Ilay Gaist, Author at EuroMix

KAN 11 to Impose Sanctions After Attempts to Leak Israel’s Eurovision 2026 Song

February 8, 2026 by Ilay GaistNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Behind-the-scenes drama at Eurovision 2026: the Israeli national broadcaster KAN 11, acts against the attempted leak of Noam Bettan’s song, threatening harsh measures and warning that early exposure could jeopardize Israel’s participation. The Israeli national broadcaster, KAN 11, has sent an urgent warning letter to media outlets following suspicions of an attempt to sell a leaked recording — allegedly Israel’s song for Eurovision 2026, as reported by Noam Cohen on N12. The broadcaster warns against publishing any part of Noam Bettan’s song, stressing that doing so could result in severe harm and potential sanctions. KAN 11: “Avoid Publication – Or We’ll Take Actions” In a letter sent in recent hours to the country’s media organizations, KAN 11 cautioned against any unauthorized publication of Israel’s selected entry for Eurovision 2026. The letter stated: “The song itself, or any part of it, has not been published or released to date. The exclusive right of first publication belongs solely to the broadcaster. Any unauthorized distribution...

Lithuania: Third “Eurovizija.LT 2026” Heat Results

February 7, 2026February 8, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The third heat of “Eurovizija.LT 2026” has concluded: two acts advanced directly to the Grand Final, with a third artist earning a spot in the online “Wildcard” round. The third heat of “Eurovizija.LT” kicked off today. Eight artists competed for two spots in the Grand Final, with a third act earning a chance to join the online “Wild Card” round later in the season. The results were determined by a combined vote of the public (50%) and the jury (50%). The heat was recorded at the LRT studios in Vilnius and hosted by Gabriele Martirosian, Rimvydas Černiauskas and Eglė Kernagytė. The heats will take place weekly, every Saturday, until the final. Lithuania’s act and song for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen in the Grand Final, scheduled for Friday, February 27th, at the “Twinsbet Arena” in Vilnius,Lithuania. The qualifiers for the Grand Final are Black Biceps and Paulė. The act advancing to the "Wildcard" round is Aurimas Papečkys-Aury. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Third Heat...

Tonight at 20:00 CET: Second Heat of the Swedish Melodifestivalen

February 7, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The second heat of Melodifestivalen 2026 begins tonight at 20:00 CET. Two songs will secure spots in the final, while one will advance to the Second Chance round. A viewing link is provided. Europe's largest and most beloved Eurovision national selection, Melodifestivalen 2026, gears up with its second heat! This round will take place at the iconic Scandinavium arena in Gothenburg — the same venue that hosted Eurovision 1985. Six songs will compete on the Melodifestivalen stage tonight. The two songs receiving the most votes will advance directly to the grand final, scheduled for March 7th in Stockholm. Another song from each heat will qualify to a "Second Chance" round at the end of the fifth heat on February 28th, a week before the final, for another opportunity to reach the grand final. The winner of the final will represent Sweden in the first half of the first semi-final of Eurovision 2026, in Vienna, Austria. The heat will begin at...

Tonight at 20:00 CET: Third Heat of “Eurovizija.LT 2026”

February 7, 2026February 18, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Watch: Tonight at 20:00 CET, the third heat of “Eurovizija.LT 2026”, at its end two songs will secure their place in the final. Here is a link to watch the broadcast. The third heat of “Eurovizija.LT”, is setting out today! Another eight artists will compete tonight for two spots in the final, while a third contestant will receive a chance to take part in a “second chance round” that will be held online later in the season. The results will be determined by a combination of public voting (50%) and jury voting (50%). The third heat will take place at the LRT television studios in Vilnius, hosted by Gabriele Martirosian, Rimvydas Černiauskas, and Eglė Kernagytė. The heats will be held weekly, every Saturday, leading up to the final. Lithuania’s entry for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen during the final, which is expected to take place on Friday, February 27th, at the Twinsbet Arena in Vilnius, the capital of...

Laura Pausini Condemns Israel’s Exclusion from Eurovision Despite Boycott Calls in Italy

February 6, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Italian superstar and Eurovision 2022 host Laura Pausini breaks her silence following Levante’s statement, voicing her firm support for Israel’s participation in the contest: “Art must remain free”. Within a wave of boycotts, cancellations, and calls to exclude Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest and from the cultural sphere in general, a clear voice rises from one of the world’s greatest singers. Laura Pausini, the Italian international superstar and host of Eurovision 2022 in Turin, has this week firmly expressed her support for Israel’s right to participate in the upcoming Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “Music Must Unite, Not Divide” In an interview with the Italian media, Pausini was asked about Israel’s participation in Eurovision. The interview preceded her expected co-hosting of the upcoming "Festival Di Sanremo" alongside Carlo Conti, and featuring Eurovision star Achille Lauro who is expected to join one of the festival’s hosting nights. The festival will once again choose Italy’s entry for Eurovision 2026. Her statements offered a refreshing...

Estonia: “Eesti Laul 2026” Running Order Revealed

February 5, 2026February 13, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Estonia’s national broadcaster ERR revealed the running order for "Eesti Laul 2026" final, taking place February 14th, where the winner will represent Estonia at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Estonia’s national broadcaster ERR announced today (Thursday) the official running order for the 12 competing songs that will compete in the grand final of “Eesti Laul 2026”. The show will take place next Saturday, February 14th, 2026, at 18:15 CET. The winner of “Eesti Laul 2026” will represent Estonia at Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria. The final result will be determined by a combination of jury voting (50%) and public voting (50%), The top three finalists will advance to a super‑final round decided by 100% telvoting. Among the finalists are three former Estonian Eurovision representatives, the son of a past contestant, and a band that previously represented Switzerland at Eurovision. The grand final will be held at Unibet Arena in Tallinn, the same venue that hosted Eurovision...

Lenny Kuhr Immigrates to Israel: “The Atmosphere Toward Jews Is No Longer Good”

February 5, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After announcing her retirement from music, Eurovision winner Lenny Kuhr makes another surprising move: citing hostility toward Jews in the Netherlands and her husband’s health, she’s moving to Israel. After her retirement announcement, Lenny Kuhr, one of the most significant voices in Dutch music and one of the four winners of Eurovision 1969, revealed in an interview held yesterday (Wednesday) that she will leave the Netherlands and immigrate to Israel. As she explained, “the atmosphere toward Jews in the Netherlands is no longer good”. It appears that Kuhr faced multiple reasons for leaving her homeland - among them, her husband Rob Frank’s deteriorating health and the hostility she received due to her outspoken support for Israel. For her, retirement felt like a natural signal, even though she is still able to sing and perform: “My voice is still good, I feel fine, and my show is going great. But I’ve received signs that I should stop”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Reasons...

Numbers Don’t Lie: Why Returning to Hebrew Could Secure Israel’s Eurovision 2026 Victory

February 3, 2026 by Ilay GaistNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); With 200 songs submitted and the official reveal set for Noam Bettan’s birthday, Israel searches for the secret formula to turn its leading odds into a real victory in Vienna. Which language will win? The preparations for Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria, are shifting into high gear, and the anticipation ahead of Israel’s song reveal on March 5th is peaking. After the submission window closed with approximately 200 songs sent to the professional committee, the focus now shifts to selecting the winning song that will represent the country in the contest. With Israel topping the betting charts, the big question now isn’t only about musical style - but about language. This year, the excitement is doubled: Israel’s national broadcaster KAN announced that the song will be unveiled in a festive live show that happens to coincide with Noam Bettan’s 28th birthday. Will Noam continue the English trend that has dominated the last decade, or will the European movement toward native-language songs reach Israel as well...

Israel at Eurovision 2026: Song Reveal Date Set for March 5th

February 3, 2026February 3, 2026 by Ilay GaistNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Israeli national broadcaster KAN announces: Noam Bettan’s Eurovision 2026 song will be revealed live on March 5th, heightening the excitement ahead of the competition. Moments ago, the Israeli national broadcaster KAN announced that Israel’s song for Eurovision 2026, to be performed by Noam Bettan, will be officially unveiled during a live primetime broadcast on Thursday, March 5th, immediately following the evening news on KAN 11. The show will air live from the Neve Ilan studios and will also be simulcast on KAN Gimmel, KAN BOX, and KAN’s digital platforms. Interestingly, the reveal will take place on Noam Bettan's 28th birthday, adding a personal and festive touch to the highly anticipated event. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); How Will Israel Choose Its Song for Eurovision 2026? Two weeks ago, the final of “HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision 2026” took place, where Noam Bettan won first place and was selected to represent Israel at Eurovision 2026, which will be held this...

Latvia: First “Supernova 2026” Semi-Final Results

January 31, 2026February 4, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Five songs have advanced to the final of “Supernova 2026”, which will take place on February 14th. "Supernova 2026" officially kicked off today, featuring 12 artists competing for five spots in the final. The first semi-final was held at the Riga Film Studio in Latvia’s capital, Riga, and was hosted by Ketija Šēnberga, Lauris Reiniks, and Māra Sleja. At the end of the evening, five songs successfully advanced to the final round. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); First Semi-Final Qualifiers: Tikasha Sakama – “#010126 Coda“ Elpo – “Blakus“ Emilija – “All We Ever Had“ Kautkaili – “Te Un Tagad“ De Mantra – “Let Them“ Click on the song title to listen! Among the competitors there is one familiar name, Emilija, who Competed in 2025 with the song "Heartbeat", finishing second. Supernova 2026 Dates: First Semi-Final – Saturday, January 31st, 2026. Second Semi-Final – Saturday, February 7th, 2026. Grand Final – Saturday, February 14th, 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Latvia at Eurovision 2025 “Bur Man Laimi” (in English: “Song for Happiness”)...