"According to the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 no political lyrics can be accepted. After a question from the EBU the Ukrainian group GreenJolly now decided to change the lyrics of their song"
So as to avoid disqualification, the Ukraine group GreenJolly's song on their prime minister and the orange revolution has to be changed. (the lyrics that is...)
And, whilst you're giving others a hard time over their grasp of the English dictionary, one assumes you have a complete understanding of the exact meaning of the word "dildo".
Given the assumption that you wouldn't dream of referring to the kettle in any dark coloured way, perhaps one might enquire where you felt the lady in question should have her batteries inserted?
Ouch! bite me!!!!
While i'll always, if somewhat begrudgingly admit to being the pot. On this occassion i will not.
She did look like an object shaped like an erect penis for sexual stimulation. In a comical way ( sense of humour required).
Batteries not required, that was a solar panel on the front of her costume.
Announced less than an hour ago, Lebanon has withdrawn from the contest leaving this year's total of countries at 39 (the semi final will include 25 instead of 26 countries now).
Full story -
esctoday.com
Israel
A few weeks ago it came out that on the official Lebanese Eurovision Song Contest website, Israel was not listed as participant. After a demand from the European Broadcasting Union to solve the issue, it was decided to remove the complete list of participants and in this way avoiding the problem. Due to the political situation between Israel and Lebanon, it's legally not permitted in Lebanon to pay any attention to Israel. Télé-Liban faced a difficult situation, as they had to broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest in accordance with the rules. The EBU asked Télé-Liban to assure they would broadcast the contest without interruption, but the Lebanese broadcaster could not assure that. "When we told them this is not possible and they have to broadcast the entire programme, they decided to withdraw from the 50th Eurovision Song Contest", Svante Stockselius said to esctoday.com.
Sorry...
"I feel particularly sorry for Aline Lahoud, the Lebanese participant", Stockselius said. People surrounding her requested the EBU if it was possible to have her in the contest as a non-participating artist, but this was not possible.
In, out, in, out...
21st October 2004, Ibrahim El Khoury, President Director General of public broadcaster Télé-Liban, exclusively informed esctoday.com that Lebanon was going to be present at the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev. 3rd November, it was announced that Aline Lahoud would be the first Lebanese Eurovision Song Contest participant.
In an official statement to esctoday.com on 15th December, Télé-Liban explained that financial reasons forced Lebanon to withdraw from the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest. Sady Farah from Télé-Liban denies that the decision was based on political conflicts with Israel, a 'false rumour' that was spread by German news paper Die Tageszeitung.
20th December, it was confirmed that the EBU managed to come to an agreement with Télé-Liban and thus, the country appeared on the official list of participants.
9th March, we exclusively presented the Lebanese entry for the upcoming contest, Quand tout s'enfuit, performed by Aline Lahoud and written by Jad Rahbani and Romeo Lahoud.
Today, 18th March 2005, the EBU confirmed that Lebanon will not participate in the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest.
Financial consequences?
Until 15th December, broadcasters got the opportunity to withdraw without financial consequences. Three months later, while the preparations for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest are in a final stadium, Lebanon drops out. "During the Reference Group meeting, which takes place tomorrow, we will discuss the penalty for Télé-Liban. They loose their participation fee for sure, but an extra fine is possible", Stockselius explained.
It was a brilliant song as well that they were sending....
Jonathan Ross was presumably on the judging panel because the BBC don't take Eurovision particularly seriously, as well they shouldn't. It's there as a sort of 'isn't this stupid?' ironic thing - all you need to do is hear Terry Wogan's commentary to see that.
"There's not enough silliness in the world. Eurovision helps to keep it balanced.”
Terry Wogan, BBC.
