Eurovision host’s hilarious joke about contest’s gay fans leaves viewers in stitches
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The Eurovision Song Contest is known for its vibrant performances, catchy tunes, and devoted fanbase. And while the competition itself may be fierce, the camaraderie among Eurovision fans is undeniable. Last night’s semi-final (9 May) saw co-host Petra Mede embracing the contest’s reputation as one of the gayest events of the year with a playful joke that left viewers in stitches.
During the semi-final in Malmö, Petra Mede paid tribute to the late Jahn Teigen, a former contestant from Norway. Teigen, who represented Norway at the contest three times, received nil points in his first appearance in 1978. To honor his legacy, Mede presented a montage of other songs that also received nil points, poking fun at their dismissal.
As the montage played, Mede humorously remarked, “Here’s a tribute to some of the magical songs that were too easily dismissed. And if you at home can sing along to all these songs, then you know you’re a true Eurovision fan.” She then playfully corrected herself, saying, “Sorry, Eurovision fan.”
The audience at Sweden’s Malmö Arena erupted into laughter and cheers at Mede’s witty remark. Online, fans expressed their joy and amusement at being playfully called out by the co-host. The moment was a lighthearted nod to the large LGBTQ+ fanbase that has long been associated with the Eurovision Song Contest.
This year’s Eurovision contest has seen a significant presence of LGBTQ+ artists, including non-binary witch Bambie Thug from Ireland, Olly Alexander from the UK, and Lithuania’s Silvester Belt. The inclusion of these artists reflects the diversity and inclusivity of the competition, making it a space where queer voices are celebrated and embraced.
Despite heartbreak for some queer entrants who failed to qualify for the final, such as Belgium’s Mustii and Denmark’s SABA, non-binary Switzerland entrant Nemo has emerged as a frontrunner in the competition. With Nemo hotly tipped to win the entire contest, fans are eagerly awaiting the grand final on Saturday 11 May.
For Eurovision fans in the UK, the grand final will be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm BST. The contest promises to deliver more unforgettable performances, fierce competition, and undoubtedly, more moments that celebrate the colorful and diverse fanbase that makes Eurovision truly special.
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