EBU to Belarus: Change the song or you're disqualified from Eurovision 2021
Belarus's song has been rejected: "The song puts the non-political nature of the contest in question"
UPDATE 26 MARCH 2021
Belarus disqualified from Eurovision Song Contest 2021
Just two days ago Belarus announced their artist and song for Eurovision Song Contest 2021. The band Galasy ZMesta was internally picked by the Belarusian state broadcaster BTRC to represent the country in Eurovision 2021 with the song "Ya Nauchu Tebya".
After the song was submitted, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has scrutinized the song to ensure it complies with the rules of the competition. EBU concluded that the song "puts the non-political nature" of Eurovision in question, and requests the broadcaster to submit a modified version or a new song, or else being disqualified from Eurovision Song Contest 2021.
EBU Statement
As part of the regular procedure for all songs submitted to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), the EBU has carefully scrutinized the Belarusian song, Ya Nauchu Tebya (I’ll Teach You) by Galasy ZMesta to ensure it complies with the rules of the competition.
It was concluded that the song puts the non-political nature of the Contest in question.
In addition, recent reactions to the proposed entry risk bringing the reputation of the ESC into disrepute.
We’ve written to the broadcaster BTRC, which is responsible for Belarus’ entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, to inform them that the song, in its present form, is currently not eligible to compete.
Furthermore we’ve requested that they take all necessary steps to submit a modified version, or a new song, that is compliant with the ESC rules.
Failure to do so could result in disqualification from this year’s Contest.
Political lyrics in Eurovision
Eurovision Song Contest has a detailed set of rules. From Section 2.7 "Respect for ESC and EBU values" "Non-political event":
No lyrics, speeches, gestures of a political, commercial or similar nature shall be permitted during the ESCFrom the rules of Eurovision Song Contest
The selected song is being criticised for lyrics having political undertones mocking the Belarusian pro-democracy movement. The people of Belarus have been marching the streets for months to protest against President Alexander Lukashenko's regime. The lyrics of the song "Ya Nauchu Tebya" call for following the established order.
Belarus in Eurovision Song Contest
Belarus haven't had the greatest success in Eurovision history. They have participated every year since 2004, but only qualified for the Grand Final six times.
Their best result is a 6th place with the 2007-entry Work Your Magic performed by Dmitry Koldun. This is their only Top-15 position in Eurovision.
