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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'
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Youth Demand supporters detained after disrupting Israeli Eurovision performance
Two protestors from the pro-Palestinian group Youth Demand were detained after disrupting the Israeli final performance at Eurovision. On May 17, activists David Currey, 22, and Meaghan Leon , 27, were forcibly removed from St. Jakobshalle arean in Basel, Switzerland after attempting to rush the stage while Israel's Yuval Raphael performed New Day Will Rise. As Yuval Raphael thanked viewers, UK commentator Graham Norton told viewers: "I'm not sure what you're hearing at home, but it was a mixed response [from the crowd]." Confirming the disruption, a spokesperson for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR which organised the event 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 Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR also added: '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.' A spokesperson for Basel police shared: '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.' Following the demonstrations, Youth Demand shared videos from David and Meaghan recorded prior to the performance and following their release by Basel police. The first video, shared on Youth Demand's Instagram account shows David being restrained by security during Yuval's performance as he shouts 'Free Palestine'. Alongside the clips from the demonstration is a message from David, reportedly recorded prior to the event. 'Tomorrow I'm gonna attempt to disrupt the Israeli performance at Eurovision with Youth Demand,' says David. In the video, David condemns the Israeli state which he says is 'actively armed by our UK government and others across Europe' and the fact they are being presented on a global stage. 'Here we are having a party with them on the biggest stage of them all'. David shares concerns about the planned disruption at the live venue in his message. 'I'm absolutely terrified to take this action tomorrow' but continues,'I'm left with very little choice other than to escalate my actions.' The activist group shared a video message from David and Meaghan following their arrest. Meaghan says she's been 'anxious for weeks' in the lead up to the direct action at Eurovision. David shares as well that before the Yuval's performance, extra security was dispersed which affected their initial plans. Still, they managed to hop the barricade but were then faced with 'pretty grim aggression' from security at the event, Eurovision staff and later on by police. Video from the demonstration shows David's mouth being covered by guards and his hair being pulled. Youth Demand has called on the UK government to impose a total trade embargo on Israel. It says that it will continue to practice nonviolent resistance until this demand is met. Prior to Yuval's performance, pro-Palestinian protests took place near a free concert in the centre of Basel against Israel's inclusion in the contest. Protesters clashed with police shortly before Yuval took to the stage. Yuval finished second to Austrian singer JJ in the competition's final, after winning the public vote. She is one of the survivors of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas gunmen at the Nova music festival, which killed hundreds of people. The Mirror has reached out to Youth Demand and Eurovision for comment.
Leader Live
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Remember Monday say Eurovision gave them ‘memories that will last a lifetime'
The trio, made up of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, finished 19th during Saturday's grand final in Basel, Switzerland, after receiving 88 points from the national juries, including 12 points from Italy, for their song What The Hell Just Happened?. Speaking about their experience in the competition, the trio said: 'Wow – what a ride. 'Three best mates walked onto the world's biggest music stage and came out with a top 10 Jury score, massive streaming numbers, and memories that will last a lifetime. 'Performing at Eurovision was one of the most surreal and emotional moments of our lives. 'The love we've felt from fans, our incredible team, and everyone who streamed, voted, and believed in us has been overwhelming. 'This is just the beginning for Remember Monday. 'We've got new music coming your way, a UK and Ireland headline tour this year, a summer packed with festivals, and we'll be hitting the stage at Wembley Stadium for the Summertime Ball, no big deal. 'We're so grateful for the platform, the media support, and every single new fan who's joined us on this wild journey. Eurovision? Completed it. Let's go.' The trio were the UK's first girl group entrant since 1999, and fared slightly worse than Olly Alexander who came 18th in Malmo in 2024. The contest was won by Austria's JJ with his emotional song Wasted Love, while Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, who is an October 7 survivor, was the runner-up. In the centre of the city there were clashes between pro-Palestinian protesters and police, and three officers were injured, according to the police. Raphael was left 'shaken and upset' after pro-Palestinian protesters rushed towards a barrier when she was on stage on Saturday night, her team said. A spokesman for Israeli broadcaster Kan said the protesters 'were blocked by security officials' and their delegation 'needed to move location' for 15 minutes. Swiss police confirmed the two people were handed over to them and that they have now been released, while organisers Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR released a statement saying that a crew member was hit with paint but is 'fine'. Youth Demand, which is calling for a trade embargo on Israel, said its supporters 'did attempt to enter the stage, and some cornstarch-based powder paint appears to have got onto both the action taker and a member of staff in the ensuing kerfuffle' but denied it was 'thrown'. A spokesperson for the group said David Curry, 22, from Manchester, and Meaghan Leon, 27, from London, had been detained and 'released'. About 800 pro-Palestinian protests demonstrated against Israel's inclusion near a free concert in the centre of Basel shortly after 7pm on Saturday, and a small group nearby protested with Israeli flags. Later the group advocating for Israel to be removed from the singing competition moved across Basel towards the Eurovision Village, where they were met by a significant police presence and tear gas was used. Basel police said in a statement that during identity checks on about 400 people, a group 'threw firecrackers at the emergency services, injuring three police officers who were taken to hospital with suspected blast trauma'. A protester was also treated by ambulance workers, the force said. The UK gave its top public vote of 12 points to Israel during the grand final, but the British jury awarded no points to Raphael's New Day Will Rise as Israel finished with 357 points to Austria's 436 points. Winner JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, said 'love is the strongest force in the world, let's spread more love' after receiving the trophy for his boat trip themed performance of the song. At a press conference, the 24-year-old called for spreading 'love', adding: 'Forget hate, love is the strongest force, and be active. Use your voice.' When asked how he felt being the third 'queer' artist in a row, after Swiss singer Nemo, and Sweden's Loreen, the Austrian said the wins meant there was 'amazing acceptance and equality for everyone, I'm so so so happy that I'm representing this amazing community'. Despite much speculation that former Swiss winner and Canadian singer Celine Dion might give a performance at Eurovision, she did not appear at the final on Saturday. The singer did send a message during Tuesday's semi-final in which she called her win at the 1988 edition in Dublin with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, when she was just 20 years old, 'life changing'. The 57-year-old, who has had health issues, recently made a return to the stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics during the closing ceremony from the Eiffel Tower where she sang Edith Piaf's L'Hymne A L'Amour.
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Man tried to storm Eurovision 2025 stage during Israel's performance
Man tried to storm Eurovision 2025 stage during Israel's performance A British man was arrested during the Eurovision Song Contest final after pro-Palestinian protesters rushed towards Israeli singer Yuval Raphael on stage Yuval Raphael representing Israel performs on stage during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest (Image: Getty Images ) Tensions flared during the Eurovision Song Contest final on Saturday night when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the stage as Israeli singer Yuval Raphael performed. A man from Manchester was arrested in connection with the disruption, which left the performer visibly shaken, according to her team. The dramatic moment unfolded in Basel, Switzerland, as Yuval—an October 7 attack survivor—sang her entry New Day Will Rise to a chorus of both cheers and boos. "A mixed response," observed BBC commentator Graham Norton, in the Basel, Switzerland arena. Israel secured second place with 357 points, with the UK giving the nation its full 12 points in the public vote. Youth Demand, an organisation advocating for a trade embargo on Israel, stated that its supporters David Curry, 22, from Manchester, and Meaghan Leon, 27, from London, had been arrested, reports Manchester Evening News. On Saturday, a spokesperson 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." Article continues below A spokesperson for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR reported: "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 have confirmed that the pair were handed over to them and have since been released. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter A Basel police spokesperson 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, pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place near a free concert in central Basel to protest against Israel's participation, with a small contingent also showing support for Israel with flags. Subsequently, the group calling for Israel's exclusion from Eurovision moved through Basel, encountering a strong police response and the use of tear gas. This incident follows a disruption during Raphael's rehearsal for Thursday's second semi-final, where six individuals with "oversized flags and whistles" interfered with her performance. SRG SSR, hosting the event in Basel after Nemo's victory for Switzerland with The Code in Malmo 2024, stated that the disruptors were promptly removed from the St Jakobshalle arena. Article continues below Austria clinched the victory at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with JJ's track 'Wasted Love', leaving Israel in second place.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
British protesters try to storm stage during Israel's Eurovision performance
A British man and woman have been arrested for trying to storm the stage during Israel's Eurovision performance in Switzerland on Saturday. Video shows a man yelling 'Free Palestine' during Yuval Raphael's performance in St Jakobshalle Arena, in Basel, before he and a woman try to breach the security barrier. They were allegedly stopped by security guards before they could reach the stage. '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,' a spokesman for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said. The suspects were named by Swiss police as David Curry, 22, from Manchester and Meaghan Leon, 27, from London, according to Youth Demand, which organised the demonstration and campaigns for the UK to stop arming Israel. According to SRG SSR's spokesman, they were taken out of the venue and 'handed over to the police'. Israel's entries at Eurovision have sparked protests from pro-Palestinian groups since war broke out in Gaza. The groups have urged the European Broadcasting Union to exclude the country from the competition over the brutality of its offensive in Gaza, where more than 50,000 people have been killed, according to local health authorities. Around 200 protesters mounted a demonstration in Basel on Saturday evening, while two protesters attempted to get on to the stage during Raphael's performance but were halted by security officials. Nobody was injured. Credit: Youth Demand Ahead of her performance, Yuval described in an interview with BBC how it was 'scary at times, even uncomfortable, but it makes me keep reminding myself why I'm here and my agenda, which is spreading as much love as I can and bringing pride to my country.' Yuval came in second in this year's Eurovision Finale, winning the public vote by a large margin. The 24-year-old singer survived the Nova Music festival massacre on October 7 by hiding under dead bodies in a bomb shelter for hours. She spoke about her experience at the UN Human Rights Council, but refrained from talking about it ahead of the song contest in interviews with international media, fearing it would violate the strict guidelines put in place by Eurovision on anything deemed political. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
