Swedish Eurovision favourite: I would ‘absolutely’ date a man
The current favourite to win this year’s Eurovison Song Contest has said he would “absolutely” date a man – despite previous comments some interpreted as homophobic.
Swedish entrant Måns Zelmerlöw is hot favourite with pollsters to take the trophy this weekend with song ‘Heroes’, potentially succeeding Austrian drag diva Conchita Wurst.
Mr Zelmerlöw caused controversy in Sweden in 2014 – after claiming that gay sex is unnatural on a celebrity cooking show.
The singer had stunned other guests into silence by calling homosexuality abnormal , claiming “it isn’t equally natural for men to want to sleep with one another”.
However, the singer – who has apologised extensively for his comments and worked with Swedish LGBT groups – has suggested he would consider dating a man.
When asked by the Swedish Metro newspaper if he would consider dating a man, he said: “Yes, if I feel that way – absolutely, I could do that”.
Graham Norton has predicted the contest will be “quite straight” this year following the victory of Conchita Wurst.
He said: “It’ll be interesting this year – I think it’s going to be quite a straight contest.
“Austria are taking it quite seriously, they’re delighted to have it. And there are lots and lots of ballads this year. There aren’t that many upbeat songs.”
He added: “Conchita was really special, that night was just great.
“We’ll see if that can be replicated this year, I doubt it can be because it was just – I don’t know, it’s stupid, it’s a singing competition, who actually cares?”
The Eurovision semi-finals are set to be held this Tuesday and Thursday, with Great British Bake-Off judge Mel Giedroyc joining Scott Mills for the commentary. The Grand Final will be commentated by Graham Norton on May 23.
Conchita Wurst will serve as a green room host and will reprise her song during the intermission of the Grand Final.
The UK’s entry, Electro Velvet’s ‘Still In Love With You’, has previously been compared to a vintage waffle ad.
Watch Zelmerlöw’s entry below:
