New Eurovision rules announced to ‘protect’ artists after controversies at competition
Eurovision Song Contest organisers have announced a new code of conduct and duty of care protocols to “protect” artists’ wellbeing after controversies at this year’s competition.
Ahead of the 2024 final in Malmo, Sweden, thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators protested outside the arena against Israel competing amid the war in the Middle East.
Some Eurovision acts also said they had received threats, and there was controversy around some making political statements ahead of the final.
Nemo, the Swiss entrant, was crowned the winner – but said after lifting the trophy that the experience had been “intense” and they were “really sad” it had not just been “all about love and unity”.
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How did Eurovision 2024 unfold?
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) appointed an independent expert to review the contest.
Now, organisers have announced new measures for the 2025 event in Basel “to celebrate community and protect wellbeing”, which will include no filming zones within key artist areas, more closed-door rehearsals, and the introduction of a welfare producer “to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment”.
They said in a statement: “The EBU is introducing a new code of conduct and duty of care protocol to ensure clear roles and responsibilities for all involved in the event.”
Agreeing to abide by the code of conduct will be a requirement for accreditation, organisers said.
“The duty of care protocol emphasises the shared responsibility of the EBU, host broadcaster, and participating broadcasters in safeguarding artists from unnecessary physical or emotional distress.”
Ireland’s Bambie Thug performing in the semi-final. Pic: Reuters
At the 2024 contest, the Israeli delegation was criticised by contestants including Ireland’s entrant Bambie Thug, who has been outspoken about their pro-Palestine views.
They accused Israeli broadcaster Kan of a rule break, with claims of inciting “violence”.
Kan claimed it “faced immense pressure and an unprecedented display of hatred, notably from other delegations and artists, publicly and collectively, solely because of the simple fact that we are Israelis and that we were there”.
Israel’s contestant Eden Golan told Sky News ahead of the event that her focus was on representing her nation with pride and “nothing else really affected” her, as protests took place outside.
Joost Klein, the Netherlands’ entrant, was disqualified. Pic: AP
There was also controversy surrounding the Netherlands’ entrant Joost Klein, who was disqualified after allegedly making verbal threats to a female production worker.
Klein’s criminal case was dropped by the Swedish Prosecution Authority in August.
Martin Green, the new Eurovision Song Contest director, who was appointed following this year’s controversies, said: “We are United by Music – it’s up to all of us to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest remains an event that promotes unity, diversity and inclusion.”
Read more:
Protests and an expulsion: The controversy at Malmo
Eurovision responds to complaints from contestants
Olly Alexander, the UK’s entrant, came 18th in the competition. Pic: AP
Earlier this year, the BBC announced that Sam Ryder’s manager David May is to head up the UK’s search for its next Eurovision contestant.
Olly Alexander, who took part this year, came 18th out of 25, with 46 points from judges – and “nul points” from the public vote.
The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest final is set to take place in St Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, on 17 May.
Snoop Dogg says he hopes to set up a burger van at Celtic’s stadium and wants to serve fans himself.
The US rapper, 53, has described the football club’s supporters as “special” and the best fans in European football.
And Snoop, who played Glasgow‘s OVO Hydro arena in 2023, has also said he strongly identifies with the club’s mascot Hoopy the Hound.
He said a fast-food van at Celtic Park would become a foodie “Paradise” which is a nickname for the ground in the Parkhead area of the city.
Celtic Park. Pic: AP
Snoop told the Sunday Mail: “I would love to bring a pop-up burger [van] to a sports stadium to show fans that food at stadiums can be good.
“It’s got to be Celtic Park, man. The secret to a good burger is the love in the preparation. The ground beef has got to be mixed with some secret spices, then add a good quality cheese and some maple-cured bacon.
“The Celtic fans are gonna love it, and to make sure they are just right, Snoop is going to be serving them himself.”
But he said he would not be taking his culinary ventures to Rangers – Celtic’s Old Firm rivals at Ibrox.
The Drop It Like It’s Hot star told the paper: “Am I going to bring my burgers to Rangers as well? Nah, I think we will give that a miss.”
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The musician has previously spoken of investing in Celtic, similar to Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds’s involvement with Wrexham FC.
Snoop has already published a cookbook and claims to have spoken to chef Gordon Ramsay about a possible venture in Glasgow together.
The keen sports fan worked as a correspondent for NBC at the Paris Olympics last year, and has launched two youth football leagues, as well as being a vocal advocate for pay equality for female athletes.
Entertainment
Sir Rod Stewart ‘devastated’ after cancelling more US concerts as he recovers from flu
Sir Rod Stewart says he is devastated to have to cancel a series of US concerts, blaming lingering flu for the decision.
It affects four shows in Nevada, along with a further two in California, which he plans to reschedule.
They were due to take place over the next eight days.
“So sorry my friends. I’m devastated and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans. I’ll be back on stage and will see you soon,” he wrote in a message on Instagram.
Sir Rod, 80, has been struggling to recover from flu and this week had already cancelled two concerts at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.
On Wednesday, he disclosed that his doctor had “ordered” him to take “a bit more rest”.
The star is in the midst of his epic One Last Time Tour.
Sir Rod, who was recently put on vocal rest, is due to play the legends slot at Glastonbury later this month.
In May, he was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the American Music Awards (AMAs).
Sir Rod performing at the 2025 American Music Awards in Las Vegas. Pic: Reuters
In a sign of how seriously the singer takes his health, last month he was also spotted in Italy attempting to avoid conversations to preserve his voice.
He wore a message attached to a lanyard which read: “Sorry. Cannot talk. Having vocal rest.”
In 2024, he promised he would not retire but confirmed his 2025 European and North American shows would bring an end to his “large-scale world tours”.
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The performer, best known for songs including Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?, Every Beat Of My Heart, and Maggie May, said he plans to focus on more intimate venues instead.
Sir Rod has faced other health challenges in the past.
In May 2000, he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had surgery. In 2017, he underwent successful treatment for prostate cancer.
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