Australia: not on site in Rotterdam

This morning, EBU announced that the Australian delegation will not be able to fly to Rotterdam for the Eurovision Song Contest. Due to the situation around COVID19, Australian participant Montaigne can not perform her song “Technicolour” live on stage in Ahoy. Instead, the live-on-tape recording of the song will be shown during the first semifinal, and depending on the results maybe again in the final. In an earlier stage, Sietse Bakker, executive producer of the Eurovision Song Contest, already stated that it would be difficult to get the Australian participant in Rotterdam. 

In an interview with eurovision.tv, Montaigne expressed that this does not make her very sad. “I have the preternatural ability to let go of opportunities that don’t come through. Like water off a duck’s back.” She will, however, keep on campaigning for the song. The fact that she will not travel to Rotterdam gives her the opportunity to follow the voting with her dearest friends and family.

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Vienna 12 points: Jonas Lovv Asked To Tone Down Performance

📷 EBU/Alma Bengtsson According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the concern was not about the song itself, but about parts of the performance being considered too suggestive for a family audience. VG reports that the feedback focused on repeated crotch-grabbing and thrusting-style movements, some of which were improvised rather than part of the planned choreography. Jonas Lovv will represent Norway in the second semi-final on Thursday 14 May. He is set to close the show as the 15th act in the running order. Therefore, the Norwegian team still has time to adjust the staging before viewers see it on television. The warning has not led to panic in the Norwegian camp. Lovv has reacted with humour, while also making clear that he takes the EBU’s message seriously. Head of delegation Mads Tørklep said Norway will follow the rules and make the number more family friendly. Lovv earned his Eurovision ticket by winning Melodi Grand Prix earlier this year. His entry “YA YA YA” brings rock energy, strong vocals and a highly physical stage presence to the Wiener Stadthalle. As a result, the performance has already become a talking point during rehearsals. For now, the changes appear to be small adjustments rather than a complete overhaul. Eurovision viewers should still expect an intense and confident Norwegian performance. However, with slightly less emphasis on the movements that sparked the warning. If Norway qualifies, Lovv will return for the Grand Final on Saturday 16 May. The situation adds another storyline to Eurovision week, as artists balance personal expression with the contest’s broadcast guidelines for viewers across Europe. source: NRK

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