Eurovision fans accuse contest of using fake cheers during Israel’s song

Eden Golan took to the stage this evening to a sea of cheers – which is very different to yesterday’s Jury reception (Picture: BACKGRID)

Eden Golan, who is representing Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, took to the stage for tonight’s semi-finals to an eruption of cheers from the audience.

This is very different to last night’s Jury show, which saw boos from the audience flood through the Malmo arena, and Palestinian flags waving above heads.

Tonight, 16 countries performed in Sweden hoping for a chance to get to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday.

Malta, Albania, Greece, Switzerland, Czechia, France, Austria, Denmark, Armenia, Latvia, Spain, San Marino, Georgia, Belgium, Estonia, and Italy all took to the stage before the controversial Israel entrant Golan performed her song Hurricane.

But when she took to the stage, nothing happened aside from cheers.

This semi-final comes after Eurovision’s Jury Show last night, which saw the semi-finalists perform for a jury in order to determine the outcome in case public vote breaks down during the finals.

The singer had to change lyrics in – and name of – her song as it referred to the October 7 Hamas attack(Picture: AP)

It was a very contrasting scene on the TV screen tonight to Golan’s performance yesterday, with social media videos from last night showing protests in the crowd during her performance given Israel’s ongoing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.

Fans have taken to social media tonight suspecting ‘fake cheering’ was inserted into the stream of tonight’s performance.

‘Not the fake clapping at the start, did they turn all the boos into cheering with audio tracks,’ said @Kamilkoala on X.

‘Seriously fake cheering,’ agreed @kraljeva_vuna, while @Thememechild1 wrote: ‘You can immediately notice the fake clapping and cheering when she started, Jesus Christ man.’

Earlier in the evening Rylan – who previously defended Eurovision amid backlash over Israel’s involvement – missed his iconic elevator interview with Golan, with some suspecting on social media this was a political statement from the TV presenter. Rylan has not confirmed this himself.

Golan was forced to change the lyrics to her song, originally titled October Rain, for breaking European Broadcasting Rules by referring to the October 7 Hamas attack.

Now, the song is called Hurricane – but that did little to quell outrage at Israel being allowed to perform despite the death toll rising in Gaza at the country’s hands.

News broke days ago that a ceasefire could be possible, leading many in Gaza to celebrate on the streets – but not long after Israel launched a major assault on Rafah, which is a vital gateway to Egypt for humanitarian aid and those in Gaza trying to flee war.

More than 35,000 people – most of whom are civilians – have died in the Palestinian territory since Israel launched military operations in response to Hamas’s October 7 massacre, which killed more than 1,000 in Israel.

Meanwhile, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) put out a message expressing ‘regret’ that the opening act made a political statement over the war.

Those attending last night’s Jury show posted videos on social media which saw Israel’s contestant met with boos and protest as she took to the stage.

One X user called the atmosphere in the venue ‘horrible’ and said you could ‘feel the tension,’ while others simply shared videos of the loudly booing crowd.

Another user claimed a security guard threatened to kick them out for chanting and vocalising their protest during Golan’s performance.

This is despite it clearly stating on Eurovision’s website that peaceful protest is allowed at the event.

The site reads: ‘The EBU is a firm advocate for freedom of speech and the right for people to express their deeply held views and opinions. We understand that people may wish to make their voices heard and support the right of those who wish to demonstrate peacefully.’

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