The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 has already closed its two semifinals with a new gala this Thursday in Sweden. The Malmö Arena has witnessed 16 performances of multiple different ranks, which have ended up leaving Latvia, Austria, Netherlands, Norway, Israel, Greece, Estonia, Switzerland, Georgia and Armenia as classified artists, who join those classified on Tuesday and to the Big 5 countries and the hosts.
The galas are always extensive and complex at the production level, filling several hours of programming on all EBU television stations. Part of this afternoon is covered by this year's presenters, Petra Mede and Malin Akerman. The first of them has extensive experience on Eurovision stages, this being the third edition it has presented. And during one of his segments, he left a significant moment for Spanish viewers.
This occurred after Nebulossa's out-of-competition performance, when the host of the gala addressed the Spanish public present in the pavilion: “Wonderful people, welcome to Sweden. Your language will always have a special place in my heart. And Spanish hangovers will have a special place in my head.” Her words have had a great reaction on social networks, with many users applauding her.
“Speaking Spanish and pronouncing the z correctly”, “They only talk about Spain to talk about drunkenness… anyway”, “This lady has gone to Mallorca or Marbella for the summer, eh”, “If Petra Mede has a fan, it's me. If Petra Mede doesn't have fans, I've gone on a trip”, “Petra Mede, I have a contract with Spanish television now. Please. Thank you” or “Petra hoping we win so we can come to the festival to have a good one” were some of the most notable comments.
However, the night was not without controversy due to Israel's participation. Belgian public television has begun tonight's broadcast with a strong message, directed directly at Israel for its actions in recent months. “We condemn the violations of the Israeli state. Israel is destroying freedom of the press. That is why we are momentarily interrupting the broadcast,” read a poster on a black background broadcast on VRT1 in the moments before the start of the gala.
The performance of Eden Golan, finalist on Saturday, in the eyes of the spectators at home, has passed without major complications. However, many social media users have noticed certain strangenesses with the number presented by the Israeli. From canned applause to unusual large silences in the middle of the song, in addition to several boos being noticed below the various applauses that ended up occurring in the Malmö Arena.
