Small town boy and polls favorite is keeping his expectations low

Duncan Laurence, as you may know, is currently the favorite to win this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. At least according to the polls. Though still early in the game, this time a year ago the polls predicted israel to win the trophy.

Representing his homeland, The Netherlands, Duncan is  in Israel to shoot his postcard, the 40 seconds piece aired before each song.  

In an interview to Israeli host broadcaster, KAN, Duncan is talking about his entry and his rise to fame, from a small town boy who participated at the Dutch version of The Voice, to a big Arcade and this year’s favorite to win in Tel Aviv.  While being aware of and flattered by his chances to win, Duncan is trying to keep the expectations low, and for now talk about the powerful and global message of the song.  

Take a look at the interview to KAN (HE / ENG).  

​Meanwhile, Dutch broadcaster has already declared it is ready to host 2020! So will the polls get it right again, similar to 2018, when Netta and Toy were the favorites to win from the moment Toy was released (until Cyprus came out of nowhere in the final days before the Final), or will another favorite rise within the next couple of weeks? ​

As expected, Ukraine is out, won’t compete in TLV

Ukrainian broadcaster, following Maruv's withdrawal, has failed to to find a replacement entrant for Tel Aviv. Moments ago, as we sadly expected earlier this week, they have released the following statement where they officially announce that they would not take part in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. 

"The Eurovision Song Contest is an opportunity for every country to showcase itself in an international area, and for each performer to act as an ambassador of their country and win fans from around the world. But the national selection this year has drawn attention to a systemic problem with the music industry in Ukraine – the connection of artists with an aggressor state with whom we are in the fifth year of military conflict. Whilst for some, these links are acceptable, for others it causes indignation and unacceptance. Given the current sitation, and following Ukrainian law on public broadcasting, as well as conditions of excessive politicization of the national selection process, UA:PBC has decided to withdraw from the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest."

 The European Broadcasting Union has released the following statement: 

“Each participating broadcaster is responsible for the selection of their act for the Eurovision Song Contest in accordance to the rules set out by the European Broadcasting Union. It is with sadness that the EBU can confirm that Ukraine’s broadcasterUA:PBC has informed the EBU that, following further discussions, theyhave made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. There will be further discussions between the EBU and UA:PBC on this matter but we hope to see them again in 2020. However, for now, welook forward to what is already shaping up to be a fantastic event in Tel Aviv in May.”

 How will the EBU deal with this situation is yet to be known, but most likely, Ukraine will be fined for their last minute withdrawal (three months after the participation deadline). We here at escglobe.com use this opportunity to remind our readers that our site is apolitical. We do however call all participating countries to put politics aside and celebrate Eurovision. This is why Eurovision was created! We hope to see Ukraine back in the competition next year, and we will sure miss them in Tel Aviv.