HAMBURG, GERMANY – The planned German representative for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest Xavier Naidoo won’t be singing for the country, as broadcaster NDR has withdrawn a proposal to send the singer to Stockholm, following a public backlash. The R&B singer, some of whose lyrics have been described as anti-Semitic and homophobic sparked criticism on social media and in the press.
The choice was criticised by politicians and activists who said his lyrics suggest homosexuals are paedophiles and contain anti-Semitic slurs. Thomas Schreiber, coordinator from the German broadcasters ARD, defended the choice but ackowldges the choice could harm Eurovision’s image.
“Xavier Naidoo is a brilliant singer who is, according to my own opinion, neither racist nor homophobe. It was clear that his nomination would polarize opinions, but we were surprised about the negative response”, Schreiber said. He added, “The Eurovision Song Contest is a fun event, in which music and the understanding between European people should be the focus. This characteristic must be kept at all costs. The ongoing discussion about Naidoo could harm the image of the Eurovision Song Contest. This is why Naidoo will not represent Germany. We will quickly decide now, how the German entry for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest will be found”.
DID YOU KNOW
Xavier Naidoo was announced as the German representative for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest two days ago. The R&B singer is of mixed Indian, African and German heritage. However, he was involved in controversy last year after he appeared at a far-Right rally on the anniversary of German reunification. The singer spoke at a rally by the Reichsbรผrger movement, which refuse to recognise the modern borders of Germany. Furthermore, Naidooโs critics allege the lyrics to his song “Wo Sind” suggest homosexuals are
