European Broadcasting Union says "no Russian act will participate" in 2022 Eurovision Song Contest
The European Broadcasting Union has announced that "no Russian act will participate" in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, despite organisers previously saying they were planning to host contestants from both Russia and Ukraine.
BBC reported yesterday (24 February) that organisers described Eurovision as a "non-political cultural event which unites nations and celebrates diversity through music", and added that they were "currently planning" to host contestants from both Russia and Ukraine at the May event.
This afternoon (24 February), the European Broadcasting Union shared a new statement announcing that "no Russian act will participate in this year's Eurovision Song Contest."
According to the statement, the new decision was made following "a recommendation earlier today by the Eurovision Song Contest's governing body, the Reference Group."
"The EBU is an apolitical member organisation of broadcasters committed to upholding the values of public service," the statement added.
Statement from @EBU_HQ regarding Russia's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.https://t.co/HmKJdqVE4J pic.twitter.com/tVH6yFxzbq
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) February 25, 2022
- Emotional Oranges share debut album preview, "Out The Blue"
- AURORA re-releases debut album track, "Through the Eyes of a Child"
- ODESZA announce EP, Music To Refine To: A Remix Companion to Severance
- Ariana Grande unveils short film, brighter days ahead
- Gracie Abrams, FINNEAS and more join lineup for Noah Kahan's BST Hyde Park show
- Mahalia joins forces with Masicka on new single, "Different Types Of Love"
- Jack Garratt announces first studio album in five years, Pillars
Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday