Intense speculation surrounds the potential disqualification of two contestants from the twelve selected by ERT for Greece’s national Final for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest. Reports suggest that Kostas Ageris and Thanos Lampros may face exclusion after they participated in private television interviews shortly after their names were announced as finalists. According to ERT’s “Call for Interest,” contestants are prohibited from appearing on other media platforms to ensure equal exposure until the National Final takes place. As the Eurovision excitement builds, fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation regarding the fate of these artists.In a recent growth surrounding the National Final of the Greek music competition, rumors of potential disqualification for two artists have been debunked.Reliable sources confirm that there was never any intention to exclude the performers following their brief phone appearance. Rather, the Greek public broadcaster ERT issued a reminder to all contestants about compliance with competition rules to prevent similar incidents in the future. As of today, January 11, 2025, many participants have gathered at the ERT headquarters in Agia Paraskevi to receive crucial updates regarding their obligations and commitments in the competition, ensuring a fair and clear process moving forward.Salina gavala has been disqualified from a music selection process after revealing the title and creators of her song during a television show, prior to the completion of the first selection phase. According to the competition’s Terms and Conditions, participants are prohibited from publicly disclosing any part of their songs, including lyrics and titles, before the selection process concludes. This breach of protocol raises concerns about the potential influence on the judging panel’s decision-making, as public knowledge of the song could skew their evaluations.The incident highlights the importance of adhering to competition rules to ensure a fair selection process for all artists involved.In a important update for participants in the upcoming National final set for january 30,the selection process for up to twelve songs will focus solely on lyrics,music,and performance quality. The judging panel will remain unaware of the identities of the songwriters and performers, ensuring an unbiased evaluation. This clarification aims to eliminate any concerns regarding potential disqualifications, at least for now, unless there are violations of the agreed-upon terms by the contestants. As anticipation builds for this event, the emphasis on meritocratic selection highlights a commitment to artistic integrity in the competition.
Q&A: The Latest on Greece’s National Final for Eurovision with Industry Expert Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos
Time.news Editor: welcome, dr. Papadopoulos. With the excitement building for Greece’s National Final for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, recent reports about potential disqualifications have left fans anxious. Can you clarify the situation surrounding kostas Ageris and Thanos Lampros?
Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos: Thank you for having me. The speculation about the possible disqualification of Ageris and Lampros stemmed from their participation in private interviews shortly after being selected as finalists. According to ERT’s guidelines, contestants are prohibited from appearing in any media to ensure fair exposure until after the National final. Though, it has as been confirmed that there was never any intention to disqualify these artists; rather, ERT reminded them to adhere to these rules going forward.
Time.news Editor: That’s reassuring for their fans. How significant is it that ERT decided to remind contestants about compliance with the competition rules?
Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos: This reminder is crucial. It demonstrates ERT’s commitment to maintaining a fair competition environment. Ensuring that all contestants are aware of and adhere to the rules prevents any future misunderstandings, which can impact both the artists and the judging process. This level of transparency is essential, especially as excitement for Eurovision builds.
Time.news Editor: We’ve also heard about the disqualification of Salina Gavala for revealing song details. What are the implications of such breaches on the integrity of the selection process?
Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos: Gavala’s disqualification highlights a persistent concern in competitions like Eurovision.The breach of protocol, where she disclosed her song title and creators, can skew the perception of the judging panel. When a song is public knowledge before evaluations, it may inadvertently influence judges’ decisions based on popularity rather than artistic merit. It underscores the need for contestants to be mindful of confidentiality to uphold the fairness of the selection process.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of judging, can you elaborate on the structure of the selection process for this year’s National Final?
Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos: Absolutely. The upcoming National Final will focus strictly on the quality of music, lyrics, and performances without any bias towards the identities of the performers or songwriters. This anonymity aims to create an unbiased evaluation process, allowing the judging panel to assess each submission solely on its artistic attributes. By emphasizing a meritocratic approach, ERT is reinforcing its commitment to artistic integrity and ensuring that all artists have a fair shot at representation.
Time.news Editor: As the National Final approaches, what practical advice would you give to contestants to avoid pitfalls during this critical phase?
Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos: It’s essential for contestants to fully understand the competition’s Terms and Conditions. They should be especially cautious about public disclosures regarding their songs,as breaches can led to disqualification. Additionally,I recommend that artists focus on honing their performances and maintaining a social media presence that complies with ERT’s guidelines. Engaging with fans while respecting rules can help maintain excitement and support without jeopardizing their chances.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. papadopoulos. Any final thoughts on the upcoming National final?
dr. Eleni Papadopoulos: As we get closer to January 30, it’s significant for fans and contestants alike to remain engaged and proactive. the anticipation is palpable, and as we navigate through this, I hope that all participants continue to prioritize their creative integrity. Good luck to all the artists involved, and let’s celebrate the spirit of Eurovision!