The absence of Jamala from the Opening Ceremony of Eurovision 2017 has been explained, as the multitude of issues she faced becomes clear.
Igor Tarnopolsky the Manager of Jamala has revealed why last years Eurovision winner was nowhere to be seen at yesterday’s Opening Ceremony. Mr Tarnopolsky has revealed a multitude of issues with the organisation of the event which eventually lead to the singer leaving without meeting the majority of the delegations at this years contest.
According to Mr Tarnopolsky:
- Jamala was banned from attending the Red Carpet event contrary to previous years where the winner of the previous years contest has featured.
- The night before the event Jamala’s team were told they would be attending the event via Helicopter to enhance the image of Ukraine. This despite the fact that the airspace above Kyiv has been closed for the duration of the contest.
- Instead they arrived by car to the event but were stopped by security for 20 minutes and not allowed into the event during this time.
- Jamala and her teams passes did not work when entering the venue for the Opening Ceremony, this is similar to at the contest venue where only Jamala and one assistant has been given a pass.
- The Opening Ceremony itself was delayed by a period of 30 minutes, something that guests were not informed of.
- The Opening Ceremony began with the majority of delegations still not at the venue, at which point Jamala and her team decided to leave.
Eurovoix has been able to verify all of the details that Jamala’s manager has published on his Facebook account. According to tender documents a total of 2,492,360 UAH (86,000 Euro) was spent on the Red Carpet and Opening Ceremony. The event has been defended by the Manager of the Red Carpet event who stated in a reply to Mr Tarnopolsky that:
Just want to say one thing, on the basis of those realities that have been, it is a good result. And every judge on the basis of subjective evaluation. Our event team to do all we can. I’m not making excuses, but I’m just stating the facts.
A total of 42 countries are competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Returning to the Eurovision stage are Portugal and Romania who both took a year out from the contest. Bosnia & Herzegovina has withdrawn from the contest while Russia is not attending. Bosnia & Herzegovina has withdrawn due to financial difficulties at the national broadcaster, BHRT. While Russia has withdrawn following Julia Samoilova being banned by Ukrainian Authorities from entering Ukraine. The 62nd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is being held on the following dates:
- Semi Final 1 – 9 May
- Semi Final 2 – 11 May
- Final – 13 May
Source: Igor Tarnopolsky, Prozorro
