Road to Rotterdam: North Macedonia

When Vasil Garvanliev is on the podium for North Macedonia, he will be relieved. He was already there as a backing vocalist when Tamara Todevska finished seventh. In 2020 he would represent North Macedonia himself. This was canceled due to the Corona crisis. North Macedonian broadcaster selected him for the 2021 contest. But when the clip of “Here I stand” was published, it turned out that it contained three paintings in the colors of the Bulgarian flag. A petition was held by extreme nationalists not to send Vasil to the Eurovision song contest. The broadcaster started an investigation.
Fortunately, the whole story fizzled out. Eurovision fans organized a counter-petition and Vasil is allowed to go to Rotterdam after all.

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Vienna 12 points: Jonas Lovv Asked To Tone Down Performance

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Eurovision 2026
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Vienna 12 points: Jonas Lovv Asked To Tone Down Performance

đź“· 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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