Star singer and surprise Eurovision hopeful Boy George has been eliminated from the titular song writing contest.
Appearing alongside fellow San Marino representative Senhit, the ’80s music icon and the Italian-born singer performed the song they co-wrote to raucous reception.
Donning a variation of his signature oversized hat and emerging on a glittering throne – the theatrics were sadly not enough to secure the necessary votes for the pair to progress.
Though they failed to secure the tiny nation a place in Saturday’s showpiece, George met the disappointing news with a smile and a wave.
Senhit, 46, was just as gracious in defeat after what was her fourth failed Eurovision title attempt.
Taking to social media platform X, Boy George expressed his disappointment at having lost out on a place in the finals, but thanked his fans for their support nonetheless.
“If you voted for us, thank you so much,” the Culture Club frontman began the post.
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“I was sad we didn’t get through to the final but my @eurovision experience has been fabulous. I wouldn’t take a minute of it back. Thanks to @senhitofficial and the entire San Marino delegation. What a fun bunch.”
He went on to add that audiences had not seen the last of him and Senhit as a duo, revealing they’d be taking the stage once more in Milan come July.
Though questions were initially raised regarding George’s connection to representative country San Merino – Eurovision policy states that singers are not required to be from the country they compete on behalf of.
Viewers were quick to share their candid thoughts on the ’80s singer’s shock elimination, and opinions were decidedly mixed.
One X user commented that it was “objectively hilarious” the singer failed to qualify for the Eurovision final, saying they’d “always love Senhit, but that song and that act deserved absolutely nothing.”
Others, however, were firmly in Boy George’s camp, expressing shock at him falling short of the mark.
“Sorry… Please help me out here but ..are you telling one of the biggest talents ever and the UK will not be in the final…” one disbelieving fan commented.
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“I absolutely loved you and Senhit tonight. I was there and so disappointed you didn’t qualify,” added another.
“But it was the highlight of the evening for me. Some people just ooze fabulousness and you’re one of them.”
Progressing to the finals event on Saturday are hopefuls Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania, Poland and – to widespread backlash – Israel.
These acts join automatic finalists from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Aussies will be waiting with baited breath to see whether Deltra Goodrem will emerge victorious from her respective semi-final heat this Friday.
Her performance of ‘Eclipse’ will broadcast live in Australia on Friday, May 15 at 5:00 am AEST
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