Eurovision songfestival

Joost Klein is not allowed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. After almost a day full of speculation and rumors, the organization of the event has decided today.

Broadcaster AVROTROS has stated that it completely disagrees with the measure. They call disqualification ‘disproportionate’. Klein is said to have made a threatening gesture towards a camerawoman after she failed to keep appointments. However, the Frisian singer would not have touched her.

There are also many disappointed reactions in Fryslân. One of the biggest Joost Klein fans, Jesse van Wieren, is disappointed.

In a special edition of Fryslân Hjoed we list all the news:

ANPJoost Klein leaves today for Malmö, Sweden for the Eurovision Song Contest

NOS Nieuws•maandag, 09:16

Joost Klein is on his way to Malmö, Sweden for the Eurovision Song Contest. This morning the European Popesinger spoke to the press before boarding the plane to Sweden. “I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Klein replied matter-of-factly. “I’m especially looking forward to myself.”

The 26-year-old Fries has practiced a lot in recent weeks and, as he says, “meditated a lot and air-fried”. The question is whether the air fryer will also travel to Sweden in one of the twenty suitcases. He did post a photo of a suitcase full of red onions and garlic on Instagram with the text ‘Ready for Malmö’.

No one knows yet exactly what Klein’s performance will look like except the makers themselves. Until the dress rehearsal on May 8, rehearsals will take place behind closed doors, although short excerpts will probably be released in the coming days. The artist recently announced that he will be assisted on stage by influencers Appie Mussa and Stuntkabouter.

Next Thursday on May 9, the Dutchman will compete in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest with his song European Pope. In a short time the song became a hit. According to the bookmakers The Netherlands could end up in third place.

Before his departure to Sweden, Klein spoke to the press:

Joost Klein ready for departure to Malmö: ‘Meditated a lot and air-fried’

Last year, the Netherlands did not reach the final of the Eurovision Song Contest with Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper. That was the first time since 2015, when Trijntje Oosterhuis ended with her song Walk along in the semi-finals in 14th place.

The chance that Joost Klein can get a place in the final on Saturday, May 11, is considerable. Klein and his associates close the second semi-final. According to experts, the last place is a favorable draw.

Acts that are scheduled to perform later have a good chance of advancing to the final because it is still fresh in the audience’s memory. For the semi-finals, only the public votes count.