Albania: Elhaida Dani to Continue as Artistic Director of National Final Show!

Albania: Elhaida Dani to Continue as Artistic Director of National Final Show!

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
  (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Albania confirms that beloved singer and 2015 Eurovision representative, Elhaida Dani, will continue as artistic director of “Festivali i Këngës 64”, following the festival’s recent success. Albania is already preparing for Eurovision 2026 in full force. After achieving one of its best results ever with Shkodra Elektronike and officially confirming its participation in Eurovision 2026, the Albanian national broadcaster RTSH has now announced that Elhaida Dani will return as the artistic director of its national selection show, “Festivali i Këngës”. Likely following the success of last year’s festival, which transformed from a marginal pre-selection into one of the most appreciated by Eurovision fans. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What Should You Know About “Festivali i Këngës”? “Festivali i Këngës”, held annually since 1961, has served as Albania’s Eurovision selection platform since its 43rd edition, ahead of Eurovision 2004. In recent years, the format has evolved: alongside the traditional jury selection, public voting was introduced to increase public involvement. However, this...
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The End of an Era? What Will Become of Sanremo Festival?

The End of an Era? What Will Become of Sanremo Festival?

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Sanremo Festival, from which Italy’s Eurovision representatives are chosen, may leave its historic city in 2026 due to a dispute between the national broadcaster and the city administration. Is the Sanremo Festival, Italy’s most iconic music competition and the foundation for selecting Italy’s representative to Eurovision, about to relocate to another city? The conflict between the national broadcaster RAI and the Sanremo city council has escalated to a boiling point — and it is possible that in 2026, the festival will no longer take place at the legendary Ariston Theatre. About a month ago, we reported that the festival’s relocation could happen starting in 2027, but recent reports indicate this might occur even before the upcoming Eurovision. If no solution is found by August 1st, RAI will move the festival to alternative cities under consideration, including Milan, Turin, and Naples. This represents a significant upheaval in the Italian cultural scene — and a strategic change that may...
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Eurovision 2026: Production Team Announced to Lead the Contest

Eurovision 2026: Production Team Announced to Lead the Contest

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Preparations are underway: Austrian national broadcaster ORF officially unveils the core team for Eurovision 2026 in Austria. Here is an inside look at the production, technological innovation, and key figures behind the scenes. The Austrian national broadcaster ORF has recently finalized the core team that will oversee the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to take place in Austria in May 2026. With the appointment of three new key figures - a Head of Commercial Affairs, a Technical Production Manager, and an Executive Assistant - the path is set for an event expected to captivate millions of viewers across Europe and around the world. The contest, which has evolved in recent years into the continent’s premier cultural event, already promises new standards, a contemporary vision, and a fierce competition for record-breaking ratings. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Contest in Europe's Heart: Behind-the-Scenes Production Insights Forming the professional team is not only a critical...
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Greece: Preparations for the Greek National Final Kick Off Next Week!

Greece: Preparations for the Greek National Final Kick Off Next Week!

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Greece officially launches its preparations for Eurovision 2026, with an announcement expected next week regarding its national selection show, as well as the opening of the application window! Greece has officially begun preparations for Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which will mark the 70th edition of the world’s most popular music event. The Greek national broadcaster, ERT, is expected to announce its national selection show next week and simultaneously open the submission period for entries. Along with the announcement, details regarding the rules and format of the selection process are anticipated—potentially including information on any planned expansions to the show. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to the Greek Eurovision site Eurovisionfun, Greece has invested significant effort in the selection process in recent weeks, particularly on the bureaucratic and organizational fronts. Now, the format is ready to be presented to the public. Sources at ERT emphasize that the primary goal is a reliable, high-quality and transparent...
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North Macedonia: Bobi Andonov Negotiates to a Macedonian Comeback in 2026?

North Macedonia: Bobi Andonov Negotiates to a Macedonian Comeback in 2026?

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
  (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Macedonian-Australian singer Bobi Andonov, known for representing North Macedonia in Junior Eurovision 2008, is working to return his country to Eurovision 2026 in Austria after a three-year absence. Will he succeed? The Sensation on the Way to Eurovision 2026: Bobi Andonov is leading an exciting initiative to bring his country back to the main stage - this time, in the senior competition. The well-known artist brought North Macedonia one of its most impressive achievements in Junior Eurovision history: fifth place in 2008 with the song "Parti Mi SMS" (in English: "Send Me SMS"). Negotiations with the Macedonian national broadcaster are heating up, and the Eurovision community is eager to see whether North Macedonia's race to Austria will happen once again, after a three-year absence from the competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); New Fronts for Eurovision 2026 The possible return of North Macedonia to Eurovision 2026 is electrifying the world of entertainment and politics in the Balkans. Few realize this, but...
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Duncan Laurence Breaks Record: “Arcade” Is Eurovision’s Most-Streamed Song

Duncan Laurence Breaks Record: “Arcade” Is Eurovision’s Most-Streamed Song

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); With over 1.4 billion Spotify streams, "Arcade" leads Eurovision’s all-time charts - discover the the top songs dominating global Spotify and YouTube play counts. The song "Arcade" by Dutch artist Duncan Laurence, the Eurovision 2019 winner, has become the most-streamed song in Eurovision Song Contest history, exceeding 1.4 billion Spotify streams. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From TV Event to Streaming Powerhouse: The Evolution of Eurovision Recent data confirm Eurovision’s transformation from a contest evaluated by juries and public voting into an international sensation measured by streams, views, Instagram Reels, and TikTok content. For nearly a decade, releasing a Eurovision song has been a full-scale digital marketing endeavor - Spotify plays, Instagram trends, and YouTube views now play a role as significant as the live performance itself. Duncan Laurence has set an almost unreachable standard for future contestants. Close behind is "Snap" by Armenian artist Rosa Linn, which has accumulated more than 1.2 billion Spotify streams - even though it finished only 20th in...
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An Unforgettable Moment: Louane Surprises Fan at Her Wedding

An Unforgettable Moment: Louane Surprises Fan at Her Wedding

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Why did Louane, France’s Eurovision 2025 representative, surprised guests at a fan’s wedding with a live performance of her ballad “maman”. And how the emotional moment became unforgettable? Last week, Louane, France's representative for Eurovision, stunned guests at a longtime fan’s wedding by taking the stage and performing a live rendition of her heartfelt ballad “maman” — a deeply personal song written about her late mother, and the same track she performed on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel. Shared widely on social media, the emotional moment quickly went viral, once again proving that Louane remains grounded in her roots and connected to the fans who shaped her rise. After delivering one of France’s most emotional and talked-about performances in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Louane continued to leave an impression beyond the competition. Surprising Pauline — a fan she had met a year earlier — at her wedding, Louane performed an intimate set in front of the couple’s...
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Not This Time Either: Slovakia Will Not Participate in Eurovision 2026!

Not This Time Either: Slovakia Will Not Participate in Eurovision 2026!

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Slovak national broadcaster STVR has confirmed that Slovakia will not participate in Eurovision 2026—however, it leaves the door open for a possible return in the future and expresses optimism. Following earlier reports that Slovakia was reconsidering the possibility of returning to Eurovision, the national broadcaster has now confirmed that this will not happen at Eurovision 2026; however, the door remains open for future participation, as previously reported. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Slovak national broadcaster has officially confirmed Slovakia’s absence from Eurovision 2026 in response to an inquiry by an Israeli Eurovision fan. According to the broadcaster: "Slovak participation in Eurovision is considered annually. However, due to the absence of a stable management at STVR and the current financial situation of the Slovak public national broadcaster, it was decided at a very early stage that participation is not feasible (under the present conditions)." The broadcaster, however, has not ruled out future participation entirely. As previously stated by Filip Púchovský, a...
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Why Liechtenstein Will Not Participate in Eurovision 2026: Statement from Prime Minister Brigitte Haas

Why Liechtenstein Will Not Participate in Eurovision 2026: Statement from Prime Minister Brigitte Haas

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Liechtenstein’s Prime Minister, Brigitte Haas, reveals the reasons behind the principality’s ongoing absence from Eurovision 2026, raising questions about the contest’s accessibility for smaller nations. Liechtenstein's Prime Minister, Brigitte Haas, has officially announced that the small principality will not join the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, scheduled to take place next May in Austria. Her detailed statement follows Liechtenstein’s historical absence from the competition and rekindles Europe-wide discussions about the nation's ambitions and capabilities in the cultural and musical arenas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "We Lack the Necessary Means" Haas stated in her press release: "Liechtenstein will not participate in Eurovision 2026. As a proud nation, we very much wanted to see our flag on the Eurovision stage, but at this point, we have to admit that we lack the essential means: an adequate budget, production infrastructure, and an independent national broadcaster – all of which are critical to ensuring successful and fair participation." She also addressed the...
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Unwelcome: Three Former Russian Eurovision Representatives Added to Ukraine’s Blacklist

Unwelcome: Three Former Russian Eurovision Representatives Added to Ukraine’s Blacklist

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Three members of the group Buranovskiye Babushki that represented the country at Eurovision, were blacklisted by Ukraine due to performances in Crimea and Donbas, reflecting ongoing cultural and political tensions. Three members of the Russian folk group Buranovskiye Babushki, who represented Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 and finished in an impressive second place with the song "Party For Everybody," have been added to Ukraine's blacklist of artists banned from performing in the country. Although recently reported by several news outlets, the decision was originally made in 2020. It is part of Ukraine's broader policy to block Russian artists who are perceived as supporting the Russian state's actions against Ukraine or who have performed in contested territories, as a means of upholding cultural and political security. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Another former Eurovision representative now on the list is Julia Samoylova, who represented Russia at Eurovision in 2018. Samoylova had originally been selected to represent Russia in 2017, but...
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