The Horrors of Eurovision: Ethiopia's Story

The Big Start

In the months leading up to the Eurovision finale, anticipation buzzed throughout Ethiopia as the nation prepared to make its mark on the international stage. Music enthusiasts eagerly awaited the announcement of the country's representative, hopeful that their chosen artist would captivate audiences and bring glory to their homeland.

Among the contenders vying for the prestigious role was a rising star named Aretha Crouz. With her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence, Aretha had already garnered a loyal following within Ethiopia's music scene. Her soulful performances and heartfelt lyrics had struck a chord with audiences, earning her recognition as one of the country's most promising talents.

As the selection process unfolded, Aretha emerged as the frontrunner, her talent and charisma setting her apart from the competition. With each electrifying performance, she solidified her position as the ideal candidate to represent Ethiopia on the Eurovision stage.

When the announcement finally came, declaring Aretha Crouz as Ethiopia's official Eurovision contestant, the nation erupted in celebration. Excitement rippled through the streets as fans rallied behind their chosen representative, confident in her ability to shine on the global stage.

For Aretha, the opportunity to showcase her talent on such a prestigious platform was a dream come true. With unwavering determination and a deep sense of pride in her heritage, she set her sights on delivering a performance that would make Ethiopia proud.

Little did anyone know, the journey to Eurovision would be fraught with unexpected twists and turns, ultimately culminating in a tragedy that would forever alter the course of the competition and the lives of those involved.

In a shocking turn of events, Ethiopia took the Eurovision stage by storm in 2016, clinching victory with the mesmerizing performance of "Widow Passion" by Aretha Crouz. The nation rejoiced in its triumph, eager to showcase its culture and talent on the international stage as the host of Eurovision 2017.

However, tragedy struck just as preparations were underway. An extremist faction from within Ethiopia launched a devastating attack, bombing the arena where the Eurovision event was to take place. The explosion claimed the lives of Aretha Crouz, along with contestants from Croatia, Sweden, and Norway, leaving the world in mourning.

The aftermath was fraught with legal and diplomatic repercussions. Ethiopia faced hefty penalties, forced to pay a staggering 2 billion dollars in reparations to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the governments of Sweden and Norway. The grief-stricken family of the Norwegian contestant received a heartfelt outpouring of support from the global community, receiving a substantial financial gift to help ease their pain.

Amidst the chaos, the Ethiopian government found itself banned from future Eurovision participation as a consequence of the tragic incident. Furthermore, executives from Norway's national broadcaster NRK were held accountable for the catastrophic oversight, with arrests made due to the accidental airing of uncensored footage depicting the harrowing moment of death on live television.

The legacy of Ethiopia's brief and ill-fated Eurovision victory serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of peace and the consequences of violence in a world where music and celebration should reign supreme.

In the wake of Ethiopia's ban from Eurovision and the haunting memory of the tragic events that unfolded, the global community grappled with the aftermath of the devastating incident.

Five years had passed since the fateful night that forever changed the trajectory of the beloved song contest. In Ethiopia, a somber mood lingered as the nation mourned not only the loss of its promising victory but also the lives senselessly taken by the violence that marred the event.

The family of the Norwegian contestant, still reeling from their profound loss, found solace in the unwavering support of their community. The financial assistance they received helped ease their burden, but the pain of their loved one's absence remained a constant ache in their hearts.

Meanwhile, in the halls of power, discussions surrounding the future of Eurovision and the safety measures needed to prevent such tragedies were fervently debated. Ethiopia's ban served as a stark reminder of the need for greater vigilance and security in the face of extremism and violence.

As the years went by, the wounds began to heal, albeit slowly. The memory of Aretha Crouz's haunting performance and the dreams of what could have been still lingered, a bittersweet reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the power of music to unite and heal.

Despite the darkness that overshadowed the once-celebrated event, there remained a glimmer of hope. A hope that one day, the spirit of Eurovision would be restored, and nations from around the world could come together once more in the name of music, unity, and peace.