Slovakia: Is there new hope for the country’s return to Eurovision?

Slovakia: Is there new hope for the country’s return to Eurovision?

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After the closure of the Slovak national broadcaster, RTVS, it seemed like it was the end of the country's chance to participate in future Eurovision Song Contests, but perhaps the last word has not been spoken. Approximately two months ago, Slovakia announced the permanent closure of its public television broadcaster, RTVS. This move was part of a controversial plan to replace RTVS with a new national broadcaster, Slovak Television and Radio (STVR), whose board would be appointed by the government. This decision raised concerns about press freedom, as it appeared to violate the European Union's freedom of the press law. The closure of RTVS also led to Slovakia's withdrawal from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and its exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest until a new broadcaster could be established and join the union. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Establishment of New Broadcaster On July 1, the new Slovak national broadcaster, STVR, was officially established. Initially, the Slovak government faced...
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Ireland: How much did Bambie Thug’s participation in Eurovision cost?

Ireland: How much did Bambie Thug’s participation in Eurovision cost?

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Irish national broadcaster invested approximately €400,000 in Bambie Thug's participation in Eurovision 2024, a high amount compared to other countries.  Bambie Thug, Ireland's representative at Eurovision 2024, brought the country back to the Grand Final for the first time since 2018 with an impressive result, finishing in sixth place. The cost of this achievement has now been revealed to be approximately €400,000. This amount funded a large delegation of 21 people, some of whom stayed in Malmö for a full 16 days. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Bambie Thug themselves, their dancer Matt Williams, the delegation's makeup artist Amy Heany, and the head of delegation Michael Kealy all flew to Malmö on April 26, 15 days before the Grand Final. Others, including commentator Marty Whelan, arrived on May 4, three days before the semi-final in which Ireland competed. The entire delegation returned to the country on May 12, the day after the Grand Final, with accommodation costs in...
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Lithuania: Eurovision 2025 Participation Confirmed

Lithuania: Eurovision 2025 Participation Confirmed

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Lithuania confirms participation in Eurovision 2025 and opens registration for the national selection, through which the representative for the international contest will be chosen. The Lithuanian national broadcaster, LRT, confirms the country's participation in Eurovision 2025 and announces the opening of registration for the national selection "EUROVIZIJA.LT." The winner of this selection will represent Lithuania in the competition in Switzerland, making Lithuania the 24th country to express interest in participating in Eurovision 2025. Lithuania joins a lineup of countries that have shown interest in the upcoming contest, including Austria, Azerbaijan, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Israel, Luxembourg, Latvia, Montenegro, Malta, Norway, San Marino, Spain, Serbia, Portugal, Finland, France, Cyprus, Croatia, Sweden, and the host country, Switzerland. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Submission Details and Competition Format The broadcaster has opened the song submission window, which will remain open until November 11, 2024. This year, they have extended the submission period in hopes of encouraging more people to write and...
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Netherlands: Joost Klein Speaks Out After Case Dropped

Netherlands: Joost Klein Speaks Out After Case Dropped

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Following the closure of the police investigation, Joost Klein criticizes Eurovision's disqualification, asserting his innocence and questioning EBU's motives. Following the closure of the investigation by the Swedish police, Joost Klein, the Dutch representative for Eurovision 2024, and the Dutch TV network AVROTROS have responded publicly. The investigation, which lasted three months, was closed due to insufficient evidence to prosecute Klein, who had been accused of physically assaulting a Swedish photographer at the Eurovision venue. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had disqualified Klein from the competition final just hours before it was set to begin, a decision that has since been criticized given the outcome of the investigation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Joost Klein's Response Joost Klein expressed his relief and frustration on Instagram, stating: "The last couple of months were terrible...  There is no case against me, because there never was a case." He criticized the EBU for prioritizing financial interests over individuals, saying, "Companies just want to...
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Netherlands: Joost Klein’s Eurovision Drama Ends with Case Closure

Netherlands: Joost Klein’s Eurovision Drama Ends with Case Closure

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In a dramatic turn of events, the Swedish prosecutor has dropped the case against Joost Klein, the Dutch Eurovision contestant, due to insufficient evidence. This decision has reignited debates over his disqualification from the Eurovision Song Contest. The investigation into the incident that led to Joost Klein's disqualification from Eurovision 2024 has concluded without charges. The Swedish Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that the evidence was insufficient to prove that Klein's actions were intended to cause fear. This development has sparked a renewed outcry from Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, which had long criticized the disqualification as "unnecessary and disproportionate." (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Disqualification and Investigation Joost Klein was disqualified from Eurovision in May after allegedly making a threatening gesture towards a camerawoman backstage. The incident, which occurred in Malmö, Sweden, led to a police investigation. Despite the controversy, the investigation found no solid evidence to support claims of unlawful threats. Prosecutor Fredrik Jönsson stated, "I cannot prove that the act...
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Eurovision: Does Removing Jury from Semis Strengthen Audience Influence?

Eurovision: Does Removing Jury from Semis Strengthen Audience Influence?

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); For the past two years, the countries advancing to the Eurovision final have been determined solely by the audience, without the involvement of a jury. Many have praised this change, believing it shifts power to the audience. But is that truly the case? In both the Eurovision 2023 and 2024 contests, juries did not participate in the semi-finals; their input was only considered during the final. This change, announced before the competition in Liverpool, was accompanied by the introduction of the "Rest of the World Vote," allowing non-participating countries to vote. Both announcements were met with enthusiasm. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Changes in the Voting System Martin Österdahl, the contest's supervisor, commented on these changes: "Throughout its 67-year history, the Eurovision Song Contest has constantly evolved to remain relevant and exciting. These changes acknowledge the immense popularity of the show by giving more power to the audience of the world’s largest live music event. In 2023, only Eurovision Song...
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Between Malmö and Paris: What Can Eurovision Learn from the Olympic Games?

Between Malmö and Paris: What Can Eurovision Learn from the Olympic Games?

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In 2024, Israel participated in both the Eurovision Song Contest and the Olympic Games. Despite their shared vision of unity and respect, Eurovision did not succeed in a mission where the Olympics achieved remarkable success. So, what went wrong with our beloved competition? The Eurovision Song Contest in 2024 will be remembered as the controversial and violent edition in its history. Over its 68 years, Eurovision has been tested in its promise to serve as a bridge between nations and cultures, promoting respectful, inclusive, and loving dialogue that accepts everyone regardless of sexual orientation, ethnic origin, or artistic style. However, this year in Malmö, the vision of Eurovision failed. Despite the slogan "United By Music," the competition's reputation suffered, mainly due to its handling of Israel's participation amid the ongoing war and tensions in the Middle East. Two and a half months later, when the Olympic torch was lit in Paris, we witnessed a different scenario, one that...
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United Kingdom: BBC Studios retains the contract to produce UK coverage of Eurovision

United Kingdom: BBC Studios retains the contract to produce UK coverage of Eurovision

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The BBC has selected BBC Studios to handle Eurovision broadcasts from 2026 to 2028, ensuring continued quality and engagement for audiences. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has initiated a tender process for producing Eurovision broadcasts in the UK from 2026 to 2028. BBC Studios, a commercial subsidiary of the BBC, has been selected as the winning company to continue producing these broadcasts. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Tender Process and Contract Details In February, the BBC launched a tender for the production of Eurovision broadcasts, which includes two semi-finals and the grand final. This tender was part of the BBC's strategy to enhance and develop its content for the British audience. The contract, lasting from May 2026 to May 2028, involves BBC Studios assisting in selecting the British representative and producing their performance. Despite tough competition, BBC Studios' proposal scored the highest according to the published criteria. BBC Studios has a history of producing Eurovision broadcasts for the BBC and will...
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Switzerland: SRF open submissions for Eurovision 2025

Switzerland: SRF open submissions for Eurovision 2025

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Switzerland begins its search for a representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, inviting song submissions until August 22. The search for Switzerland's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which will be held on home soil, has officially begun today. Artists and songwriters are invited to submit their songs from today until August 22. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Switzerland has announced that it will continue using an internal selection process to choose its representative for Eurovision 2025. After the submission period closes, several audition rounds will take place to determine the official representative. The results will be decided by a Swiss jury, a panel representing the Swiss audience, and an international expert jury consisting of approximately 25 members who have previously judged at Eurovision. The announcement of the winning song and artist who will represent Switzerland is expected in early 2025. As the host nation, Switzerland's representative will automatically qualify for the Grand Final. This follows Switzerland's victory...
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Eurovision 2025: Which artists do we want to see compete? Part 1

Eurovision 2025: Which artists do we want to see compete? Part 1

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Special: Who are the potential artists to compete in Eurovision 2025 in Switzerland? Who are the artists we would like to see in the next competition? Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. The Eurovision 2025 season is approaching, and with it the main question: which artists will we see representing their country in the competition? In our series of articles, we will introduce you to several well-known artists from each country, whom we believe are worthy of representing their country and whom we would like to see on the Eurovision stage in Switzerland. Each article will focus on four different countries and several artists from each country, so through these articles you can get to know many new artists, and perhaps we will even see some of them in future competitions! So who are the artists that could bring the best result for Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany?" (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who should represent Belgium? On May 9,...
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