Does music bring people together? As the Eurovision Song Contest final nears, the BBC has banned political comments. But some think politics is what the event is all about.
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BBC tells Eurovision stars to avoid politics
Does music bring people together? As the Eurovision Song Contest final nears, the BBC has banned political comments. But some think politics is what the event is all about.
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What's happening?
This week, Europe's biggest party is coming to LiverpoolA port city in northwest England, close to the border with Wales.. The semi-finals and final of the Eurovision Song Contest are taking place in the city because UkraineA country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022. , last year's winner, cannot host the event. The country is still fighting in a long war.
The UK hopes the competition will show that all the countries in Europe can work together. In Liverpool, there will be a week-long party, showing off both the city and Ukrainian food.
The BBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is the UK's national broadcaster. , which is showing the competition in the UK, has said that politics should not be part of the event. It says the contest should be all about music.
Find out more
But this year's UK contestant, Mae Muller, is known for her politics.
Some think it is silly to try to keep politics out of Eurovision. Politics has often brought Eurovision viewers together, rather than pushing them apart. Last year, countries across Europe worked together to vote for Ukraine and help them win - as a show of support for Ukraine in the war.
And the competition has been used to make statements in favour of LGBT+ rights.
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Does music bring people together?
Yes! Music speaks to people's hearts. People around the world love music. It is the perfect way to bring people together.
No! Music has always been about politics. Singers use songs to tell the world how they are feeling. It is silly to try to stop this.
Keywords
Liverpool - A port city in northwest England, close to the border with Wales.
Ukraine - A country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022.
BBC - The British Broadcasting Corporation is the UK's national broadcaster.
LGBT+ - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and other.
BBC tells Eurovision stars to avoid politics
Controversy: UK hopeful Mae Muller has not tried to hide her political opinions. Glossary
Liverpool - A port city in northwest England, close to the border with Wales.
Ukraine - A country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022.
BBC - The British Broadcasting Corporation is the UK's national broadcaster.
LGBT+ - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and other.