Jean-Paul Daniëls (62) from Genk attended the semi-finals from the front row in the Malmö Arena. “There were some boos during Israel’s song, but I thought it wasn’t too bad. I expected worse, there was actually a very good atmosphere. I also thought the Israeli song was a very nice song that I think will end on a high note.”
Jean-Paul Daniëls (front right) in the Malmö Arena. — © rr
Tom Kuppens (42) from Lommel had tickets for the rehearsal in the afternoon. “The live show was sold out, but the rehearsal in the afternoon is completely the same. There was a lot of booing but also applause in the audience during Israel’s performance. We left the room when it was Israel’s turn as a kind of silent protest.”
For Tom, Israel does not belong in this Eurovision Song Contest. “There are people who believe that the singer cannot do anything about the situation, but the initial lyrics of her song were a clear statement and open support for her government. And what bothers me most is that Moroccanoil (a brand of beauty products, ed.) from Israel is the main sponsor of the Eurovision Song Contest. I suspect that the choice to admit the country has a lot to do with that.”
Shadow
Jean-Paul was already lining up in front of the Malmö Arena at 3 p.m. for a spot in the front row. “There were a lot of people, but we didn’t notice any protests. The police are present en masse in Malmö. I’ve never seen so many police in my life.”
Tom Kuppens: “I don’t feel unsafe, but you do feel that it is happening. There are snipers on the roofs of the arena, on Thursday we encountered demonstrators in the center and you see surprisingly few Israeli flags. I also think: maybe the demonstrators see me as an opponent because I am going to the Eurovision Song Contest. So the whole issue certainly casts a shadow over the party.”
Tom Kuppens. — © rr
According to the bookmakers, Israeli candidate Eden Golan even has a chance of winning the festival. “It’s hard for me to imagine that, because I don’t think it’s a good song,” says Tom, who is experiencing the Eurovision Song Contest live for the sixth time. “I also think that the Eurovision Song Contest organization EBU has a problem, because many fans have difficulty with Israel. I certainly wouldn’t go if the Eurovision Song Contest were to take place in Israel next year. I support the Netherlands in the final with Joost Klein. Then next year it will be nice and close.”
Do you also support Joost Klein in the final, just like Tom? Are you a big fan of the singer and can we give you a call? Let us know below!
Black
The Eurovision Song Contest is already over for Mustii. “I expected him to continue and thought his performance was quite good. But unfortunately only ten countries can continue,” says Tom Kuppens.
Jean-Paul also hoped for a better result for Mustii. “As a true fan you always have to believe in it, even if it was a strong semi-final. Mustii started a bit nervously but the end was good. I still think it is a very beautiful song. With a different act there might have been more. My favorite for the final is Switzerland with Nemo. It’s amazing how he can sing and perform acrobat feats at the same time.”