Latest news with #BBCEurovision
The National
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Pro-Palestinian activists protest during Israel's Eurovision song
The incident took place as the October 7 survivor sang her entry New Day Will Rise, which was greeted with cheers and boos, as BBC Eurovision commentator Graham Norton said there was a 'mixed response' in the arena in Basel, Switzerland. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael finished in second place with 357 points, with the UK awarding the country its 12 points in the public vote. On Saturday, a spokesman for Israeli broadcaster Kan said the protesters 'were blocked by security officials, but Raphael was shaken and upset'. READ MORE: Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 75 people in 'Gideon's Chariots' offensive 'The delegation was needed to move location for 15 minutes,' he added. 'At the same time, a big anti-Israel protest takes place in the centre of Basel. Israeli national security council issued a warning to Israeli civilians in the city to keep a low profile.' A spokesman for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said: 'At the end of the Israeli performance a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier on to the stage. 'They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. 'The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.' Swiss police confirmed the two people were handed over to them and that they have now been released. A spokesman for Basel police said: 'The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges.' Youth Demand, which is calling for a trade embargo on Israel, said its supporters David Curry, 22, from Manchester, and Meaghan Leon, 27, from London, had been arrested. Earlier, there were pro-Palestinian protests near a free concert in the centre of Basel to demonstrate against Israel's inclusion, with a small group nearby also protesting with Israeli flags. Later the group advocating for Israel to be removed from Eurovision moved across Basel, where they were met by a significant police presence, and tear gas was seen being used. It comes after Raphael's rehearsal for Thursday's second semi-final of the competition was 'disrupted' by six people with 'oversized flags and whistles' who obstructed her act. SRG SSR, which is organising the event in Basel after Nemo triumphed for Switzerland with The Code in Malmo 2024, said the group was quickly ejected from the St Jakobshalle arena. A spokeswoman for SRG SSR said of the incident: 'During the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the ESC this afternoon, the performance of Israeli singer Yuval Raphael was disrupted. 'Six people, including a family, disrupted the rehearsal with oversized flags and whistles. 'Security personnel were able to quickly identify those involved and escort them out of the hall. 'We would like to thank all the artists, delegations, staff, fans and guests, including many children, who are making ESC 2025 a unique experience. 'At the same time, we would like to emphasise that the organisers are committed to a neutral, safe, inclusive and respectful environment at the ESC.' Videos on social media appeared to show a large Palestinian flag being extended in the crowd across several people, while an Israeli symbol was also seen in the audience.
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Eurovision 2025 fans issue technical complaint minutes into final
Eurovision fans flocked to Twitter in their droves to issue a 'complaint' over Graham Norton within minutes of the grand final getting underway on BBC Eurovision 2025 viewers lodged a 'complaint' with the BBC over Graham Norton's audio issues during the grand final. Graham had a packed schedule, making a surprise appearance in Doctor Who as a hologram for BBC's Super Saturday. After delivering a cliffhanger to Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor about the impending end of the world, Graham switched gears to provide commentary for Eurovision. The beloved talk show host has been the voice of Eurovision for the BBC since 2009, stepping into the shoes of Terry Wogan. Over the past 16 years, audiences have grown fond of Graham's candid commentary style, with the Irishman never shying away from expressing his true thoughts on the performances, reports the Manchester Evening News. With Scott Mills and Rylan Clark covering the two semi-finals earlier in the week, Graham returned to the commentary booth to narrate the action from Switzerland's St Jakobshalle in Basel. Following a video montage of extreme sports stars delivering the glass microphone trophy to the arena, Graham was raring to go. Building anticipation for the UK's Remember Monday's performance, Graham hinted at a possible appearance by Celine Dion later in the evening. However, despite Graham's quick wit and humorous quips from the get-go, his microphone seemed unusually quiet, making it difficult for viewers to hear him. Fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, urging the BBC to increase the volume on Graham's microphone as they were struggling to catch his commentary. Social media was buzzing when viewers struggled to hear Graham Norton's much-anticipated commentary, with @smilelots12 tweeting: "@BBCOne @TheGNShow #Eurovision please can you turn up the volume on Graham Norton? Really hard to hear him." @ma777ddy chimed in with concerns about audio issues, questioning: "What's up with the volume, or is my phone and tv broken #eurovision." Meanwhile, @Beth92_lfc suggested a technical tweak for better sound: "I think they need to higher the volume up on Graham Norton's microphone. #Eurovision." And @tonythesheep expressed his disappointment: "Anyone else not hear #grahamnorton on #bbc for the #Eurovision and his quips? @BBCOne." scattymum1 also shared her thoughts stating: "Does anyone else watch Eurovision primarily for Graham Norton's commentary? He is a legend. If Celine Dion appears he may well expire, but he will die happy #Eurovision #ESC2025 #grahamnorton." Thankfully, the issue with Graham's microphone seemed to be resolved promptly, allowing viewers to enjoy his remarks just as Albania's Shkodra Elektronike took to the stage to open the Eurovision performances. Watch the Eurovision Grand Final on BBC iPlayer.
Glasgow Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Israeli singer left ‘shaken' after protesters rushed towards Eurovision stage
The incident took place as the October 7 survivor sang her entry New Day Will Rise, which was greeted with cheers and boos, as BBC Eurovision commentator Graham Norton said there was a 'mixed response' in the arena in Basel, Switzerland. Israel finished in second place with 357 points, with the UK awarding the country its 12 points in the public vote. On Saturday, a spokesman for Israeli broadcaster Kan said the protesters 'were blocked by security officials, but Raphael was shaken and upset'. The pair were prevented from entering the stage during the performance (Martin Meissner/AP) 'The delegation was needed to move location for 15 minutes,' he added. 'At the same time, a big anti-Israel protest takes place in the centre of Basel. Israeli national security council issued a warning to Israeli civilians in the city to keep a low profile.' A spokesman for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said: 'At the end of the Israeli performance a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier on to the stage. 'They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. 'The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.' Swiss police confirmed the two people were handed over to them and that they have now been released. A spokesman for Basel police said: 'The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges.' Youth Demand, which is calling for a trade embargo on Israel, said its supporters David Curry, 22, from Manchester, and Meaghan Leon, 27, from London, had been arrested. Yuval Raphael from Israel performs during the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest (Martin Meissner/AP) Earlier, there were pro-Palestinian protests near a free concert in the centre of Basel to demonstrate against Israel's inclusion, with a small group nearby also protesting with Israeli flags. Later the group advocating for Israel to be removed from Eurovision moved across Basel, where they were met by a significant police presence, and tear gas was seen being used. It comes after Raphael's rehearsal for Thursday's second semi-final of the competition was 'disrupted' by six people with 'oversized flags and whistles' who obstructed her act. SRG SSR, which is organising the event in Basel after Nemo triumphed for Switzerland with The Code in Malmo 2024, said the group was quickly ejected from the St Jakobshalle arena. A spokeswoman for SRG SSR said of the incident: 'During the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the ESC this afternoon, the performance of Israeli singer Yuval Raphael was disrupted. 'Six people, including a family, disrupted the rehearsal with oversized flags and whistles. 'Security personnel were able to quickly identify those involved and escort them out of the hall. 'We would like to thank all the artists, delegations, staff, fans and guests, including many children, who are making ESC 2025 a unique experience. 'At the same time, we would like to emphasise that the organisers are committed to a neutral, safe, inclusive and respectful environment at the ESC.' Videos on social media appeared to show a large Palestinian flag being extended in the crowd across several people, while an Israeli symbol was also seen in the audience.
North Wales Chronicle
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Israeli singer left ‘shaken' after protesters rushed towards Eurovision stage
The incident took place as the October 7 survivor sang her entry New Day Will Rise, which was greeted with cheers and boos, as BBC Eurovision commentator Graham Norton said there was a 'mixed response' in the arena in Basel, Switzerland. Israel finished in second place with 357 points, with the UK awarding the country its 12 points in the public vote. On Saturday, a spokesman for Israeli broadcaster Kan said the protesters 'were blocked by security officials, but Raphael was shaken and upset'. 'The delegation was needed to move location for 15 minutes,' he added. 'At the same time, a big anti-Israel protest takes place in the centre of Basel. Israeli national security council issued a warning to Israeli civilians in the city to keep a low profile.' A spokesman for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said: 'At the end of the Israeli performance a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier on to the stage. 'They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. 'The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.' Swiss police confirmed the two people were handed over to them and that they have now been released. A spokesman for Basel police said: 'The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges.' Earlier, there were pro-Palestinian protests near a free concert in the centre of Basel to demonstrate against Israel's inclusion, with a small group nearby also protesting with Israeli flags. Later the group advocating for Israel to be removed from Eurovision moved across Basel, where they were met by a significant police presence, and tear gas was seen being used. It comes after Raphael's rehearsal for the semi-final of the competition was 'disrupted' by six people with 'oversized flags and whistles' who obstructed her act. SRG SSR, which is organising the event in Basel after Nemo triumphed for Switzerland with The Code in Malmo 2024, said the group was quickly ejected from the St Jakobshalle arena. A spokeswoman for SRG SSR said of the incident: 'During the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the ESC this afternoon, the performance of Israeli singer Yuval Raphael was disrupted. 'Six people, including a family, disrupted the rehearsal with oversized flags and whistles. 'Security personnel were able to quickly identify those involved and escort them out of the hall. 'We would like to thank all the artists, delegations, staff, fans and guests, including many children, who are making ESC 2025 a unique experience. 'At the same time, we would like to emphasise that the organisers are committed to a neutral, safe, inclusive and respectful environment at the ESC.' Videos on social media appeared to show a large Palestinian flag being extended in the crowd across several people, while an Israeli symbol was also seen in the audience.
Rhyl Journal
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Israeli singer left ‘shaken' after protesters rushed towards Eurovision stage
The incident took place as the October 7 survivor sang her entry New Day Will Rise, which was greeted with cheers and boos, as BBC Eurovision commentator Graham Norton said there was a 'mixed response' in the arena in Basel, Switzerland. Israel finished in second place with 357 points, with the UK awarding the country its 12 points in the public vote. On Saturday, a spokesman for Israeli broadcaster Kan said the protesters 'were blocked by security officials, but Raphael was shaken and upset'. 'The delegation was needed to move location for 15 minutes,' he added. 'At the same time, a big anti-Israel protest takes place in the centre of Basel. Israeli national security council issued a warning to Israeli civilians in the city to keep a low profile.' A spokesman for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said: 'At the end of the Israeli performance a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier on to the stage. 'They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. 'The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.' Swiss police confirmed the two people were handed over to them and that they have now been released. A spokesman for Basel police said: 'The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges.' Earlier, there were pro-Palestinian protests near a free concert in the centre of Basel to demonstrate against Israel's inclusion, with a small group nearby also protesting with Israeli flags. Later the group advocating for Israel to be removed from Eurovision moved across Basel, where they were met by a significant police presence, and tear gas was seen being used. It comes after Raphael's rehearsal for the semi-final of the competition was 'disrupted' by six people with 'oversized flags and whistles' who obstructed her act. SRG SSR, which is organising the event in Basel after Nemo triumphed for Switzerland with The Code in Malmo 2024, said the group was quickly ejected from the St Jakobshalle arena. A spokeswoman for SRG SSR said of the incident: 'During the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the ESC this afternoon, the performance of Israeli singer Yuval Raphael was disrupted. 'Six people, including a family, disrupted the rehearsal with oversized flags and whistles. 'Security personnel were able to quickly identify those involved and escort them out of the hall. 'We would like to thank all the artists, delegations, staff, fans and guests, including many children, who are making ESC 2025 a unique experience. 'At the same time, we would like to emphasise that the organisers are committed to a neutral, safe, inclusive and respectful environment at the ESC.' Videos on social media appeared to show a large Palestinian flag being extended in the crowd across several people, while an Israeli symbol was also seen in the audience.
