HaKokhav HaBa – Episode 12: Five Contestants Advance to the Next Round

HaKokhav HaBa – Episode 12: Five Contestants Advance to the Next Round

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "HaKokhav HaBa" - Episode 12: Five contestants passed to the next round. The advancing contestants are Nathan Ben Shimon, Sandy Deri, Eden Hen, Nuriel Yashar, and Rotem Sharabi. Tonight, the twelfth episode of the reality show “HaKokhav HaBa" aired, through which Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen. So far, 54 contestants have secured their place in the competition, and during tonight’s episode, four additional contestants advanced to the next stage thanks to the votes of the judges and the studio audience – One of them might go on to represent Israel in Eurovision this coming May. The auditions will conclude this coming Tuesday. The panel once again included Assaf Amdursky, Keren Peles, Shiri Maimon, Eden Hasson, and Itay Levi. Joining them this time were Netta Barzilai, who won Eurovision 2018 with the song "Toy", and Dana International, who won Eurovision 1998 with the song "Diva", alongside her agent Shai Kerem. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Nathan Ben Shimon Nathan Ben Shimon, 20 years old from Ra’anana. He previously...
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Geert Wilders Shocked: “The Dutch Withdrawal from Eurovision – Antisemitism!”

Geert Wilders Shocked: “The Dutch Withdrawal from Eurovision – Antisemitism!”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The opposition leader shocks the Netherlands with an unprecedented response following his country's withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 - Accuses decision-makers of antisemitism and calls to disband AVROTROS.​ Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch opposition and head of the right-wing Party for Freedom, has launched a scathing critique against the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS for its decision to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's participation. Mere minutes after the broadcaster announced the country's withdrawal, the politician accused the public broadcaster of antisemitism and demanded its disbandment in a social media post. The politician addressed the public with an unequivocal statement leaving no room for hesitation, writing: "Antisemitism and hatred of Israel rejected in the ugliest way. Abolish AVROTROS!" (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Antisemitisme en walgelijke Israël-haat in zijn lelijkste vorm. Opheffen die AVROTROS! #songfestival https://t.co/DWn6dHfJ9L — Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) December 4, 2025 Many people worldwide agree with Wilders. The Eurovision contest aims to unite European countries on one stage through music, without any reference to...
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Belgium Over Israel’s Participation: “Culture Is Never Entertainment Detached from Reality”

Belgium Over Israel’s Participation: “Culture Is Never Entertainment Detached from Reality”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Following the Geneva conference: Belgian-Walloon national broadcaster RTBF confirmed participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, while issuing a controversial statement regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip. Belgian-Walloon national broadcaster, RTBF has confirmed that the country will participate in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria. Belgium becomes the 33rd country to express interest in joining Eurovision 2026, following following Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Belgium Before the Conference Until now, Belgium’s position appeared very inconsistent. The country confirmed its participation on July 8th but withdrew the statement only few days later. In August, reports even suggested that Belgium had already chosen its representative for Vienna, though the broadcaster quickly denied the rumors even when another familiar name associated with representing Belgium. On September...
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“How Will More Hatred and Pain Help?”: Israeli Representatives Respond to the Decision and the Withdrawals

“How Will More Hatred and Pain Help?”: Israeli Representatives Respond to the Decision and the Withdrawals

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Geneva conference shakes the Eurovision community: three former Israeli representatives react for the first time to Israel’s confirmed participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, and to the following withdrawals. Netta Barzilai, Yuval Raphael, and Dana International, who represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest, share for the first time their feelings following the decision that Israel will participate in Eurovision 2026, and react to the announcements of withdrawal from Spain, The Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Dana International to withdrawing countries: "I performed in your countries several times — what changed?" The singer, winner of Eurovision 1998 with the song “Diva”, shared on her Instagram page an emotional post expressing deep frustration and reflection following the conference. She posted in two languages – Hebrew and English – aiming to reach audiences worldwide. Between the two posts, a notable difference emerged. In Hebrew, she focused on the frustration felt by many Israelis and the...
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Denmark: “Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026” Contestants Will Be Revealed on January 22nd!

Denmark: “Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026” Contestants Will Be Revealed on January 22nd!

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Danish national broadcaster DR has revealed that the contestants of "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026", will be revealed on Jnauary 22nd. One of them will represent Denmark at Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria. Denmark is gearing up for what promises to be one of the most exciting editions of its "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix" in recent years. The national broadcaster, DR, announced today (Friday) that the eight contestants competing in "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix" will be revealed on January 22nd, less than a month before the contest, which will take place on February 14th, 2026, in Frederikshavn. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix" Format: At the beginning of November, during the annual general meeting of the Danish fan club melodigrandprixfans.dk, Erik Struve Hansen, the head of "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix", shared several new details about the upcoming competition. According to Hansen, this year's national selection will be a modern, renewed, and innovative musical show that introduces...
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Estonia: The Songs for “Eesti Laul 2026” Revealed!

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

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...
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Official: Israel Will Compete in Eurovision 2026!

Official: Israel Will Compete in Eurovision 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...
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A Senior EBU Official: “Eurovision Is Dead”

A Senior EBU Official: “Eurovision Is Dead”

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

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

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

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

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...
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