– It is very, very good that people take to the streets and show their opinions, says Gåte vocalist Gunnhild Sundli.
On Thursday followingnoon, the band stood on stage in Malmö and conducted their last dress rehearsal before tonight’s semi-final in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC).
At the same time, thousands of people gathered in the center of the city to show opposition to Israel, despite the war in Gaza, being allowed to participate in the competition.
– The fact that the seriousness of the world is also reflected in Eurovision is important, and that’s how it should be. The values for Eurovision must also be set, and try and endure it here, says Gåte guitarist Magnus Børmark.
The band says that they have noticed the strong commitment that characterizes the host city. Everywhere is full of police, and the level of security is sky high.
– We have a police escort, and there is a lot of security. At least everything feels safe as it is now, says Børmark to NTB.
Israel: – Haven’t seen the demonstrations
Israel’s Eden Golan, who is at the center of this year’s biggest Eurovision controversy, has been shielded from the demonstrations
She has a large security system around her.
– I have not seen the demonstrations. I’m here, I’m focused on music, joy and love, and that’s what matters today, says Golan to NTB following the last dress rehearsal before Thursday’s semi-final.
Golan will be on stage just before Norway in the semi-finals. At the rehearsals, there has been booing following Golan has performed her song, but she says that she rather focuses on the positive.
– There is also so much good energy and good vibes from people. I came to give my heart, and give everything to sing and show our voice and represent my country with pride. And that’s all that matters, she says.
Skeptical
The riddle guitarist doesn’t think much of the bowing.
– I think we should treat people with respect in this room, says Børmark to NTB:
– The values here are actually inclusion and understanding. The music is a non-intellectual experience. It is felt in the heart, and the heart does not judge. The heart does not distinguish people based on which flag they have, he says.
As for tonight’s semi-final, Gåte feels ready.
– The nerves are very much under control, says the vocalist.
10 out of 16 artists advance to the final.
#happy #Eurovision #protests #Malmö #Israel #hasnt
2024-05-10 12:24:45
