December 2025 - Page 11 of 13

Estonia: The Songs for “Eesti Laul 2026” Revealed!

December 4, 2025January 12, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Listen: The Estonian national broadcaster ERR has revealed today the songs that will compete in “Eesti Laul 2026.” The Estonian entry for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen on February 14th. The Estonian national broadcaster ERR revealed today (Thursday) the twelve songs competing in “Eesti Laul 2026”, which will take place on Saturday, February 14th, 2026. The winner of the local competition will represent the country at Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria. A jury of 34 members selected twelve songs to participate in the competition. As in last year’s edition, there will be no semi-finals, and all twelve songs will compete in the grand final to be held on February 14th at Unibet Arena in Tallinn, the same venue that hosted Eurovision 2002. The hosts of "Eesti Laul 2026" will be Karl-Erik Taukar, and Karl Kivastik, known as Korea, a member of Estonian representatives in Eurovision 2024, 5Miinust. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Eesti Laul 2026" Entries: Noep...

Official: Israel Will Compete in Eurovision 2026!

December 4, 2025January 12, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The member states of the EBU have made their decision: Israel will compete in Eurovision 2026! Following a tense vote at the 95th conference of the EBU held this evening in Geneva, with member states in attendance, countries approved the changes to the competition’s regulations and thus opted to forgo a separate vote on Israel’s participation. Consequently, Israel will take part in Eurovision 2026! Delegates from participating countries gathered for the semi-annual conference, where Israel’s eligibility was a central topic. During the session, new policies were approved aiming to “reduce disproportionate governmental and external involvement in the voting process.” Spain, Turkey, Slovenia, and Belgium voiced strong opposition to Israel’s participation and called to block its return to the contest. In contrast, Norway supported the updated regulations introduced by the EBU, while Sweden and the United Kingdom maintained a balanced stance - urging all nations to avoid politicizing Eurovision. Germany, Ukraine, and Greece expressed clear support for Israel during the...

Slovenia Withdraws from Eurovision 2026 Over Israel’s Participation

December 4, 2025January 12, 2026 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO joins three other countries in withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 following the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the contest. Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO joins three other countries - The Netherlands, Spain and Ireland in withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 following the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the contest. The general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union has decided that Israel will participate in Eurovision 2026 after rules changes were overwhelmingly approved, with no vote required on Israel’s participation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Natalija Gorščak, head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, known for her strong political stance against Israel, told Slovenian media after the meeting: “Slovenia will definitely not take part in Eurovision. It’s certain that Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland will also not participate. Our message is clear: we will not be part of Eurovision if Israel is there. This is in memory of the 20,000 children killed in Gaza.” Slovenia Leaded Calls for Eurovision Boycott Over Israel Slovenia has been one of the most vocal opponents...

Spain Withdraws from Eurovision 2026 Following Israel’s Participation

December 4, 2025January 12, 2026 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain pulls out of Eurovision 2026 after Israel’s inclusion sparks outrage. RTVE decries “political interference,” ending 64 years of continuous participation. An unprecedented drama unfolded in Spain this evening (Thursday), as the Spanish national broadcaster (RTVE) officially confirmed that the country will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The dramatic announcement came just minutes after the general assembly vote of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva, where 738 members voted in favor of regulatory changes that allow Israel to remain in the contest. Spain has long been one of Israel’s most vocal opponents within the Eurovision arena, repeatedly conditioning its own participation on Israel’s removal from the competition. Moments before the decisive vote, Spain once again led efforts to block Israel, spearheading a campaign within the assembly against its inclusion - a motion that was not publicly scheduled for debate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain has long been one of Israel’s most vocal opponents within the Eurovision arena,...

Ireland Joins Boycott: Official Withdrawal from Eurovision 2026

December 4, 2025January 12, 2026 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, which had previously threatened to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participated, officially announces its withdrawal following the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the contest. Ireland is known for its particularly strained Eurovision relations with Israel. The Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ, firmly opposed Israel’s participation along with several other countries and previously declared: “Our position is that Ireland will not participate in Eurovision 2026 as long as Israel continues to compete. The final decision on Ireland’s participation will be made after the EBU’s decision.” Following today’s general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union, where the new regulations were decisively approved and no separate vote to exclude Israel was held, Israel’s participation was confirmed and Ireland’s withdrawal officially declared. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Statement from Irish National Broadcaster RTÉ "Following today's EBU Winter General Assembly in Geneva at which Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTÉ's position remains unchanged. RTÉ...

The Netherlands Officially Withdraws from Eurovision 2026

December 4, 2025January 12, 2026 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Dutch national broadcaster has announced its withdrawal from Eurovision 2026, following the official confirmation that Israel will participate in the contest. The Dutch national broadcaster AVROTROS has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s participation in Eurovision in recent years. The broadcaster had previously declared that it would withdraw if Israel took part in Eurovision 2026, and it has now maintained that position even after the ceasefire. With the general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union deciding not to hold a vote on Israel’s participation and approving the contest rules for 2026, the Dutch withdrawal has been made official. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to reports in the Netherlands, AVROTROS had counted on international pressure leading to Israel’s disqualification, and had already selected both its artist and song for 2026 in an advanced process meant to be ready “for any scenario”. Despite these preparations, the Netherlands will not take the Eurovision...

A Senior EBU Official: “Eurovision Is Dead”

December 4, 2025January 12, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A senior EBU official spoke before the discussion on Israel’s participation in Eurovision, describing the tense atmosphere among delegates and outlining the demands of countries opposing Israel’s entry. At these moments, dozens of representatives from across Europe are gathering in Geneva to discuss one question stirring the continent: will Israel compete in Eurovision 2026, or will it be expelled amid growing pressure? Before the discussion, a senior EBU official described in an interview with N12 the tense atmosphere within the venue: “The atmosphere among delegates is grim, and even Israel’s closest allies are expressing frustration. We should never have reached this point. We attempted to offer Israel alternative solutions, but they were rejected. Even if Israel competes in the next Eurovision – the contest is dead. It’s been stained by politics in every possible decision”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The official illustrated a situation where Israel faces criticism from all sides during deliberations. He...

Encouraging Message from Germany: Behind the Scenes of the Dramatic Battle Over Israel’s Participation

December 4, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026: Germany continues to signal its support for Israel ahead of the dramatic discussion on its participation in Eurovision 2026 - What is the encouraging message conveyed from countries that were previously considered opposing Israel's participation? At the start of one of the most tense days for Eurovision fans in Israel, a statement arrives that allows a moment of breathing room - but also sharpens the extent of the uncertainty. Germany, one of Europe's most influential countries and a prominent partner of the EBU, confirms that in recent weeks it has invested extensive diplomatic efforts to ensure Israel is not expelled from the competition. However, alongside the overt support, its messages point to a complex reality, where behind the diplomatic smiles there is still no certainty regarding the outcome - an outcome that may affect not only Israel, but on the entire Eurovision Song Contest. This statement comes as the public in Israel and around the world...

Natalija Gorščak, Director of RTVSLO: “The Discussion Is Likely to End in Israel’s Favor at Eurovision”

December 4, 2025January 12, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026: Ahead of the decisive moment, the director of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO reveals she is convinced the discussion will be decided in Israel’s favor. While representatives of the EBU gather for a dramatic debate on the future of Eurovision, Natalija Gorščak, head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, known for her outspoken political stance against Israel, gave an interview today (Thursday) to the BBC. In that interview, she claimed that, much to her regret, the General Assembly will most likely decide that Israel will participate as usual in Eurovision 2026, which is set to be held in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A ceasefire had given Eurovision fans in Israel hope that the threat of expulsion would be lifted and that Israel’s path to participate in Eurovision 2026 would be cleared. However, countries such as Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland quickly warned that they would refuse to take part in the contest despite...

Moment Before the Dramatic Debate on Eurovision’s Future: Finland Sets a New Ultimatum!

December 4, 2025January 12, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026: On the eve of a crucial decision, Finland issues an ultimatum and demands that the EBU adopt four new conditions it formally placed on the table this morning. While representatives of the EBU gather for a pivotal debate on Eurovision’s future, a new declaration from Finland casts doubt over its own participation. The Finnish national broadcaster YLE, one of the competition’s most experienced and long‑standing participants, has issued an unusually sharp statement: Finland will consider withdrawing from Eurovision if the EBU does not fully adopt the regulatory changes it has proposed. Finland thus becomes another country that is not content with criticism alone, but instead puts a concrete threat on the table, joining states such as Spain, Slovenia, Ireland and the Netherlands. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In the words of YLE’s director general, Marit af Björkesten, there is a very clear warning. According to her, the original purpose of Eurovision was to create...