Will Finland Join the Boycott of Israel at Eurovision 2026?

Will Finland Join the Boycott of Israel at Eurovision 2026?

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Debate over Finland’s participation in Eurovision 2026 intensifies after several European countries announced a boycott if Israel competes. What is the position of Finland’s national broadcaster YLE on the matter? In the past week, several countries announced they would not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel remains in the competition. Slovenia, Ireland, and the Netherlands declared they will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel compete, while Iceland and Spain hinted they may join the boycott. Although Finland had already confirmed its participation, the Finnish national broadcaster YLE has now issued a statement following these latest developments. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Will Finland Compete Alongside Israel? Johanna Törn-Mangs, Editor-in-Chief of YLE’s Culture Department, explained in an interview that a final decision on Finland’s participation will be made by mid-December. "YLE is an independent and neutral body. We are not engaged in politics at the state level. However, this of course does not mean we accept...
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Ukraine: German Nenov Is The New Artistic Director for Vidbir 2026

Ukraine: German Nenov Is The New Artistic Director for Vidbir 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Ukrainian national broadcaster Suspilne published on Instagram that German Nenov will be the new artistic director of "Vidbir 2026". What experience does he bring with him to the Ukrainian national final? Ukraine is preparing for Eurovision 2026: the national broadcaster Suspilne confirmed that German Nenov will return as the artistic director of "Vidbir 2026". The announcement was made via Suspilne’s official Instagram account, where his extensive experience in television, music, and Eurovision productions was emphasized.   הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם   ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Євробачення Україна‎‏ (@‏‎suspilne.eurovision‎‏)‎‏ A Familiar Name in the Eurovision World Nenov, a well-known Ukrainian director based in Kyiv, has an impressive portfolio in both television productions and music videos. Eurovision fans already know his work: he served as Ukraine’s artistic director at Eurovision 2023, when the duo Tvorchi represented the country with “Heart of Steel”. He also directed Ukraine’s stagings at Junior Eurovision in 2021 and 2022. In 2024, he was responsible for the staging of Luxembourg’s...
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Montenegro: Song Submission Window for National Selection “Montesong” Opens

Montenegro: Song Submission Window for National Selection “Montesong” Opens

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Montenegro’s national broadcaster RTCG has opened submissions for "Montesong", the national selection that will determine the country’s entry for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The Montenegrin national broadcaster RTCG officially opened today (Wednesday) the song submission window for "Montesong", Montenegro’s national selection for Eurovision. This marks the second consecutive year that Montenegro will choose its representative through this festival. A day after confirming its participation in the upcoming contest, the national broadcaster published the full set of rules for the second edition of "Montesong". The final date for "Montesong 2025" has not yet been revealed. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Rules for "Montesong 2025": RTCG revealed the regulations for the second edition of the contest, which will serve as the country’s pre-selection for Eurovision 2026: All songs must comply with the general Eurovision rules. Songs must not be published or performed before September 1st, 2025. Competing performers must hold Montenegrin citizenship. Songwriters may be of any nationality. Each songwriter can...
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Belgium Invites Hadise To Represent The Country in Eurovision Every Year!

Belgium Invites Hadise To Represent The Country in Eurovision Every Year!

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Turkish-Belgian Eurovision singer Hadise revealed that Belgium approaches her annually with an invitation to represent the country at Eurovision. Despite the ongoing offers, she admits to feeling conflicted about accepting. The Belgian-born Turkish singer Hadise, who represented Turkey at Eurovision 2009 with the song “Düm Tek Tek”, revealed that Belgium invites her every year to represent the country at Eurovision. The star admitted that although the offers keep coming, she has mixed feelings about performing for Belgium at the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In an interview with Turkish journalist Fatih Altaylı, he praised the idea, saying: “A Turkish girl representing Belgium – that would be great”. Hadise, however, reminded him that after she represented Turkey in 2009, many Belgians opposed her as a candidate. She explained that this hesitation makes her cautious about how Turkish fans might react if she were to return to Eurovision under the Belgian flag. Altaylı countered, arguing that since Turkey no longer competes in the contest,...
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Ziferblat Are Still Paying Debts for Eurovision 2025 Participation

Ziferblat Are Still Paying Debts for Eurovision 2025 Participation

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ziferblat face extensive costs for representing Ukraine at Eurovision 2025; details on the band’s financial burden and ongoing payments revealed. Members of Ziferblat, who represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2025, recently revealed the enormous expenses needed to take the stage in Basel. These costs included costumes, staging, technical support, logistics, promotion, and production arrangements. The total sum, approximately $120,000 (approximately €102,700), remains a considerable financial burden for the band months after the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Costs Covered by the Band According to band members, part of the amount was offset by crowdfunding and local sponsors, but the bulk was paid directly from their own pockets. The group’s guitarist, Valentin Leshchinsky, admitted in an interview that they are still paying off the debts from their Eurovision 2025 participation: “We still have an outstanding amount for Eurovision. We’re still repaying it, but it isn’t critical”. He said. Between Dreams and Expenses The story of Ziferblat joins other Ukrainian and international artists who have testified about the high...
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History: Jamala Received an Honorary Award From The President of Ukraine

History: Jamala Received an Honorary Award From The President of Ukraine

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Jamala, winner of Eurovision 2016, received the "Order of Princess Olga" from President Volodymyr Zelensky during Ukraine’s Independence Day in Kiev. The award highlights her contribution amid the ongoing war. The Ukrainian singer Jamala, winner of Eurovision 2016, was among those honored by President Volodymyr Zelensky at Ukraine’s Independence Day ceremonies held yesterday in Sofia Square, central Kiev. The artist was awarded the "Order of Princess Olga", Third Class - a distinction given to women in Ukraine for personal achievements in public, industrial, social, scientific, educational, cultural, and other fields. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Joy Mixed With Sorrow "It was wonderful and unexpected to receive an award on Independence Day. It is a mixture of joy and sorrow at the same time, because among those honored are women receiving this award posthumously". The singer wrote on social media: "We live in a reality where every day carries a heavy price that continues to grow, because every day we lose our people. We must thank...
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Vienna Chosen as Host City of Eurovision 2026!

Vienna Chosen as Host City of Eurovision 2026!

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Vienna has officially been selected to host Eurovision 2026 in Austria. When will the contest take place, and in which venue? All the full details about Eurovision 2026 are here! The bidding process for selecting the host city of Eurovision 2026 has concluded: the EBU, together with the Austrian national broadcaster ORF, announced today that Vienna will host next year’s contest in Austria! Eurovision 2026 will mark the 70th edition since the competition’s establishment in 1956. Watch the official city reveal video:   (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Vienna Wins the Host City Bid Vienna secured the right to host the contest next year, after surpassing Innsbruck’s proposal. This will be Austria’s third time hosting Eurovision, following the victory of JJ at Eurovision 2025 held in Basel, Switzerland, this past May. For Vienna, this will be the city’s third time hosting the contest, after previously welcoming the contest in 1967 and 2015.  The chosen venue for 2026 is the Wiener Stadthalle.  the arena can host...
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Finland: Song Submission Window Opens for UMK

Finland: Song Submission Window Opens for UMK

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Finland officially opened song submissions today for UMK 2026, following confirmation of its Eurovision participation. Who will follow in the footsteps of Erika Vikman or Käärijä? Finland is preparing for Eurovision 2026: The process of selecting Finland’s entry officially began today (Monday), with the song submission window for UMK 2026 now open. Since 2012, UMK has been the platform used by the country to choose both its song and artist for Eurovision. The submission period will close on August 24th – exactly six days from now. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who Can Compete in the UMK 2026? The national broadcaster has published the full rules for song submissions to UMK. Here are some of the key regulations: Songs must not have been previously released in any public format. Solo artists must be Finnish citizens or hold permanent residency in Finland. For bands, at least one member must be a Finnish citizen or permanent resident. Soloists or lead singers...
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Tradition Is Tradition: Which City Will Host Eurovision 2026 According to Netta Barzilai?

Tradition Is Tradition: Which City Will Host Eurovision 2026 According to Netta Barzilai?

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); For the seventh time, Netta Barzilai, Eurovision 2018 winner, will try to predict the host city of Eurovision 2026 - a tradition where her guesses have always been wrong, sparking playful speculation. On Wednesday, August 20th, between 07:30 and 08:30 CEST, the Eurovision fan community will turn its attention to Austria. In cooperation with the EBU, Austria will officially announce the city that will host Eurovision 2026. As every year, fans across the continent are trying to guess which city will be selected, and, as part of her annual tradition, Eurovision 2018 winner Netta Barzilai will publish her own prediction. Until now, Netta’s guesses have always been incorrect, leading many fans to jokingly believe that the city she does not choose is far more likely to become the official host. Netta announced earlier on her Instagram account that she will reveal her prediction at 02:00 CEST, just a few hours ahead of the official announcement. ...
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Sweden: Song Submission Window for Melodifestivalen Opens on August 18th

Sweden: Song Submission Window for Melodifestivalen Opens on August 18th

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Swedish national broadcaster SVT has published the rules for the Melodifestivalen 2026, Sweden's Eurovision selection contest, and announced the song submission period. How will Sweden's entry for Eurovision 2026 be selected? The process for selecting Sweden's entry for Eurovision 2026 is underway: The Swedish national broadcaster SVT has released the participation rules for Melodifestivalen 2026, the nation's famous pre-Eurovision contest. The song submission window runs from August 18th to September 12th, 2025, with thirty songs competing for the honor of representing Sweden - one of Eurovision's most successful countries, boasting seven impressive victories. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); How Will Sweden's Eurovision Entry Be Chosen? The contest, held from February to March, features five heats, each with six songs vying for a spot in the grand final. Twelve songs will compete in the final, where only one will earn the right to represent Sweden at Eurovision 2026 in Austria. The winner is determined by a combination of international jury panels...
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