Boy George has broken his silence after failing to qualify for the Eurovision grand final with San Marino. The Culture Club frontman performed alongside singer Senhit in Tuesday's first semi-final in Vienna, but the duo did not receive enough public votes to advance.
Taking to social media after the result, Boy George expressed gratitude despite the disappointment. 'If you voted for us, thank you so much, I was sad we didn't get through to the final but my Eurovision experience has been fabulous. I wouldn't take a minute of it back,' he wrote.
The singer also addressed a fan who accused him of moaning, replying: 'I'm not moaning. I am full of gratitude and love.' When another user criticised him for not mentioning Senhit in his initial post, he clarified: 'We had the biggest hug and conversation and I'm not sure she uses X but please never tell me I'm not gracious.'
Boy George and Senhit performed the song 'Superstar', which he co-wrote. The 54-year-old was dressed in a silver and black suit with his trademark hat, and appeared to enjoy the atmosphere despite the early exit.
The first semi-final also saw controversy surrounding Israeli entrant Noam Bettan, who was booed during his performance with chants of 'stop the genocide' heard from the crowd. Israel's broadcaster Kan received a formal warning from the European Broadcasting Union for asking viewers to vote for the country.
Other acts eliminated in the semi-final included Portugal, Georgia, Montenegro and Estonia. The grand final takes place on Saturday.
