Olly Alexander has responded to his odds of winning the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.
READ MORE: Inside the raging debate to watch Eurovision 2024: “This feels bigger than the contest”
The singer revealed to BBC that he had taken a look at what the bookies were saying about his chances of winning the contest. “My odds for winning are at one per cent,” he told the outlet. “But that’s fine. It’s better than zero.”
Alexander is representing the UK this year with the song ‘Dizzy’ which has been compared to the likes of the Pet Shop Boys’ ‘It’s A Sin’.
The former Years & Years star is one of the biggest stars to have been sent to represent the UK at Eurovision, having already earned a Bafta nomination, two Number One albums and with collaborations with Elton John and Kylie Minogue in his repertoire.
“Olly has already done all the things that it’s impossible to prepare someone for,” Eurovision host Graham Norton said (per BBC). “He has played to huge crowds, he can relate to the cameras, and he is used to high pressure situations. Add to that, the fact that the song is a massive bop and I think we could do really well this year.”
It was previously reported that Alexander broke down in tears during an interview when addressing the current controversies relating to Israel’s participation in this year’s competition.
Alexander went on to say he supported “a ceasefire, returning the hostages, the safety and security of all people in Gaza. All the Palestinians and the people in Israel” – whether or not he participated in Eurovision “isn’t going to make a difference to those things, so that’s why I’m still doing it”.
“I believe it’s good to come together with music,” he said. “I’m still hoping to enjoy some aspects of it.”
Elsewhere, he’s admitted that he is “ambivalent” about the Union Jack flag, sharing that he hopes “to reclaim the Union Jack in a positive way and when I’m going to be out there waving my flag, waving the Union Jack at the flag parade, it’s for all the good things that have come from growing up in the UK and being British and yeah, I think definitely focusing on that side of things.”
Olly Alexander. CREDIT: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty
Many have voiced strong opposition to Israel being allowed to compete in the 2024 edition of the song contest in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Golan was booed during early dress rehearsals on Wednesday (May 8), and again during the semi-finals a day later, this time with a mix of cheering as well.
Golan said that she was “overwhelmed with emotions” after officially qualifying for the final following a public vote, amid a day of protests in support of Gaza.
“It is truly such an honour to be here on stage, representing [Israel] with pride,” she continued. “I’m so grateful for everyone who voted and took part in supporting us, and me.”
Eurovision 2024 Stage design. CREDIT: Peppe Andersson_SVT
Israel’s inclusion has been criticised as “cultural cover and endorsement for the catastrophic violence that Israel has unleashed on Palestinians” by organisations such as Queers for Palestine, who wrote an open letter to UK entry Olly Alexander to boycott the contest this year.
Recently, the European Broadcasting Union put out a statement to warn against the “abuse and harassment” artists were facing for their participation.
The Deputy Director of the EBU wrote that whilst the EBU “strongly” supports “freedom of speech and the right to express opinions in a democratic society”, “we firmly oppose any form of online abuse, hate speech, or harassment directed at our artists or any individuals associated with the contest.”
It comes after Eurovision organisers also recently confirmed that that they reserve the right to remove Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols during the contest.
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