Eurovision fans fume as 'ridiculous' new rule is announced during 2024 grand finale

Fans of the Eurovision Song Contest were annoyed during the live grand finale on Saturday night as a controversial new voting rule was introduced. The 2024 edition marked the 68th iteration of the annual music extravaganza, which first kicked off in Switzerland back in 1956.

Traditionally, viewers would eagerly wait until all acts had performed before dialling in to cast their votes for their favourite act. However, in a radical departure from tradition, the 2024 contest allowed fans to start voting even before the first performance had begun.

This left many Eurovision enthusiasts bewildered, questioning how they could possibly choose a favourite without seeing all 25 contestants perform. Social media was awash with criticism of the rule change, with fans slamming the decision as 'ridiculous'.

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One perplexed viewer posted on X saying: "How do you begin voting before you've heard anyone? " Another added: "Not sure about voting being open before any performances? I thought this was about the music guys? #Eurovision."

Another fan commented: "How can voting lines already be open for #EUROVISION before all the songs have been performed? That's a ridiculous change to the rules.", reports the Mirror.

The altered voting procedure also led to widespread speculation that Eurovision might be more about political gamesmanship than musical talent. One fan lamented: "Surely voting opening early just lends itself to more political voting #Eurovision #Eurovision2024 #EurovisionSongContest."

Another added their own confusion: "I don't get why voting opens now and not after? It feels very political now and not for the best song/performance. I only watch the final so this will be the first time hearing the songs... #Eurovision."

However, with the voting lines thrown open right from the start, supporters could already cast their vote, potentially stopping their choice from getting lost amongst the burgeoning list of other performances. In a move that truly got heads spinning, parts of the world ineligible to compete in Eurovision were able to throw their digital support for their favourites 24 hours before anyone set foot on the grand finale stage.

The EBU shed light on these changes in a statement, reading: "On Saturday 11 May, voting will open just before the first song is performed. Viewers at home will be able to cast their votes as the songs are performed, rather than waiting until all entries have been presented, as has been the case since public voting was introduced in 1997 (except in 2010 and 2011 when voting also began at the start of the show).

"Additionally, fans in non-participating countries (Rest of The World) will now have nearly 24 hours to vote for their favourite songs before each of the live shows begins. Online voting will open for the Rest of The World immediately after the second dress rehearsal for each Semi-Final and Grand Final finishes the previous night and stays open until the live shows begin."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the competition explained that changing the way votes are cast to open lines at the beginning of the show would allow results to be gathered more quickly. Executive Producer Ebba Adielsson explained the changes this way: "Voting in the Grand Final has previously opened when all 26 entries have finished singing. Instead, we want to provide the opportunity to engage the viewers from the start of the show if you see something you like, you should be able to vote immediately. nal). In addition, there are viewers in other parts of the world who want to vote and we want to give them more opportunity to participate in the result. Now they don't have to set an alarm clock in the middle of the night! ".

Eurovision chief, Martin Osterdahl, also chimed in: "By the time voting opens for the Grand Final every participating song will have been performed on stage so viewers will have had the chance to see all the acts competing to win this year's show. The Eurovision Song Contest is always evolving and with more performances and chances to vote it promises to be the most exciting edition yet!"