Ilay Gaist, Author at EuroMix

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: The Race to Host Narrows to Six Candidate Cities

June 19, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ebreichsdorf has withdrawn from the race to host Eurovision 2026 in Austria. Six cities remain contenders, with the final decision expected on August 8th, 2025. The municipality of Ebreichsdorf and Comer City have announced their withdrawal from the bidding process to host Eurovision 2026. Comer City is a company associated with Irish real estate billionaire Luke Comer, who purchased and developed the former "Magna Racino" horse racing complex near the town of Ebreichsdorf, Austria. The company had presented an ambitious plan to host Eurovision at its venue: the construction of a temporary arena for 20,000 spectators, public viewing areas for 30,000 people, and a media center for 1,500 journalists. The CEO of Comer City confirmed that the proposal would not advance to the next stage of the process, citing, among other reasons, the tight schedule required to prepare a suitable hosting bid and the Austrian national broadcaster ORF’s regulations, which permit only municipalities - not private entities -...

Controversy: Abor & Tynna Slammed for Homophobic Remarks

June 19, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Abor & Tynna, Germany's Eurovision 2025 representatives, face public backlash after old posts and a public apology. following the impact, public debate, and musical context. Germany is in turmoil as sibling duo Abor & Tynna, chosen to represent the country with the song "Baller" at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, find themselves at the heart of a public scandal. Old social media posts by Abor, in which he expressed views considered homophobic and voiced support for controversial leaders, have come to light. Abor has since issued a public apology, yet the duo continues to top German airplay charts during one of the most tumultuous Eurovision seasons in recent memory. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Abor’s Reddit account, which he used for over three years, was deleted amid the uproar caused by his previous posts. Around three years ago, Abor wrote in a post that: "Pride is a negative trait that leads to discrimination and...

Eurovision Scandal: Most of the Spanish Public Support Israel’s Disqualification

June 16, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Spanish poll reveals: 62% of viewers believe the Eurovision 2025 vote was manipulated, 76% demand the abolition of public voting, and 58% support excluding Israel from the contest. A new survey conducted after the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 final in Basel reveals that 62.3% of Spanish viewers believe the public vote was rigged or manipulated. The data, published by the CIS (Spanish Center for Sociological Research), points to unprecedented distrust in the voting mechanism and raises questions about the legitimacy of the winner selection process in Eurovision - the largest and most-watched music event in Europe. Implications: Public Distrust, Calls for Reform, and Political Tensions The far-reaching implications of the survey extend beyond criticism of the voting system. In Spain, 76.2% of viewers support abolishing the public vote entirely following Israel’s victory, and more than 79% demand an external audit of the voting mechanism by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The sharp criticism comes amid growing political trends...

Montenegro at Eurovision 2026: Decision on Participation Set for Late September

June 16, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Montenegro’s national broadcaster has not yet confirmed participation in Eurovision 2026, despite reports suggesting otherwise. The final decision will be made at the end of September. Journalists and Eurovision commentators were quick to affirm Montenegro’s participation in Eurovision Song Contest 2026, following the publication of a summary letter by the head of delegation, Vladana Vučinić, on the website of the national broadcaster RTCG after Eurovision 2025. In this letter, Vladana wrote: “See you next year”, which gave the impression that Montenegro is expected to return to the competition next year. However, it is important to clarify that the national broadcaster emphasized that final approval for participation will only be granted at the end of September. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Rumors, Misunderstandings, and a Look Back at Montenegro’s Eurovision 2025 Montenegro’s representative for Eurovision 2025, Nina Žižić, finished in 16th and last place in the second semi-final of Eurovision 2025, with only 12 points - all from the Serbian televote. The result raised questions about...

Tradition, Innovation, and Greek Celebration: How Greece Prepares for Eurovision 2026

June 15, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Greece launches Eurovision 2026 preparations with a national selection show, announcement expected in July. Will semi-finals return? All details on changes, influences, and expectations for the contest. Greece has officially begun preparations for Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which will mark the 70th edition of the world’s most popular music event. According to official reports, the Greek national broadcaster, ERT, is set to hold its first meeting on the topic this week, during which a decision is expected regarding the organization of a national final to select Greece’s representative for the competition. The official announcement is scheduled for the end of July, and it will also reveal the opening date for submissions from creators and performers - who will have at least two months to prepare. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Greece is aiming high - can we expect innovations in the next national selection? The early preparations by Greece for Eurovision 2026 reflect a desire...

Backstage Crisis: Which Country Is Threatening to Withdraw from Eurovision and Why?

June 14, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision in crisis: Which additional country is threatening to withdraw from Eurovision 2026, and what is the reason for these threats? Three countries have so far threatened to leave the contest. San Marino, the small nation that sent Gabry Ponte with the song "Tutta L'Italia" to Eurovision 2025, is seriously considering withdrawing from next year’s contest. The CEO of the San Marino national broadcaster SMRTV, Roberto Sergio, expressed deep frustration in an interview with local media over the lack of transparency in both the public and jury voting. Sergio did not hide his anger: “The situation is not clear to us at all. There is a lack of transparency in the public voting, the jury, and the results. Under these conditions, we are seriously considering not participating in Eurovision in the coming years”. San Marino’s threat joins criticism from other national broadcasters such as VRT from Belgium and RTVSLO from Slovenia, which are also demanding changes to the voting...

Eurovision 2026 in Austria: Innsbruck Joins the Race to Host the Contest

June 14, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Innsbruck has officially joined the race to host Eurovision 2026 in Austria, competing against Vienna and Graz. Will this Alpine city lead Europe’s biggest musical event of the year? Innsbruck, the mountainous city in western Austria, has officially joined the race to host Eurovision 2026 after its city council approved the submission of its candidacy. The decision makes Innsbruck one of the leading contenders for the opportunity to host the Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Austria this year following JJ’s victory in the grand final in Basel. The grand final is expected to be held on May 16th or 23rd, 2026, with all eyes in Europe turned toward the winning country. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026 as a Game-Changing Event The preparations for Eurovision 2026 in Austria are already influencing the local entertainment industry: the national broadcaster, ORF, is postponing television programs and channeling vast resources into producing the event, recognizing that this...

The Country That Almost Ended Eurovision: What Lies Behind the Big 5 System?

June 10, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); One decision changed Eurovision forever: how five European countries guarantee a final spot every year-and the economic crisis that nearly wiped out the contest. And how did Dana International affected this move? In a contest where we debate song quality annually, some have long secured guaranteed entry to the final-regardless of their song's merit. The Big 5 have become synonymous with privilege in Eurovision, but few understand how this decision was born and what led to it. Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Italy enjoy permanent final spots, no matter the quality of their entries. How did they become untouchable? Was it a default choice or a power move to save the contest? And what happened in 1996 when Germany nearly pushed Eurovision to the brink of collapse? This article dives deep into the story everyone has heard but few truly grasp. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Song That Nearly Bankrupted Eurovision Eurovision 1996 caused significant...

Albania Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

June 10, 2025July 16, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Albania’s national broadcaster, RTSH, has officially confirmed the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026 in Austria. The Albanian representative will be selected through the “Festivali i Këngës”, the nation’s traditional national selection event. Albania’s national broadcaster, RTSH, has officially confirmed that Albania will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, set to take place in Austria. As in previous years, the country’s representative and song will be chosen through the traditional “Festivali i Këngës”, scheduled for this December. With this announcement, Albania joins the list of countries that have already secured their spot in Europe’s largest musical event. Albania is the 15th country to express interest in Eurovision 2026, following Denmark, Greece, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Serbia, Switzerland, Malta, Luxembourg, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Albania in Eurovision: Tradition, Identity, and High Hopes for 2026 The announcement of Albania’s participation in Eurovision 2026 highlights the country’s longstanding commitment to the contest,...

Luxembourg Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

June 10, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Luxembourg’s national broadcaster, RTL, has confirmed the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026 in Austria. The representative will be selected through the “Luxembourg Song Contest 2026” national selection. Luxembourg has officially confirmed: the country will participate in Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Austria. This will mark Luxembourg’s third appearance since its return to the contest in 2024. The next representative will once again be chosen through the local pre-selection, the “Luxembourg Song Contest”, produced by the national broadcaster RTL. Luxembourg is the 14th country to express interest in Eurovision 2026, following Denmark, Greece, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Serbia, Switzerland, Malta, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A European Trend, Economic Challenges, and Musical Renewal Luxembourg’s decision to continue in Eurovision, despite a disappointing result in Basel (22nd place in the grand final), reflects the cultural and political importance of the contest for smaller nations. In discussions I held with Eurovision...