Maruv was supposed to be the representing artist for Ukraine in Tel Aviv after winning the national selection. However, it was reported that the Public Broadcaster had sent her management a contract which required Maruv to cancel all upcoming appearances and performances in Russia. She was given 48 hours to sign the contract or risk being replaced.
The day after, she revealed that the contract had additionally banned her from improvising on stage and communicating with journalists without the permission of the broadcaster. In the case of not following these clauses, she would be fined ₴2 million (approximately € 65.200,-). The artist also claimed that the broadcaster would not provide her with any financial compensation for the competition nor would they pay for the trip to Tel Aviv. Ultimately, both Maruv and the broadcaster confirmed that she will not represent Ukraine during Eurovision.
Back in October, the private Ukrainian broadcaster STB proudly announced it had signed a three-year memorandum with state broadcaster UA:PBC. Now STB has responded with a lengthy statement, which makes it clear they do not support the misuse of Vidbir (the national selection show) and the contest’s winner. When asked if STB will carry out the National Selection next year, the private broadcaster stated: “Considering the current situation, we will think about whether it makes sense for us to further take part in the conduct of the national Eurovision selection.”
UPDATE: Ukraine will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, as was announced by the national broadcaster this afternoon. This is due to the runner-up, Freedom Jazz, and the third place contestant in the National Selection, Kazka, also declined to represent their country. This is because they did not win the National Selection.
Comeback Queens: guest performances by previous contestants and winners?
Rumor has it that certain previous performers and winners will take the stage in Tel Aviv. Israeli news website Israel hayom reports claims that Eurovision winners Mans Zelmerlow, Conchita Wurst, Alexander Rybakand and former participants Verka Serduchka and Eleni Foureira may perform in Tel Aviv- with each performer singing another singer’s Eurovision song. Seeing Conchita Wurst take the stage to give us a show stopping rendition of Eleni’s Fuego is definitely on our wish list!
The rumor that Madonna might make an appearance as a guest-performer has been going around for some time now. But some say that the financial terms are preventing the Queen of Pop of signing a contract.
And of course, more contestants have been announced!
The German duo S!sters will represent Germany in Tel Aviv with the song Sister.
The Hungarian singer Joci Pápai will perform Az én apám.
Tamta, the artist representing Cyprus this year, released a snippet of her Eurovision entry called Replay (which can be heard in its entirety on March 5th).
