23:43: ESC's Head Receives Boos, Germany Earns Its First Points
The queue for audience voting has ended - ESC supervisor Martin Österdahl declares, "We're all set to go." Possibly due to the decision to block Joost Klein from performing, there are audible jeers from the crowd.
Kicking things off for Germany are points coming from Ukraine and the UK.
23:43: Previous winner Loreen performs a new songThe event occurring in Malmö this year is partly because of Loreen. This Swedish singer was the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest twice ago. Currently, she's not ruling out a 3rd appearance in upcoming events.
23:30: All entries have been showcased, with Conchita Wurst singing "Waterloo"Now, it's showtime! Roughly 25 contenders have displayed their track. The attendees have been replaying each tune. A Swedish band called Alcazar entertains the crowd until the points are delivered, playing their tune "Crying at the Disco" which was released 14 years prior. Subsequently, there's an AI-rendered ABBA tribute, reflecting 50 years ago when Sweden won the ESC with "Waterloo." Conchita Wurst also performs this classic live.
23:11: Is there a possibility for a latecomer to win the ESC title?There's a terrific ambience in the hall for Croatia's performance. Though Baby Lasagna's "Rim Tim Tagi Dim" was once a backup choice after the Croatian trials, the confidence in Croatia's victory is enormous. The Croatian public broadcaster has also reserved Zagreb Arena for next spring.
22:52: Initial mentioning of the Gaza warPortuguese contestant Iolanda is the first to refer to the Gaza conflict during the broadcast. Patterns of the keffiyeh can be observed on her fingernails. After her performance, she farewells by saying, "Peace will triumph."
22:33: The Spain and Greece entries receive excitementIn the hall, the Spanish and Greek entries have gathered much enthusiasm. A duo named Nebulossa, from Spain, performs their song, "Zorra," which witnesses thousands singing along in the arena. Greek artist Marina Satti's performance has a similar vibe to South American Latin pop. Finland's "Windows95man" now takes center stage. There are still nine entries left before the voting.
22:12: Missing from the rehearsal: Ireland and Greece remain on scheduleThe Irish contribution and Greek entry both proceed as scheduled, despite both artists, Bambie Thug and Marina Satti, missing the dress rehearsal. No reasons were provided for their unavailability, but prior to this final, Bambie Thug had made headlines asking Israel to be kept out.
21:46: Police detain the climate activist Greta ThunbergSeveral demonstrators against Israel have clashed with the police, according to the Swedish newspaper "Expressen." The scene is described as "agitated." Climate change activist, Greta Thunberg, is arrested by police.
21:39: Bailling during the Israeli contributionMusic finally commences in the audience. Host Sweden and Ukraine kick off, with applause for each. After Luxembourg's turn, the Netherlands is bypassed. During Eden Golan's Israeli performance, "Hurricane," there are whistles in the crowd. However, the event proceeds without any major issues.
21:21: Outsider protests outside the arenaOutside the Malmö Arena, protests are going on. Very vocal pro-Palestinian activists heckle attendees entering the venue, as reported by an AFP journalist. Meanwhile, there are continuous arguments between demonstrators and law enforcement. The police succeed in thwarting some protesters from reaching the safety area in front of the sports center and forcing their way through.
21:08: The artists enter the stageThe evening commences with all entries entering one after the other, accompanied by famous Swedish pop songs. As Israeli singer Eden Golan appears, there's a temporary disturbance in the crowd.
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Despite Sweden's strong representation in the Eurovision Song Contest, with Loreen's victories and potential future appearances, the Swedish crowd boos ESC's head during the event. Following Sweden's performance of Loreen's new song, there's excitement in the hall for the Eurovision entertainment, including performances from Spain, Greece, and Germany, which earns its first points.
Source: www.ntv.de
