Avi Zaikaner, Author at EuroMix

Nemo: “I Never Wanted to Withdraw, I’m Awaiting EBU’s Response on What Happened”

September 28, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After conquering Eurovision, Nemo reveals the dramatic impact of the win on their personal life, the behind-the-scenes incident with the Israeli delegation that deeply affected them, the move to London, and plans for the future. On May 12, 2024, Swiss artist Nemo became an international star by winning Eurovision in Malmö, Sweden, with their song "The Code". This victory instantly changed their life, placing them among prestigious Swiss winners like Lys Assia and Celine Dion. "Everything is still happening so fast," they say. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A New World of Possibilities Last Thursday, Nemo performed at an event in Zurich organized by financial companies Postfinance and Yuh. They appeared in a long tulle dress, floating 10 meters above the ground while performing "The Code". On combining art and music in their performances, Nemo says: "It's quite crazy. Even today, during the performance, there were moments when I thought this wasn't taken for granted at all. A few months...

Eurovision 2025: Basel Opens Registration for Volunteers

September 26, 2024October 6, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After being chosen as the host city for Eurovision 2025, Basel is opening registration for the volunteer group that will assist in various areas of Eurovision in Switzerland. After being selected to host the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2025, the Basel tourism team has opened applications for volunteers. The city of Basel is inviting dedicated fans of the competition to take part in making the Eurovision events a success. Volunteers will be given various tasks including logistical support at events, guiding visitors and delegations, and managing information booths. Their duties will be carried out over the two Eurovision weeks, during which they will be stationed throughout the various contest venues in the city: St. Jakobshalle arena, Eurovision Village, Eurovision Street, Press Center, Delegation Area, backstage areas and more. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The announcement from Basel states: "The Eurovision Song Contest is coming to Basel and we are looking for you! Become a...

Jerry Heil & Julia Sanina Release New Song: “WABI-SABI”

September 26, 2024September 26, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Listen: Ukraine's Eurovision 2024 representative, Jerry Heil, and Eurovision 2023 host, Julia Sanina, have released a new song called "WABI-SABI" that presents a deep message about Ukrainian reality. Jerry Heil, Ukraine's representative at Eurovision 2024, and Julia Sanina, Eurovision 2023 host, have unveiled a unique music video for their new song "WABI-SABI". The song draws inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of "wabi-sabi", which embraces change and finds beauty in imperfection. The video aims to reflect the deep meanings of modern reality in Ukraine resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war through music and visual art. The video also features the art of "kintsugi", which repairs broken pottery using gold. This repair symbolizes the transformation of loss and pain into something positive, beautiful, and valuable. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Emerging Stronger from War Jerry Heil comments on the choice of this art form in the video, describing how one can emerge stronger from war, like broken vessels receiving new forms thanks to gold: "Today,...

Israeli Eurovision 2018 Winner: “In One Moment, I Was Erased from Eurovision Mythology”

September 26, 2024October 25, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision winner, Netta Barzilai, reveals how her life has changed since October 7th, the hypocrisy from the Eurovision production, and the transition to creating music for the Israeli audience. Last Sunday, an interview with Israeli Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai aired on Roni Kuban's podcast "The Light at the End." The podcast is an original production of Beit Avi Chai. In the interview, the singer revealed why she was hurt by the Eurovision 2024 production, why she chose to create songs focusing on the Israeli audience, and the powerful experience of performing for evacuees from Kibbutz Be'eri, which lost a tenth of its residents to murder and had 31 members kidnapped. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Netta Barzilai: Challenges as an Israeli Artist On October 7th, Netta was scheduled to perform in Yarkon Park alongside international star Bruno Mars. The show was canceled early that day with Hamas's attack. The singer halted her planned performances and...

Eden Golan Releases New Single: “Older”

September 25, 2024October 25, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Listen: Following her impressive achievement at Eurovision 2024, Eden Golan releases a new song: "Older". Eden Golan, Israel's representative for Eurovision 2024, has released her latest single - "Older". The English-language track, was co-written and composed by Golan herself alongside Victoria ‘Ryann’ Zaro, Sarah Solovay, Ido Zmishlany & Stav Beger. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Song Details and Production The music video for "Older" was directed by Ofir Peretz, who previously worked on Golan's Eurovision hit "Hurricane". Choreography for the new release was crafted by Avihai Haham, who collaborated with Eden during her Eurovision journey. Lyrical Themes and Inspiration Golan reveals that "Older" delves into the challenges and obstacles individuals face during their youth, particularly as children when they have little control over their circumstances. Despite their tender age, these difficulties play a crucial role in shaping each person's future.The song explores how such hardships can force children to mature prematurely, addressing the concept of growing up too...

Eurovision Champion Måns Zelmerlöw Rumored to Return for Melodifestivalen 2025

September 24, 2024October 11, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Måns Zelmerlöw, Eurovision 2015 winner from Sweden, is expected to compete in Melodifestivalen 2025 and attempt to represent Sweden at Eurovision. Måns Zelmerlöw, who represented Sweden at Eurovision 2015, made history by securing the country's sixth victory with the memorable performance of "Heroes". Since then, he has hosted Eurovision 2016 in Stockholm, appeared in various Eurovision events, and participated in different performances dedicated to the contest. Now, on the Schlagerfesten podcast, discussions are underway about potential candidates for Melodifestivalen 2025, which will serve as Sweden's national finals for Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Among the candidates, according to the podcast speakers, an anonymous source reported that Måns Zelmerlöw has submitted a song and will try his luck in the local Eurovision selection. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Return to Sweden and Special Collaboration The podcast reveals that Måns Zelmerlöw and his family, who have been living in the UK in recent years, have apparently returned to reside in Sweden. There's no...

Belgian Eurovision 2024 Representative: “There Were Moments I Thought About Withdrawing”

September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Mustii, Belgium's representative at Eurovision 2024, shares in an interview his feelings after the Eurovision failure, the complex year in the competition, and also about his new music and upcoming album. Belgium's Eurovision 2024 representative, Mustii, recently shared his candid thoughts about his experience at the contest and his upcoming music projects. In an insightful interview with Songfestival.be, the artist, who didn't qualify for the final with his song "Before The Party's Over," revealed the challenges he faced and his personal growth since the competition. Mustii frankly admitted that Eurovision wasn't the celebratory experience he had anticipated. "The competition was a long and intense journey, and I learned a tremendous amount from it," he stated. While not regretting his participation, he emphasized the significant difficulties he encountered, particularly in the aftermath of the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Impact of Creative Control on Mustii's Performance The Belgian singer described feeling a loss of creative control over his performance, which...

Ireland: Eurovision 2025 Representative to be Chosen in February

September 24, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ireland's national broadcaster will select its Eurovision representative through the "Eurosong" national selection as part of "The Late Late Show". The Irish representative is expected to be chosen in February 2025. Ireland's Head of Delegation for Eurovision, Michael Kealy, has confirmed that the country's national selection for Eurovision 2025 will remain as "Eurosong," continuing as part of the popular talk show "The Late Late Show". This marks the fourth consecutive year that the national competition will be integrated into the long-running program, with the selection expected to take place in February. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ, has officially opened the song submission window for the upcoming Eurosong, thereby confirming Ireland's participation in Eurovision 2025. As in previous years, there's a possibility that the broadcaster may approach established artists to encourage their participation in the national selection. Potential Changes and Past Strategies According to reports from Irish & UK Media News, there were initial plans to separate...

Ireland: Eurovision 2025 Participation Confirmed

September 23, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); RTÉ announces Ireland's participation in Eurovision 2025, opening song submissions until November 18. The broadcaster seeks accomplished songwriters and performers to represent the country in Basel, Switzerland. Ireland has officially confirmed its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, to be held in Basel, Switzerland. RTÉ, the Irish national broadcaster, has opened the song submission window, inviting talented songwriters and performers to compete for the chance to represent Ireland on the global stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ireland is the 32nd country so far to express interest in participating in Eurovision 2025, following Austria, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Italy, Iceland, Estonia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Georgia, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Israel, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Malta, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Serbia, Portugal, Finland, Czech Republic, France, Cyprus, Croatia, Sweden, and the host country Switzerland. Michael Kealy, Ireland's Head of Delegation, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming contest, highlighting the success of their 2024 entry. "Our 2024 entry Bambie Thug bewitched audiences and came sixth at...

Sweden: Eurovision and Melodifestivalen Artists Dominate the Music Industry

September 23, 2024October 11, 2024 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Swedish music awards, Rockbjörnen, took place last Thursday, celebrating a strong victory for Eurovision and Melodifestivalen artists. Who are the winners and what is their connection to Eurovision? Sweden is renowned as a music powerhouse, particularly in Eurovision, boasting 7 contest victories and Europe's largest national selection, Melodifestivalen, which spans six glittering broadcasts. Many artists participating in these competitions come with impressive backgrounds in the local music industry, while others gain momentum through their involvement. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Highlights from the Rockbjörnen Awards Ceremony Last Thursday, the Rockbjörnen awards ceremony for pop-rock music, presented annually by the Aftonbladet newspaper, took place. The ceremony, divided into several categories, was almost exclusively dominated by Eurovision and Melodifestivalen artists. The "Group of the Year" award went to none other than Marcus & Martinus, the 22-year-old Norwegian twins who represented Sweden at Eurovision this year with "Unforgettable," finishing ninth. The duo nearly represented Sweden in the previous contest as well, placing second...