The Eurovision Song Contest, known for its glitz, glamour, and occasional political intrigue, took an unexpected turn during a press conference on Friday when Greek-Sudanese performer Marina Satti decided to make boredom her muse. As Israel’s representative, Eden Golan answered questions, Satti’s dramatic yawn stole the spotlight, leaving viewers wondering whether she was genuinely tired or just delivering a masterclass in passive-aggressive commentary.
The video of Satti’s yawn went viral, sparking heated debates across social media. Greek-language users rallied behind their representative, with hashtags like #eurovisiongr, #σαττι, and #marinasatti trending throughout the day. Meanwhile, Satti performing the enchanting song “Zari,” secured a spot for Greece in the grand final, scheduled for Saturday, May 11.
This is Greece representative singer at @Eurovision , @marina_satti .An embarassment for Greece and for every decent #Greek person. Pretending to fall asleep while the Israel’s contestant is speaking is not just bad education or pure jew-hatred,but also a stain over the greek… pic.twitter.com/FSZQylPPKg
— miha schwartzenberg (@mihaschw) May 10, 2024
But what led to this jaw-dropping moment? Was it sheer exhaustion from week-long rehearsals and appearances in Sweden, or did Satti harbor secret feelings about Golan’s performance? The Greek broadcaster, ERT, clarified that Satti meant no offense. In fact, she expressed her sincere wishes for Eden’s success in the final. Perhaps her yawn was merely a theatrical flourish, a way to break the monotony of press conferences.
However, the drama didn’t end there. Enter Eurovision singer Joost Klein, the Dutchman who managed to overshadow even the most dazzling stage acts. Klein faced accusations of bullying 20-year-old Israeli star, Eden Golan. His antics during the week raised eyebrows, especially considering the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
As one journalist asked Eden: “Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and the public?”
The singer replied that she was “very excited to go on stage again, and share my love with everyone”.
This caught the attention of Klein who told the young woman she should’ve answered the question directly.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) took notice and launched an investigation into Klein’s behavior. Their decision? He would not perform during the second dress rehearsal—a crucial moment judged by panels from the 37 participating countries.
So, as the Eurovision grand final approaches, the drama continues. Will Marina Satti’s yawn be remembered as a cheeky protest or a mere side note in the contest’s rich history? Only time—and perhaps another yawn—will tell.
