Russia Has Been Kicked Out Of The Eurovision Song Contest
The Eurovision Song Contest isn’t just a glittering spectacle of insanity. I mean, it is. But technically, its purpose is to celebrate the songwriting talents of the citizens of Europe. But not all of Europe will be represented at this year’s Eurovision. It was announced that Russia has been kicked out of this year’s contest, due to Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine.
Not long after the news broke about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the organizers of Eurovision were asked about the giant vodka-drinking bear in the room, and they said that Russia would still be allowed to participate in the competition. Well, it’s like people always say: what a difference several threats of a boycott and a day makes. Organizers of Eurovision have changed their minds. via Sky News:
The organizers said Russia’s participation would “bring the competition into disrepute”. Finland said it would boycott the event if Russia was allowed to take part, while other European public broadcasters, including Ukraine’s, called for Russia to be expelled. Other countries, including the Netherlands and Latvia, said they were concerned about acts from Russia and Ukraine competing.
This year’s event will be held in Turin, Italy between May 10-14, as for the past 26 years Eurovision has been held in May. Sky News notes that the Eurovision Song Contest is the most-watched non-sports event in the entire world. A broadcaster boycott could seriously fuck up those ratings, and subsequent ad revenue, so if money is on the line, someone is going to get kicked out. Here is Eurovision’s official statement on Russia’s ejection from this year’s show:
Statement from @EBU_HQ regarding Russia's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.https://t.co/HmKJdqVE4J pic.twitter.com/tVH6yFxzbq
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) February 25, 2022
Russia hasn’t won a Eurovision since 2008, and it looks like this year isn’t their year either. That makes sense since it’s pretty difficult to put on a multi-national show with feel-good vibes when one delegate’s country is out there dropping bombs and terrorizing another delegate’s country.
Pic: INSTAR