The Dutch Eurovision contestant, Joost Klein, will be absent from Friday evening’s dress rehearsal as organisers investigate a backstage incident.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), responsible for the event, has not disclosed details of the incident involving Joost Klein.
During the evening dress rehearsal, which determines scores from juries across Europe for the grand final, jurors will watch a pre-recorded performance from earlier in the week.
Klein’s song “Europapa” is considered a frontrunner in this year’s contest.
Dedicated to his late parents, who passed away during his childhood, the performer had vowed to compete at Eurovision one day.
His suspension was evident during Friday afternoon’s first dress rehearsal for Saturday’s televised grand final.
As Klein’s props were being set up on stage at the Malmö Arena, a production manager instructed their removal.
Subsequently, his song was omitted without explanation, and Israel’s entrant, Eden Golan, assumed his place in the running order.
The EBU later issued a statement saying they were “investigating an incident that was reported to us involving the Dutch artist”.
The statement was updated shortly after 20:30 CET (19:30 BST), half an hour before the jury rehearsal began.
“The investigation into the incident with the Dutch artist in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest is still ongoing,” it said.
“Discussions are also taking place between the EBU and AVROTROS, the Dutch participating broadcaster.
“While the investigation continues the EBU has decided that Joost Klein will not perform during Dress Rehearsal 2 of the competition which is voted on by juries in the 37 participating countries.
“His performance from Semi Final 2 will be used instead.”
“We have no further comment at this time and will update in due course.”