Politics has thrust its way into this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, with several of the finalists referring ongoing global disputes while speaking about their progression into the final stage of the competition.

Latvian act Dons, whose song Hollow is about insecurity, was the first to use his platform to shine a light onto the troubled geopolitical landscape.

Appearing at a news conference following the selection of the final 10 acts on Thursday, he responded to a question from Latvian media asking him, “What was your message tonight?” by saying: “Today was a special day in my life. I’ve never been so proud to be part of the Latvian nation.

“Latvia is the only country in the world that is in the shape of a butterfly. Butterflies symbolise hope and freedom because to be a butterfly you have to fly and you have to be free. Every country in the world deserves to be free.”

He received a loud round of applause within the room.

The competition – which is the largest music contest in the world – is taking place against the backdrop of two wars, with ongoing fighting in both Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022 and in Gaza due to the Israel-Hamas war.

Russia has been banned from the contest for the last two years, with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) saying it was removed from the competition after repeatedly using its broadcasting channels as a tool for political propaganda.

This year tensions have been running high, with people calling for Israel to be banned from the contest due to actions in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

However, the EBU has said that unlike Russia, Israel has not broken any broadcasting rules and so will remain in the show.

Pro-Palestine groups held large-scale protests across Malmo, Sweden – the host city – as the second semi-final took place today.

Security is high around Malmo, and extra police have been drafted in from neighbouring Denmark and Norway.

Speaking at the end of the briefing, Eden Golan – who will compete for Israel in the grand final – was asked by Polish radio’s Newsletter whether she thought she was causing a security risk for other participants by attending the event.

The moderator of the conference, Swedish presenter Jovan Radomir, told Golan she didn’t have to answer the question if she didn’t want to.

The 20-year-old singer responded by saying: “I think we’re all here for one reason, and one reason only. And the EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone. And so, I think it’s safe for everyone or we wouldn’t be here.”

Her response was also met with a round of applause.

Following Israel’s progress into the final stage, their betting odds have shot up, putting them in second place to win.

Golan was also asked what the most difficult part of her performance was and answered: “I wouldn’t say any part is difficult. I enjoy performing, my everything is performing.

“I feel like I was born for this, and I was given a gift from God to share and make people feel something and touch people’s souls. And this is exactly what I’m doing.

“Of course, there’s stress and nerves and excitement and many, many things around and thoughts. But at the end of the day, I’m very focused and I go on stage and just try to forget about everything around me and give my all and enjoy my time and for what’s next. This is just the beginning.”

She performed her song Hurricane dressed in a white dress, flanked by five backing dancers and centred around a large wheel-like prop in the centre of the stage.

During a rehearsal earlier in the week, Golan was met with boos and cries of “Free Palestine”, and an audience member appeared to have a Palestinian flag removed from them in the auditorium.

She has previously said she hopes to unite people through music, echoing Eurovision’s motto, “united by music”.

The moto was also the theme of a question directed at Netherlands act Joost Klein, who was asked, “Do you think that your song can unite us all by music?”

The 26-year-old performer quickly responded: “That’s a good question for the EBU.”

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His song Europapa – one of the biggest earworms of the show and described by one critic as “so bad” it will “put you off music forever“.- is a favourite to win.

Meanwhile, Greek act Marina Satti inadvertently wandered into dangerous ground when answering one of her questions.

She jokingly answered, “world peace”, when asked about the relevance of tourism in her song’s video, before realising that she could be seen to be referring to the current state of contentious geopolitics.

The 37-year-old singer quickly explained: “I’m kidding. No, it’s just because, such questions [are usually] in the beauty contests, usually world peace is the answer. Sorry. Cringe. Sorry, sorry, sorry.”

Hollywood actress Malin Akerman and Swedish comedian Petra Mede are the hosts of this year’s shows – which culminate in a grand final on Saturday when 26 countries will battle it out for the coveted Eurovision glass trophy.

Sky News will be in Malmo with updates, a live blog, and all the biggest news from the contest as it happens.

Brady Tkachuk was named the captain of the 2024 U.S. team for the IIHF men’s world hockey championship on Thursday.

Tkachuk, who is the captain of the Ottawa Senators, will wear the “C” for Team USA when it plays Sweden on Friday in Ostrava, Czechia.

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones and Columbus Blue Jackets blueliner Zach Werenski will serve as alternate captains for Team USA.

“We’ve got a great leadership group, and, in the end, everyone will have to lead in their own way for us to be successful,” Team USA head coach John Hynes said. “We’re excited about our team and look forward to starting play in the world championship (on Friday).”

Tkachuk, 24, scored a career-high 37 goals to go along with 37 assists in 81 games this season with the Senators.

He will be playing in his first IIHF men’s world championship. He served as captain of the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the 2017 IIHF under-18 men’s world championship.

The Toronto Maple Leafs relieved Sheldon Keefe of head-coaching duties Thursday.

According to a statement from the club, a search for Keefe’s replacement will begin immediately.

“Today’s decision was difficult,” Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said. “Sheldon is an excellent coach and a great man; however, we determined a new voice is needed to help the team push through to reach our ultimate goal. We thank Sheldon for his hard work and dedication to the organization over the last nine years, and wish him and his family all the very best.”

No determination has been made about the rest of Toronto’s coaching staff, which includes assistants Manny Malhotra, Dean Chynoweth and Guy Boucher.

Keefe has two years remaining on a contract extension Treliving signed him to in August, which doesn’t officially kick in until the 2024-25 season.

In a video posted to social media on Thursday, Keefe thanked Maple Leafs’ management past and present and said farewell to the fan base.

Thank you, Leafs Nation 💙✌️ pic.twitter.com/WN4iXJZjjE

— Sheldon Keefe (@SheldonKeefe) May 9, 2024

“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs,” said Keefe. “It was a dream come true for a boy from Brampton [Ontario]. I didn’t get it done in the playoffs. I didn’t help push our team over the line and deliver. I accept responsibility for that. No excuses. That’s the job. I didn’t get it done. It’s the reality of the business and I accept it. Anyone who suited up for blue and white, I appreciate you. The players and [Leafs’] support staff will drive the team to success. I believe it will win. Leafs Nation, you deserve your Stanley Cup.”

Treliving is scheduled to meet with the media alongside president Brendan Shanahan and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley on Friday.

Keefe was promoted to Toronto’s head-coaching role in November 2019 to replace the fired Mike Babcock. Keefe had previously been coach of the Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, since 2015 and guided them to a Calder Cup championship in 2018.

Through 4½ NHL seasons, Keefe led the Leafs to a 212-97-40 record — with consecutive seasons of 50 or more wins — and playoff appearances in each full campaign. Toronto never found postseason success under Keefe, though, bowing out of the first round in three of the past four seasons, including in this year’s first-round loss to Boston in Game 7 overtime.

That defeat in particular appeared to seal Keefe’s fate. The Leafs were down 3-1 in the series and battled back to force a decisive final contest, but Toronto’s perennial underachievement forced management into making a change.

This is the first major adjustment for Treliving since he joined Toronto’s staff last May. Shanahan had parted ways with former GM Kyle Dubas — who originally hired Keefe to replace Babcock after also bringing Keefe to the organization when he was GM of the Marlies’ prior to that — and introduced Treliving in the role shortly after. Treliving opted to extend Keefe before last season began, touting Keefe’s “clear vision and direction for where the team needs to go.”

Now the hunt for Keefe’s successor will get underway in what could be a busy offseason for the Leafs. Toronto has key skaters including Auston Matthews and William Nylander signed to long-term contracts. They want to capitalize on that core with success right now, particularly in the playoffs. The other pieces of the Leafs’ designated Core Four — Mitch Marner and John Tavares — will be entering the final year of their current deals this season. Both would be eligible to sign extensions in Toronto on July 1.