Latest news with #RedSebastian
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Eurovision viewers fume over 'robbed' act as they share same complaint
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". 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." 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. 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. 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.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Livid Eurovision fans rage after two countries 'robbed' of a place in Saturday's final - with results branded 'totally unfair'
Fans were left fuming after two countries were 'robbed' of a place in this year's Eurovision final despite putting on impressive performances. Tuesday's Eurovision semi-final was as dramatic and entertaining as ever, with a host of talented artists flocking to Basel, Switzerland, to represent their respective countries. There was a stage invader, a broadcasting malfunction and a wholesome appearance from Eurovision icon Celine Dion, 57, before 10 countries secured their place in Saturday's final. The acts that qualified were Sweden, Norway, Albania, Iceland, Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal and Ukraine - meaning countries such as Spain, Azerbaijan and Croatia missed out. But in particular, Eurovision viewers were left gutted after Cyprus and Belgium were booted out of the competition. The Belgian entry saw Red Sebastian dressed in an all red leather ensemble coordinated with the stage lights to sing the song Strobe Lights in a performance which left viewers impressed. While Cyprus's representative Theo Evan performed Shh with fans praising the show's 'amazing stage' design. And after the results were announced, viewers flocked to X to share their disappointment. Belgium fans fumed: 'I try to be as objective as possible, but I genuinely can't find a single reason for why Belgium didn't qualify!?!?!?!?' 'NO WAY IS THIS A EUROVISION NON QUALIFIER???? JUSTICE FOR BELGIUM #Eurovision 'How did Belgium not make the final? I'm ANNOYED. ROBBED.' While supporters of Theo Evan's performance for Cyprus argued: 'Ukraine and Portugal qualifying when Belgium and Cyprus didn't?! #Eurovision' 'HOW DID CYPRUS NQ? I WANT A RECOUNT NOW. THEY SHOULD BE IN THE FINAL #Eurovision #Eurovision2025' 'This is the worst Eurovision of the 2020s. Ever since juries were abolished in the semi finals, it's been nothing but a s** show. WE NEED THEM BACK!!!!' 'Cyprus was almost perfect! Amazing staging and performance with Theo and the backing dancers and Theo's vocals were good but he seemed to struggle with the long 'Hush' notes towards the end of his performance, I'll still be shocked if he doesn't qualify tho! #Eurovision2025' At the end of the show, Celine Dion left fans in floods of tears as she made a rare appearance via video call. The singer, 57, famously won the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with the winning number Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi. And making an emotional return to the song contest, Celine shared some advice ahead of the anticipated final. The songstress also seemingly ruled out an appearance in this year's final after speculation she would be performing amid her battle with stiff person syndrome. She said: 'I'd love nothing more than to be with you. Switzerland will forever 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. 'Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988, it was a life-changing moment for me and I'm so thankful for everyone who supported me. 'Now, 37 years later, I know. It's so beautiful and emotional to see Switzerland winning and hosting this incredible event once again. 'To the people of Switzerland, thank you for your love. This night is yours and I hope you feel as proud as I do.' The singer was diagnosed with the incurable stiff-person syndrome in December 2022. She made her comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics after fearing she would never perform again. The rare disorder rare has side affects that appear as muscle spasms and can impact her singing ability. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the disease affects one to three people per million and ultimately leaves sufferers as 'human statues' as it progressively locks the body into rigid positions, leaving sufferers unable to walk or talk. The star previously described the condition to NBC News as feeling like 'someone is strangling you,' pointing out the severe muscle spasms and rigidity the disorder causes. Despite the All by Myself singer's obstacles, she remains committed to finding her way back to preforming — undergoing rigorous physical and vocal therapy five days a week. At the time of her diagnosis, the star took to Instagram to address fans in a tearful Instagram post revealing that the incurable disease would postpone her European tour at the time. She said in the clip, 'I've been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it has been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I've been going through. 'Recently, I've been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome, which affects one in a million people. 'While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what's been causing all the spasms I've been having.'
eNCA
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Lift-off at Eurovision as first qualifiers revealed
BASEL - The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest kicked off with a semi-final filled with pyrotechnics, colour and a dramatic sweep of music, from Portuguese guitar ballads to banging Belgian techno. Fifteen acts from across the continent battled on the state-of-the-art stage in Basel for 10 places in Saturday's Eurovision final. After performing action-packed, three-minute set-pieces, their fate was decided not by the 6,500 Eurovision fans packing the St. Jakobshalle arena, but by millions of television viewers. Comedy trio KAJ -- who are from Finland but represent Sweden -- are the bookmakers' hot favourites to win Eurovision this year with their "Bara Bada Bastu" song about the joys of having a sauna. "The Eurovision crowd gave us all their love and support and we could hear them singing along. It's was absolutely everything you could dream of," the group's Kevin Holmstrom said after they made it through to the final. Also through is Estonia's Tommy Cash. He, too, brought a light touch with his wobbly-legged dancing in "Espresso Macchiato" -- an Italian-accented homage to coffee. There was an upset when Belgium's Red Sebastian -- who had risen to third-favourite with several bookmakers -- was eliminated on his 26th birthday. "We were robbed," shocked fan Ruben Verdonck said, with the Belgian flag draped around his shoulders. "I don't understand it," he told AFP. AFP | SEBASTIEN BOZON Besides Sweden, Estonia and the Netherlands -- who are considered among the front-runners -- acts from Albania, Norway, Poland, San Marino, Ukraine, Iceland and Portugal made it to Saturday's showdown. There was heartache for Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Slovenia and last year's runners-up Croatia, who were eliminated alongside Belgium's Red Sebastian. The spectacular stage in Basel is different for the 69th edition of Eurovision, stretching deep into the arena, with fans on three sides. Switzerland last hosted Eurovision in 1989, after Canada's Celine Dion won the contest the year before, competing for Switzerland. That win helped turn Dion into a megastar. Organisers are tight-lipped as to whether Dion, now in fragile health, might spring a surprise star turn. "I'd love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now," she said, in a video message screened at Tuesday's semi-final. "Music unites us -- not only tonight, not only in this wonderful moment. It is our strength, our support, and our accompaniment in times of need."
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lift-off at Eurovision as first qualifiers revealed
The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest kicked off Tuesday with a semi-final filled with pyrotechnics, colour and a dramatic sweep of music, from Portuguese guitar ballads to Estonian comedy. After months of preparation, contestants from across the continent took to the state-of-the-art stage in Basel in search of Eurovision glory. After performing action-packed, three-minute set-pieces, their fate was decided not by the 6,500 Eurovision fans packing the St. Jakobshalle arena, but by millions of television viewers. Fifteen acts battled for votes, with 10 going through to Saturday's grand final, when 160 million to 200 million viewers are expected to tune in. Comedy trio KAJ -- who are from Finland but represent Sweden -- are the bookmakers' hot favourites to win Eurovision this year with their "Bara Bada Bastu" song, based on the joys of having a sauna. They made it through to the final, as did Estonia's Tommy Cash. He brought a light touch with his wobbly-legged dancing in "Espresso Macchiato" -- a homage to coffee in a song bursting with Italian references. There was an upset when Belgium's Red Sebastian -- who had been the third-favourite with several bookmakers -- was eliminated on his 26th birthday. "We were robbed," shocked fan Ruben Verdonck said after, with the Belgian flag draped around his shoulders. "I don't understand it," he told AFP. - Records, sparkle and sentiment - Eurovision revels in kitsch and a Swiss opening blast of alphorns and yodelling, accompanied by dancers in traditional costumes, got the party started. Dressed in sparkling silver costumes and dazzling sunglasses, Icelandic duo Vaeb -- brothers Matthias and Halfdan Matthiasson -- were the first contestants on stage with their rowing-inspired song "Roa". Next came Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, 52, who took part in Eurovision 1995 -- the longest-ever time between two appearances -- with a gothic performance. Lilting through languages including French, Albanian and Ukrainian, the show swung from upbeat to comic to tear-jerking. Slovenia's Klemen was joined on stage by his wife for the self-penned ballad "How Much Time Do We Have Left" -- written about the bombshell of her cancer diagnosis. - Iceland, Portugal upset odds - Besides Sweden, Estonia and the Netherlands -- who are considered among the front-runners -- acts from Albania, Norway, Poland, San Marino, Ukraine Iceland and Portugal made it to Saturday's showdown. There was heartache for Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Slovenia and last year's runners-up Croatia, who were eliminated alongside Belgium's Red Sebastian. The spectacular stage in Basel is different for the 69th edition of Eurovision, stretching deep into the arena, with fans on three sides. Pyrotechnic blasts, 4,500 pulsing lights and lasers, and ever-changing giant screens set the mood for each song. Lighting designer Tim Routledge said the stage set meant he could create a "three-dimensional frame of light". Following Thursday's second semi, 26 countries will take part in Saturday's glitzy final, which, as ever, is set to be a light-hearted celebration of European popular music. Though 10 go through from each semi, the scores are only revealed after Saturday's final, maintaining the drama by making it hard for acts and fans alike to gauge momentum. - Celine on screen - Switzerland last hosted Eurovision in 1989, after Canada's Celine Dion won the contest the year before, competing for Switzerland. That win helped turn Dion into a megastar. Organisers are tight-lipped as to whether Dion, now in fragile health, might spring a surprise star turn. "I'd love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now," she said, in a video message screened at Tuesday's semi-final. "Music unites us -- not only tonight, not only in this wonderful moment. It is our strength, our support, and our accompaniment in times of need." Asked whether Dion might appear, a Eurovision spokesman told AFP: "There are currently no changes regarding Celine Dion -- we are still in close contact with her." rjm/tw
New European
26-02-2025
- Politics
- New European
Bart De Wever, the prime minister against his own country
Belgium recently experienced an uncharacteristic burst of optimism. Not because the country finally has a new government, eight months after the elections. Rather, with the selection of the singer Red Sebastian, Belgians are confident they're on to a winner for the Eurovision Song Contest. Red, after all, is the colour of the country's one unifying feature, the Red Devils national football team. The mould-breaking new government is a lot less unifying – it is led and dominated for the first time by Flemish nationalists. The hard-right, nationalist mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever, is the new federal prime minister, and his Flemish nationalist N-VA is the largest party in what is called the 'Arizona' coalition, after the colours in the American state's flag. The N-VA is seen by most other Belgian parties as the least-worst alternative to the even more extreme, Flemish ultra-nationalist Vlaams Belang (VB) party that was held to second place in the elections in June last year. The cordon sanitaire , the political firewall excluding VB, has held at the federal level but the new prime minister, De Wever, has adopted some of his rivals' hardline rhetoric. Migration is, unsurprisingly, a focus for the new government. De Wever has promised 'the strictest migration policy ever' and also 'the strictest you can have in Europe'. In his sights are war refugees, who will be restricted to a much less settled status, with a longer route to family unification and reduced access to benefits. Harsh migration policy pledges are familiar, not only from Donald Trump but from like-minded Europeans such as Geert Wilders in the Netherlands and Herbert Kickl in Austria. De Wever, though, has always made a point of distancing himself from such extremes, even showing distaste for their brand of politics. The new government is seen as the most right wing ever, but that is by Belgian standards. In contrast to the Netherlands, De Wever had to include a left wing party in his coalition, the Flemish social democratic Vooruit. In true Low Countries tradition, he needed another three partners for a majority: Walloon liberals and Christian democrats and also Flemish Christian democrats. The number of ministers has shrunk from 20 to 15, fulfilling De Wever's campaign pledge to have a smaller government. In fact, if De Wever had his way, there wouldn't be a Belgian federal government at all. It's somewhat counterintuitive to have as federal prime minister a politician who poses such a danger to the continued unity of the country. De Wever wants to take as many responsibilities as possible away from central government and transfer them to the already powerful regions. But above all, he wants to reduce the flow of Flemish money to the economically less dynamic Walloon region. Reform of unemployment benefits and pensions is crucial to the success of the new government, which is confronted with a ballooning budget deficit for which the country has received a warning from Brussels. EU Brussels that is, not Belgian Brussels. EU Brussels, while applauding his conservative fiscal impulses, has also gained another headache. N-VA belongs to the same hard right bloc in the European Parliament as Italy's Giorgia Meloni. This means that yet another head of government in the EU will not belong to the mainstream coalition of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. But the commission doesn't seem to be overly concerned by De Wever. He is still seen as the hero who kept the far right dragon at bay. But that might be a mistake. De Wever would like to see an independent Flanders, firmly anchored in a 'democratic Europe'. But he accepts he has no majority for this, and so for now he wants a stripped-down, confederate system. Likewise, he has called on the EU to stick to its core functions. Some might call it conservative, others might say it's selfish and shortsighted. But then, De Wever argues, how is Flanders different from other relatively wealthy regions such as Catalonia in Spain or Italy's north in not wanting to be burdened by what it sees as underperforming regions? If that's De Wever's take on things, it probably wouldn't be long before an independent Flanders would also object to contributing payments to the EU. And you in the UK know all too well where that can lead. Ferry Biedermann is a journalist living in Amsterdam writing on Europe, the Netherlands and Brexit. He is also a former Middle East correspondent
