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Gåte almost considered withdrawing from Eurovision 2024 whilst in Malmö

May 13, 2024

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Gåte reveal they almost withdrew from Eurovision 2024 at the last minute.

Norway’s representatives at this years Eurovision Song Contest, Gåte, have revealed to Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten that they almost withdrew from Eurovision 2024, whilst in Malmö.

The band’s guitarist Magnus Børmark has said that he had a strong confrontation with the EBU over the events that occured in the run up to the grand final on Saturday 11th May. Børmark says to the newspaper that he believes the artists were forced into a policital role, and were involuntarily given the responsibility of carrying out an extremely complicated conflict.

“To withdraw from the contest was on the block until the very last second. We eventually had constructive talks with the EBU. Things were just good enough for it to be carried out. We experienced that the artists were forced into a political role. It seemed like there was one set of rules for Israel, another for the rest. There is something wrong when you experience it. The artists should not have to have a crisis meeting with the EBU.”

“All in all, I’m glad we went, but we had to take on more responsibility than we should have. We as artists are there because of the values of the event. When the EBU fails to live up to these vaules, the artists must bear them. The talks with the EBU gradually became constructive. It made it better to be there. Things were just not good enough for it to be implememted.”

Crisis crosses borders

On Saturday, in the afternoon ahead of the grand final of Eurovision 2024, it was reported that the EBU was in and out of crisis meetings with various participating countries, including: Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland and The United Kingdom. The EBU was also in talks with The Netherlands in regards to Joost Klein’s disqualification.

For the grand final family show on Saturday afternoon, Bambie Thug was not present at all, and their semi final performance was shown instead. Marina Satti and Nemo did not appear for the flag parade, but did perform live in the show.

Gåte qualified from semi final two in tenth place with 43 points. In the final, they finished in 25th place, receiving 12 points from the juries and 4 points from the televoters.

What are your thoughts on Magnus Børmark’s statements regarding the band’s possible withdrawal from Eurovision 2024? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Photo credit: Corrine Cummings / EBU

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