Rylan Clark has found himself in a public debate as a rival radio DJ questioned Sweden's win in the Eurovision Song Contest. It was a big night on Saturday (May 13) as the world's biggest music event took place in the UK for the first time in 25 years.
The 67th edition of the contest took place in Liverpool on behalf of the Ukraine where the event would have traditionally been held after Kalush Orchestra stormed to victory in Turin back in May 2022. But the ongoing Russian invasion resulted in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) deciding it was not a 'viable option' for the country to host the contest.
The massive event was held at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena and after only six months of planning, 26 acts and bands took to the stage in a bid to claim the Eurovision 2023 title and get their hands on the coveted trophy.
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And the winner's crown this year was handed to Sweden's Loreen. She became the first woman, and only the second person, to win the Eurovision Song Contest twice. But it's that fact that has proved a sticking point for those who watched the action unfold as some argued it was 'unfair' she was able to compete again.
That included Capital FM DJ Roman Kemp who tweeted: "Just gonna say this… if you’ve won it before I don’t think you should be able perform again." Upon seeing the tweet, Rylan, who spent the week in the commentary box for BBC Radio 2 alongside Scott Mills, was quick to respond.
"Not this please thank you," the TV and radio star, 34, replied to which Roman, 30, said back: "You know it’s right…" But Rylan didn't accept that it was right and typed back: "Look at it this way. It’s not like someone re entering XFactor again… this is the World Cup of music. Like saying Argentina can’t enter again because they won last year."
Former I'm A Celebrity campmate Roman didn't appear to accept Rylan's point as their back and forth continued. He wrote: "Not entirely the same but get your point. I just wasn’t aware that re-entering was a done thing. Thought it was meant to be about emerging artists and birthing new talent each year."
But they appeared to end things on friendly terms when Rylan quipped: "Just be thankful I’ve not entered," to which Romam commented back: "I would actually love that x."
Rylan has had quite the time up North after leaving his Essex home a number of weeks ago in preparation for Eurovision. After a long night on Saturday, the former X Factor star took to Twitter on Saturday and said: "Woke up after being Scott’s booth bitch, singing with Netta, dancing with Mae, cuddling Käärijä, rocking with voyager and I took myself to bed like a good boy. Back to the real world for now. What an experience."
He added: "And as always every year, thank you to my Eurovision husband @scott_mills. I love you." Rylan then finished his trio of reflective tweets by thanking the city. "Liverpool, Thank you so much. Beautiful City, Beautiful People and such a beautiful time. Thanks for welcoming me this last two weeks," he sad. "Special shout to @RadissonRed Liverpool. Your staff have all been unreal and really looked after me (not an ad, paid for it, just credit where credit due) they were great."
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