President Zelensky blocked from addressing Eurovision Song Contest final

12 May 2023 , 04:21

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President Zelensky wanted to address viewers of Eurovision during the final (Image: Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)

President Zelensky has been barred from addressing the Eurovision Song Contest final, due to the competition being ruled as having a ‘non-political nature'.

An alliance of international broadcasters, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), feared that Mr Zelensky’s “laudable intentions” could politicise the event.

The Ukrainian leader wanted to make an unexpected video appearance during the final in Liverpool on Saturday, when it was expected he would implore the event’s global audience of millions to continue backing his country in its fight to repel its Russian invaders.

The event was supposed to be held in Ukraine this year, after last year’s entrant, Kalush Orchestra, won the 2022 contest.

The event was supposed to be held in Ukraine this year (Hollandse Hoogte/REX/Shutterstock)

However, organisers felt Ukraine was not safe enough to host the competition due to the current ongoing Russian invasion. Hosting duties were subsequently awarded to the runner-up, the UK, instead.

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The EBU, an alliance of 112 member organisations which organises the annual contest along with the host broadcaster, the BBC, has refused Mr Zelensky’s request due to it being against the rules.

The city of Liverpool is playing host to the contest due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine (Getty Images)

“The Eurovision Song Contest is an international entertainment show and governed by strict rules and principles which have been established since its creation. As part of these, one of the cornerstones of the contest is the non-political nature of the event,” an EBU spokesperson said.

“This principle prohibits the possibility of making political or similar statements as part of the contest.

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“The request by Mr Zelensky to address the audience at the Eurovision Song Contest, whilst made with laudable intentions, regrettably cannot be granted by the European Broadcasting Union management as it would be against the rules of the event.”

The European Broadcasting Union said a speech by the President of Ukraine would break the rules (AFP via Getty Images)

The spokesperson added: “No fewer than 11 Ukrainian artists, including last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra, will be performing.

“Additionally, 37 locations around Ukraine will feature in the short film postcards that introduce each of the participating artists before they take to the stage.

“We believe that this is the best way to reflect and celebrate Ukraine’s Eurovision Song Contest win and show we are united by music during these hard times.”

Sophie Goodall