Eurovision full statement as Joost Klein AXED
“The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final. While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.
“We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.
“The Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will now proceed with 25 participating songs.”
Has the UK ever won Eurovision?
The UK last won Eurovision more than two decades ago in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves.
The nation has won the contest five times in total since it began in 1956.
In 2022, the UK came close to victory as Sam Ryder finished second.
He came runner-up as the world rallied behind Ukraine’s act in a show of support for the country amid Putin’s invasion.
A look at the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest in 1956
The first Eurovision Song Contest was held on May 24, 1956, and saw seven nations compete.
Taking to the stage for the first time in history were the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Italy.
Austria and Denmark were keen to participate but unfortunately missed the deadline and lost out on the chance to participate.
The UK also gave the first-ever Eurovision a miss, sending their apologies as they were busy with their own contest that year.
The winner was the host country Switzerland, with the song “Refrain” performed by Lys Assia.
Who won Eurovision 2023?
Sweden’s Eurovision 2023 entry Loreen once again won the Eurovision Song Contest after her crowning glory in 2012.
Gathering an enormous amount of support from the European public, Loreen topped the jury and public vote with 583 points.
She beat runners-up Finland’s entry Käärijä by 57 points and Isreal’s entry Noa Kiral by 221 points.
Eurovision star axed from competition hours before the show as cops launch investigation
Ahead of tonight’s explosive show, Netherlands’ act Joost Klein has been AXED from the competition.
With just hours to go the star was banned from the contest in Malmo, Sweden, after multiple complaints and bullying claims.
A statement from Eurovision shared hours before the competition, said: “The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final.
“While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.”
Eurovision returns to Sweden
The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Malmö, Sweden after their win at the 2023 Eurovision.
Malmö was up against Stockholm and Gothenburg to host the event.
15,500 seats will be in attendance at the Malmö Arena tonight.
Sweden has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest seven times after winning in 1975, 1985, 1992, 2000, 2013, 2016 and 2023.