Eurovision viewers fume over 'robbed' act as they share same complaint

Daily Mirror

14-05-2025

Despite impressing the Eurovision Song Contest viewers with his intense visual performance, Belgium's Red Sebastian did not qualify for the upcoming grand final.
Eurovision fans were left furious during the semi-finals of the 2025 contest as Belgium's Red Sebastian failed to qualify for the grand final. Red Sebastian, whose real name is Seppe Herreman, delivered a visually striking performance of his track Strobe Lights on Tuesday night (May 13).
The artist came on stage dressed in a massive red jumpsuit and was flanked by lookalikes who mirrored his movements as he danced to the poppy track. He was praised for his showmanship, but despite winning over many fans, Belgium did not make the final cut, and viewers have taken to social media to express their outrage. One fan claimed Belgium was "robbed".
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Another vented: "No!!!!!!! Belgium should have been in the finals. Come on Europe, how could you do that. I don't get it." A third echoed their sentiment, adding: "Red Sebastian got robbed."
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Before the results were announced, Belgium's performance had generated excitement. During the live show one fan gushed: "My god Belgium, this staging is just so wonderful. So thrilled for Red Sebastian."
Another added: "Belgium yeeesss that was so good." But when the ten qualifying countries were revealed, Belgium was not one of them, which left many fans bewildered.
The only time Belgium has won Eurovision was in 1986, when impressive 13-year-old performer Sandra Kim sang J'aime la vie. The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is being held in Basel, Switzerland, following Swiss act Nemo's triumph last year in Sweden with The Code. Their song was written as a reflection on their non-binary identity.
37 countries are competing this year, and only the top ten from each semi-final will progress to the final, alongside the so-called 'Big Five' (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain).
This year's UK hopefuls, country trio Remember Monday, are gearing up for their moment in the spotlight and hoping to dodge the dreaded nil points outcome.
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While some acts are preparing for Saturday's big finale, others, like Belgium, are now facing disappointment - and their fans aren't taking it quietly.
As the musical drama continues, Eurovision organisers have implemented a significant change to the voting process. After Eurovision executive supervisor Martin Österdahl was loudly booed last year when he appeared on screen to verify results, the EBU has decided to move the Scrutineer's Desk backstage.
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According to a spokesperson, the aim is to "maximise the number of fans who can see the shows" by freeing up seats inside the arena. But not everyone is convinced by the new setup.
Some fans have compared the backstage verification area to a "VAR room in Geneva", while others have accused Österdahl of avoiding further backlash.
Meanwhile, security measures have been tightened in Basel. With tensions running high over Israel 's participation in the song contest during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, over 1,300 Swiss police officers - along with additional forces from Germany, France, and the Swiss Armed Forces - have been deployed ahead of Saturday's final.
The Eurovision Grand Final airs at 8pm on Saturday, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.