Eurovision 2024, Israel first in televoting from Italy: the mystery of the percentages

There evening of May 9th of the Eurovision Song Contest will be remembered as the evening of controversy. Israel’s participation with singer Eden Golan was contested from the first hours after her announcement, even with a sit-in protest in Malmo in which even Greta Thunberg participated. The protest also had repercussions via social media when it was realized that Israel was overwhelmingly the most voted nation. Rai, in fact, released the televoting percentages: 39.31% of the votes went to the singer Eden Golan.

The dissemination of televoting results is prohibited by the regulation

Among the most surprised accounts on social media, the one that follows Eurovision on Discord: “Rai revealed the results of the televoting accidentally”. Except then clarify: “Italian television traditionally always communicates the results of televoting. Nonetheless, a year ago Rai did not reveal the percentages before the grand final.” However, broadcasting the results of the televoting would be a mistake because it is prohibited by the regulations of the European Broadcasting Union. Rai would risk a disciplinary measure at this point. A note is expected from the Rai entertainment division which will clarify what happened last night.

Israel is favored to win the final: what happens now

With these percentages, it is clear that Israel could be the favorite to win the final. Previously, bookmakers had not included Eden Golan even in the top five. In the Top 5 there is instead Angelina Mango with her “La noia”, candidate for the final victory. The ten singers in the final who entered after the second semi-final are Eden Golan (Israel), Dons (Lithuania), Kaleen (Austria), Joost Klein (Holland), Gåte (Norway), Marina Satti (Greece), 5MIINUST x Puuluup (Estonia), Nemo (Switzerland), Nutsa Buzaladze (Georgia), LADANIVA (Armenia).