October 2025 - Page 7 of 10

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

October 12, 2025 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...

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

October 12, 2025 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...

Sweden: Two More Artists Rumored for Melodifestivalen 2026

October 11, 2025October 11, 2025 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...

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

October 11, 2025October 12, 2025 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...

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

October 11, 2025October 11, 2025 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...

Poll Finds: Most Icelanders Support Withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 If Israel Participates

October 10, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Gallup poll finds most Icelanders back withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, ahead of Iceland’s key EBU vote According to a new Gallup poll, 58% of Iceland's citizens support withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. Conversely, 20% favor Iceland’s participation regardless of Israel’s inclusion. It is important to note that the survey was conducted between September 18th and October 2nd, prior to the announcement of a ceasefire, which is likely to influence many Icelanders’ opinions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Gender and Education Differences in Opinion The survey reveals notable demographic variations regarding views on Israel. Men were found to be less influenced by Israel’s participation compared to women, while individuals with academic education were more inclined to oppose Israel’s presence than those with lower education levels. The sample size consisted of 1,748 respondents, with a participation rate of 46.8%. All participants were selected randomly. Iceland Likely to Support Israel's Exclusion Iceland is among...

Shocking News: Turkish Eurovision Star Hadise Arrested in Istanbul

October 10, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2009 representative was detained in Istanbul in a high-profile anti-drug operation. Is Turkey planning to return to Eurovision? Full report inside. The Turkish police carried out a special operation this week that led to the arrest of dozens of Turkish celebrities, including singers, actors, and bloggers, as part of a broad campaign against illegal drug use. Among the detainees is a former representative who competed in the Eurovision Song Contest and achieved significant success. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The beloved Turkish singer Hadise was arrested this week by Istanbul police because she allegedly supported and promoted the use of prohibited drugs. The popular singer was taken into custody at her home in the city of Şişli. The authorities plan to conduct blood tests on the Turkish celebrities, including Hadise, to determine whether they have used narcotics. They are expected to be released to their homes after the blood tests are completed in...

Australia Divided Over Eurovision 2026 – How SBS Responds to the Israel Controversy

October 10, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Will Australia boycott Eurovision 2026? SBS responds to political criticism and chooses to remain neutral regarding Israel’s participation – here are all the details behind the controversy. As Australian politicians call for a strong stance against Israel, the national broadcaster SBS has opted for a different approach – maintaining neutrality. The decision not to take a position on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 has sparked debate in the local parliament. As accusations and boycott calls spread, SBS insists on continuing business as usual – preserving Australia’s decades-long musical link to Europe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Storm in the Aussie Parliament During a heated parliamentary session, Green Party Senator Mehreen Faruqi criticized the network’s decision: “Israel is set to perform pop songs while it bombs Palestinian children. If Israel participates, will Australia withdraw or provide media coverage?” Acting CEO Jane Palfreyman responded that during such sensitive times, a public broadcaster must remain neutral and refrain from taking political sides. Later in the session, SBS’s head of public...

Will the BBC Turn Its Back on Israel Again? The Dilemma Stirring the United Kingdom

October 10, 2025October 10, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel at Eurovision 2026 – yes or no? BBC Director General admits the decision on Israel’s participation is “very complex”. Full details behind the United Kingdom’s stance ahead of the dramatic vote. Between the corridors of the British national broadcaster, the BBC - long accused of anti-Israeli bias - one of the most sensitive decisions is taking shape: How will the United Kingdom vote regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026? Employees, journalists, and managers are demanding a clear answer from Director General Tim Davie, yet he prefers to wait. Will the national broadcaster remain committed to the principle of an apolitical competition, or join the voices calling for Israel’s exclusion - a country that has won the contest four times but now provokes global controversy? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Pressure on Davie from BBC staff and viewers is mounting over whether the broadcaster will support Israel or side with calls to expel Israel’s national broadcaster...

Following Ceasefire Agreement: Vote on Expelling Israel from Eurovision 2026 May Be Postponed!

October 9, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ORF announced the vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 may be delayed or canceled due to a hostage release deal and war’s end Against the backdrop of reports about a deal to end the war, it was revealed today (Thursday) that the vote regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria, may be postponed or even canceled. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria finds itself at the center of a political storm ahead of Eurovision 2026 due to uncertainty over Israel’s participation in the upcoming contest in Vienna. U.S. President Donald Trump announced last night a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. According to a report by the Austrian newspaper Der Standard, ORF faces a dilemma worth €40 million: whether to refuse hosting the major event if Israel is ultimately barred from participating. After Austria’s victory in the last Eurovision in Basel, ORF took on significant responsibility and committed...