Try Your Luck: Eurovision Winner’s Guitars Go Up for Auction

Try Your Luck: Eurovision Winner’s Guitars Go Up for Auction

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The guitarist of the successful band passed away at 77 last year. Now fans can purchase his guitars, including the one he played when winning Eurovision The guitars of Martin Lee, member of the band Brotherhood of Man, which won the 1976 Eurovision with the song "Save your Kisses for Me" are being auctioned for charity. Lee passed away last year at the age of 77. His widow, Sandra Stevens, also a member of the band, decided to sell the guitars at a public auction and announced that the proceeds will go to the BHF, which supports medical research in cardiology. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision Memories Stevens vividly remembers the performance that brought the band victory at Eurovision: "It's the best thing that can happen in your life – except me marrying Martin, that is. It was a wonderful thing to represent our country". She told BBC Radio Wiltshire that they had been warned...
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Eurovision Drama: Slovenia Threatens to Withdraw from Contest if Israel Participates in 2026

Eurovision Drama: Slovenia Threatens to Withdraw from Contest if Israel Participates in 2026

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Slovenia, consistently opposing Israel’s participation, officially announced it may withdraw from Eurovision 2026, citing political tensions and concerns about voting transparency. The Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO declared during a EBU conference that it would withdraw from the competition if Israel continues to participate. The statement follows growing criticism of Israel due to the war in Gaza, along with allegations of insufficient transparency in the Eurovision voting process. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Slovenia’s Withdrawal Threat: "The Union Ignores Us" At the July conference in London, Slovenian broadcaster representatives stated: “If Israel takes part in the Eurovision Song Contest – because of the 'genocide in Gaza' – Slovenia will not participate in the event”. This stance reflects a long-standing policy of RTVSLO’s management. In previous months, the broadcaster already expressed reservations about continuing collaboration with Israel in the contest. RTVSLO’s director Ksenija Horvat reinforced this message in media interviews. According to her, the EBU has not provided adequate answers regarding Israel. In a strongly...
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Sanremo Festival 2026: Agreement Between RAI and Sanremo Secures Future

Sanremo Festival 2026: Agreement Between RAI and Sanremo Secures Future

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sanremo and RAI signed an agreement ensuring the festival remains in the city through 2028, keeping its Eurovision tradition alive The Sanremo Festival, which serves as Italy’s selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest, will remain in the city of Sanremo for at least the next three years. After lengthy and unpredictable negotiations, the Italian national broadcaster RAI and the Municipality of Sanremo signed an agreement granting the municipality ownership of the festival’s trademark, while RAI will retain full production rights and the authority to select Italy’s Eurovision representative. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Festival Dates and Rumors The upcoming edition of the Sanremo Festival will take place from February 24th to February 28th, 2026, immediately following the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina and just before the start of the Paralympic Games. This represents a departure from the traditional dates due to scheduling conflicts and the density of large-scale events in the city. Carlo Conti will...
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Save The Date: Expected Vote on Israel’s Eurovision Participation Scheduled

Save The Date: Expected Vote on Israel’s Eurovision Participation Scheduled

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EBU set December 4th–5th for its 95th General Assembly in Geneva. A vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 may take place then The EBU confirmed today that its 95th General Assembly will be held in Geneva on December 4th–5th. While it has not yet been formally announced that a vote will be held regarding Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, it is highly likely that such a vote will take place during the assembly. Traditionally, the first day of the General Assembly is dedicated to formal matters, which makes December 4th the likely date for the potential vote on Israel’s participation. If the assembly concludes without such a vote, Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, will be ensured, as there will be no further opportunity to hold a vote before the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No National Broadcaster Has Officially Requested Israel’s Expulsion This week, the Dutch division of...
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Ukraine: Jamala to Produce Vidbir 2026

Ukraine: Jamala to Produce Vidbir 2026

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Suspline, Ukraine’s national broadcaster, brings Jamala as music producer for Vidbir 2026, aiming for another Eurovision win. Details and registration info coming soon Jamala, the winner of Eurovision 2016, will serve as the music producer for Ukraine’s national Eurovision selection (Vidbir) in 2026, according to a statement from the Ukrainian national broadcaster Suspline. “Since winning Eurovision, I’ve learned an important lesson: there are no accidental winners”, said Jamala. “Victory always comes down to readiness, resilience, and professionalism. That’s exactly what I want to see in future contestants”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Permanent Judge and Esteemed Musician Since her victory in Eurovision 2016 with her song “1944” Jamala has judged seven national selections. She is also a recipient of the Shevchenko Prize, Ukraine’s highest cultural award for 2024, and served as a member of the Grammy Awards jury. This marks her debut as music producer for the national selection. A New Challenge and Great Honor "For me, the role of music producer...
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Happy September 1st: Eurovision 2026 Season Officially Begins!

Happy September 1st: Eurovision 2026 Season Officially Begins!

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Eurovision 2026 season officially opens today! According to EBU rules, any song released from today may compete in next May’s contest, hosted in Vienna, Austria The Eurovision Song Contest marks a key milestone today on the road to the grand final, scheduled for May in Vienna. After revealing the host city for Eurovision 2026, the season is now official: today, September 1st, signals the start of the 70th edition's contest cycle. As per contest regulations, any song aired on radio, released on albums, or distributed on streaming platforms from now on becomes eligible for consideration by artists seeking to represent their countries. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What has been confirmed so far? 26 nations have already expressed interest in participating: Albania Austria Azerbaijan Cyprus Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Israel Iceland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Montenegro The Netherlands Norway Serbia Spain Sweden Switzerland Ukraine United Kingdom Some countries have announced they will not return: Bosnia and Herzegovina and...
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Never Stops for a Moment: Another Tremendous Achievement for Yuval Raphael!

Never Stops for a Moment: Another Tremendous Achievement for Yuval Raphael!

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Yuval Raphael, continues to captivate audiences. After receiving three nominations in Kan Gimel’s annual chart, Raphael secures another major nomination Yuval Raphael, Israel’s representative at Eurovision 2025, is nominated for Ynet and Galgalatz’s Breakthrough of the Year, while her song "New Day Will Rise" is nominated for Song of the Year. After winning the televote at Eurovision and claiming a final second place, even before releasing additional singles, Israeli listeners and radio stations are showering Raphael with admiration and recognition. Recently, Kan Gimel radio station revealed that Raphael is nominated in three categories: Breakthrough of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year. Now, in the chart of Israel’s most listened-to radio station, Galgalatz, in partnership with leading news website Ynet, Raphael is again up for prestigious awards. Recently, she also announced her debut performance on October 9th at the Tel Aviv Amphitheater. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision...
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Eurovision Participation at Risk? This Is What the EBU Said About Israel!

Eurovision Participation at Risk? This Is What the EBU Said About Israel!

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EBU sparked controversy after releasing a video highlighting Gaza testimonies and strongly criticizing Israel. Could Israel's participation in Eurovision be at risk? The controversial video: EBU published a video about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, criticizing the Israeli government and claiming authorities are undermining press freedom by barring foreign journalists from entering the territory. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The footage presents testimonies about growing hunger due to a shortage of food and basic goods. In the official statement attached, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk was quoted as saying that hunger in Gaza is “a direct result of Israeli Government action”.   הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם   ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎European Broadcasting Union‎‏ (@‏‎ebu_hq‎‏)‎‏ Allegations of Suppressing Press Freedom According to the EBU’s statement, Israeli authorities are preventing international media outlets from accessing Gaza and covering the situation. The footage included in the video was filmed by local Palestinian journalists, who the EBU said face...
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Israel’s Eurovision Representatives to Perform at Memorial Marking Two Years Since October 7th Massacre

Israel’s Eurovision Representatives to Perform at Memorial Marking Two Years Since October 7th Massacre

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Yuval Raphael, Eden Golan, and former Israeli Eurovision representatives will join a ceremony led by "Kumu" with families of victims and hostages, blending music with remembrance and resilience. On the second anniversary of the October 7th massacre, a special memorial ceremony will take place, initiated by the movement "Kumu" (Wake Up) and the families of murdered and kidnapped victims. Prominent figures from Israel’s Eurovision legacy will take part, artists who have represented the cultural voice of the nation for more than 50 years. The event, organized by "Kumu" founders Yonatan Shimriz and Omri Shifroni, is designed not only to honor the memory of the victims but also to strengthen public advocacy for the release of the hostages. For many, the presence of Eurovision performers symbolizes a broad cultural and national consensus in the demand for justice and remembrance. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Israeli Eurovision Stars on Stage As revealed on the Facebook page of the entertainment show “Erev Tov”...
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The Fall of Philipp Kirkorov: The Moment That Shocked Thousands of Fans

The Fall of Philipp Kirkorov: The Moment That Shocked Thousands of Fans

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Philipp Kirkorov collapsed mid-performance in Russia, alarming fans and raising concerns about his health. The incident has reignited discussions about the singer’s ongoing struggles with diabetes. A single moment of imbalance managed to shake the hearts of thousands of fans in the hall – and perhaps also millions of viewers in Russia and beyond. Philipp Kirkorov, “the Russian King of Pop” and one of the most influential figures in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest, fell during his performance at the New Wave music festival in Kazan, Russia. The fall, broadcast live before the audience, became an unforgettable moment – one that raises troubling questions not only about the artist’s health but also evokes concern among his supporters and colleagues. Kirkorov, 58, captivated the crowd in the opening moments of his show – until drama struck. Media reports that quickly emerged described how physical weakness overcame the star, who for months has been battling Type 2 diabetes....
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