#ThrowbackThursday | Withdrawn Eurovision songs part 1
We are back with the Throwback Thursday Articles, and today we'll take a look at the first part of the entries that withdrew before the contest!
Romania 2016: Ovidiu Anton - Moment Of Silence
Romania selected the song "Moment Of Silence" through the selection process Selecția Națională 2016. However due to repeated non payment of debts totalling CHF 16 million, the EBU removed TVR from all member services, including the withdrawal in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016.
Ovidiu had the opportunity to perform his Eurovision song across Europe before Romania was disqualified from the contest. He performed at Eurovision In Concert in Amstertdam, at Tel Aviv Calling and at The London Eurovision Party.
Lebanon 2005: Aline Lahout - Quand Tout S'enfuit
Lebanon was set to make it debut in the 2005 contest with the song 'Quand Tout S'enfuit' sung by Aline Lahoud, who had been internally selected by the Lebanese broadcaster; However, due to Lebanon's laws barring the broadcast of Israeli content, they were forced to withdraw, because the broadcaster could not assure the entire contest, including the Israeli entry, would be broadcast. Because of their withdrawal, the broadcaster was given a three year ban of participating. It is unknown whether Lebabon will ever try to compete in Eurovision again.
Malta 1974: Enzo Guzman- Paċi fid-Dinja
Singer Enzo Guzman was selected to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 with his song 'Paċi fid-Dinja' (Peace On Earth); However, due to a lack of funding by the broadcaster, Malta was forced to withdraw from the contest. Enzo Guzman tried again to represent his country in Eurovision 1976, but once again, Malta was withdrew from the competition.
Georgia 2009: Stephane & 3G - We Don't Wanna Put In
In 2009, when the contest took place in Moscow, Russia, Georgia selected pop-group Stephane & 3G, consisting of Stephane Mgebrishvili, Nini Badurashvili, Kristine Imedadze and Tamara Gachechiladze. The band decided to withdraw from the contest, stating that the EBU had been pressured by Russia wanting to change perceived political lyrics in the song. The lyrics in question were those of the songs chorus, and the title of the song 'We Don't Wanna Put In', which were seen to be taking a jab at Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin.
Greece 1982: Themis Adamantidis - Sarantapente Kopelies
The EBU was forced to disqualify Greece from the 1982 edition of the contest, because the song 'Themis Adamantidis', that was going to be sung by Themis Adamantidis, turned out to be a revised version of a well known folk song. After their disqualification, Greece was forced to pay a fine; However, they were allowed to return the following year.
Stay tuned as next week we will be looking at five more withdrawn entries! But until then, how well do you think these songs would have done at Eurovision? Do you think any of them could have won?
Which songs did you know, and which songs are new to you?
Let us know in the comments down below!
