The Eurovision Song Contest was plunged into further controversy in the buildup to its final as pro-Palestine protests took place, a participant called for peace and a Norwegian jury resigned.During the dress rehearsals at the Malmo Arena in Sweden, French contestant Slimane then stopped singing Mon Amour to call for peace amid the war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.
Large protests took place in the centre of the city ahead of Israel's participation with singer Eden Golan, who is due to perform her song Hurricane on Saturday evening.Slimane said: "Sorry I don’t speak English very well but when I was a child I dreamed about music, I dreamed about this dream, to be a singer and to sing peace here.“We need to be united by music yes, but with love for peace. United by music yes, but with love for peace. Thank you so much, thank you Europe.
Israel’s entry Eden Golan, seen here at the Olympics-style dress rehearsals in Sweden, is due to perform her song Hurricane.Also during the show, Palestinian flags – which had been banned by the organisers the European Broadcasting Union – had been seen in the audience. Ahead of the grand final Alessandra Mele posted to Instagram to say she will no longer be the person who announces the points awarded by Norway during Eurovision.
In a video the former Eurovision contestant said: “Even though I’m thankful that I was given the opportunity to do so, I’ve taken the decision to withdraw. United by music – Eurovision’s motto is the reason why the music unites people, brings them together.“There is a genocide going on and I’m asking you all to please open up your eyes, open up your heart, let love lead you to the truth.