Yahoo News Eurovision bosses issue statement after Bambie Thug misses dress rehearsal
Eurovision 2024 organisers have issued a statement after Ireland's Bambie Thug missed their dress rehearsal ahead of tonight's final.
Cork-born Bambie, who uses the self-coined term 'ouiji pop' to describe their sound, is set to perform their song Doomsday Blue for Ireland at the Malmo Arena, after qualifying from Tuesday's semi-final. However Bambie said they missed of dress rehearsal three after a “situation” required “urgent attention” from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
On their Instagram story, they wrote: “Dear Coven, There was a situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU – the EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what action needs to be taken.
“This means I have missed my dress rehearsal – I am really sorry to the fans that have come to see me.
“I hope to see you on the stage tonight.”
In response, the organisers of Eurovision said: “Bambie Thug did not perform in dress rehearsal three and the footage of their performance in dress rehearsal two was used in its place.
“They missed the dress rehearsal due to a situation that is currently being discussed with the EBU and song contest organisers.
“We hope that this will be resolved shortly and Bambie Thug will appear in the Grand Final show as planned.”
Bambie Thug, whose real name is Bambie Ray Robinson, qualified to represent the country after winning Eurosong 2024 - the competition to find this year's Eurovision entry.
They are one of the favourites to win with Ireland's odds of finishing first 16/1 ahead of the show, according to bookies Ladbrokes.
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final takes place on Saturday from 8pm and will be broadcast live on BBC One.
