Ilay Gaist, Author at EuroMix

Armenia: Has the Future Eurovision 2027 Representative Been Revealed?

October 19, 2025December 11, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Armenia in Eurovision: In a new interview, French Eurovision star Patrick Fiori declares his intention to represent Armenia at Eurovision 2027. Yesterday, singer Patrick Fiori appeared before the cameras to promote his new album, nostalgically dedicated to the island of Corsica - much like his previous Eurovision song. Fiori, who represented France at Eurovision 1993 with the song “Mama Corsica”, finished in fourth place that year. Now, he surprises everyone by declaring that he will likely represent Armenia at Eurovision 2027, even though Armenia didn't confirm it's participation at Eurovision 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Surprise Revelation About Eurovision Return During the interview promoting his new album, an unexpected exchange took place when the interviewer asked: Do you have the right not to talk about Armenia tonight? Fiori responded with a surprising statement: “Look, I think I’m going to represent Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest. Basically, everything is moving in that direction. I’m in contact with the people involved”. Fiori, born to...

Spoiler in Sanremo: Was the Contestant List for “Festival Di Sanremo” Revealed Too Soon?

October 18, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Rumors swirl around Italy’s “Festival Di Sanremo 2026,” as a potential contestant list seems to have leaked way ahead of schedule. Will the official reveal on December 7th confirm it? The 76th edition of "Festival di Sanremo", is already making headlines, with speculation spreading like wildfire. Among the latest updates is host Carlo Conti’s confirmed resignation after just two consecutive years. But the biggest question now: has the list of contestants vying for a ticket to Eurovision 2026, scheduled for revealing on December 7th, been revealed earlier than planned? From current reports, the Italians seem less than thrilled... (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In recent hours, Italian social media has been buzzing with rumors regarding potential participants expected to take the stage at the Ariston Theatre at the end of February. According to a report by Adnkronos, one former representative may return: Angelina Mango, Italy’s Eurovision 2024 entrant. After a significant absence from the stage, she is said...

Bernd Meinunger, One of Eurovision’s Greatest Songwriters, Died at Age of 81

October 18, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); German lyricist Bernd Meinunger, who penned some of Germany’s most iconic Eurovision classics, has passed away at the age of 81. The German lyricist Bernd Meinunger, one of the most renowned figures in Germany’s Eurovision history and the author of huge hits such as “Ein bisschen Frieden” and “Reise nach Jerusalem”, passed away yeaterday (Friday) at the age of 81. Meinunger died at his home in Grunwald after struggling for years with severe health issues. He passed away following a prolonged battle with a bacterial infection that began after knee surgery around four years ago. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who Was Bernd Meinunger? Meinunger was best known as the longtime collaborator and creative partner of legendary Eurovision composer and producer Ralph Siegel. Together, the two created many of the most famous Eurovision songs ever submitted by Germany - Meinunger wrote the lyrics while Siegel composed the music. Siegel paid tribute to his late friend in an interview, saying: “He...

Italy Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026

October 16, 2025October 16, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Italy’s national broadcaster RAI confirms participation in Eurovision 2026 and releases the “Festival Di Sanremo” regulations, the event through which Italy’s entry to Vienna will be selected. Italy’s national broadcaster, RAI, has officially announced that Italy will take part in Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria. Italy becomes the 29th country to express interest in joining Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Festival Di Sanremo" Regulations The winner of the Sanremo 2026 Festival is expected to represent Italy at Eurovision 2026. However, if RAI and the artistic director decide otherwise, a different artist may be appointed. Actual participation will depend on the formal approval of the EBU, in accordance with contest regulations — including song lyric compliance. To qualify, any artist wishing to represent...

Albania: The Entry for Eurovision 2026 Will Be Chosen on December 20th

October 15, 2025October 16, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After a record of 120 songs submitted, the Albanian national broadcaster RTSH reveals new details about “Festivali i Këngës 64”, that will determine who will represent Albania in Eurovision 2026. In a new interview with Radio Tirana 1, Elhaida Dani - artistic director of the festival, singer, composer, and Albania’s representative at Eurovision 2015 - revealed the first details about what awaits the audience this year, noting that the festival will be held from December 17th to 20th. “This year we received 120 songs. It’s a record I’m very proud of, [...] Last year’s festival created a huge buzz, motivating Albanian artists to believe in the festival again”. Said Dani. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Albanian "Festivali i Këngës", has for decades been one of the oldest traditions in the Eurovision world. It began in 1962 and is broadcast every year at the end of December. Since Albania joined Eurovision in 2004, the festival has served...

Boiling Point: Slovenia Will Support Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision Despite Ceasefire

October 15, 2025October 15, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Following progress toward ending the Gaza war, the head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, said that the ceasefire does not mean Israel should take part in the competition. In light of the ceasefire and the EBU's announcement that the vote regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 - originally scheduled for November - has been canceled and will instead be held during the pre-scheduled General Assembly on December 4th, the head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, Natalija Gorščak, notorious for her political stance against Israel, stated that despite the ceasefire, it would be better if Israel did not participate in this year’s competition, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The ceasefire initially gave hope among Israeli Eurovision fans that the threat of expulsion would be lifted and that Israel’s path to Eurovision 2026 would be secured. However, Slovenia has now joined the Netherlands, declaring that the EBU must expel Israel from the competition despite the...

Preparing for 2026: The Big Promises That Never Reached the Eurovision Stage

October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What can we expect from a national final for Eurovision 2026? In the first article, we look back at songs from various national finals that were tipped for victory but ultimately failed to meet expectations. Who earned the dubious title of “fan flop”? Article by Ilay Gaist and Adiel Shtainmetz. Every year, with the revival of the Eurovision season, thousands of fans across Europe fall in love with certain songs and hope they will finish high in their national finals and go on to represent their country at Eurovision. In this series, "Preparing for 2026", we will cover irregular scenarios that happened in national finals across the continent. Every year some songs began as major favorites, ultimately failed to deliver and ended much lower than expected. In this article, we look back at those fan-beloved songs that, despite the hype, ended up recording particularly disappointing results. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); KEiiNO - Norway 2021 and 2024: KEiiNO is a Norwegian...

Albania: Contestant List for “Festivali i Këngës 64” Revealed

October 14, 2025October 16, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The contestant list for Albania’s “Festivali i Këngës” has been revealed. The lineup includes many artists who have previously tried their luck at the festival. The Albanian national broadcaster, RTSH, has announced the 28 contestants for the 64th edition of “Festivali i Këngës”, which has served as Albania’s national selection for Eurovision since 2004. The songs are expected to be released for listening in December. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Contestant List: 2 Farm Alis Egzon Pireci Endri Kaçaçi Enxhi Nasufi Erand Sojli Erik Lloshi Evi Reçi Fifi & Tiri Gjoci Frensi Gerta Mahmutaj Ghiti Gresa Gjocera & Bledi Kaso Inis Neziri Kamela Islamaj Kimi Kleansa Susaj Lorenc Hasrama Luna Çausholli Malvina Likaj Rezarta Smaja Rigersa Loka Sara Kapo Savjana Vjerdha Sheila Sihana Haxhnikaj Threex Vedat Ademi (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Among the Contestants - Many Familiar Names: Many of the contestants this year have competed in past editions, with only five exceptions. Alis – Participated last...

Eurovision’s Winning Formula: The Power of the Running Order

October 11, 2025October 12, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Strategic placement, betting predictions, or pure luck? The fourth article in "The Eurovision Formula” series explores how the running order can impact a contestant’s chances of victory. Article by Ilay Gaist and Noy Yehoyada. Every year, with the revival of the Eurovision season, thousands of viewers, fans, and professional jurors attempt to crack the code how to win at Eurovision: What is the secret formula that leads a country to first place? Do audiences tend to favor songs performed early in the show, or do they remember those closing the night? In this fourth installment of “The Eurovision Formula” series, we dive deep into the historic data to explore one of the most significant factors: Does a song’s position in the running order actually affect its final score? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Allocation of Running Order: Luck, Choice, or Planning? Until 2013, performance positions in the Eurovision final were determined randomly by draw. Each participating country drew its position in the performance...

Australia Divided Over Eurovision 2026 – How SBS Responds to the Israel Controversy

October 10, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Will Australia boycott Eurovision 2026? SBS responds to political criticism and chooses to remain neutral regarding Israel’s participation – here are all the details behind the controversy. As Australian politicians call for a strong stance against Israel, the national broadcaster SBS has opted for a different approach – maintaining neutrality. The decision not to take a position on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 has sparked debate in the local parliament. As accusations and boycott calls spread, SBS insists on continuing business as usual – preserving Australia’s decades-long musical link to Europe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Storm in the Aussie Parliament During a heated parliamentary session, Green Party Senator Mehreen Faruqi criticized the network’s decision: “Israel is set to perform pop songs while it bombs Palestinian children. If Israel participates, will Australia withdraw or provide media coverage?” Acting CEO Jane Palfreyman responded that during such sensitive times, a public broadcaster must remain neutral and refrain from taking political sides. Later in the session, SBS’s head of public...