Netherlands Eurovision's Joost Klein not at jury final as crowds boo announcement
There were loud boos around the Malmo Arena in Sweden on Friday night when it was announced that Netherlands act Joost Klein would not be performing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 jury final, following an 'incident' that is still being investigated.
A huge fan favourite for months now, Joost made it into this year's Eurovision final, after qualifying from Thursday's second final as audiences at the show and at home went wild for his entry Europapa. Joost was in the top 10 of the betting on Eurovision winner by Friday morning; however, just a few hours later, things took a turn when, having appeared in the flag parade at the dress rehearsal, Joost didn't get to perform on stage.
Addressing the situation, a statement from the European Broadcasting Union read: "We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist. He will not be rehearsing until further notice. We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.”
READ MORE: Eurovision 2024 final running order as 26 countries left in Malmo competition
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As soon as news broke that Joost wouldn't be performing in the rehearsal speculation started on, firstly, what exactly had happened and then, if Netherlands place in the final would be under threat. and, if so, would one of the eliminated countries came back in to replace them. And the situation has now escalated as Joost wasn't at Eurovision jury final on Friday.
While the finale will broadcast across the world on Saturday evening, when viewers will cast their votes, all 26 participating acts were set to perform for juries on Friday, in order for their scores to be awarded. However, a spokesperson arrived on stage to reveal that Joost wouldn't be performing, although a video of an earlier performance of Europapa was shown on a big screen.
In a video sent to ChroncleLive from a fan inside, you can hear the audience booing and jeering the announcement.