(9 May 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Malmo, Sweden – 08 May 2024
1. Wide of arena where Eurovision is being held
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Jill Lawless, The Associated Press reporter: ++STARTS ON PREVIOUS SHOT, PARTLY OVERLAID WITH VARIOUS OF SECURITY AND FANS OUTSIDE VENUE++
"What is Eurovision? Well, the short answer and a longer answer. The short answer is very simple. Eurovision is a music competition in which countries from across Europe, and a few that aren’t a part of Europe, come together, they each send an act, and those acts compete in front of a live and televised audience for votes to be crowned champions of Europe and to take home the famous trophy of a crystal microphone. The longer answer is that Eurovision is so much more than just a music competition. It’s, it’s a sort of music festival. It’s a celebration of music’s ability to bring people together. It’s also a form of diplomacy with music, really, in which countries try to forge alliances with others. They will all perform in semifinals, and the 37 will be whittled down to 26 acts that will compete on Saturday night at the Malmo Arena in the grand final. This year, acts are being talked about and the bookmakers figure have a good chance include a Swiss singer called Nemo who has a great operatic song called "The Code". Nemo would be the first person who identifies as non-binary to win, so that would be quite a landmark for Eurovision. Another hot favourite is Baby Lasagna from Croatia, whose song "Rim Tim Tagi Dim" is kind of Eurovision encapsulated, really."
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jill Lawless, The Associated Press reporter: ++PARTLY OVERLAID WITH VARIOUS OF PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTERS, EUROVISION SIGN AND SECURITY OFFICERS++
"Russia was a long time Eurovision contestant that was kicked out of the competition in 2022 after it invaded Ukraine and hasn’t returned. This year, the contest is obviously taking place amid the war in Gaza and to a certain extent is being overshadowed by that conflict. There has been pressure on the organizers to bar Israel from competition because of the conduct of the war. They haven’t done that. Israel is competing, a singer called Eden Golan. They did have to change the title and lyrics of their song. It was called "October Rain", apparently a reference to the Hamas attack of October the 7th on Israel. That was deemed to be political, and thus not allowed. So it’s now called "Hurricane" and it is in the competition. Pro-Palestinian organizations have been calling for Israel to be barred and also for a ceasefire in the war. And they will be protesting this week."
STORYLINE:
Scores of musicians, hundreds of journalists and thousands of music fans are gathering in the Swedish city of Malmo, where the Eurovision Song Contest is building towards Saturday’s exuberant, glitter-drenched final.
Even Eurovision can’t escape the world’s divisions, however.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters are also expected in the city for demonstrations urging a ceasefire in the Gaza war and criticizing Israel’s participation in the contest.
Here’s a guide to what Eurovision means, how it works and what to watch for:
WHAT IS EUROVISION? The short answer: Eurovision is a music competition, in which performers from countries across Europe, and a few beyond it, compete under their national flags with the aim of being crowned continental champion. Think of it as the Olympics of pop music.
HOW DOES IT WORK? Thirty-seven countries are entered in the contest, which this year is taking place over several days in the Swedish port city of Malmo.
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