizes the evening.
Eden Golan: – Didn’t catch the demonstrations
Already several hours before the broadcast begins, Malmö’s streets are full of demonstrators protesting against the country’s participation in the competition.
During the rehearsals on Wednesday, Israel’s representative, Eden Golan (20), was met with enormous boos from the audience both before and after the performance.
Israel received a mixed reception from the audience during the dress rehearsal before this year’s second semi-final in the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Video: Kristian Sognli
view more
Tonight it will be decided whether Golan will progress – despite the great dissatisfaction. Presenter, journalist and former Eurovision commentator does not think they will make it to the final.
After the semi-final on Thursday, it became clear that both Norway and Israel made it to the final!
EXPERT: Eurovision legend on NRK, Jostein Pedersen, thinks Israel is failing. Photo: John T. Pedersen / Dagbladet
view more
– If they proceed, it is on the wrong basis. Something has happened after Ukraine won in 2022. People vote for a country of sympathy, people suddenly take morality into this concept of “taste and pleasure”, Pedersen believes and adds:
– Before, people were excited by the song, either you liked it or you didn’t.
He believes people’s opinion of the country greatly influences how one votes.
TO BE DECIDED: On Thursday, the last ten final places will be awarded. Photo: Jessica GOW/TT News Agency/AFP/Sweden OUT/NTB
view more
– You either have sympathy or antipathy towards a country, and that is taken into account in the calculation. It is clear that if they (Israel, ed. note) move on, it is because of sympathy, because the song itself is quite average.
Curved off the stage
He is not impressed by Golan’s “Hurricane”.
– It doesn’t stand out. That’s why I think they won’t move on, if they do, it’s because of sympathy, Pedersen asserts.
Israel’s Eurovision hope Eden Golan is in tough weather when she takes the stage in Malmö. Video. Ørjan Ryland / Dagbladet
view more
– There have already been many demonstrations against the country, how do you think the situation will be if they take it further?
– I think it will be the same as before, because we have experienced something similar in the past with Russia and Belarus. Bowing itself is nothing new.
– But it is clear that it becomes terribly uncomfortable when it is at such a high level as now, when national assemblies and presidents interfere and everyone has to say something. And it is, after all, a terrible war situation that no one wants, and which only develops every hour.
– Of course double standards
Appeared
A few hours before the semi-final, Golan appears to the press and answers questions.
– How does it feel to be booed?
– I focus on the good, the good energy. I came to give everything and to sing. I am here to represent my country and show our voice and pride, she replies.
According to the odds, there is little doubt that Gåte and “Ulveham” will go to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, but two things can be decisive. Video: Ørjan Ryland / Dagbladet
view more
– It feels overwhelming and fantastic to go out on that stage. There is so much work and energy put into the performance, says Golan to Dagbladet.
– How do you think the result will be tonight? asks the undersigned.
– We almost just have to wait and see.
Norway and Gåte will perform right after Israel, which several have thought is not necessarily an advantage – considering the tense atmosphere that follows.
Races in Israel: – Repulsive
Norway’s chances
Pedersen is not afraid of Norway’s chances tonight.
– I don’t think it will affect the chances, but I feel very sorry for them. It must be absolutely terrible. It is Israel, after all, so I can only assume that there will be very mixed feelings in the hall on Thursday as well.
He thinks it can also be positive to be after the Golan.
After Norway’s performance in the dress rehearsal before the second semi-final, Sweden’s most talked about Eurovision expert is ready in his speech. Video: Ørjan Ryland
view more
– At least you have the people’s and viewers’ concentration, that’s good, he concludes.
When Dagbladet meets Gåte, shortly after the final rehearsals, they answer honestly about how it feels to go on stage to boo Israel.
– Going on stage then, and taking that room. It feels meaningful, says Gunnhild Sundli, before Magnus Børmark continues:
– We take in the seriousness that fills the room. We take the matter seriously. We do and it’s right
– Are you yourself afraid that it will affect your chances of being on after Israel?
– We think nothing of that.
