Preparing for 2026: The Big Promises That Never Reached the Eurovision Stage

Preparing for 2026: The Big Promises That Never Reached the Eurovision Stage

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What can we expect from a national final for Eurovision 2026? In the first article, we look back at songs from various national finals that were tipped for victory but ultimately failed to meet expectations. Who earned the dubious title of “fan flop”? Article by Ilay Gaist and Adiel Shtainmetz. Every year, with the revival of the Eurovision season, thousands of fans across Europe fall in love with certain songs and hope they will finish high in their national finals and go on to represent their country at Eurovision. In this series, "Preparing for 2026", we will cover irregular scenarios that happened in national finals across the continent. Every year some songs began as major favorites, ultimately failed to deliver and ended much lower than expected. In this article, we look back at those fan-beloved songs that, despite the hype, ended up recording particularly disappointing results. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); KEiiNO - Norway 2021 and 2024: KEiiNO is a Norwegian...
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Italy: Is Giorgia Expected to Co-Host Sanremo Festival 2026?

Italy: Is Giorgia Expected to Co-Host Sanremo Festival 2026?

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); As Carlo Conti prepares for his final year hosting Italy’s Sanremo Festival, rumors suggest a former winner and veteran singer may join him on stage in 2026. Carlo Conti’s announcement that Sanremo Festival 2026 will be his last as artistic director and host immediately sparked a wave of speculation in Italy. Now, the main question everyone is asking is not only which songs will compete but also who will stand beside him one last time as he wraps up his tenure. The answer might be both surprising and emotional: reports increasingly point toward a well-known singer - an authentic Sanremo icon - Giorgia Todrani, who is allegedly clearing her schedule ahead of February 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sanremo: The Inspiration Behind Eurovision The traditional Italian "Festival Di Sanremo" is one of Italy’s most significant annual music events, held in the coastal city of Sanremo. It famously served as the inspiration for the creation of the Eurovision Song...
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Albania: Contestant List for “Festivali i Këngës 64” Revealed

Albania: Contestant List for “Festivali i Këngës 64” Revealed

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The contestant list for Albania’s “Festivali i Këngës” has been revealed. The lineup includes many artists who have previously tried their luck at the festival. The Albanian national broadcaster, RTSH, has announced the 28 contestants for the 64th edition of “Festivali i Këngës”, which has served as Albania’s national selection for Eurovision since 2004. The songs are expected to be released for listening in December. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Contestant List: 2 Farm Alis Egzon Pireci Endri Kaçaçi Enxhi Nasufi Erand Sojli Erik Lloshi Evi Reçi Fifi & Tiri Gjoci Frensi Gerta Mahmutaj Ghiti Gresa Gjocera & Bledi Kaso Inis Neziri Kamela Islamaj Kimi Kleansa Susaj Lorenc Hasrama Luna Çausholli Malvina Likaj Rezarta Smaja Rigersa Loka Sara Kapo Savjana Vjerdha Sheila Sihana Haxhnikaj Threex Vedat Ademi (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Among the Contestants - Many Familiar Names: Many of the contestants this year have competed in past editions, with only five exceptions. Alis – Participated last...
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Montenegro: National Final Participants for Eurovision 2026 Revealed!

Montenegro: National Final Participants for Eurovision 2026 Revealed!

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Montenegro’s national broadcaster RTCG has announced the 15 artists competing in Montesong 2026. Among them: Andrea Demirović, who represented Montenegro at Eurovision 2009. Who will fly the flag for Montenegro in Vienna? Montenegro’s national broadcaster RTCG has officially announced the 15 participants and their song titles for Montesong 2026, the national selection through which the country will choose its entry for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria.The national final is scheduled to take place on December 21st, 2025. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Full list of participants and songs: Andrea Demirović – I Believe Baryak – Minerva Dolce Hera – Casanova 91 Đurđa – Dominos Krstinja Matanović – Oli Oli Lana Vukčević & Đorđe Savković – Temperatura Lana Lopičić – Doline Lara Baltić – Rhythm Boy Luka Radović – Pjevaj Vilo Majda Božović – Ipac Smo Ljudi Mila Nikić – Kao Varnica Neno Murić – Ako Čuješ Glas Stefan Vukotić – Nedekodirana Tamara Živković – Nova Zora Tina Džankić...
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Eurovision 2026: Debate on Israel’s Participation Postponed to December 4

Eurovision 2026: Debate on Israel’s Participation Postponed to December 4

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel in Eurovision: Discussion on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 postponed to December 4 amid Middle East developments In an official statement sent to members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), it was announced that the discussion regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, which had been moved up to early November, will ultimately take place on its original date – December 4 – as part of the organization’s General Assembly. According to the EBU, this decision was made “in light of the recent developments in the Middle East” and out of a desire to hold “an open discussion with the full participation of all members.” However, the statement does not specify whether an actual vote will take place at that time, raising the possibility that the decision may be postponed – or that the vote may be canceled altogether – depending on the tone and direction of the debate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); EBU’s Position and Internal...
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“HaKokhav HaBa”: How Is the Production Preparing for a Possible Eurovision Disqualification?

“HaKokhav HaBa”: How Is the Production Preparing for a Possible Eurovision Disqualification?

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});   Reports reveal that the production of "HaKokhav HaBa," the Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2026, is preparing for every possible scenario - including a possible elimination from the contest. What is the winner's alternative prize? Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision remains unclear due to countries threatening to withdraw if Israel takes part. Despite this, the popular show "HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision," which is due to select Israel’s representative for the 2026 contest in Vienna, Austria, has already started filming. Recent reports highlight how the show’s producers are preparing for a possible elimination scenario. The season is set to premiere mid-November. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Alternative Prize Planned Should Israel be excluded from Eurovision 2026, the show’s production will award the winner a cash prize of 1 million shekels (about 264,000 Euro), as reported by "Walla Tarbut". This prize was given in past seasons not linked to Eurovision—to Tamir Grinberg and Eliav Zohar. It’s worth...
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Albania: “Festivali i Këngës 64” Line-up to Be Revealed Tomorrow

Albania: “Festivali i Këngës 64” Line-up to Be Revealed Tomorrow

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Albania’s national broadcaster RTSH will unveil the full list of participants in the 64th “Festivali i Këngës” tomorrow, October 13, ahead of Eurovision 2026 The preparations for Albania’s “Festivali i Këngës”, the national preselection for Eurovision, are in full swing, with the list of contestants set to be revealed tomorrow. This follows Albania’s confirmed participation in Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria, after efforts by the national broadcaster RTSH to settle debts with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Albania’s national broadcaster released a teaser video today (Sunday) on Instagram, announcing that the full list of participants in the festival will be revealed tomorrow, Monday, October 13, 2025. The video also showed cropped images of some contestants’ eyes adorned with Albania’s flag colors—red and black—sparking public curiosity about their identities.   הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם   ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Festivali i Këngës në RTSH‎‏ (@‏‎festivali_kenges_rtsh‎‏)‎‏ Surge in Entries and Production Changes The...
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Sweden: Two More Artists Rumored for Melodifestivalen 2026

Sweden: Two More Artists Rumored for Melodifestivalen 2026

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Swedish media reports reveal two additional artists likely to join Melodifestivalen 2026, including a former Eurovision representative. Which artists are expected this year? Melodifestivalen 2026, Sweden’s national Eurovision selection, has already sparked European media attention as Swedish outlets report on likely performers. Who will take the Melodifestivalen stage and deliver this year’s hits? After previous years’ big names like the duo Medina, Fröken Snusk, and Smash Into Pieces - who are set to return - the media is now naming two more possible participants. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision Veteran Set for Melodifestivalen Return Robin Bengtsson, 35, has previously competed in Melodifestivalen four times and even won the contest in 2017 with “I Can’t Go On,” taking fifth place for Sweden at Eurovision. He also entered the competition in 2016, 2020, and 2022. According to Expressen, Bengtsson is aiming for a fifth appearance - this time with a country song! Rising Star from Melodifestivalen 2025 Arwin Ismail, 17, a young and...
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Eurovision’s Winning Formula: The Power of the Running Order

Eurovision’s Winning Formula: The Power of the Running Order

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Strategic placement, betting predictions, or pure luck? The fourth article in "The Eurovision Formula” series explores how the running order can impact a contestant’s chances of victory. Article by Ilay Gaist and Noy Yehoyada. Every year, with the revival of the Eurovision season, thousands of viewers, fans, and professional jurors attempt to crack the code how to win at Eurovision: What is the secret formula that leads a country to first place? Do audiences tend to favor songs performed early in the show, or do they remember those closing the night? In this fourth installment of “The Eurovision Formula” series, we dive deep into the historic data to explore one of the most significant factors: Does a song’s position in the running order actually affect its final score? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Allocation of Running Order: Luck, Choice, or Planning? Until 2013, performance positions in the Eurovision final were determined randomly by draw. Each participating country drew its position in the performance...
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Who Will Decide Israel’s Future in Eurovision? Norwegian Statement Raises Questions

Who Will Decide Israel’s Future in Eurovision? Norwegian Statement Raises Questions

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Norway’s TV 2 questions voting on Israel’s Eurovision exclusion, raising uncertainty over participation and possible impact on final results Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 is considering whether to participate in the vote on Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision 2026, spokesperson Jan-Petter Dahl confirmed. The hesitation stems from the fact that the channel is an active EBU member but does not hold Eurovision broadcasting rights, which in Norway belong exclusively to the competing broadcaster NRK. “We will wait for the invitation before considering whether it is natural for us to participate,” said Dahl. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who Will Participate in the Vote? The vote on Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision 2026 has been postponed to mid-November. Since the EBU has not yet sent an official invitation to any national broadcaster – only announcing it will take place in a “special online session” of the General Assembly – it remains unclear which broadcasters will vote, what majority will...
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