A Dutch TV show performed a savage parody song of Joost Klein’s Eurovision disqualification song ‘Europapa’.
The Netherlands’ Eurovision entrant was disqualified from the contest in Malmö, Sweden after being accused of making verbal threats towards a female member of production crew, police said.
The artist was placed under investigation by organisers Friday (May 10) due to an “incident” and was not allowed to perform at the final dress rehearsal.
The EBU, which organises the contest, said in a statement: “While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.”
The Dutch satirical game show Even tot hier have since recreated their own version of Klein’s song, wearing the same blue suit and singing new lyrics to the same thumping electronic beat.
Their song instead begins with the (translated) lyrics: “We are out of Europe / EBU screwed the Joost there / Fuck off, bye bye.”
The parody song also mentions the blue bird that appeared on stage for Joost’s set, along with an “investigation” that left Joost “screwed“.
You can watch both versions below.
Dutch satirical show #EvenTotHier created a parody of Europapa commenting on Joost Klein's disqualification and it's amazing. (with English subs) #JoostKlein #Eurovision #Europapa pic.twitter.com/OV9aW9qd8y
— am
(@SICKPRETTYMlND) May 13, 2024
The full version of the EBU’s statement read: “The Dutch artist Joost Klein will not be competing in the Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“Swedish police have investigated a complaint made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance in Thursday night’s Semi Final. While the legal process takes its course, it would not be appropriate for him to continue in the Contest.
“We would like to make it clear that, contrary to some media reports and social media speculation, this incident did not involve any other performer or delegation member.
“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour at our event and are committed to providing a safe and secure working environment for all staff at the Contest. In light of this, Joost Klein’s behaviour towards a team member is deemed in breach of Contest rules.”
The incident marked the first time in Eurovision history that an act had been disqualified after reaching the Grand Final.
Swedish police said in a statement (via Sky News). “A man is suspected of making unlawful threats at the Malmo Arena on Thursday evening.
“The man has been questioned by the police but not detained. The complainant is an employee at Eurovision. The police have questioned the suspect, complainant and witnesses.”
The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS also released its own statement describing the disqualification as “disproportionate”, adding it was “shocked by the decision”.
This year’s competition, which was ultimately won by Switzerland’s Nemo was surrounded by controversy for allowing Israel to compete amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The post Watch Dutch TV show’s cutting parody song of Joost Klein’s Eurovision disqualification appeared first on NME.
