Last years’ Dutch Eurovision representative, Joost Klein has teamed up with Estonia’s Eurovision 2025 artist, Tommy Cash on the highly controversial single, ‘United By Music’.
‘United By Music’ as Joost and Tommy say ‘F**k the EBU’
After being disqualified from last years’ Eurovision Song Contest in dramatic circumstances, Joost Klein returns and appears to still be holding a grudge against the organisation that kicked him out of the Malmö contest on the eve of the Grand Final.
Joining forces with good friend and recently selected Estonian representative, Tommy Cash the pair are united by a lot of issues besides music in their latest single. The provocative, ‘United By Music’, which takes its name from the official Eurovision slogan, reflects on many cultural, social and political themes throughout the song. It provokes the listener into a reaction in the way it plays on the moral dilemmas of modern times, while also lyrically stating, “the song is funny, it’s not that deep.”
However, there is one line in the song that has caused the biggest stir amongst the Eurovision fandom. The lyric that leaves no room for doubt in its intent – “F**k the EBU, I don’t want to go to court, the less get less and the more get more.” A reference to the organising committee of the Eurovision Song Contest that disqualified Joost, who was under investigation for criminal charges that were later dropped. Many will be aware that the EBU recently updated its Code of Conduct policy following the events that surrounded the 2024 contest.
Of course, Tommy Cash is no stranger to controversy either. In the aftermath of his Eesti Laul 2025 victory, there was much confusion with the national final performance being removed from the Eurovision YouTube channel. The official music video on Tommy Cash’s own page, remains in place. Despite this, Tommy Cash continues to be listed in the artist section of the website as a Eurovision 2025 participant.
Meanwhile the entry, ‘Espresso Macchiato’ has caused a stir in Italy. Gian Marco Centinaio, a senator with the far-right League, believes the song goes too far in its playful take on Italian stereotypes. The senator has produced a flyer which states, “whoever insults Italy must stay out of Eurovision.” Elsewhere the consumer group Codacons has lodged their own complaint with the EBU. Yet even with all the controversy, the song is gaining in streams in Italy. As of yesterday, ‘Espresso Macchiato’ is at #134 on Italian Spotify with 71,661 streams on February 19 alone.
Do you agree with Joost and Tommy Cash? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra.bsky.social on Bluesky, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see interviews and reactions to the latest Eurovision news.
