Despite Threats: Iceland Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026

Despite Threats: Iceland Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026

by Aviad Berger Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After months of speculation, threats, and calls to ban Israel from the contest, Iceland confirms their participation in Eurovision 2026 Iceland has officially confirmed its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. On the website of the national broadcaster RÚV, a banner announced the opening of song submissions for the Söngvakeppnin, which will determine Iceland’s representative to the international stage. The announcement brings an end to much speculation regarding the country’s future in the competition, officially positioning Iceland as part of the event set for next year. Iceland is the 24th country to express interest in participating in Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. As previously reported on EuroMix, amidst the "Iron Swords" war, the Chairman of the Board of the Icelandic national broadcaster, Stefán Jón Hafstein, called for Israel to be barred from participating in Eurovision 2026. He even suggested allowing only independent Israeli artists under a neutral...
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Ziferblat Are Still Paying Debts for Eurovision 2025 Participation

Ziferblat Are Still Paying Debts for Eurovision 2025 Participation

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ziferblat face extensive costs for representing Ukraine at Eurovision 2025; details on the band’s financial burden and ongoing payments revealed. Members of Ziferblat, who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2025, recently revealed the enormous expenses needed to take the stage in Basel. These costs included costumes, staging, technical support, logistics, promotion, and production arrangements. The total sum, approximately $120,000 (approximately €102,700), remains a considerable financial burden for the band months after the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Costs Covered by the Band According to band members, part of the amount was offset by crowdfunding and local sponsors, but the bulk was paid directly from their own pockets. The group’s guitarist, Valentin Leshchinsky, admitted in an interview that they are still paying off the debts from their Eurovision 2025 participation: “We still have an outstanding amount for Eurovision. We’re still repaying it, but it isn’t critical”. He said. Between Dreams and Expenses The story of Ziferblat joins other Ukrainian and international artists who have testified about the high...
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Never Stops for a Moment: Another Tremendous Achievement for Yuval Raphael!

Never Stops for a Moment: Another Tremendous Achievement for Yuval Raphael!

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Yuval Raphael, continues to captivate audiences. After receiving three nominations in Kan Gimel’s annual chart, Raphael secures another major nomination Yuval Raphael, Israel’s representative at Eurovision 2025, is nominated for Ynet and Galgalatz’s Breakthrough of the Year, while her song "New Day Will Rise" is nominated for Song of the Year. After winning the televote at Eurovision and claiming a final second place, even before releasing additional singles, Israeli listeners and radio stations are showering Raphael with admiration and recognition. Recently, Kan Gimel radio station revealed that Raphael is nominated in three categories: Breakthrough of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year. Now, in the chart of Israel’s most listened-to radio station, Galgalatz, in partnership with leading news website Ynet, Raphael is again up for prestigious awards. Recently, she also announced her debut performance on October 9th at the Tel Aviv Amphitheater. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision...
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Eurovision Participation at Risk? This Is What the EBU Said About Israel!

Eurovision Participation at Risk? This Is What the EBU Said About Israel!

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EBU sparked controversy after releasing a video highlighting Gaza testimonies and strongly criticizing Israel. Could Israel's participation in Eurovision be at risk? The controversial video: EBU published a video about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, criticizing the Israeli government and claiming authorities are undermining press freedom by barring foreign journalists from entering the territory. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The footage presents testimonies about growing hunger due to a shortage of food and basic goods. In the official statement attached, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk was quoted as saying that hunger in Gaza is “a direct result of Israeli Government action”.   הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם   ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎European Broadcasting Union‎‏ (@‏‎ebu_hq‎‏)‎‏ Allegations of Suppressing Press Freedom According to the EBU’s statement, Israeli authorities are preventing international media outlets from accessing Gaza and covering the situation. The footage included in the video was filmed by local Palestinian journalists, who the EBU said face...
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Eurovision 2026: Auditions Open for Stand-In Singers and Dancers

Eurovision 2026: Auditions Open for Stand-In Singers and Dancers

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Auditions for the Eurovision 2026 stand-in shows in Vienna will be held December 19th-20th. Apply for singer or dancer roles by December 14th Auditions for singers, dancers, and performers for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, will take place on December 19th-20th. Successful candidates will perform in the stand-in shows, where local artists present previews of each act’s stage performance to delegations before the competing artists arrive for rehearsals two weeks later. Some of the selected performers may also take part in the live shows. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The auditions are managed by Motions by Dietmann, founded by Marvin Dietmann, who has served as Eurovision’s creative director since 2011. Professional singers can submit their applications here, while professional dancers can apply here. The deadline for all submissions is December 14th. The 2015 Team Returns to Lead Eurovision 2026 Heading the production of Eurovision 2026 is Michael Krön, the executive producer from the Austrian national broadcaster ORF. He will oversee the...
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Israel’s Eurovision Representatives to Perform at Memorial Marking Two Years Since October 7th Massacre

Israel’s Eurovision Representatives to Perform at Memorial Marking Two Years Since October 7th Massacre

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Yuval Raphael, Eden Golan, and former Israeli Eurovision representatives will join a ceremony led by "Kumu" with families of victims and hostages, blending music with remembrance and resilience. On the second anniversary of the October 7th massacre, a special memorial ceremony will take place, initiated by the movement "Kumu" (Wake Up) and the families of murdered and kidnapped victims. Prominent figures from Israel’s Eurovision legacy will take part, artists who have represented the cultural voice of the nation for more than 50 years. The event, organized by "Kumu" founders Yonatan Shimriz and Omri Shifroni, is designed not only to honor the memory of the victims but also to strengthen public advocacy for the release of the hostages. For many, the presence of Eurovision performers symbolizes a broad cultural and national consensus in the demand for justice and remembrance. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Israeli Eurovision Stars on Stage As revealed on the Facebook page of the entertainment show “Erev Tov”...
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Eurovision 2026: This Is How the Eurovision Village Will Look in Vienna

Eurovision 2026: This Is How the Eurovision Village Will Look in Vienna

by Shahar Asido Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); An international celebration in the city’s heart: Rathausplatz will host live performances, DJs, giant screens, and Austrian food stalls - free entry daily from morning until midnight during Eurovision week. The excitement in Vienna is reaching its peak: Preparations for Eurovision 2026 are moving ahead at full speed, and the Austrian national broadcaster ORF has now unveiled the first details and the visual concept of the Eurovillage, the official celebration hub of the contest. The Eurovillage will be built in the very heart of the city, at the iconic Rathausplatz, and will operate from May 10th to May 17th. For eight days, the square will transform into the center of music, culture, and entertainment, drawing fans from all over the world. The zone will open daily from 10:00 CEST until midnight, with free entry for all visitors. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Demo of the EuroVillage: What Will the Eurovision Village Offer? The village will feature live screenings of the three Eurovision shows:...
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Montenegro: Eurovision 2026 Representative to Be Chosen Through “Montesong”

Montenegro: Eurovision 2026 Representative to Be Chosen Through “Montesong”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Montenegro’s national broadcaster RTCG confirmed that the country’s Eurovision 2026 representative will again be chosen through "Montesong". Rules for the second edition of the contest were revealed today. The Montenegrin national broadcaster RTCG has confirmed that Montenegro’s Eurovision 2026 entrant will be chosen once again through "Montesong". This marks the second consecutive year that the country will select its representative through the festival. Alongside the announcement, the broadcaster published the full set of rules for the upcoming competition. A date for "Montesong 2025" has not yet been announced. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Rules for "Montesong 2025": RTCG revealed the regulations for the second edition of the contest, which will serve as the country’s pre-selection for Eurovision 2026: All songs must comply with the general Eurovision rules. Songs must not be published or performed before September 1st, 2025. Competing performers must hold Montenegrin citizenship. Songwriters may be of any nationality. Each songwriter can submit a maximum of two songs for...
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Alenka Gotar: “We Will Probably Withdraw This Year Due to Israel’s Participation”

Alenka Gotar: “We Will Probably Withdraw This Year Due to Israel’s Participation”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Alenka Gotar, Slovenian Eurovision representative in 2007, warns Slovenia will likely withdraw from the contest this year due to Israel’s participation, reflecting growing tensions between RTVSLO and Israel. The Slovenian national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has in recent years maintained a very tense relationship with Israel, against the backdrop of the opposition from the country’s left-wing government to Israel’s participation in the contest. The national broadcaster, led by Ksenija Horvat, has been one of the main drivers of action against Israel within the EBU. The Slovenian Eurovision representative in 2007, Alenka Gotar, who in better days was at the center of decision-making within the national broadcaster, expressed pessimism regarding the country’s participation in Eurovision. According to her, Slovenia is almost certain to withdraw this year because of Israel’s participation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Until 2022, Slovenia was led by Janez Janša, a staunchly pro-Israeli leader. During his tenure, Gotar was a member of the executive board of the national broadcaster, and the approach toward Israel was drastically different....
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Montenegro Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

Montenegro Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Montenegrin national broadcaster RTCG has confirmed the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria. The method for selecting Montenegro’s entry has not yet been decided. The Montenegrin national broadcaster RTCG has confirmed the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. Montenegro is the 25th country to express interest in participating in Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Boris Raonić, the Director General of RTCG, stated that Montenegro’s participation in Eurovision 2026 “is not in question”, though concerns remain regarding the selection process due to the broadcaster’s limited budget – half of which depends on donations. Council member Janko Ljumović remarked: “For RTCG, absence from the competition would be an admission that we are incapable”. He highlighted financial difficulties but emphasized that non-participation would be tantamount to giving up, despite a series of weak results. Council members Nikola Tatar and Marijana Camović...
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