Sweden's prosecution authority said Monday it had closed an investigation into Dutch Eurovision contestant Joost Klein, who was excluded from the contest's final following an incident with a camerawoman.

A female member of the production crew filed a police complaint against Joost accusing him of making "threatening" moves toward her following his May 9 semi-final performance.

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said at the time the incident involved Klein being filmed directly after coming off stage "against clearly made agreements".

The European Broadcasting Union, which oversees the event, disqualified Joost from the contest just hours before the May 11 final, a move AVROTROS blasted as "not proportional" to the incident.

The Swedish prosecutor said he had closed the case due to lack of evidence.

"I have closed the investigation today because I cannot prove that the action was aimed at provoking serious fear or that there was any such intent," senior prosecutor Fredrik Jonsson said in a statement.

Switzerland's Nemo and the song "The Code" went on to win the Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the first artist identifying as non-binary to claim victory, in a competition that was otherwise marked by controversy over Israel's participation during the war in Gaza.

Sweden's prosecution authority said Monday it had closed an investigation into Dutch Eurovision contestant Joost Klein, who was excluded from the contest's final following an incident with a camerawoman.

Sweden's prosecution authority said Monday it had closed an investigation into Dutch Eurovision contestant Joost Klein, who was excluded from the contest's final following an incident with a camerawoman. A female member of the production crew filed a police complaint against Joost accusing him of making "threatening" moves toward her following his May 9 semi-final performance. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS said at the time the incident involved Klein being filmed directly after coming off stage "against clearly made agreements". The European Broadcasting Union, which oversees the event, disqualified Joost from the contest just hours before the May 11 final, a move AVROTROS blasted as "not proportional" to the incident. The Swedish prosecutor said he had closed the case due to lack of evidence. "I have closed the investigation today because I cannot prove that the action was aimed at provoking serious fear or that there was any such intent," senior prosecutor Fredrik Jonsson said in a statement. Switzerland's Nemo and the song "The Code" went on to win the Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the first artist identifying as non-binary to claim victory, in a competition that was otherwise marked by controversy over Israel's participation during the war in Gaza.

Sweden drops case against Dutch singer excluded from Eurovision contest

Britain said Monday it had reluctantly agreed to host next year's Eurovision song contest, after organisers said there was no prospect of the pop extravaganza going ahead in war-torn Ukraine.

The BBC will now produce the world's biggest live music event, taking in performers from across Europe and Central Asia as well as Israel and Australia, in a UK city yet to be determined.

Ukraine won this year's contest, held in Italy, ahead of Britain's entry in second place. For the past month, it had insisted it could host next year's despite the Russian invasion.

But after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) ruled that out on security grounds, the government in Kyiv acquiesced to a UK-hosted event with a strongly Ukrainian flavour.

Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said that after "several rounds" of discussion, the EBU had given assurances of an "extremely high integration of Ukrainian context and presenters".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that in phone talks last week with President Volodymyr Zelensky, they "agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine".&nbsp;

"As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly -– and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends," Johnson tweeted.

Johnson's spokesman added it had been the soon-to-depart prime minister's "strong wish" for Ukraine to host the 2023 edition, and found it "deeply regrettable" that was no longer possible.

In May, Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra won in Turin, on a wave of support for their country following Russia's invasion.&nbsp;

Its lead singer Oleh Psiuk, whose bubblegum-pink bucket hat helped make him one of the breakout stars of the night, thanked Britain for stepping in.

"We hope Eurovision 2023 will have a Ukrainian flavour and celebrate our beautiful, unique culture," he said in a statement to Britain's PA news agency.&nbsp;

"We, in turn, will make all efforts to help Ukraine win next year as well, so that Eurovision 2024 can take place in a peaceful country."

<h2>- Cities wait in wings -</h2>

&nbsp;

By convention, the winning country hosts the kitsch celebration of music the following year. Britain last hosted it in 1998.

But last month, the EBU said Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of more than 10,000 people involved in the production and a further 30,000 fans expected to attend.

The broadcasting union stuck to its line despite protests from Zelensky's government, and rejected one proposal to shift the contest to a border location within Ukraine, away from the frontlines.

The EBU said Ukraine was still guaranteed a place in the 2023 grand final along with the organisation's "top five" countries: Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

The other finalists will be selected via national votes by viewers and judges, typically ranging from mainstream pop to the rather odd.

BBC director-general Tim Davie said it was "of great regret" that Ukraine could not host next year.

"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity," he said.

But the cash-strapped BBC also has to contend with footing a multi-million-euro bill for staging the show, unless the UK government stumps up extra support.

The broadcaster said it aimed to select a UK host venue by the autumn, in collaboration with the EBU.

Whichever city wins will need to have an international airport, a sizeable conference venue and thousands of hotel rooms.

London, Manchester and Sheffield all said they were ready to step in.&nbsp;Glasgow had previously expressed interest.

This year's contest vaulted Britain's second-placed entrant Sam Ryder to stardom.&nbsp;

Last month, before another global TV audience, Ryder performed his quirky song "Space Man" in front of Buckingham Palace as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II.

Britain said Monday it had reluctantly agreed to host next year's Eurovision song contest, after organisers said there was no prospect of the pop extravaganza going ahead in war-torn Ukraine.

Britain said Monday it had reluctantly agreed to host next year's Eurovision song contest, after organisers said there was no prospect of the pop extravaganza going ahead in war-torn Ukraine. The BBC will now produce the world's biggest live music event, taking in performers from across Europe and Central Asia as well as Israel and Australia, in a UK city yet to be determined. Ukraine won this year's contest, held in Italy, ahead of Britain's entry in second place. For the past month, it had insisted it could host next year's despite the Russian invasion. But after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) ruled that out on security grounds, the government in Kyiv acquiesced to a UK-hosted event with a strongly Ukrainian flavour. Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said that after "several rounds" of discussion, the EBU had given assurances of an "extremely high integration of Ukrainian context and presenters". British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that in phone talks last week with President Volodymyr Zelensky, they "agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine". "As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly -– and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends," Johnson tweeted. Johnson's spokesman added it had been the soon-to-depart prime minister's "strong wish" for Ukraine to host the 2023 edition, and found it "deeply regrettable" that was no longer possible. In May, Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra won in Turin, on a wave of support for their country following Russia's invasion. Its lead singer Oleh Psiuk, whose bubblegum-pink bucket hat helped make him one of the breakout stars of the night, thanked Britain for stepping in. "We hope Eurovision 2023 will have a Ukrainian flavour and celebrate our beautiful, unique culture," he said in a statement to Britain's PA news agency. "We, in turn, will make all efforts to help Ukraine win next year as well, so that Eurovision 2024 can take place in a peaceful country." - Cities wait in wings - By convention, the winning country hosts the kitsch celebration of music the following year. Britain last hosted it in 1998. But last month, the EBU said Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of more than 10,000 people involved in the production and a further 30,000 fans expected to attend. The broadcasting union stuck to its line despite protests from Zelensky's government, and rejected one proposal to shift the contest to a border location within Ukraine, away from the frontlines. The EBU said Ukraine was still guaranteed a place in the 2023 grand final along with the organisation's "top five" countries: Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The other finalists will be selected via national votes by viewers and judges, typically ranging from mainstream pop to the rather odd. BBC director-general Tim Davie said it was "of great regret" that Ukraine could not host next year. "The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity," he said. But the cash-strapped BBC also has to contend with footing a multi-million-euro bill for staging the show, unless the UK government stumps up extra support. The broadcaster said it aimed to select a UK host venue by the autumn, in collaboration with the EBU. Whichever city wins will need to have an international airport, a sizeable conference venue and thousands of hotel rooms. London, Manchester and Sheffield all said they were ready to step in. Glasgow had previously expressed interest. This year's contest vaulted Britain's second-placed entrant Sam Ryder to stardom. Last month, before another global TV audience, Ryder performed his quirky song "Space Man" in front of Buckingham Palace as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II.

UK to host 2023 Eurovision as Ukraine bows out

Italy`s entry, glam rock band Maneskin, won the Eurovision song contest, as the world`s most popular live music event was held in the Netherlands after being cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
The Italian`s raucous "Zitti E Buoni" beat out professional jury favourites Switzerland and France, sweeping the public vote which counts for half the points. Victoria de Angelis of Maneskin told a press conference the win was an important boost for Italy, one of the European countries worst hit by COVID-19. 
 
"This is a message of hope after this hard year we’ve been through," she said. Maneskin`s rock song is unlike the kitschy pop Eurovision is known for, but their singer said their popularity showed the contest also looks at musical quality. 
 
"That prize shows that this is not (a) cheesy event. This is a musical event," Damiano David told journalists. Italy was the favourite with bookmakers and fans before the contest. Eurovision blogger William Lee Adams said its "punch in your face" song seemed the perfect anthem for European fans who have been stuck in lockdown. 
 
"After this past year where we`ve been trapped at home I think a lot of people want that feeling of being at a party and that`s what they`re giving," he said. A limited audience of 3,500 attended the concert venue in Rotterdam to watch the performances after undergoing stringent testing for COVID-19. 
 
Because of the travel restrictions, most fans present were Dutch and they missed the usually international ambience of the festival. 
"What I don`t really like is that there are no international persons here. Because it`s really the once in the year that you meet up with all your international friends," Dutch fan Patrick, who did not give his last name, told Reuters outside the venue. 
 
Despite the precautions, several COVID-19 infections were reported during rehearsals and the semi-finals. Iceland's entry Dadi on Gagnamagnid were not able to perform live during the finals after a band member tested positive for COVID-19. The 2019 winner Duncan Laurence also tested positive. For both performances, the organisation used pre-recorded backup versions of the songs. 
 
Most Eurovision fans outside the Netherlands watched from home, and many reached out to friends and online communities to celebrate the event. 
 
The Netherlands has hosted the 65th edition of the contest, which draws a television audience of about 200 million after Dutch singer-songwriter Duncan Laurence won the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv with the song "Arcade".

Italy`s entry, glam rock band Maneskin, won the Eurovision song contest, as the world`s most popular live music event was held in the Netherlands after being cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Italy`s entry, glam rock band Maneskin, won the Eurovision song contest, as the world`s most popular live music event was held in the Netherlands after being cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Italian`s raucous "Zitti E Buoni" beat out professional jury favourites Switzerland and France, sweeping the public vote which counts for half the points. Victoria de Angelis of Maneskin told a press conference the win was an important boost for Italy, one of the European countries worst hit by COVID-19. "This is a message of hope after this hard year we’ve been through," she said. Maneskin`s rock song is unlike the kitschy pop Eurovision is known for, but their singer said their popularity showed the contest also looks at musical quality. "That prize shows that this is not (a) cheesy event. This is a musical event," Damiano David told journalists. Italy was the favourite with bookmakers and fans before the contest. Eurovision blogger William Lee Adams said its "punch in your face" song seemed the perfect anthem for European fans who have been stuck in lockdown. "After this past year where we`ve been trapped at home I think a lot of people want that feeling of being at a party and that`s what they`re giving," he said. A limited audience of 3,500 attended the concert venue in Rotterdam to watch the performances after undergoing stringent testing for COVID-19. Because of the travel restrictions, most fans present were Dutch and they missed the usually international ambience of the festival. "What I don`t really like is that there are no international persons here. Because it`s really the once in the year that you meet up with all your international friends," Dutch fan Patrick, who did not give his last name, told Reuters outside the venue. Despite the precautions, several COVID-19 infections were reported during rehearsals and the semi-finals. Iceland's entry Dadi on Gagnamagnid were not able to perform live during the finals after a band member tested positive for COVID-19. The 2019 winner Duncan Laurence also tested positive. For both performances, the organisation used pre-recorded backup versions of the songs. Most Eurovision fans outside the Netherlands watched from home, and many reached out to friends and online communities to celebrate the event. The Netherlands has hosted the 65th edition of the contest, which draws a television audience of about 200 million after Dutch singer-songwriter Duncan Laurence won the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv with the song "Arcade".

Italy's raucous glam rock takes Eurovision by storm

The long-running unrest in Belarus has spilled over into this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, with organizers ejecting the country from the competition for songs found to have repeatedly violated rules barring political content.

The country’s original song entry, “Ya Nauchu Tebya” (I’ll Teach You) by the band Galasy ZMesta, was criticized by opposition figures who assert that lyrics such as “I will teach you to toe the line” endorsed President Alexander Lukashenko’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests. Eurovision fans started an online petition asking organizers to make Belarus withdraw from the competition.

This month, the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the international musical spectacular, wrote to Belarus’ national broadcaster, BTRC, saying that the entry was not eligible to compete in the musical talent show in May in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

“The song puts the nonpolitical nature of the contest in question,” the broadcasting union’s statement said.

Belarus was given an opportunity to submit a modified version of the song, or a new tune. But after evaluating the replacement, the union said in a statement Friday evening that “the new submission was also in breach of the rules” and that Belarus would be disqualified.

Belarus was gripped for weeks by large-scale protests last year after Lukashenko claimed a landslide victory in what many Western governments said was a sham election in August. His security forces then brutally cracked down on mass demonstrations.

Both songs that the eastern European nation entered for Eurovision this year were criticized for what many viewed as pro-government lyrics and imagery. Galasy ZMesta, which performs both songs, was also found to have what could be interpreted as an anti-protest message on its website, taking aim at people who “try to destroy the country we love and live in,” adding, “we cannot stay indifferent” toward them.

Eurovision’s rules state that the event is nonpolitical and that “no lyrics, speeches, gestures of a political, commercial or similar nature shall be permitted” in the contest.

Belarus started competing in Eurovision in 2004 and has fielded an entrant every year since, so it knew what it was doing in entering songs that contained political messaging, said Oliver Adams, a correspondent for Wiwibloggs, a widely read site for Eurovision news.

As the world’s longest-running annual televised music competition, Eurovision has amassed a dedicated following of enthusiastic fans. Although the coronavirus pandemic halted Eurovision’s 2020 Grand Final, more than 180 million people watched the contest in 2019.

The contest, which started 65 years ago, cemented its place last year as a cultural phenomenon with a Netflix movie gently mocking its eccentricities and obsessive fandom.

While countries are rarely singled out for submitting tunes with political undertones for Eurovision, it has happened before. Georgia entered the song “We Don’t Wanna Put In” for the 2009 contest, which was held in Moscow, but organizers rejected it for containing obvious references to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, including the wordplay in the song title. Georgia withdrew from the competition that year but denied that the song contained “political statements.”

This year, Armenia also withdrew from Eurovision. Its public broadcaster attributed the decision in part to political fallout from the conflict with Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

“This isn’t the first time that political tension has found its way into the Eurovision-sphere,” Adams said.

“These outer-Eurovision bubble problems do seep their way into the contest sometimes,” he added, “but ultimately they’re never going to break it apart.”

The long-running unrest in Belarus has spilled over into this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, with organizers ejecting the country from the competition for songs found to have repeatedly violated rules barring political content.

The long-running unrest in Belarus has spilled over into this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, with organizers ejecting the country from the competition for songs found to have repeatedly violated rules barring political content. The country’s original song entry, “Ya Nauchu Tebya” (I’ll Teach You) by the band Galasy ZMesta, was criticized by opposition figures who assert that lyrics such as “I will teach you to toe the line” endorsed President Alexander Lukashenko’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests. Eurovision fans started an online petition asking organizers to make Belarus withdraw from the competition. This month, the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the international musical spectacular, wrote to Belarus’ national broadcaster, BTRC, saying that the entry was not eligible to compete in the musical talent show in May in Rotterdam, Netherlands. “The song puts the nonpolitical nature of the contest in question,” the broadcasting union’s statement said. Belarus was given an opportunity to submit a modified version of the song, or a new tune. But after evaluating the replacement, the union said in a statement Friday evening that “the new submission was also in breach of the rules” and that Belarus would be disqualified. Belarus was gripped for weeks by large-scale protests last year after Lukashenko claimed a landslide victory in what many Western governments said was a sham election in August. His security forces then brutally cracked down on mass demonstrations. Both songs that the eastern European nation entered for Eurovision this year were criticized for what many viewed as pro-government lyrics and imagery. Galasy ZMesta, which performs both songs, was also found to have what could be interpreted as an anti-protest message on its website, taking aim at people who “try to destroy the country we love and live in,” adding, “we cannot stay indifferent” toward them. Eurovision’s rules state that the event is nonpolitical and that “no lyrics, speeches, gestures of a political, commercial or similar nature shall be permitted” in the contest. Belarus started competing in Eurovision in 2004 and has fielded an entrant every year since, so it knew what it was doing in entering songs that contained political messaging, said Oliver Adams, a correspondent for Wiwibloggs, a widely read site for Eurovision news. As the world’s longest-running annual televised music competition, Eurovision has amassed a dedicated following of enthusiastic fans. Although the coronavirus pandemic halted Eurovision’s 2020 Grand Final, more than 180 million people watched the contest in 2019. The contest, which started 65 years ago, cemented its place last year as a cultural phenomenon with a Netflix movie gently mocking its eccentricities and obsessive fandom. While countries are rarely singled out for submitting tunes with political undertones for Eurovision, it has happened before. Georgia entered the song “We Don’t Wanna Put In” for the 2009 contest, which was held in Moscow, but organizers rejected it for containing obvious references to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, including the wordplay in the song title. Georgia withdrew from the competition that year but denied that the song contained “political statements.” This year, Armenia also withdrew from Eurovision. Its public broadcaster attributed the decision in part to political fallout from the conflict with Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. “This isn’t the first time that political tension has found its way into the Eurovision-sphere,” Adams said. “These outer-Eurovision bubble problems do seep their way into the contest sometimes,” he added, “but ultimately they’re never going to break it apart.”

Eurovision song contest disqualifies Belarus over political lyrics

Belarus has been rejected from participating in this year's Eurovision Song Contest in the Netherlands, with Minsk denouncing the decision as "politically motivated."

The European Broadcasting Union said late Friday that "regrettably, Belarus will not be participating" in the May contest in the Dutch city of Rotterdam even after it had submitted a new entry following problems with the original.

"It was concluded that the new submission was also in breach of the rules of the competition that ensure the Contest is not instrumentalized or brought into disrepute," the EBU said in a statement on its website, without elaborating.

The group selected to represent Belarus, Galasy Zmesta, offered a first song titled "I Will Teach You," which had prompted a backlash from the Belarus opposition for featuring lyrics like "I will teach you to toe the line".&nbsp;

Belarus has been gripped by political unrest since last August, after its strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko claimed a sixth presidential term in a vote the opposition and Western diplomats said was rigged.

The election results triggered mass street protests which were met with a violent crackdown that resulted in thousands of protesters detained, at least several protesters killed, and hundreds sentenced to lengthy prison terms.&nbsp;

The European Union then imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and his allies. &nbsp;

While Galasy Zmesta's second song was more nuanced, the group's leader was cited as saying by RIA Novosti early Saturday morning that the meaning of its fable about a bunny rabbit, domestic chickens and a fox "is very obvious".&nbsp;

This came after Belarus's national broadcaster slammed Eurovision on its Telegram channel late Friday.&nbsp;

"For Europe to be scared to allow a song on stage about rabbits -- this is the final and absolute disgrace," it wrote.

"The decision to disqualify us is politically motivated," Ivan Eismont, who heads the ex-Soviet country's Eurovision selection committee, was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency.

"We know what the European Union loves," he said.

Efforts are being made to make sure as many artists as possible can perform live for the Eurovision, which is due to have its final on May 22.

The glitzy annual musical pageant, which has millions of viewers in Europe and as far afield as Australia, has already been postponed from 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Belarus has been rejected from participating in this year's Eurovision Song Contest in the Netherlands, with Minsk denouncing the decision as "politically motivated.

Belarus has been rejected from participating in this year's Eurovision Song Contest in the Netherlands, with Minsk denouncing the decision as "politically motivated." The European Broadcasting Union said late Friday that "regrettably, Belarus will not be participating" in the May contest in the Dutch city of Rotterdam even after it had submitted a new entry following problems with the original. "It was concluded that the new submission was also in breach of the rules of the competition that ensure the Contest is not instrumentalized or brought into disrepute," the EBU said in a statement on its website, without elaborating. The group selected to represent Belarus, Galasy Zmesta, offered a first song titled "I Will Teach You," which had prompted a backlash from the Belarus opposition for featuring lyrics like "I will teach you to toe the line". Belarus has been gripped by political unrest since last August, after its strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko claimed a sixth presidential term in a vote the opposition and Western diplomats said was rigged. The election results triggered mass street protests which were met with a violent crackdown that resulted in thousands of protesters detained, at least several protesters killed, and hundreds sentenced to lengthy prison terms. The European Union then imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and his allies. While Galasy Zmesta's second song was more nuanced, the group's leader was cited as saying by RIA Novosti early Saturday morning that the meaning of its fable about a bunny rabbit, domestic chickens and a fox "is very obvious". This came after Belarus's national broadcaster slammed Eurovision on its Telegram channel late Friday. "For Europe to be scared to allow a song on stage about rabbits -- this is the final and absolute disgrace," it wrote. "The decision to disqualify us is politically motivated," Ivan Eismont, who heads the ex-Soviet country's Eurovision selection committee, was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency. "We know what the European Union loves," he said. Efforts are being made to make sure as many artists as possible can perform live for the Eurovision, which is due to have its final on May 22. The glitzy annual musical pageant, which has millions of viewers in Europe and as far afield as Australia, has already been postponed from 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Belarus blasts Eurovision ban as 'politically motivated'

Russian investigators said on Thursday they will examine the lyrics of the country's entry to this year's Eurovision song contest after it angered conservative groups.

Manizha Sangin, known as Manizha, is set to perform the song "Russian Woman" at the annual competition in The Netherlands in&nbsp;May.

It praises the strength of Russian women, urging them to be more independent and to resist sexist views on beauty, age and bearing children.

The 29-year-old singer, who was born in ex-Soviet Tajikistan but now lives in Russia, is also an activist for women's and refugees' rights.

The Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes in Russia, said it had received a request from a public organisation to probe Manizha's entry for "possible illegal statements".

IC spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko told news agency RIA Novosti that the request will be examined in accordance with the law.

The Russian Union of Orthodox Women published an open letter on Thursday calling for a ban on Manizha's music video and her participation at Eurovision.

The letter says her lyrics incite "hatred towards men, which undermines the foundations of a traditional family".

Earlier this week a site devoted to war veterans, "Veteranskie Vesti", published an open letter to IC head Alexander Bastrykin asking him to initiate criminal proceedings into the song.

The organisation describes itself as independent but partners with Russia's interior and defence ministries and the FSB security agency.

In the letter, the group said Manizha's pop tune "aims to seriously insult and humiliate the human dignity of Russian women".

Russian investigators said on Thursday they will examine the lyrics of the country's entry to this year's Eurovision song contest after it angered conservative groups.

Russian investigators said on Thursday they will examine the lyrics of the country's entry to this year's Eurovision song contest after it angered conservative groups. Manizha Sangin, known as Manizha, is set to perform the song "Russian Woman" at the annual competition in The Netherlands in May. It praises the strength of Russian women, urging them to be more independent and to resist sexist views on beauty, age and bearing children. The 29-year-old singer, who was born in ex-Soviet Tajikistan but now lives in Russia, is also an activist for women's and refugees' rights. The Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes in Russia, said it had received a request from a public organisation to probe Manizha's entry for "possible illegal statements". IC spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko told news agency RIA Novosti that the request will be examined in accordance with the law. The Russian Union of Orthodox Women published an open letter on Thursday calling for a ban on Manizha's music video and her participation at Eurovision. The letter says her lyrics incite "hatred towards men, which undermines the foundations of a traditional family". Earlier this week a site devoted to war veterans, "Veteranskie Vesti", published an open letter to IC head Alexander Bastrykin asking him to initiate criminal proceedings into the song. The organisation describes itself as independent but partners with Russia's interior and defence ministries and the FSB security agency. In the letter, the group said Manizha's pop tune "aims to seriously insult and humiliate the human dignity of Russian women".

Moscow to probe 'Russian Woman' Eurovision song for 'illegal' lyrics

Madonna sang her classic 'Like a Prayer'&nbsp;and her new single 'Future'&nbsp;with rapper-singer Quavo during a live performance at the grand finale of the 2019 Eurovision song contest on Sunday.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the pop singer also gave a subtle political statement for the unity between Israel and Palestine.

At the end of her performance, two of her supporting dancers walked hand in hand with the Israeli and Palestinian flags.

When she finished singing her track 'X' the singer said, "Wake up".

The same words were also displayed on the large screen behind her and Quavo.

Emphasizing the importance of music, during an interview Madonna had said, "Everybody here is from all over the world, right? So many countries that I have been privileged enough to visit and experience, and the one thing that brings me to those countries, and the thing that brings all of these people here tonight, is music. So let`s never underestimate the power of music to bring people together."

Her performance and her comments about the power of music aired live on Tel Aviv.&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

Madonna sang her classic 'Like a Prayer' and her new single 'Future' with rapper-singer Quavo during a live performance at the grand finale of the 2019 Eurovision song contest on Sunday.

Madonna sang her classic 'Like a Prayer' and her new single 'Future' with rapper-singer Quavo during a live performance at the grand finale of the 2019 Eurovision song contest on Sunday. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the pop singer also gave a subtle political statement for the unity between Israel and Palestine. At the end of her performance, two of her supporting dancers walked hand in hand with the Israeli and Palestinian flags. When she finished singing her track 'X' the singer said, "Wake up". The same words were also displayed on the large screen behind her and Quavo. Emphasizing the importance of music, during an interview Madonna had said, "Everybody here is from all over the world, right? So many countries that I have been privileged enough to visit and experience, and the one thing that brings me to those countries, and the thing that brings all of these people here tonight, is music. So let`s never underestimate the power of music to bring people together." Her performance and her comments about the power of music aired live on Tel Aviv.

Madonna performs live at Eurovision 2019

Pop superstar Madonna on Tuesday explained her decision to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel this week, saying that she will always speak up to defend human rights and hopes to see "a new path toward peace."

Madonna will make a guest appearance on Saturday during the Eurovision finals in Tel Aviv.

The venue has prompted calls for a boycott by pro-Palestinian activists who want companies, performers and governments to disengage from Israel.

The popular Eurovision competition features musicians from more than 40 nations and was watched last year by some 189 million viewers in around 50 European countries.

In her first comment on her decision to sing at the event, Madonna said she was a supporter of all human rights.

"I`ll never stop playing music to suit someone`s political agenda nor will I stop speaking out against violations of human rights wherever in the world they may be," the singer said in a statement to Reuters.

"My heart breaks every time I hear about the innocent lives that are lost in this region and the violence that is so often perpetuated to suit the political goals of people who benefit from this ancient conflict. I hope and pray that we will soon break free from this terrible cycle of destruction and create a new path towards peace," she added.

Israel is hosting the Eurovision contest after local singer Netta Barzilai won last year.

The winning country customarily hosts the following year.

Madonna, 60, is expected to perform two songs in Tel Aviv, one from her upcoming 'Madame X' album to be released in June.

She had taken her world tours to Israel in 2009 and 2012, and is a follower of the mystical form of Judaism called Kabbalah.

The singer`s Ray of Light foundation, which promotes social justice and women`s empowerment worldwide, supports a number of Palestinian projects.

They include funding teachers` salaries at schools in the Gaza Strip through the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency UNRWA and micro loans to female farmers through the Palestine Fair Trade Association.

The foundation also supports Americans for Peace Now, which campaigns for a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel has launched a PR campaign to counter calls for a boycott of the Eurovision contest by the international Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Security has been tight in Tel Aviv amid fears that activists may seek to disrupt the competition.

Pop superstar Madonna on Tuesday explained her decision to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel this week, saying that she will always speak up to defend human rights and hopes to see "a new path toward peace.

Pop superstar Madonna on Tuesday explained her decision to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel this week, saying that she will always speak up to defend human rights and hopes to see "a new path toward peace." Madonna will make a guest appearance on Saturday during the Eurovision finals in Tel Aviv. The venue has prompted calls for a boycott by pro-Palestinian activists who want companies, performers and governments to disengage from Israel. The popular Eurovision competition features musicians from more than 40 nations and was watched last year by some 189 million viewers in around 50 European countries. In her first comment on her decision to sing at the event, Madonna said she was a supporter of all human rights. "I`ll never stop playing music to suit someone`s political agenda nor will I stop speaking out against violations of human rights wherever in the world they may be," the singer said in a statement to Reuters. "My heart breaks every time I hear about the innocent lives that are lost in this region and the violence that is so often perpetuated to suit the political goals of people who benefit from this ancient conflict. I hope and pray that we will soon break free from this terrible cycle of destruction and create a new path towards peace," she added. Israel is hosting the Eurovision contest after local singer Netta Barzilai won last year. The winning country customarily hosts the following year. Madonna, 60, is expected to perform two songs in Tel Aviv, one from her upcoming 'Madame X' album to be released in June. She had taken her world tours to Israel in 2009 and 2012, and is a follower of the mystical form of Judaism called Kabbalah. The singer`s Ray of Light foundation, which promotes social justice and women`s empowerment worldwide, supports a number of Palestinian projects. They include funding teachers` salaries at schools in the Gaza Strip through the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency UNRWA and micro loans to female farmers through the Palestine Fair Trade Association. The foundation also supports Americans for Peace Now, which campaigns for a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel has launched a PR campaign to counter calls for a boycott of the Eurovision contest by the international Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. Security has been tight in Tel Aviv amid fears that activists may seek to disrupt the competition.

Madonna on Eurovision: Won't bow to suit someone's political agenda

Pop superstar Madonna will make a guest appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel next month, her representatives said on Monday (April 8).

Concert promoters Live Nation Israel and the singer's US&nbsp;representatives confirmed reports in Israeli media that Madonna will perform two songs in Tel Aviv during the three-day Eurovision competition in May, which features musicians from more than 40 nations.

Israel was chosen to host the contest after local singer Netta Barzilai won last year in Portugal with 'Toy', propelling her to international stardom. The winning country customarily hosts the following year.

The Israeli venue has already prompted calls for a boycott by pro-Palestinian activists who are campaigning for companies, performers and governments to disengage from Israel.

In January some 50 British celebrities, including singers Roger Waters and Peter Gabriel, wrote a letter calling on the BBC to press for the 2019 Eurovision contest to be relocated.

Madonna took her world tours to Israel in 2009 and 2012 and has been a follower of the mystical form of Judaism called Kabbalah.

She has been working on an untitled new album for the last several months.

Pop superstar Madonna will make a guest appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel next month, her representatives said on Monday (April 8). Concert promoters Live Nation Israel and the singer's US representatives confirmed reports in Israeli media that Madonna will perform two songs in Tel Aviv during the three-day Eurovision competition in May, which features musicians from more than 40 nations.

Pop superstar Madonna will make a guest appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel next month, her representatives said on Monday (April 8). Concert promoters Live Nation Israel and the singer's US representatives confirmed reports in Israeli media that Madonna will perform two songs in Tel Aviv during the three-day Eurovision competition in May, which features musicians from more than 40 nations. Israel was chosen to host the contest after local singer Netta Barzilai won last year in Portugal with 'Toy', propelling her to international stardom. The winning country customarily hosts the following year. The Israeli venue has already prompted calls for a boycott by pro-Palestinian activists who are campaigning for companies, performers and governments to disengage from Israel. In January some 50 British celebrities, including singers Roger Waters and Peter Gabriel, wrote a letter calling on the BBC to press for the 2019 Eurovision contest to be relocated. Madonna took her world tours to Israel in 2009 and 2012 and has been a follower of the mystical form of Judaism called Kabbalah. She has been working on an untitled new album for the last several months.

Madonna to perform at Eurovision Song Contest in Israel