Ilay Gaist, Author at EuroMix

North Macedonia: Bobi Andonov Negotiates to a Macedonian Comeback in 2026?

July 24, 2025July 30, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Macedonian-Australian singer Bobi Andonov, known for representing North Macedonia in Junior Eurovision 2008, is working to return his country to Eurovision 2026 in Austria after a three-year absence. Will he succeed? The Sensation on the Way to Eurovision 2026: Bobi Andonov is leading an exciting initiative to bring his country back to the main stage - this time, in the senior competition. The well-known artist brought North Macedonia one of its most impressive achievements in Junior Eurovision history: fifth place in 2008 with the song "Parti Mi SMS" (in English: "Send Me SMS"). Negotiations with the Macedonian national broadcaster are heating up, and the Eurovision community is eager to see whether North Macedonia's race to Austria will happen once again, after a three-year absence from the competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); New Fronts for Eurovision 2026 The possible return of North Macedonia to Eurovision 2026 is electrifying the world of entertainment and politics in the Balkans. Few realize this, but...

Drama in Italy: Will Damiano David Reunite With Måneskin?

July 20, 2025July 27, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Damiano David, lead singer of the Eurovision 2021- winning band Måneskin, unveils an emotional solo album, launches a world tour, and addresses the burning question: will Måneskin reunite soon? Damiano David, the frontman of Eurovision 2021 winning band, Måneskin, launched his debut solo album, "Funny Little Fears", about two months ago. The release has sparked international buzz and renewed questions about the possibility of a Måneskin reunion. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Power Behind the Solo: A Touching, Musical Transformation The Italian singer’s debut blends pop-rock styles with high-quality production, working alongside prominent artists and producers such as Labrinth. Of the album’s five singles, tracks like "Born With a Broken Heart", which topped charts worldwide, and "Next Summer", performed on the American talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live", showcase a softer, more authentic, and vulnerable side of the artist, distinct from the rock persona that captivated Eurovision in 2021. Breakthrough Experience – Letting Go of Fears and Broad Influences The album explores themes...

All Roads Lead to Sanremo: Two Eurovision 2025 Songs Entered Italy’s Global Impact List!

July 17, 2025July 27, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Two Eurovision 2025 songs have entered Italy’s Global Impact List, highlighting their international influence. Which former Eurovision participant leads the chart? Two songs have joined the Global Impact List, the leading ranking in the Italian music industry assessing the global success and cultural impact of songs. Published annually in Italy, this list reflects the local artists and tracks that have made a significant international mark, measured by streaming numbers and cultural resonance. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The inclusion of two tracks from Eurovision 2025 - "Volevo essere un duro" (in English: "I Wanted to Be Tough") performed by Lucio Corsi, representing Italy, and "Tutta l'Italia" (in English: "All of Italy") by Gabry Ponte, representing San Marino - reflects Italy's cultural strength and position as a European music powerhouse. Both songs participated in the Sanremo Festival, with Corsi’s track as a main competitor and Ponte’s song serving as the festival’s theme before competing in and ultimately winning San Marino's...

Artists Protest and Call to Boycott Amir Over His Support for Israel

July 17, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); When music and politics collide: Several artists have canceled their performances at a major music festival due to the participation of Amir. What’s behind the controversy? French-Israeli singer Amir Haddad, who represented France at Eurovision 2016 and has since become one of Europe's leading artists, is slated to perform at Belgium's "Francofolies de Spa 2025" festival. His participation in the festival’s lineup has triggered widespread artist cancellations and sparked a media storm, largely due to his vocal support for Israel. The annual event, which draws around 130,000 visitors each year, has turned into an arena for a Europe-wide moral and political crisis. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Protests and Performer Withdrawals On July 15th, 2025, organizers of Belgium’s "Francofolies de Spa" festival announced that the performance by the French-Israeli singer would proceed as scheduled. From the day of this announcement, reactions have spiraled into protests and clarifications, thrusting the festival into a moral and political quandary. Yoa,...

Inspired by Norway: How Germany Is Preparing for Eurovision 2026

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

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany will hold the "Berlin Song Fest" writing camp this August, bringing together artists to craft songs for Eurovision 2026. Could Germany’s next big hit be born here? Germany is relaunching its songwriting camp, Berlin Song Fest, this August with the aim of creating potential hits for Eurovision 2026. After a successful debut in April, the camp is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing collaborative spaces for songwriters and producers from across Europe. The main goal is clear: to restore Germany’s prominence in the Eurovision Song Contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Connecting German Pop with Europe: Aiming Higher The launch of the camp is part of a broader effort to shift Germany’s standing within the Eurovision arena. With only a 15th place finish in the last contest and inconsistent results over the past decade, the local music industry has acknowledged that without strengthening the bond between the German pop scene and the Eurovision...

Belgium: A Quarter of Eurovision 2025 Public Votes Went to Israel!

July 9, 2025July 27, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Belgian hypocrisy at Eurovision: while the national broadcaster fights Israel’s participation, Belgian viewers overwhelmingly support it. What drives this support in one of Europe’s most anti-Israel countries? Belgium, which is fiercely attempting to prevent Israel from participating in Eurovision 2026, has now revealed its voting data for Israel in the 2025 final. The figures show that 25% of Belgian viewers voted exclusively for Israel, while the remaining 75% split their votes among other countries. This massive support from home viewers awarded Israel the maximum 12 points, in stark contrast to the Belgian jury, which - unsurprisingly, given Belgium’s pro-Palestinian stance - gave Israel zero points. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Quarter of Belgian Viewers Backed Israel – What Happened? Nearly 25% of the Belgian public’s votes in the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final went to Israel’s representative, Yuval Raphael, according to data from the EBU. This exceptional figure, revealed following a parliamentary inquiry, has sparked heated debate in Belgium and...

Lithuania Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

July 8, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Lithuanian national broadcaster LRT has confirmed Lithuania’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Austria. Lithuania is expected to select its entry again through Eurovizija.LT. The Lithuanian national broadcaster has officially announced that Lithuania will participate in Eurovision 2026, which will be hosted in Austria. Lithuania becomes the 20th country to express interest in joining Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The national broadcaster confirmed its participation to the Eurovision website ESC Today for the upcoming contest in Austria. It appears that "Eurovizija.LT" will once again serve as Lithuania’s pre-selection format, marking the third consecutive year that the Lithuanian entry is expected to be chosen through this platform. Additional details about the national selection process will be revealed in due course. Lithuania’s use of "Eurovizija.LT" has shown both advantages and disadvantages. The country has maintained relatively consistent results...

Belgium Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

July 8, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Belgian national broadcaster RTBF has confirmed Belgium’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Austria. The selection method for Belgium’s 2026 representative has yet to be announced. The Belgian-Walloon national broadcaster (serving the French-speaking community) RTBF has announced that Belgium will participate in Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Austria. Belgium is the 19th country to express interest in joining Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The incoming Belgian Head of Delegation, Michael De Lil, informed the Polish Eurovision website ESCSpot yesterday (Monday) on behalf of the Belgian-Walloon national broadcaster that Belgium has confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 in Austria. As per Belgian tradition, it is RTBF’s turn to broadcast the contest. Belgium’s Selection Process Remains Unclear Belgium has not yet revealed how its Eurovision 2026 representative will be chosen, though all selection methods seem to face harsh...

It’s Official: t.A.T.u., Russia’s Eurovision 2003 Representatives Duo, Reunite!

July 5, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The girl group t.A.T.u., remembered for their early 2000s hits and Eurovision 2003 appearance, reunite 15 years after their breakup. Will this comeback endure? After more than a decade of distance and speculation, Russian pop duo t.A.T.u. is back: Elena Katina and Yulia Volkova have officially announced their reunion - 15 years after the group’s split, which made history with their Eurovision 2003 performance of “Ne Ver', Ne Boisia” (in English: “Don’t Believe, Don’t Be Afraid”), earning third place. The news came via a joint social media post, accompanied by a photo of the two together. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Nostalgic Comeback - With Economic Implications The significance of the reunion goes beyond music. It is a carefully planned financial move: a joint performance by the duo now commands around 15 million rubals (approximately 162,000 euros), compared to just 10,000–11,300 euroys for each member solo. Amid Russia’s deep economic crisis and against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, many...

Luxembourg at Eurovision: Registration Opens for “Luxembourg Song Contest 2026”

July 5, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Luxembourg launches registration for "Luxembourg Song Contest", featuring an innovative format, exciting audience experiences, and significant cultural and economic impacts. Luxembourg has officially announced the opening of registration for "Luxembourg Song Contest" ahead of Eurovision 2026. Hundreds of artists, songwriters, and bands are already preparing to compete for the coveted ticket to Europe’s biggest stage. Registration is open until September 21st, 2025, with the grand final set to take place at Rockhal on January 24th, 2026. This marks a significant step for a country that recently returned to the contest and continues to prove it is here to stay. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Luxembourg’s Return to Center Stage: Impact, Trends, and Predictions Luxembourg’s comeback to Eurovision has generated tremendous buzz among fan communities and music industry professionals. In conversations with Eurovision enthusiasts, opinions vary: some see it as strengthening the trend of musical diversity in the contest, while others are curious to see if the country can replicate its...