Who is Eurovision Netherlands act Joost Klein and is he disqualified?-Joel Harley-Entertainment – Metro

Dutch artist Joost Klein is being investigated for an unknown ‘backstage incident’ (Picture: AP)

The Netherlands’ future in tonight’s Eurovision Song Contest has been thrown into doubt following a ‘backstage incident’ involving Dutch performer Joost Klein.

The musician, 26, was barred from appearing in last night’s dress rehearsal as organisers investigated the incident.

Klein was set to perform, with all of his props waiting on stage at the Malmo Arena in Sweden, where this year’s contest is being held.

However, the singer was a no-show, and his performance was skipped without any explanation.

This has led to speculation that the Netherlands’ place in the competition may be in jeopardy.

Has Joost Klein been disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest?

The 26-year-old rapper rose to fame as a YouTube sensation (Picture: Getty Images Europe)

Who is Joost Klein?

Known professionally as Joost, the Dutch performer is a musician, singer and former YouTuber.

His style is described as mainstream pop with elements of happy hardcore and pop punk.

Klein’s 2023 song Friesenjung was a number one hit in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with over 100 million streams worldwide, and scoring the artist a Best Song award in Germany.

Klein’s song is said to be a 90s-style throwback (Picture: Getty)

What is his song for the Netherland’s Eurovision entry?

Klein is expected to perform the song Europapa, which features lyrics such as ‘Europe, let’s come together. It’s now or never, I love you all.’

Written by Klein along with six other songwriters, it is described as a ‘very Dutch’ ’90s era song, and a ‘love letter’ to his late father, who taught him that ‘love has no borders.’

The song has broken the record for the most streamed song in a single day on Spotify in the Netherlands.

Behind-the-scenes drama is believed to have contributed to Klein’s abrupt disappearance (Picture: BACKGRID)

What do we know about the incident?

Little is known about the inciting incident which led Eurovision bosses to pull Klein from dress rehearsals.

The act was pulled from the show without warning. In the aftermath, the European Broadcasting Union said they were ‘investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist.’

In footage obtained by Metro.co.uk, fans could be seen reacting to the announcement by booing and chanting the words: ‘We want Joost!’

It is speculated that Klein’s absence could relate to his ongoing clash with Israeli journalists and allegations of a rift between him and Israeli performer Eden Golan.

Klein has clashed with Israel’s act, Eden Golan (Picture: BACKGRID)

This year’s competition has sparked controversy due to the inclusion of Israel competitor Eden Golan, performing her song Hurricane (renamed from its more politically charged title October Rain).

This year’s Eurovision has been subject to boycotts, with bosses pressured to exclude Israel from the competition due to the country’s ongoing assault against Hamas in Gaza since October – leading to 35,000 deaths and counting.

Following the second semi-final, Klein appeared to show his discomfort at being seated next to Golan in a press conference by repeatedly covering his face with a Dutch flag.

Klein showed his disapproval during a recent press conference by throwing a flag over his head (Picture: BACKGRID)

On Thursday’s conference, Klein told Golan she should answer a question on whether she is comprising the safety of other contestants.

A journalist asked Golan: ‘Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?’

When the moderator told the 20-year-old that she did not have to answer the question, Klein snapped back: ‘Why not?’

Judges during the second dress rehearsal will be shown a recording of an earlier performance (Picture: Shutterstock)

Has he been disqualified?

It has not yet been confirmed whether Klein and the Netherlands have been disqualified from the competition.

Meanwhile, as the investigation continues, the EBU has decided that Joost Klein will not perform during dress rehearsal two of the competition – which is voted on by juries in the 37 participating countries.

Instead, his performance from semi-final two will be used as the basis to be voted upon.

When previously asked if his song can unite people by music, Klein replied: ‘I think that’s a good question for the EBU.’

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