Movies Interesting Facts MALMO, Sweden – Dutch singer Joost Klein was not allowed to take part in Friday’s two rehearsals ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest after an “incident,” the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the event, said in a statement.
“We are currently investigating the incident which we have been told involves a Dutch artist. He will not be rehearsing until further notice,” the EBU said in the statement.
Klein, who did not attend the first rehearsal on Friday, will also not perform during the second dress rehearsal scheduled for 1900 GMT, the EBU said later, citing an ongoing investigation.
The EBU said that performances during rehearsals are voted on by juries in the 37 participating countries, but Klein’s performance from the semi-final will be used.
The EBU also said it was in talks with Dutch broadcaster AvroTros, without giving further details on the nature of the investigation.
It was unclear whether Klein, whose quirky song “Europapa” had originally made him one of the favourites, would appear in Saturday’s final.
The EBU and Klein did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
On Thursday, more than 10,000 people demonstrated against Israel’s participation in the southern Swedish city of Malmö, where the contest takes place.
Eurovision organizers have resisted calls to oust Israel over its military campaign in Gaza due to Hamas’ October 7 attack, arguing that the contest is a non-political event.
20-year-old Israeli solo artist Golan was one of eight artists to qualify for the final on Thursday, and has become one of the favorites among bookmakers to win the competition.
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