The appearance of this candidate for Eurovision 2024 almost got him into trouble from the organizers…
Eurovision returns this Saturday, May 11, 2024. And with the competition, there are also baroque productions and above all intense musical sensations (of all kinds) which, like every year, make their return. Among the “remarkable” performances this year, one candidate did not do well. The latter decided to go on stage, in Malmö, Sweden, wearing simple briefs, topped with a t-shirt and a cap just revealing a few blond curls. His pleasant face is enriched with large Derrick-style glasses and a mustache that looks great. To finish off her outrageously hairy legs, the artist wears a pair of sandals behind which socks vacillating between white and gray can be seen.
With its title “No Rules!” which lives up to its name, Windows95man, whose real name is Teemu Keisteri, has decided to stand out. A strategy like any other when you want to win at Eurovision. Except that the candidate, who represents Finland with his vocalist Henri Piispanen in his Swedish neighbor, may have gone a little too far. In addition to some virulent comments against Israel’s participation in the competition, it was the artist’s outfit that triggered a wave of reactions. The fault, above all, is the Microsoft logo which adorns his stage costume.
Eurovision in fact prohibits any promotion or product placement in its competition. The name and the sartorial escapades of Windows95man were therefore enough to cause a panic as only the European show can produce. Although we quickly learned that the duo could keep their name, a change of costume was first mentioned in March. Then a “humorous” version of the logo of the famous computer system was adopted, with blurring to comply with Eurovision regulations. A clothing adjustment that won’t be the only one discussed before the big night.
Because a second change has come to target a more delicate aspect of Windows95man’s attire: the wearing of flesh-colored underwear underneath his very light outfit. The head of Finland’s leading television channel expressed doubts in mid-April whether this outfit complied with Eurovision rules, knowing that participating countries have diverse attitudes towards nudity. The final decision was to be made during the first rehearsals in Malmö.
The hashtag #BanLaCulotte, half amused and half scandalized, quickly appeared on Finnish social networks. Underwear in Windows colors was tested during a few appearances, but apparently did not convince more. And the verdict came a few days ago, at the end of April. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, finally intervened to validate the artist’s outfit.
There will therefore probably be no more changes to be expected. Windows95man will be able to wear his much talked about flesh-colored briefs, adding an extra touch of controversy to his performance. At the same time, the Microsoft logo will be blurred on the t-shirt, as previously planned.