More Than Half of Norwegians Oppose Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

More Than Half of Norwegians Oppose Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A new Norwegian survey reveals that most citizens believe the national broadcaster NRK should vote against Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. But will it affect NRK’s decision? The debate over Israel’s participation continues to stir controversy across Norway. According to a new poll conducted by Norstat for the national broadcaster NRK, six out of ten Norwegians believe that Norway should vote against Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, set to take place in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Divided Voices: Culture or Politics? Opinions remain split: some Norwegians argue that every country should be allowed to participate regardless of political circumstances, emphasizing that Eurovision is a cultural stage, not a diplomatic arena. Others contend that countries involved in armed conflicts should be barred from competing. Still, the data show that about 22% of respondents support Norway’s continued participation in the contest - even if Israel remains in the lineup. ...
Read More
The Hosting That Made Europe Laugh: Hazel Brugger Wins German Comedy Award

The Hosting That Made Europe Laugh: Hazel Brugger Wins German Comedy Award

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); She made millions laugh and brought a “fresh modern spirit” to Eurovision 2025. Now, Swiss host Hazel Brugger wins Germany’s top comedy award. What made her style so unique? Swiss comedian and television host Hazel Brugger has been awarded the German Comedy Award 2025 for her acclaimed hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, held in Basel, Switzerland. The Cologne Comedy Festival announced that Brugger received a special honor recognizing her distinctive and spontaneous hosting style. According to the festival’s statement, Brugger’s authentic and spontaneous approach gave Eurovision a modern, refreshing tone that moved millions of viewers across Europe. Europe Laughs Along The award ceremony took place yesterday at Cologne City Hall as part of the festival’s show “Köln lacht!” (in English:“Cologne Laughs!”).Although Brugger could not attend the event in person, she sent a pre-recorded video message to the organizers and audience, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support and affection she received following her memorable performance as Eurovision host. At...
Read More
Sweden: AleXa Is Set to Compete in Melodifestivalen 2026

Sweden: AleXa Is Set to Compete in Melodifestivalen 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Swedish media report that American K-pop artist AleXa, winner of the American Song Contest, is set to join Melodifestivalen 2026. Will Sweden bring a K-pop sound to Eurovision? Melodifestivalen 2026, Sweden’s national final for Eurovision 2026, is already generating buzz across Europe as Swedish media reveal some of the artists expected to compete. Following reports of possible returns from familiar names such as Robin Bengtsson, Fröken Snusk, and Smash Into Pieces, local outlets now point to another exciting addition - an American K-pop star well-known to Eurovision fans. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); K-pop comes to Melodifestivalen AleXa – who now also performs under the stage name Kim Seri - is expected to participate in Melodifestivalen 2026. The artist, known for blending Korean pop with Western influences, represents one of the most intriguing entries of the year, combining K-pop’s signature energy and choreography with classic Swedish pop production. AleXa rose to prominence after winning the American Song Contest in 2022, USA's...
Read More
Pierre Garnier May Represent France at Eurovision 2026

Pierre Garnier May Represent France at Eurovision 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); French media reports suggest that acclaimed pop artist Pierre Garnier is the leading candidate to represent France at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Could France once again choose an established pop star? France has not yet officially selected its representative for Eurovision 2026, but new rumors are spreading across the country.According to French journalist Fabien Lecoeuvre, who spoke on the TV show “Tout beau, tout neuf”, "Star Academy" winner Pierre Garnier is among the leading candidates to carry France’s flag at the upcoming contest, which will take place in May in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Garnier, who became a household name after winning the musical reality show, has achieved massive success with his hit single “Ceux qu’on était” (in English: "Who We Were"), which became France’s “Song of the Year” and garnered millions of streams. According to Lecoeuvre, Garnier is currently at the top of the shortlist being considered by the national broadcaster France Télévisions for...
Read More
German National Broadcaster Ends Collaboration with Stefan Raab Ahead of Eurovision 2026

German National Broadcaster Ends Collaboration with Stefan Raab Ahead of Eurovision 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After just one year, Germany’s national broadcaster ARD announced it will not continue its partnership with Stefan Raab for the Eurovision 2026 national final - but left the door open for future cooperation. Germany’s national broadcaster ARD has officially announced that it will not renew its collaboration with producer and musician Stefan Raab, who co-produced "Chefsache 2025" for Eurovision alongside RTL last year.The decision follows a year that was considered a television success but did not achieve the main goal - winning Eurovision 2025 held in Basel. ARD’s Program Director Christine Strobl explained the reasoning in an interview: “We entered into this partnership because we wanted to win. Now, a year later, to say: ‘Okay, it didn’t work out, we’ll just keep going anyway,’ doesn’t feel right”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SWR Takes Over the German Selection Responsibility for choosing Germany’s representative for Eurovision 2026 has now been transferred to SWR, one of ARD’s regional broadcasters.At...
Read More
Record Interest in “Eesti Laul 2026”

Record Interest in “Eesti Laul 2026”

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); With only two days left until the submission deadline for "Eesti Laul 2026", producer Riin Vann reports record interest from artists in Estonia and abroad. Who will perform the next “Espresso Macchiato” in Vienna? The countdown is on: on October 20th at 11:00 CEST, submissions will officially close for Eesti Laul 2026, Estonia’s national final for Eurovision 2026, which will take place this May in Vienna. According to producer Riin Vann, the submission process has been progressing rapidly: “as the deadline approaches, we’re seeing more and more songs coming in”. Vann added that this year’s competition has seen exceptional interest not only from Estonian artists but also from international performers. In fact, the number of foreign submissions is higher than in previous years - highlighting Eesti Laul’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s most innovative and high-quality national finals. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Final Call for Entries – Registration Fees Increase The final deadline for song submissions is Monday, October 20th,...
Read More
Montenegro: National Final Participants for Eurovision 2026 Revealed!

Montenegro: National Final Participants for Eurovision 2026 Revealed!

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Montenegro’s national broadcaster RTCG has announced the 15 artists competing in Montesong 2026. Among them: Andrea Demirović, who represented Montenegro at Eurovision 2009. Who will fly the flag for Montenegro in Vienna? Montenegro’s national broadcaster RTCG has officially announced the 15 participants and their song titles for Montesong 2026, the national selection through which the country will choose its entry for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria.The national final is scheduled to take place on December 21st, 2025. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Full list of participants and songs: Andrea Demirović – I Believe Baryak – Minerva Dolce Hera – Casanova 91 Đurđa – Dominos Krstinja Matanović – Oli Oli Lana Vukčević & Đorđe Savković – Temperatura Lana Lopičić – Doline Lara Baltić – Rhythm Boy Luka Radović – Pjevaj Vilo Majda Božović – Ipac Smo Ljudi Mila Nikić – Kao Varnica Neno Murić – Ako Čuješ Glas Stefan Vukotić – Nedekodirana Tamara Živković – Nova Zora Tina Džankić...
Read More
Spain to Announce Participants for Benidorm Fest 2026 This Thursday

Spain to Announce Participants for Benidorm Fest 2026 This Thursday

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE will reveal the 16 participants of Benidorm Fest 2026 this Thursday—despite earlier threats to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel takes part. Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE has announced that on Thursday, October 9th, it will publish the list of 16 artists competing in the fifth edition of Benidorm Fest 2026.Despite a previous statement from the network’s board declaring that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate, RTVE continues preparations for the festival as planned. The network emphasized that Benidorm Fest has “its own life and identity” and will be held independently of any final decision regarding Spain’s Eurovision participation in 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision-Style Production and Open Rehearsals The upcoming edition of Benidorm Fest will feature major production upgrades and a format more closely aligned with the Eurovision Song Contest itself.For the first time, public open rehearsals will be held, marking a step toward a more immersive and international...
Read More
Never Stops for a Moment: Another Tremendous Achievement for Yuval Raphael!

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

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Yuval Raphael, Israel’s Eurovision 2025 representative, will perform the English theme song for “One Day in October”, an Israeli drama about the October 7th attacks, premiering soon on HBO Max in the USA. Yuval Raphael, Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2025, has been chosen to perform the English theme song for the new Israeli drama series “One Day in October”, produced by "yes". The series, recently acquired for international broadcast by HBO, is set to premiere in the United States this week - coinciding with the anniversary of the October 7th terror attack, a date of profound emotional significance for the Israeli public. The combination of the show’s theme, its security backdrop, and Raphael’s personal story creates a deeply emotional connection, positioning “One Day in October” as one of Israel’s most anticipated television productions of the coming year. Watch the trailer:   הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם   ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎One Day in October‎‏ (@‏‎onedayinoctoberofficial‎‏)‎‏ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle ||...
Read More
Latvia: 124 Songs Submitted for Supernova 2026

Latvia: 124 Songs Submitted for Supernova 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Latvia’s national broadcaster LTV confirmed that 124 songs were submitted for Supernova 2026. Will this record number reveal Latvia’s next big European hit? The submission window for "Supernova 2026" closed yesterday (Wednesday). A total of 124 songs were submitted to the national broadcaster LTV, all hoping to represent Latvia at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. This figure marks an increase of 28 compared to last year’s 96 submissions, making it the highest number of entries since 2022. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); More Songs = More Genres! According to Agnese Štrause-Kubliņa, Head of Entertainment and Documentary Content at Latvian television, this reflects Eurovision’s significance for local artists: “I am glad that musicians value Supernova. There are more songs than last year, which shows that the desire to bring Latvia’s name to the world, to the millions of Eurovision viewers, and the achievements so far, encouraged many to apply. In addition, the variety of genres is very wide - from country music...
Read More