Swiss ESC song: accusations of plagiarism
Mélanie René, the Swiss representative at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, is said to have used a song by superstar Beyoncé. No reason to get excited, says SRF.
As Schweiz am Sonntag writes, the evidence provided by a comparison video on YouTube, which has since been removed, is "overwhelming". Even a music layman could recognize where René got the inspiration for her winning song "Time to Shine". We are talking about Beyoncé Knowles' hit "Run the World", which is said to have served as the template for René's song.
Schweiz am Sonntag then confronted Beyoncé's management with the allegations of plagiarism. They stated that they had never heard of the Swiss artist - but that they would sue anyone who copied songs or ideas from Beyoncé. SRF spokeswoman Eva Wismer is unimpressed: the song is an original composition by the artist and there is no question of disqualification. René's label Believe Music then had the comparison video deleted. For good reason, it seems: without the "overwhelming evidence", it seems difficult - at least for listeners who are not familiar with the two songs - to work out what exactly is being disputed. Especially as "being inspired" is an integral part of pop culture. Beyoncé is probably aware of this - she has been increasingly accused of stealing Music or choreography was accused. (hae/SaS)
