Germany withdraws Eurovision contender after lyrics uproar

Germany withdrew its contender for next year's Eurovision song contest last Saturday following a backlash from critics who accused the R&B artist of using anti-Semitic and homophobic slurs in his songs.

Xavier Naidoo, 44, a singer of Indian and African heritage, was selected as Germany's candidate by public broadcaster ARD last Thursday, but the uproar in newspapers and on social media prompted a swift change of heart.

"Xavier Naidoo is a wonderful singer who isn't racist or homophobic in my view," ARD executive Thomas Schreiber said.

"It was clear that he is someone who polarises but the ferocity of the reactions surprised us. We misjudged."