‘It’s a song contest, it is not political’

BBC Eurovision commentators Rylan Clark and Scott Mills have stressed the contest is non-political after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was blocked from addressing the grand final due to fears it could politicise the event.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the contest, said on Thursday night it had declined Mr Zelensky’s request to speak to the audience on Saturday.

He had wanted to make an unannounced video appearance and had been expected to implore the global audience of millions to continue backing his country in its fight to repel Russian invaders.

The EBU said Mr Zelensky had “laudable intentions” but “regrettably” his request was against the rules.

Host Rylan said: “At the end of the day we are commentators so we don’t get involved in show format. I just think Eurovision, people say it is political – votes here, votes there.

“From being on the inside it is the least political experience you could ever have, actually.”

Radio DJ Scott Mills added: “People always ask, ‘Do you think it is political?’ It really isn’t. It is a song contest.”

Clark said: “It is a song contest and that is what we are here to say.”

Eleven Ukrainian artists, including last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra, are performing and 37 locations from around Ukraine are being shown.

The BBC has said the broadcast of this year’s contest is expected to be watched by more than 160 million viewers worldwide.

Kalush Orchestra won last year’s contest but, owing to the Russian invasion, hosting duties were awarded to the UK as the runner-up.