[Denver]

​Germany has withdrawn Xavier Naidoo as its contender for next year's Eurovision Song Contest.

The decision follows a backlash from critics who have accused the R&B singer of using anti-Semitic and homophobic slurs in his songs. Naidoo was announced as the German entry on Thursday (November 19) by public broadcaster ARD.

"Xavier Naidoo is a wonderful singer who isn't racist or homophobic in my view," commented ARD executive Thomas Schreiber (via Reuters). "It was clear that he is someone who polarises but the ferocity of the reactions surprised us. We misjudged."

Top-selling newspaper Bild was among those who questioned the decision to select Naidoo, while anti-racism group Amadeu Antonio Foundation described it as "problematic".

Germany came last in this year's Eurovision, which was won by Sweden, and will name a new contender as soon as possible according to Schreiber. Whoever it picks will have to again compete with Australia, who will enter for the second year running.

http://www.digitalspy.com/music/euro...xavier-naidoo/