The European Broadcasting Union has confirmed to Dutch media that an independent review of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is underway.
An independent review into the Eurovision Song Contest has been confirmed as taking place, following reporting from RTL Boulevard earlier today. The Dutch outlet first reported that an independent review was underway according to its sources, the European Broadcasting Union has confirmed this in a statement this evening:
To further strengthen the Eurovision Song Contest, we have asked an independent expert to look at ESC 2024 in Malmö to share insights and lessons with the EBU governing bodies to support the continuous improvement of this global event,
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 saw a number of incidents occur both on-screen and off-screen, which brought increased scrutiny to the competition. Among the incidents occurred during the course of the competition and questions raised post contest are:
- The Netherlands Joost Klein was disqualified for an incident that occurred on May 9. AVROTROS has protested the disqualification and complained about anti-booing technology used at the contest.
- Ireland raised to the EBU an incident which led to Bambie Thug missing the final dress rehearsal on May 11. This is believed to relate comments made by Israeli commentators before Bambie Thug’s performance during the first semi-final, which Bambie Thug believed violated the rules.
- RTVE of Spain lodged a complaint regarding press freedoms at the competition
- Multiple delegations have raised issues with the ‘unsafe environment’ at this year’s contest including AVROTROS.
- Several countries were reported to be looking at withdrawing ahead of the final. However, the report has been disputed in Switzerland and Portugal.
- The EBU alleged the presence of ‘pro-Palestinian elements’ in the Portuguese performance, which led to a delay in iolanda’s performance being uploaded during the final.
- The Vice President of the European Union raised concerns regarding the banning of the European Union flag from the venue by security. The EBU has since stated a review of the policy will take place ahead of 2025.
- RTVSLO of Slovenia has raised questions regarding the voting methods at the contest, and the televoting results it saw from Slovene voters.
Nemo won the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 for Switzerland with “The Code”. They scored a total of 591 points including 22 sets of 12 points from the juries and 12 points from the public in Ukraine.
Image source: Daniel Stridh | Source: RTL Boulevard, AD