NEBULOSSA’s track titled Zorra remains uncensored as it advances toward the next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. The European Broadcasting Union, the festival’s organizer, provided a clear response when questions emerged about the debates sparked after RTVE’s victory at Benidorm Fest, the contest that selected Spain’s entry this year.
The EBU acknowledged that there are multiple interpretations of the song’s title and its lyrics. RTVE explained that the piece is meant to convey a specific message through its words, and the EBU concluded that Zorra qualifies for this year’s competition. The exact form of the live performance in May will be coordinated with the producers at a later stage, following the standard process for all participating acts. This clarification comes as part of the organization’s ongoing effort to balance artistic expression with the festival’s guidelines.
The EBU also reiterated its rules on content, noting that political statements, insults, or language deemed unacceptable are not permitted, and that the focus remains on the musical and performance aspects rather than polemics. This stance is particularly relevant in discussions about censorship and artistic freedom within the event’s framework, where clear boundaries are set to ensure a respectful and inclusive contest experience for audiences across participating countries.
During the final press briefing for Benidorm Fest 2024, RTVE publicly defended its stance after a journalist referenced the episode in which the word cazzo, Italian for a strong expletive, was omitted ahead of Måneskin’s appearance with Zitti e buoni at Eurovision 2021. RTVE’s communications and engagement team clarified that the dictionary definitions of terms mentioned in the discussion were being interpreted in context, asserting that the song’s lyrics align with current legislation as understood by the broadcaster. The response emphasized a broader view of language used in songs and the legal frameworks that govern broadcast content in contemporary competition settings.
In the same brief, Eizaguirre, a spokesperson for the RTVE communications team, added that the discussion about language should be anchored in the actual dictionary meanings and regulatory standards rather than in isolated fragments. The point was made that a precise reading of terms and their usage helps distinguish between provocative phrasing and content that violates the contest’s rules. The exchange underscored the careful balance the broadcaster seeks between creative expression and regulatory compliance as Zorra moves closer to its Eurovision moment.