Following the country’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the nation of Russia faces yet another major point of alienation on the world stage. The famed song contest Eurovision has banned it from this year’s competition as punishment for the international incursion.
“The decision reflects concern that, in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year’s contest would bring the competition into disrepute,” the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a statement.
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The announcement comes less than a day after the EBU said that it would allow Russia to compete in the contest, prompting a number of European nations to threaten to boycott Eurovision 2022 if it didn’t take a stand against Putin.
Statement from @EBU_HQ regarding Russia's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.https://t.co/HmKJdqVE4J pic.twitter.com/tVH6yFxzbq
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) February 25, 2022
First established in 1956, Eurovision has become a cultural touchstone among European nations, and a major gateway to fame for aspiring recording artists. The contest has produced acts that would go on to become major recording artists, notably ABBA and Celine Dion. This year’s Eurovision will be held in Turin, Italy this May.
Twitter erupted in celebration after learning the news that Eurovision had officially banned Russia.
“Eurovision removed Russia from the competition,” one user wrote. “UEFA took the final match from Russia. Germany sent 5,000 helmets to Ukraine. Russia’s job is very difficult!”
“We have just informed Herr Hitler of his expulsion from Eurovision,” wrote @JosPastr.
“Russia has been kicked out of Eurovision, the Pope has organized a day of fasting against war, and Pedro Sánchez has told Putin to stop. If this doesn’t work I don’t know what else to do,” wrote @Piccialunga.
“Even Eurovision is taking tougher sanctions than Switzerland,” noted @ronja_beck.
Of course, we stand in solidarity with Ukraine and applaud Eurovision for its decision. Check out this performance by Ukrainian singer Jamala, who won Eurovision with her song “1944” (a song about the brutality of Russia during World War II) back in 2016…
scotty
yeah, that’ll do it.
CNY1983
Russian people love music and eurovision. maybe they will get up and take their country back from putin the “TAXI DRIVER”. Thats what he was before becoming what he is today a cabbie!
Jim
Some may say that this “punishes” the artists that can’t be heard.
A small price to pay when others are losing their freedom and their lives!
Are you listening athletes who went to the Olympics ignoring the plight of the Uyghurs.
dali
If only the IOC (International Olympic Committee) had the same balls.
Dunnedin
And of course, to some of these whiners, to have boycotted the 1936 Berlin Olympics (even though the US and others knew about the pogroms against the Jews) would have hurt the athletes…many of whom died in WWII that followed.
RyanMBecker
This has more of an impact that many Americans realize. Eurovision is huge in Russia. Many Russians still have no idea how much the world is condemning Putin’s aggression since all they see is state media. Bring booted from Eurovision will be a real reality kick. Same with the many sporting events that are boycotting Russia.