Dutch artist unable to attend Eurovision final rehearsal due to 'incident'

Dutch singer Joost Klein was prevented from participating in either of two rehearsals preceding the Eurovision Song Contest’s grand final due to an "incident."

"We are currently investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist. He will not be rehearsing until further notice," event organisers European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in the statement.

The EBU has not provided details regarding the nature of the "incident" concerning Joost Klein. 

Juries across Europe watch the dress rehearsal to assess and assign scores for the grand final but Klein's performance from the semi-final will be utilised as an alternative.

The setup of Klein's props on stage at the Malmö Arena was underway when a production manager instructed their removal. 

Subsequently, his song was omitted without an explanation, and Israel's participant, Eden Golan, who followed in the running order, assumed his position.

Klein's track "Europapa" is among the leading contenders in this year's competition. It pays homage to his parents, who passed away during his childhood. He had vowed to them that he would participate in Eurovision someday.

As of now, it remains unclear whether Klein will be performing in Saturday's final.

Israeli solo artist Golan, aged 20, was among the eight acts who qualified for the final on Thursday, and has now emerged as one of the top contenders favoured by bookmakers to win the competition.

Golan has become a focus for protests by pro-Palestinian demonstrators who want Israel kicked out of Eurovision over Tel Aviv's onslaught on besieged Gaza  which has killed close to 35,000 Palestinians.

The grand finale, scheduled for May 11, 2024, will showcase twenty-six nations, including the host country Sweden, the "Big Five" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), and the top ten entries from each of the two semi-finals.