Eurovision installs anti-booing technology for Russia
Quote:
Eurovision Song Contest organizers say that they will take extraordinary measures to mask any booing from the audience that may be directed at Russian entry Polina Gagarina. "It was very embarrassing for us last year when this happened, as it is not in the spirit of the contest," Jarmo Siim, Communications Coordinator for Eurovision told The Moscow Times on Monday. "We are here to build bridges, as the motto [of the contest] says."
The Tolmachevy Twins, who represented Russia in Copenhagen in 2014, were repeatedly booed during their performance in the final. The response was seen as an attack on Russia's involvement in the crisis in Ukraine and the country's controversial anti-gay policies, rather than a response to their inoffensive song "Shine," which eventually came seventh in the contest.
Gagarina performed in the Eurovision semifinal Tuesday, qualifying for the final without any boos from the crowd. Siim said that "sound reducers" had been installed in case of any booing but "Plan A is to use regular audience sound." He said that they had several options to reduce any unfriendly sounds from the crowd but refused to go into detail. He is hopeful, having seen Gagarina in Vienna, that the measures will not be needed. "After her reception at rehearsals and on the red carpet, we have no reason to be worried." he said.
Nevertheless, there are signs that the audience of the kitschy contest, which has a huge gay component, isn't quite ready to accept Russian contestants.
Nevertheless, there are signs that the audience of the kitschy contest, which has a huge gay component, isn't quite ready to accept Russian contestants.
Yeah coz Russia are totally accepting of us. Okay. No.