Neta Geffen, Author at EuroMix

Cyprus: Pro-Palestinian Organizations Demand Israel’s Removal from Eurovision 2026

April 9, 2026 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A new controversy surrounds Israel’s Eurovision 2026 participation as pro-Palestinian organizations in Cyprus urge CyBC to act for Israel’s removal from the contest. Eurovision 2026 in Vienna is fast approaching, but the controversies surrounding the contest show no signs of slowing down. In a letter sent on April 3, several civil society organizations in Cyprus, including BDS Cyprus and others, called for a reassessment of Israel’s participation in the competition. According to them, the same standard applied to Russia in 2022 should be enforced, whereby a country’s participation may be disqualified if it “damages the reputation of the contest in light of an unprecedented crisis.” The organizations also requested that the Cypriot national broadcaster CyBC contact the official bodies responsible for the contest on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to reconsider Israel’s eligibility to participate in the upcoming competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Between Political Pressure and Broadcast Reality Despite the appeal, no official decision has been...

Australia Will Not Participate in Eurovision Asia

April 2, 2026April 2, 2026 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Now it's official: despite its key role in developing the format, Australia will not participate in Eurovision Asia. Australia, despite its geographical location, has become one of the countries most strongly associated with the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years. Now, with Eurovision Asia returning to the spotlight, it seems that the connection to Europe continues to strengthen. Australia’s national broadcaster SBS has clarified that it will not take part in Eurovision Asia, despite its significant involvement in developing the format. Australia Out – Despite Strong Ties Ten countries have already been announced as the first participants in the new contest, with the production leaving the door open for additional countries to join in the future. Australia, which has become an integral part of Eurovision since its official debut in 2015, is not included in the list, despite its major role in shaping the format. In an official statement, SBS explained its decision not to participate at this stage while...

“I’m in Pain, I Can’t Speak”: Akylas Hospitalized after the trip to Finland

March 27, 2026 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Akylas, Greece’s Eurovision 2026 representative, was hospitalized after returning from Finland with severe tonsillitis and high fever, reassuring fans: "I’ll be back soon". Preparations for Eurovision 2026 are in full swing, but for Greece’s representative, the road to the Vienna stage has temporarily come to a halt due to health reasons. Singer Akylas revealed that he is suffering from severe tonsillitis and a high fever, shortly after returning from Finland, where he took part in promotional events ahead of the contest. Upon landing in Greece, Akylas appeared to be in a difficult condition as he spoke to media crews waiting for him at the airport. The singer struggled to speak and even apologized to the cameras: “I have purulent tonsillitis. We had a great time in Finland. Today I’m sick, I have a fever. I need to start antibiotics immediately.” (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "I Can’t Speak" During the same airport interview, the singer repeatedly apologized to the media and...

Switzerland: Veronica Fusaro Reveals First Performance Details

March 24, 2026 by Neta GeffenNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Switzerland’s Eurovision 2026 representative, Veronica Fusaro, shares first details about her performance in Vienna, saying she ignores betting odds and rankings to stay true to herself. Preparations for Eurovision 2026 are entering advanced stages, with performances taking shape and delegations working intensively. Switzerland’s representative for Eurovision 2026, Veronica Fusaro, is beginning to reveal her artistic direction for Vienna, but is doing so differently from most contestants without paying attention to betting odds, rankings, or external pressure. In a recent interview, Fusaro emphasized that for her, the most important thing is to remain true to herself and deliver the song authentically on stage. ‎‏ In her interview with Swiss media, Fusaro explained that she has no interest in predictions or betting surrounding Eurovision, even when they directly involve her: “I watched it once, then decided I didn’t care, because ultimately it doesn’t matter. It’s still very early days, and the performance will determine whether the audience connects with it or not. I’m...

Lithuania Raises the Bar with a Groundbreaking Eurovision 2026 Performance

March 19, 2026 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Lithuania unveils an ambitious and innovative staging concept for Eurovision 2026, promising a technologically advanced performance that could set a new benchmark for the country’s stage productions. Lithuania is aiming high ahead of Eurovision 2026. The Lithuanian national broadcaster LRT has announced that it will bring to the stage in Vienna one of the most technically complex staging elements ever seen in a Lithuanian Eurovision performance. The country’s representative, Lion Ceccah, who will perform the song “Sólo Quiero Más” (in English: “I Only Want More”), is set to present a unique concept that places the stage itself at the center of the performance. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Performance Unlike Anything Seen Before At the heart of the performance will be a costume-like metal sculpture constructed from tensioned steel cables and metallic elements held together by electromagnets. During the song, the electricity will be cut, causing the entire structure to collapse in front of the audience. The move is designed to...

Bandidos do Cante Clerify: “We Don’t Want to Mix Art and Politics”

March 15, 2026March 16, 2026 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Bandidos do Cante, Portugal’s Eurovision representatives, refuse to join calls to boycott Israel: “We don’t want to mix art and politics” The band Bandidos do Cante which won Portugal’s Eurovision national selection, “Festival da Canção 2026”, with the song “Rosa” (in English: “Rose”), and will represent Portugal at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, performing in the first half of the first semi-final on May 12. However, beyond the victory itself, attention across Europe has focused on the band’s clear refused to join calls to boycott the contest due to Israel’s participation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Refused to Sign the Boycott The band’s victory resolved a complicated situation for Portugal’s national broadcaster RTP. In recent months, Israel’s participation in Eurovision sparked significant controversy in Portugal, with most artists competing in the national selection signing a statement calling for a boycott of the contest if Israel took part. However, Bandidos do Cante were among the only three contestants who did not sign...

Tonight at 17:35 CET: Poland Selects It’s Entry for Eurovision

March 7, 2026 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Watch: Tonight at 17:35 CET, the grand final of “Polskich Kwalifikacji 2026” begins, where Poland’s entry for Eurovision 2026 will be selected. Link to watch the live broadcast – Below! Tonight at 17:35 PM CET, “Polskich Kwalifikacji 2026”, will take place, culminating in the selection of Poland’s entry for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The national final will be held this year at the studios of Poland’s national broadcaster TVP in Warsaw and will be hosted by Artur Orzech. Eight contestants will compete in tonight’s final, with the Polish Eurovision entry chosen solely through public voting. The winner of “Polskich Kwalifikacji" will be revealed tomorrow at 10:00 CET during the morning program “Pytaniu na Śniadanie” (“A Question for Breakfast”). The final will begin at 17:35 and continue until 18:25 CET. Watch the grand final of “Polskich Kwalifikacji 2026” here! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who to Watch Tonight? In a poll conducted on the EuroMix website, EuroMix’s readers chose Alicja Szemplinska to represent...

Tonight at 20:00 CET: Finland Selects It’s Entry for Eurovision

February 28, 2026 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Watch: Tonight at 20:00 CET, the grand final of “UMK 2026” begins, where Finland’s song and representative for Eurovision 2026 will be selected. Link to watch the live broadcast - Below! Tonight at 20:00 CET, Finland’s Eurovision national selection, “UMK 2026”, will get underway, culminating in the choice of Finland’s representative and song for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The Finnish national broadcaster YLE has stated that the winner of "UMK 2026" will be permitted to refuse representing Finland at Eurovision. The national final is once again being held at Nokia Arena in Tampere and will be hosted by Sami Sykkö, Jorma Uotinen, and Jasmin Beloued. Seven contestants will compete tonight, with the winner determined through a combined voting system of 25% jury vote and 75% public vote. Among the special surprises prepared by YLE for tonight’s broadcast: Erika Vikman, who represented Finland at Eurovision 2025 with the hit “Ich Komme” (in English: “I Am Coming”); JJ, winner...

Tonight at 19:45 CET: Norway Selects It’s Entry for Eurovision

February 28, 2026 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Watch: Tonight at 19:45 CET, the grand final of “Melodi Grand Prix 2026” begins, where Norway’s song and representative for Eurovision 2026 will be selected. Link to watch the live broadcast - Below! Tonight at 19:45 CET, Norway’s Eurovision national selection, “Melodi Grand Prix 2026”, will take place, culminating in the selection of Norway’s representative and song for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The national final will be held this year at Håkons Hall in Lillehammer and will be hosted by Marte Stokstad, Markus Neby, and Ronny Brede Aase. Nine contestants will compete in tonight’s final, with Norway’s Eurovision representative determined through a combined voting system of 40% jury vote and 60% public vote. The final will begin at 19:45 and continue until 21:45 CET. Watch the grand final of “Melodi Grand Prix 2026” here! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who to Watch Tonight? In a poll conducted on the EuroMix website, EuroMix's readers chose Mileo to represent Norway at Eurovision 2026...

Italy: Eddie Brock Refuses Eurovision 2026 Over Israel’s Participation

February 21, 2026 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Four days before "Festival Di Sanremo" begins, Eddie Brock announces that if he wins, he will refuse to represent Italy at Eurovision 2026 due to Israel’s participation. "Festival Di Sanremo 2026", which serves as the selection process for Italy’s Eurovision entry, has not yet begun but is already stirring controversy. One of the prominent contestants in the competition has declared that should he win the festival, he will refuse to represent Italy at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Singer Eddie Brock, competing with the song “Avvoltoi” (in English: “Vultures”), explained that on a personal level he prefers to first establish his career in Italy before stepping onto the international stage. At the same time, he explicitly addressed the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation, stating that he identifies with artists who have expressed doubts and opposition on the matter. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Debate Over Eurovision Participation Expands Eddie Brock is not the first to...