The Surprise Popularity of Belarus in Eurovision 2021 | YouTubers React

YouTubers give their first impressions of Belarus' entry for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.
On 9 March 2021, Galasy ZMesta was announced to represent Belarus with their song "Ya nauchu tebya (I'll Teach You)". Immediate backlash ensued.

Since July 20, 1994 the Republic of Belarus is ruled by dictator Alexander Lukashenko. The Lukashenko regime has cracked down harshly and violently on pro-democracy protestors in Belarus following another rigged election in August 2020. Artists who support the opposition have been marginalized, including those vying to represent Belarus in Eurovision 2021. Galazy Zmesta was chosen instead.

Galasy ZMesta have a history of openly supporting the regime and opposing the democracy movement, as well as minority rights. "I'll teach you" is a song clearly intended to intimidate protestors and assert Lukashenko's dominance.

On 11 March 2021, the EBU released a statement, stating that after scrutinizing the entry, they concluded that "the song puts the non-political nature of the Contest in question". Belarus was asked to either modify the song or submit an alternate entry.

In true self-aware fashion, the organizer responded on Instagram:

"Towards evening, it became obvious: not everyone could cope with the surprise of such popularity of Belarusians 🇧🇾""
(Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMSnx11BJJR/)

On 13 March 2021, Lukashenko played the victim, stating "They are starting to press us on all fronts. Even at Eurovision, I see."

“We’ll make another song. You see that this is all politicized,” added Lukashenko, proving that he is personally dictating the terms of his country's participation in Eurovision.
(Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN2B50BR)

Big shoutout to Pela for the wonderful work with Russian translation.

Check out the original videos on their creators' channels, and please be sure to like and subscribe to each.

IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

BEROJO Burmaka Vladyslav
https://youtu.be/atVvaqT3s50

Ryan Reacts!
https://youtu.be/vgNke8BxYrEf

Luke White
https://youtu.be/pIsZ4h7TpIU

ESC Tom
https://youtu.be/dGrfRjgab3w

ESCunited
https://youtu.be/J-rXPsgzLzg

Eurovision Reactions - Lyonya Polishchuk
https://youtu.be/_ZkyvgUhwXw

RUSSELL BLOG
https://youtu.be/sMzduj0OwsU

Vitaly Nelstar
https://youtu.be/raT-USO6Mhg

Copyright Disclaimer
Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.

Видео The Surprise Popularity of Belarus in Eurovision 2021 | YouTubers React канала Gabe Salgado