Boy George has expressed sadness after being eliminated from the Eurovision Song Contest before the final, but insists he has no regrets. The Culture Club singer, 64, represented San Marino alongside Italian singer Senhit with the song Superstar during the semi-final in Vienna on Tuesday night.
In a social media post, the 1980s pop star wrote: '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 also confirmed the pair would perform together in Milan in July.
Fans quickly rallied in support, with one commenting: 'I love the song Superstar so much. You and Senhit are a beautiful team.' Another wrote: 'You're a winner no matter what!!! Lucky Milan, what a concert they will see in July!' Former X Factor duo Jedward also expressed disbelief, tweeting: 'Can't believe that didn't qualify!'
Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Israel, Croatia, Lithuania, and Poland advanced to the final via public vote, joining Germany and Italy, who as part of the 'big four' alongside France and the UK already had guaranteed spots.
Earlier, Boy George defended his decision to participate amid controversy over Israel's inclusion, stating: 'I have many, many Jewish friends... Are people asking me as a principled human being to turn my back on my Jewish friends? It's not going to happen.' He added: 'The job of music is to unite people.'
