Yesterday, Montenegro's broadcaster RTCG announced that their Eurovision 2025 entry was under review for possible disqualification.
This was because part of NeonoeN's song Clickbait had been performed at an event before September 1.
Under Eurovision rules the song must not be released or performed before that day. If it is, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) must decide if it gained an advantage and if so, it can be disqualified.
A decision was expected today, although this looks less likely.
The update from RTCG
There will be no hasty decisions, which is why it is important for everyone to show patience and understanding at this time...
RTCG made this announcement today (this is updated with Google translate):
RTCG and UEUI have today officially requested the opinion of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) - the organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest, on whether NeonoeN meets the requirements for the performance in Basel, next year, under the new circumstances...
NO HASTY DECISIONS
We want MONTESONG to remain a symbol of transparency and quality, in accordance with Eurovision rules. All decisions will be made in cooperation with the EBU. There will be no hasty decisions, which is why it is important for everyone to show patience and understanding at this time...
NEONOEN ABOUT THE RTCO RECORD
The Podgorica rockers confirmed the performance of the song last year: "We were not aware that the public performance of the song before September 1 is against the rules of the competition. We will respect every decision of the organizers and the EBU!"
The band responds
"We never said this."
The band commented on the post denying they made the claims. Their statement in full:
We never said this. It is true that we said that one of the working versions was performed much earlier, we never hid that, but never this song that won, i.e. the final version of the song, so they did not have to verify the authenticity of the recording from a year and a half ago. We also said that we did not have a competitive advantage because, as everyone knows, the public heard our song when everyone else from Montesong.
Everyone knows how the EBU has decided in similar situations so far.
We said and we stand by it - we will support every decision, whoever made it, but we will not allow anyone to attribute to us words that we did not say.
When will there be a decision?
We just don't know at this time. From previous statements, this should be resolved already but looks like it will continue.
We will continue to bring you updates.
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