Olly Alexander’s racy Eurovision performance has divided BBC viewers on social media.
Eurovision Song Contest fever gripped the globe once more on Tuesday (May 7) when the iconic competition kicked off with its first semi-final in Sweden. Opening proceedings was Eleni Foureira, Cyprus’ ex-contestant, who dazzled with her glittery get-up and a posse of dancers in noir.
But it was Olly Alexander’s first performance for the UK in the competition that really got tongues wagging. The 33-year-old pop star, famed as a member of Years and Years, hit the stage to perform his song Dizzy.
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He brought the heat in the routine for his first solo-penned single, which saw Olly and his dance troupe writhing around in the shower of a boxing gym. The singer was clad in a white vest and set off his crotch area with a red codpiece.
(Image: No credit)
But the debut sparked complaints. Rushing to X, formerly Twitter, one complained: “Had high hopes for the UK @Eurovision this year with Olly Alexander but it sounded a little ropey at the semi-final just now.”, reports the Mirror.
Another was blunt in their critique: “#eurovision Shockingly poor singing there from Olly Alexander.” A viewer shared their disappointment, stating: “#EURO2024 sorry but I don’t think much of #OllyAlexander Dizzy UK entry. Set and production poor.”
(Image: Antti Aimo-Koivisto/LEHTI/SIPA/REX/Shutterstock)
Another agreed, sharing: “Let’s be honest. Olly Alexander just doesn’t have the voice. #Eurovision2024.” Despite the criticism, Olly’s dedicated fans defended him.
One fan said: “I just love Olly Alexander… GREAT staging… #ESC2024,” as another said “Olly’s performance was SO professional. It was like watching a music video. Best staging of the year #unitedkingdom.”
An audience member changed their mind after the live showing. They confessed: “Ok, when I first heard Olly Alexander’s #Eurovision song for the UK, I didn’t like it, but now that I’m seeing the staging, I like it a lot better,”.
(Image: Antti Aimo-Koivisto/LEHTI/SIPA/REX/Shutterstock)
The contest has been shrouded in political controversy with increasing calls for artists to boycott the event. The Israeli National Security Agency stated plans to increase the threat level from two to three amidst escalating tensions over the war in Gaza.
Anticipated widespread protests could darken the festivities at the event. Eurovision bosses have laid down the law, saying they’ll remove any Palestinian flags and symbols at the Swedish shindig.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
