Ilay Gaist, Author at EuroMix

After Nearly a Decade of Absence: Bosnia & Herzegovina May Return to Eurovision

August 2, 2025August 2, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Spark of Hope: Bosnia and Herzegovina, which withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017 due to financial debts to the EBU, may return to Eurovision following a legal victory granting substantial financial compensation. Bosnia & Herzegovina persists in its financial struggle due to the debts owed by the national broadcaster, BHRT, to the EBU. Recently, however, a new development emerged: the Supreme Court of Republika Srpska in Bosnia ruled in the country’s favor, potentially entitling it to the payment of debts amounting to millions of shekels. Last month, the national broadcaster BHRT officially confirmed that Bosnia and Herzegovina will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 to be held in Austria, due to the acute economic crisis and sanctions imposed by the EBU, which have not been lifted since the outstanding debt has remained unpaid for nearly a decade. Could Bosnia and Herzegovina settle its EBU debts and make a Eurovision comeback? (adsbygoogle...

Drama in Italy: This Is the City That May Host the Sanremo Festival

August 2, 2025August 2, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amid the ongoing legal battle between the Municipality of Sanremo and RAI, the Italian national broadcaster is already planning ahead: Which city could be the next to host the Sanremo Festival? The prestigious and long-standing Sanremo Festival, from which Italy’s Eurovision representatives are selected, may depart from its legendary city for the first time in 75 years due to a fierce dispute between RAI, the Italian national broadcaster, and the Municipality of Sanremo. According to recent reports, the parties are embroiled in a public legal and financial battle that remains unresolved, and several potential host cities have already been identified, including Turin, which hosted Eurovision 2022 and is considered the favorite by the national broadcaster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Cultural Impact and the Future of “The Italian Eurovision” The future of the Sanremo Festival - the iconic competition that not only chooses Italy’s Eurovision acts but also sets the national musical agenda -...

Austria’s Eurovision Journey: From Udo Jürgens to Conchita Wurst and JJ

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From failures to history-making success: The dramatic story of Austria at Eurovision, marked by determination and three wins - Udo Jürgens, Conchita Wurst, and JJ. In May 2026, Austria will be at the center of worldwide attention as it hosts the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest - celebrating the rich legacy of an event that began in 1956. After more than a decade, the competition returns to Austria, energized by the outstanding opera singer JJ, who captivated audiences and won first place at Eurovision 2025 with his hit "Wasted Love". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria’s Early Days at Eurovision (1957–1968) Austria first joined Eurovision in 1957, but its debut proved challenging - Bob Martin, with the song “Wohin, kleines Pony”, finished in last place. Following several middling performances, Austria turned to Israeli singer Carmela Corren to represent the country in 1963 with "Vielleicht geschieht ein Wunder". Although Corren was the first Israeli...

Latvia Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Latvian national broadcaster LTV has confirmed Latvia’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Austria. Latvia is expected to select its entry again through Supernova 2026. The Latvian national broadcaster LTV has officially announced that Latvia will participate in Eurovision 2026, which will be hosted in Austria. Latvia becomes the 21st country to express interest in joining Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Latvia Plans Another Supernova? Latvia’s national broadcaster confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 to Eurovision news website ESC Today. “Supernova” will again serve as Latvia’s selection platform for the Eurovision entry, marking the 11th consecutive year that the Latvian song will be chosen via Supernova - except for 2021, when Samanta Tina was selected directly after the cancellation of Eurovision 2020. The submission window for Supernova 2026 opened today, until October 1st, 2025....

Greece: The Eurovision 2026 Representative Will Be Chosen in “Ethnikos Telikos 2026”!

July 28, 2025July 29, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Greek national broadcaster ERT announces "Ethnikos Telikos 2026", inviting the public to participate in the Eurovision national final. What led to the decision, the inspiration, and can Greece continue its recent success? The Greek national broadcaster ERT has officially confirmed the return of "Ethnikos Telikos 2026" ahead of Eurovision 2026, in hopes of recreating and building on Greece's recent successes in the world's biggest song contest. In the coming days, the criteria and full details for submitting an entry will be published, with the submission window expected to remain open for approximately two months. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Hoping to Rekindle Success The broadcasts of the 2025 final reached ratings as high as 70%, and this, together with the historic sixth place in Basel, has brought great satisfaction to the Greek national broadcaster. The decision to continue with a national selection format seems almost inevitable. Sources in the Greek entertainment industry have indicated that...

From the Far South to the North: Montaigne & Daði Freyr Unite for a Global Tour!

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision stars of 2020 and 2021, Montaigne and Daði Freyr, are joining forces for a joint tour across Australia and Europe — an intriguing collaboration that places Eurovision culture at the heart of the European stage. Another exciting collaboration has emerged between Daði Freyr and Montaigne on an upcoming joint tour. This tour will take place in the coming weeks and will also feature Montaigne joining Daði Freyr’s European tour happening in September and October across four major countries — United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. This collaboration follows the release of Montaigne’s new album and aims to reinforce the Eurovision Song Contest as a symbol of global pop culture. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Impact of the Tour: Trends of Collaboration and Community Unification Collaborations between Eurovision artists, such as the partnership of Montaigne and Daði Freyr, have become increasingly common and illustrate a clear trend: the blurring of competition borders in favor of a...

Romania: A Potential Comeback to Eurovision 2026?

July 28, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Romanian national broadcaster TVR has received a unique and intriguing proposal that could see the country return to the Eurovision Song Contest as early as next year. But what are the chances this will actually happen? The Romanian national broadcaster, TVR, withdrew from Eurovision 2024 due to financial difficulties, exposing a deeper crisis in the country's music industry. This reality has heavily impacted Romania’s ability to compete on the Eurovision stage. Now, however, TVR has received an official invitation to participate in the international songwriting camp “Normania”, set to take place in October in Romania. The camp's purpose is to strengthen the country’s chances of returning to the international Eurovision stage in 2026. Why does this matter? While TVR has not yet confirmed participation, initiatives like “Normania” reflect growing international interest in creating high-quality songs for Romania’s national selection process. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Background, Special Details, and Additional Angles As part of the early preparations for Eurovision 2026, intensive...

Beyond Eurovision: Israel’s Yuval Raphael Sets Sights on Ambitious New Horizons

July 27, 2025July 27, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Yuval Raphael reflects on her Eurovision challenges and shares plans for collaborations, social projects, and new artistic directions with Israeli and international audiences. Yuval Raphael, Israel’s representative at Eurovision 2025, continues to generate interest long after winning the support of the international audience. While Europe still resonates with the impact she left on the stage in Basel with "New Day Will Rise", which placed first in the public vote and ultimately second overall, discussion already shifts to Rafael’s next steps, along with the personal and artistic journey she is crafting for herself. Her evolution from a symbol of resilience and a cultural bridge has paved a fascinating path of possibilities for her future. Immediately upon her return from Eurovision, Yuval Raphael had already been marked as a rising star - and she is wasting no time. In the coming months, she will lead the main commemorative event for the survivors of the Nova Festival in Yarkon Park, together...

Albania: Elhaida Dani to Continue as Artistic Director of National Final Show!

July 27, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Albania confirms that beloved singer and 2015 Eurovision representative, Elhaida Dani, will continue as artistic director of “Festivali i Këngës 64”, following the festival’s recent success. Albania is already preparing for Eurovision 2026 in full force. After achieving one of its best results ever with Shkodra Elektronike and officially confirming its participation in Eurovision 2026, the Albanian national broadcaster RTSH has now announced that Elhaida Dani will return as the artistic director of its national selection show, “Festivali i Këngës”. Likely following the success of last year’s festival, which transformed from a marginal pre-selection into one of the most appreciated by Eurovision fans. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What Should You Know About “Festivali i Këngës”? “Festivali i Këngës”, held annually since 1961, has served as Albania’s Eurovision selection platform since its 43rd edition, ahead of Eurovision 2004. In recent years, the format has evolved: alongside the traditional jury selection, public voting was introduced to increase public involvement. However, this...

Eurovision 2026: Production Team Announced to Lead the Contest

July 26, 2025July 26, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Preparations are underway: Austrian national broadcaster ORF officially unveils the core team for Eurovision 2026 in Austria. Here is an inside look at the production, technological innovation, and key figures behind the scenes. The Austrian national broadcaster ORF has recently finalized the core team that will oversee the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to take place in Austria in May 2026. With the appointment of three new key figures - a Head of Commercial Affairs, a Technical Production Manager, and an Executive Assistant - the path is set for an event expected to captivate millions of viewers across Europe and around the world. The contest, which has evolved in recent years into the continent’s premier cultural event, already promises new standards, a contemporary vision, and a fierce competition for record-breaking ratings. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Contest in Europe's Heart: Behind-the-Scenes Production Insights Forming the professional team is not only a critical...