Yahoo News Eurovision 2017 sparks outrage as Montenegro act 'robbed' of spot in the final
Expect glitter, trashy glamour and outrageous stage performances to descend on TV screens on Saturday night because Eurovision is back!
Despite all the excitement, the annual music pilgrimage got off to a rocky start in Kief last night as viewers flocked to social media to rage that Montenegro’s braid twirling act failed to make it through to the final.
Eurovision fans from all over Europe showered praise on the show for the incredible performance by Slavko Kalezic, who whipped his hair back and forth and girated on stage like somthing out of the ‘Cats’ musical.
He was a firm favourite on the night, with many saying he encapsulated the ‘spirit’ of Eurovision.
phew. i was beginning to worry that #eurovision was going to be all sober & serious. cheers, #montenegro. faith restored.
— k@ himmel (@kathimmel) May 9, 2017
#Eurovision Which khalasar does #Montenegro lead? He must be a mighty khal with a braid like that!
— Potterhead (@dumblledoree) May 9, 2017
Verka and the guy from Montenegro are the highlights of this year. #EUROVISION
— Kaylee (@kayleruet) May 9, 2017
Moldova and Montenegro are the only ones with #Eurovision spirit so far
— Ceci (@1silentmouse) May 9, 2017
But the tide soon turned when it was revealed only five entries made it through and Montenegro wasn’t one of them.
Slavko’s song, Space, features lyrics which challenge traditional notions of gender and the music video to the pop track features Slavko wearing a long blue skirt and a Beyoncé-style long ponytail.
And of course, the meme-mill went into overdrive on Twitter.
And people were distraught that he didn’t get picked for the main show.
Just so you know Montenegro also have had the best lyrics so far #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/BykCVkwDZx
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) May 9, 2017
good morning everyone except those who didnt let montenegro attend to the final
— mche@eurovision (@ladyegcake) May 10, 2017
who deserved better? #Montenegro #esc2017 #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/zwl8wtL0N7
— #Hellone (@MiaNayaRivera) May 9, 2017
MONTENEGRO DESERVED TO BE THERE THEY UNDERSTOOD THE CONCEPT OF EUROVISION Y’ALL LET THEM DOWN #escita #Eurovision #esc2017 pic.twitter.com/fegLZL2m3o
— Vee ☀ SaveHannibal (@writingvee) May 9, 2017
Australia’s entry Isaiah Firebrace progressed to the final despite failing to hit a high note during his performance of ‘Don’t Come Easy’.
It has been a tough few years for the UK at Eurovision, finishing 25th, 19th, 17th, 24th and 24th since 2012.
As a result, it is no surprise that this year’s entry, Lucie Jones, has odds of 50/1 making her the least likely to triumph of any UK entry, ever, according to betting agent Ladbrokes.
Lucie will perform her ballad ‘Never Give Up’ and gets an automatic pass through to the final along with four other countries and host nation Ukraine as part of the show’s ‘Big Five’.
Later tonight, the two-part semi-final will continue on BBC Four at 8pm and will be presented by Radio One DJ Scott Mills and former Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc.
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