'Crown the Witch': Cork's Bambie Thug vying for Eurovision glory

The grand final, which takes place tonight from 8pm, marks the end of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest which has been mired in controversy.

The televised final on Saturday at the Malmo Arena in Sweden will see the big five countries, UK, France, Spain, Germany and Italy, joined by reigning champions Sweden and 19 qualifying countries to perform in a bid to win the title.

It should have been 20, but Netherlands entrant Joost Klein won't perform.

Netherlands disqualified

Klein has been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest grand final following a Swedish police investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour, the European Broadcasting Union said.

The 26-year-old Dutch rapper and singer qualified with his up-tempo song Europapa, a tribute to his late parents.

The official page of the Netherlands’ Songfestival, which sends acts to Eurovision, said it is “shocked” and finds the decision “disproportionate”.

A statement from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) 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.

“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.”

Among the other acts who qualified during the semi-finals was Israeli contestant Eden Golan, whose participation in the wake of the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza has been a point of debate.

Her emotional song  Hurricane was reworked from a previous track called  October Rain, which was thought to reference the Hamas attacks on Israel that sparked the conflict.

Irish entry, Macroom's Bambie Thug also landed a place in the grand final, which makes them the first Irish finalist since 2018 following a vote for their performance of Doomsday Blue.

They could be on track to finish in the top five, if bookies odds are to be believed.

Missed rehearsal

However, they missed their dress rehearsal earlier following a 'situation'.

On their Instagram story, they wrote: “Dear Coven, There was a situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU – the EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what action needs to be taken.

“This means I have missed my dress rehearsal – I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me.

“I hope to see you on the stage tonight.” 

In response, the organisers of Eurovision said: “Bambie Thug did not perform in dress rehearsal three and the footage of their performance in dress rehearsal two was used in its place.

“They missed the dress rehearsal due to a situation that is currently being discussed with the EBU and song contest organisers.

“We hope that this will be resolved shortly and Bambie Thug will appear in the Grand Final show as planned.”

Macroom watch party

A ‘riot of colour’ has been predicted by Cork County Council in Macroom tonight, as they have rowed in behind the organisers of a watch party.

Attendees were urged to wear green to get into the spirit of the event, while there will be prizes also for the best ‘witches’ at the watch party.

County Mayor Frank O’Flynn said the local authority was delighted to get involved. 

“Macroom’s street party was organised within 24 hours by local groups and individuals, including Lee Valley Enterprise Board, Macroom Lions Club, Macroom Tidy Towns, Briery Gap and Macroom Music Fest,” said Mr O’Flynn.

“Cork County Council is proud to support this event, which promises to be a fantastic occasion. It is testament to the strong sense of community spirit and pride that thrives in Macroom and throughout the county.”

Cork to host?

Meanwhile, speaking during a visit to Fermoy yesterday, Taoiseach Simon Harris said he was delighted to see Ireland in the Eurovision final following the success at the semi-final stage by the Macroom-born singer/songwriter.

He said: “For the first time since 2018, Ireland is in the final

of the Eurovision. That is down to Bambie Thug.

“They have been absolutely incredible. They have done this country absolutely proud.

"I am so proud of them as Taoiseach of this country.

“They are on the world stage in front of a global audience. I wish Bambie Thug every good luck.

“I know the whole country will be rooting for them, and I know particularly Cork will be rooting for them. We have a real chance.

“If we win the Eurovision, I am quite sure Cork will have a strong claim that if Cork won it, Cork should host it.”

The Eurovision Song Contest will be live on RTÉ One from 8pm.