Latest news with #EurovisionSongContestGrandFinal
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Eurovision winner JJ leads calls for Israel to be banned from song contest
After triumphing in the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final over the weekend, JJ is now calling for Israel's removal from the competition. The 24-year-old became the latest Eurovision winner on Saturday night, representing Austria with his song Wasted Love as the music extravaganza concluded in Basel, Switzerland. Throughout the contest, protests raged through the streets against Israel's participation once again due to the country's bombardment of Gaza, where thousands of lives have been lost, and blockades against humanitarian supplies have been enforced. This year, Israel was represented by Yuval Raphael, 24, with New Day Will Rise. The entrant came close to lifting the trophy after climbing the leaderboard in the jury vote, but ultimately finished second. Speaking out after his win with 436 points against Israel's 357, JJ said he agrees with 2024 winner Nemo, of Switzerland, that elements of Eurovision need 'fixing', one of them being 'who participates in the festival'. During an interview with Spanish journal El País, he said: 'It is very disappointing to see that Israel is still participating in the contest. 'I would like next year's Eurovision to be held in Vienna and without Israel. But the ball is in the EBU's court. We, the artists, can only raise our voices on the matter.' JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, also spoke about Eurovision organisers' decision to prohibit acts from displaying Pride flags on stage at the contest. On it being a 'step backwards', he added: 'Although I was comforted to know that the audience could do it, I tried to sneak in a flag during the finals. But I got caught. 'I had it tucked away in a pocket of my pants, and someone from the organisation saw what I was carrying. Just before I went on stage, they told me, 'That's not your country's flag; you can't display it.' I almost made it.' But it appears the singer has no intention of being silenced now, saying of his plans post-win: 'I'm going to take the opportunity and use this platform as huge as Eurovision to advocate for rights for the whole queer community and to make sure we have more equality. 'There is still a huge stigma around us, and unfortunately, Europe is becoming more and more conservative, taking steps backwards. 'It's very, very disappointing and something needs to be done about it.' His remarks come after anti-Israel demonstrators were removed from the arena during the live final after attempting to climb onto the stage during Raphael's song. 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 onto 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.' Viewers at home remained unaware of the near-stage invasion, as the moment was not captured by BBC cameras. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A spokesman for Basel police later 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.' Israeli representative Raphael was reportedly left 'shaken and upset' after the protesters rushed towards her. Meanwhile, hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters remained in the streets, having taken over a bridge over the Rhine River with flags, banners, flares, and fake blood, which they smeared over blankets to represent children. Public transport officials had to issue a warning to Eurovision attendees ahead of the final, urging them to avoid the street. More Trending But the protests didn't end there, as Spanish broadcaster RTVE faces a whopping fine after persisting with a pro-Palestine message ahead of the final, despite a previous warning against doing so. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Before airing their coverage, they showed a black screen with the text: 'When human rights are at stake, silence is not an option.' 'Peace and Justice for Palestine.' Spain, represented this year by Melody with ESA DIVA, did so despite Eurovision maintaining it is a 'non-political' event, with rules on their website stating: 'All participating broadcasters, including the host broadcaster, shall be responsible to ensure that all necessary measures are undertaken within their respective delegations and teams to safeguard the interests and the integrity of the ESC and to make sure that the ESC shall in no case be politicised and/or instrumentalised and/or otherwise brought into disrepute in any way.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Israeli couple killed in Washington DC shooting named and pictured MORE: Israeli army fires 'warning shots' at foreign diplomats in West Bank MORE: Donald Trump unveils plan for £130,000,000,000 'Golden Dome for America'
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Celine Dion breaks silence after Eurovision no-show
Celine Dion breaks silence after Eurovision no-show Canadian singer Celine Dion has shared posts on social media following her no-show at the Eurovision Song Contest grand final in Basel which was held last weekend, May 17 Former Eurovision Song Contest winner Celine Dion, spoke in a pre-recorded video message during the first semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel (Image: AP ) It was a disappointment to many fans watching the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final last weekend that the queen of power ballads, Celine Dion did not make an appearance. The French-Canadian singer has now broken her social silence for the first time since the speculation was rife that she would appear at the Basel event. It was believed that the My Heart Will Go On singer would be making an appearance at the singing contest after it was reported that her private jet had been spotted in the Swiss city. She's been away from the spotlight for several years as she grapples with the debilitating condition known as "stiff person syndrome", but she returned to the stage last summer to perform at the Paris Olympics. Of course, she also represented Switzerland back in 1988. Now, Celine has broken he silence post Eurovision with an Instagram that has left fans confused. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Her Instagram post featured an image of her lying on a hand rail in a theatre. Alongside it, she said: "Is planking still a thing? Asking for a friend…" Article continues below One fan said what we were all thinking, "That's so random but I LOVE!", whilst also adding how much they missed the singer. Content cannot be displayed without consent Fans have shared their love for the singer, hoping she will soon return to the stage. One fans commented: "Soft launching that comeback, queen?!" Another added: "The stage is waiting for you !! we miss you so much!" This post comes following rumours of her appearing at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel last weekend. Despite making a video appearance at the semi final of the competition on Tuesday, May 13, fans were expecting the singer to pop up in the contest's grand final which was held on Saturday, May 17. The BBC reported that her private jet had been spotted in Basel before the show and that whipped up fans into a frenzy. Although, the news outlet were unable to confirm whether the songstress was on the private jet or not. In 1988, 20-year-old Celine Dion, who was little known outside her native French-speaking Quebec province in Canada, performed and won with her song 'Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi' as she represented Switzerland in the competition. This marked the last time that the country had won the competition until Nemo took the crown for Switzerland in 2024. Celine herself even posted a throwback post on May 2, which showcased images from her 1988 performance as well as some from Eurovision 1989 when the country last hosted as a result of the singer's win the previous year. Where the Eurovision account joked: "It's all coming back to me now." Content cannot be displayed without consent In her video appearance during the first semi final of the competition viewers were moved as she made a rare public statement amidst her recent health battle. As the video began to play, the star was met with a loud cheer from the audience as she started off by saying: "I'd love nothing more than to be with you." She went on: "Switzerland will always hold a special place in my heart. It's the country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary." Article continues below The star continues to say that winning Eurovision was "a lifechanging moment" and that seeing the contest return to Switzerland is "beautiful and emotional". You can read more here. The competition had previously been teasing fans that the Canadian singer would be making a return to the stage to celebrate the occasion following speculation. At a press conference ahead of the Grand Final, Eurovision's director Martin Green said: "Father Christmas exists, and you'll have to wait and see".
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Eurovision 2025 drinking game: 15 rules to make the song contest experience a little more fun
Eurovision 2025 drinking game: 15 rules to make the song contest experience a little more fun It's Eurovision time again and as much as we love it, it sure is a long night. This drinking game will keep you giggly enough to watch the whole show and still appreciate the sparkly outfits - but be sure to drink responsibly Graham Norton is the UK's commentator extraordinaire for the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final (Image: BBC ) Eurovision season is upon us once again, and while we adore the spectacle, it's no secret that it can be a bit of a marathon. To keep spirits high throughout the lengthy event, why not try this fun drinking game? However, we do have to remind you to drink sensibly, because you still want to enjoy the show and definitely not suffer the next day. The contest kicks off at 8pm tonight, Saturday, May 17, on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer and it lasts... well, quite a while. Four hours to be exact. So, here are the rules to make it more entertaining... For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . 1. Every time Graham Norton delivers a sarcastic comment - Drink one finger. Drinking more than one finger for this would be brutal, because we all know what Graham can be like. 2. The UK receives nil points - Drink one finger. Article continues below Indeed, each time a country votes for anyone but us, take a sip. This rule should keep you sufficiently amused throughout the incredibly long voting process, and also help drown your sorrows when we aren't doing well. 3. The UK actually scores some points - Two shots. Given our track record, this doesn't happen too often, so two shots seems fair. 4. A country presents a 'wacky' entry - Take a shot. You know exactly the type I'm referring to. Their outfits are vibrant, and they're amusing in a throwback YouTube kind of way. 5. It's a ballad - Drink three fingers. When things get a bit serious and melancholic which has happened a lot lately, drink three fingers. 6. An outfit straight out of The Hunger Games - Take a shot. When a voter or contestant appears dressed as if they've stepped straight out of the Capitol, it's time to knock back a tequila. 7. Awkward technical glitch - Take a shot. If a presenter poses a question only to be met with an agonising silence and vacant smiles from someone in another country, take a shot. The same goes for when a microphone fails or the wrong clip is played. 8. An act waves a flag - Drink two fingers. This could occur multiple times, which is precisely the point. 9. A dramatic key change - Take a shot. Who can resist a dramatic key change, especially when they stand up from a stool much like Westlife, you raise me up style. 10. Someone hits a note so high only dogs can hear - Two shots. When your dog starts howling, you know it's time. 11. A bum note - Three fingers. We understand that this is one of the hazards of live television, but we still feel compelled to comfort the unfortunate singer through the screen. Since that's physically impossible, send them some supportive tweets and drink to ease the discomfort. If a song is entirely off-key, perhaps just finish your drink. 12. When Graham Norton toasts Terry Wogan - One finger In true Eurovision style, when Graham makes a gesture to the late great commentator Terry Wogan, raise your glass and take a drink. 13. When things get awkwardly sexual - One shot If you're embarrassed to be watching this with your family, you'll know when to drink. 14. When the song is sung in the country's own language- One finger No this doesn't include the UK. 15. UK comes last - Down your drink. It's happened before, and while we're hoping it won't happen this year to Remember Monday, if the worst does occur, then make sure you have just a smidgen left in your glass when the inevitable takes place. Now good luck, and safe drinking! This year's Eurovision Song Contest will be available to watch tonight, May 17, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm. Article continues below
Scotsman
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
United Kingdom at Eurovision: how many points has the country accumulated in total?
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now The United Kingdom's history at Eurovision by the numbers ahead of Remember Monday's hopeful 2025 contest Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Remember Monday are set for their first live performance in Basel tomorrow (May 15 2025) The great British hopes are looking to secure a sixth Eurovision victory for the United Kingdom. But what's the total number of points the UK has received in Eurovision history, and how many times has it received the 'wooden spoon?' The first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest is over, with the second due to take place overnight – and the first chance for Europe to see the UK's entry perform live. As part of the second semi-final's events, Remember Monday is set to perform tomorrow, offering the public a preview of their May 17, 2025 performance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With the hopes of the country resting on the trio's shoulders, how has the United Kingdom fared historically at the beloved competition, and have we really received the dreaded 'nul points' more or less often than we think? We've examined the United Kingdom's performance throughout Eurovision Song Contest history to determine the country's total points received, the points earned at each contest, and which countries have historically awarded the most points to the UK. How many points have the United Kingdom accumulated through Eurovision History? Get to know the United Kingdom's history at Eurovision by the numbers with our look back at 64 years of the country at the song contest. | Canva/Getty Images The United Kingdom has accumulated a total of 4279 points in the Eurovision Song Contest finals throughout its history (excluding 1956 and 1958 when they didn't enter). How many times has the United Kingdom won the Eurovision Song Contest? The United Kingdom has won the Eurovision Song Contest five times: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How many times has the United Kingdom received 'nul points' at Eurovision? The United Kingdom has received zero points in the final two times: Which UK entry has received the most points during a Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final? Looking at the list of UK Eurovision entries and their final points totals, the United Kingdom's entry that received the most points in a final is Sam Ryder with the song Space Man in 2022, earning a total of 466 points. What country has given the United Kingdom the most points in Eurovision history? Throughout the history of the United Kingdom at Eurovision, Belgium have given the country the most accumulated points, with a total of 124 points, while Austria come second having given the UK 96 points and finally France in third, having given us 89 points in total. What countries have given the United Kingdom 12 points the most times at Eurovision? Belgium once again have shown their affinity to United Kingdom entries across the history of the competition; they have awarded the country the maximum number of points on 10 separate occasions, with Austria coming in second with 8 times they've awarded that amount and finally France once more - having given the UK 12 points on five separate occasions. The United Kingdom's history at the Eurovision Song Contest Points total for that year's competition in brackets: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 1957: Patricia Bredin - All (6) 1959: Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson - Sing Little Birdie (16) 1960: Bryan Johnson - Looking High, High, High (25) 1961: The Allisons - Are You Sure? (24) 1962: Ronnie Carroll - Ring-A-Ding Girl (10) 1963: Ronnie Carroll - Say Wonderful Things (28) 1964: Matt Monro - I Love the Little Things (17) 1965: Kathy Kirby - I Belong (26) 1966: Kenneth McKellar - A Man Without Love (8) 1967: Sandie Shaw - Puppet on a String (47) 1968: Cliff Richard - Congratulations (28) 1969: Lulu - Boom Bang-a-Bang (18) 1970: Mary Hopkin - Knock, Knock (Who's There?) (26) 1971: Clodagh Rodgers - Jack in the Box (98) 1972: The New Seekers - Beg, Steal or Borrow (114) 1973: Cliff Richard - Power to All Our Friends (123) 1974: Olivia Newton-John - Long Live Love (14) 1975: The Shadows - Let Me Be the One (138) 1976: Brotherhood of Man - Save Your Kisses for Me (164) 1977: Lynsey de Paul and Mike Moran - Rock Bottom (121) 1978: Co-Co - The Bad Old Days (61) 1979: Black Lace - Mary Ann (73) 1980: Prima Donna - Love Enough for Two (106) 1981: Bucks Fizz - Making Your Mind Up (136) 1982: Bardo - One Step Further (76) 1983: Sweet Dreams - I'm Never Giving Up (79) 1984: Belle and the Devotions - Love Games (63) 1985: Vikki - Love Is (100) 1986: Ryder - Runner in the Night (72) 1987: Rikki - Only the Light (47) 1988: Scott Fitzgerald - Go (136) 1989: Live Report - Why Do I Always Get It Wrong (130) 1990: Emma - Give a Little Love Back to the World (87) 1991: Samantha Janus - A Message to Your Heart (47) 1992: Michael Ball - One Step Out of Time (139) 1993: Sonia - Better the Devil You Know (164) 1994: Frances Ruffelle - We Will Be Free (Lonely Symphony) (63) 1995: Love City Groove - Love City Groove (76) 1996: Gina G - Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit (77) 1997: Katrina and the Waves - Love Shine a Light (227) 1998: Imaani - Where Are You? (166) 1999: Precious - Say It Again (38) 2000: Nicki French - Don't Play That Song Again (98) 2001: Lindsay Dracass - No Dream Impossible (28) 2002: Jessica Garlick - Come Back (111) 2003: Jemini - Cry Baby (0) 2004: James Fox - Hold On to Our Love (29) 2005: Javine - Touch My Fire (18) 2006: Daz Sampson - Teenage Life (25) 2007: Scooch - Flying the Flag (For You) (19) 2008: Andy Abraham - Even If (14) 2009: Jade Ewen - It's My Time (173) 2010: Josh Dubovie - That Sounds Good to Me (10) 2011: Blue - I Can (100) 2012: Engelbert Humperdinck - Love Will Set You Free (12) 2013: Bonnie Tyler - Believe in Me (23) 2014: Molly - Children of the Universe (40) 2015: Electro Velvet - Still in Love with You (5) 2016: Joe and Jake - You're Not Alone (62) 2017: Lucie Jones - Never Give Up on You (111) 2018: SuRie - Storm (48) 2019: Michael Rice - Bigger than Us (11) 2021: James Newman - Embers (0) 2022: Sam Ryder - Space Man (466) 2023: Mae Muller - I Wrote a Song (24) 2024: Olly Alexander - Dizzy (46) What do you think are the United Kingdom's chances at Eurovision 2025 glory with Remember Monday flying the flag? Let us know your predictions regarding this year's contest by leaving a comment down below.
Powys County Times
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
How to vote in the Eurovision Grand Final
The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final is back tonight, and you will likely want to vote for your favourite country. Both semi-finals are complete, with 20 qualifiers joining the Big 5 countries and reigning winners Switzerland. All will be fighting to get your vote, but how can you support your favourite? Here is all to know ahead of the 69th outing of the popular competition. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision) How to vote in the Eurovision Grand Final Votes can be cast by phone, SMS or the Eurovision Song Contest app. The app is available on iOS, Android and Windows devices. As the UK are a participating country, those planning to vote on the phone or through SMS, the numbers you need will be on the screen during the broadcasts and at the Eurovision website. For countries participating in Eurovision, voting will open just before the first song is performed. It will then remain open right through the performances, and for approximately 40 minutes after the last song. You can vote up to 20 times for your favourite. What is the running order of the Eurovision Grand Final? The running order of which countries are performing is as follows: Norway - Kyle Alessandro – Lighter Luxembourg - Laura Thorn – La Poupée Monte Le Son Estonia - Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato Israel - Yuval Raphael – New Day Will Rise Lithuania - Katarsis – Tavo Akys Spain - Melody – ESA DIVA Ukraine - Ziferblat – Bird of Pray United Kingdom - Remember Monday – What The Hell Just Happened? Austria - JJ – Wasted Love Iceland - VÆB – RÓA Latvia - Tautumeitas – Bur Man Laimi Netherlands - Claude – C'est La Vie Finland - Erika Vikman – ICH KOMME Italy - Lucio Corsi - Volevo Essere Un Duro Poland - Justyna Steczkowska – GAJA Germany - Abor & Tynna – Baller Greece - Klavdia – Asteromáta Armenia - PARG – SURVIVOR Switzerland - Zoë Më – Voyage Malta - Miriana Conte – SERVING Portugal - NAPA – Deslocado Denmark - Sissal – Hallucination Sweden - KAJ – Bara Bada Bastu France - Louane – maman San Marino - Gabry Ponte – Tutta L'Italia Albania - Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm How to watch the Eurovision Grand Final The Eurovision 2025 Grand Final will take place at indoor arena St Jakobshalle in Basel, on Saturday, May 17. It will be live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm, once again hosted by Graham Norton. It will also be avaiable to listen to on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, hosted by Scott Mills and Rylan Clark. Inside the arena, the international Eurovision coverage will be hosted by presenters Hazel Brugger, Sandra Studer and Michelle Hunziker. It was announced on Thursday that Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa would be replaced as the UK's spokesperson for the Eurovision Song Contest. The BBC said it was due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
