Turkey Challenges Asteromata and Pushes for Disqualification
Turkey appears to strongly oppose the song Asteromata, which is set to represent Greece in the Eurovision 2025 final. The controversy stems from the song’s lyrics, which touch on themes of displacement and Klavdia’s Pontic Greek heritage.
Since Eurovision rules prohibit political messages in contest entries, Eurovision Türkiye has released a statement warning that if any violations are found, Turkey’s concerns will be raised “at the highest level.”
Eurovision Türkiye’s Official Statement
“On January 30, Greece selected its representative for Eurovision 2025 along with the song. Klavdia will represent Greece with the song Asteromata. Reports in the Greek press and social media suggest that the song is inspired by claims of the Pontian Genocide and themes of displacement.
Furthermore, before the national final, Klavdia made the following statement during a program on ERT, Greece’s national broadcaster:
‘My family has Pontic roots; they were refugees, and that’s why I relate to this song.
My grandmother shared her stories with me—she spoke about her family and how they were exiled and fled to the Soviet Union. My family was born and raised there until they returned to Greece in 1991 to start a new life.’
Given this information, we contacted TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation), who confirmed that the song would be reviewed. If necessary, Turkey’s concerns will be escalated to the highest level. We will await further developments and keep you informed.”*
“The Song Speaks of Uprooting and Displacement”
Discussing the song’s meaning, Klavdia previously stated in an interview with ERT:
“We always had in mind to create a song that I could personally relate to, something that connects with my own experiences. That’s how the inspiration came about. Asteromata speaks of uprooting and displacement.”
She further emphasized:
*”Our country has a long history of such experiences, from the stories of our grandparents to what we witness today, with people arriving in Greece seeking a better life. My family has Pontic roots; they were refugees, and that’s how I feel connected to this song.
My grandmother, Klavdia, told me stories about her family and how they were forced to flee and resettle in the Soviet Union. My parents were born and raised there before returning to Greece in 1991 to start a new life.”*
How Klavdia Plans to Win Eurovision: A Completely New Stage Performance
Following her performance at Greece’s National Final for Eurovision 2025, Klavdia received mixed reviews. In response, she addressed the criticism directly.
“We’ll Change Everything If Necessary” – Klavdia Responds to Critics
Despite winning the National Final and securing her place in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in May in Switzerland, Klavdia acknowledged the critiques of her stage performance.
Speaking on the show “You Haven’t Seen Anything Yet,” she expressed excitement over her victory, admitting that she wasn’t certain she would take the top spot.
*”I’m extremely happy and grateful! I can’t wait to begin preparations for May. My loved ones are even more excited than I am! They’re overjoyed and so proud of me.
I never assumed I’d win because nothing is guaranteed before a live performance. Things can change; someone seen as weaker could unexpectedly deliver a stunning stage and vocal performance. I never took anything for granted.”*
Addressing Stage Performance Criticism
Regarding the negative feedback about her National Final staging, Klavdia clarified:
*”I was happy with the result. Of course, we had limitations—it was a national final, we all had the same director, and there were restrictions to ensure fairness. But what you saw in the national final will not be what happens in May.
Eurovision is a completely different production, and we can change everything.”*
The Spotify Controversy
Klavdia also addressed concerns over the song’s early release on Spotify, explaining:
“All songs from the National Final were scheduled to be released the day after the competition, as per the rules. We weren’t authorized to release them earlier.
It was all set to go live automatically after midnight on January 31. Since we were still celebrating and giving interviews then, some may have assumed it was released prematurely. However, I was informed that everything was handled correctly, so there was no issue.”
Klavdia Celebrates Eurovision Win with Family and Famous Rapper Boyfriend
