Eurovision 2026: Four Countries Withdraw – Why Sweden Goes Against the Flow?

Eurovision 2026: Four Countries Withdraw – Why Sweden Goes Against the Flow?

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Following the EBU’s approval of Israel’s participation, four countries withdrew from Eurovision 2026. Yet Sweden’s national broadcaster SVT urges calm and chooses a different path. What led Sweden to stand apart? At the General Assembly of the EBU, held yesterday in Geneva, Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 - set to take place this May in Vienna - was officially approved, alongside rule adjustments enabling this decision. Following the announcement, the national broadcasters of Spain, The Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia declared their withdrawal from the contest. In contrast, Sweden’s national broadcaster SVT announced that it does not intend to withdraw from the upcoming competition. SVT’s Head of Programming, Michael Österlund, stated: “In order for us to participate, we have said that there should be a sufficiently broad European consensus around the competition. We have also said that it should be as apolitical and as independent as possible. Furthermore, it must take place in a safe environment”. Representatives of the national broadcaster...
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Bulgaria: National Final Confirmed for Eurovision 2026

Bulgaria: National Final Confirmed for Eurovision 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Bulgarian national broadcaster BNT has officially announced its return to Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, organizing a new national final with 15 top Bulgarian artists competing live in early 2026. After a three-year absence, Bulgaria has officially confirmed its comeback to the Eurovision Song Contest. Following months of speculation, the country’s national broadcaster BNT announced the launch of a large-scale national Final, aiming to choose both the artist and the song that will represent Bulgaria at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Star-Studded Selection with Leading Artists According to the official announcement, BNT has invited 15 Bulgarian artists who rank among the country’s most prominent performers of the past year, both on radio and television as well as across digital platforms. The selection process was based on airplay data, strong positions in the “BG Top 40” chart compiled by PROFON, streaming performance on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, and key social-media engagement indicators reflecting a...
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Report: Slovenia Likely to Withdraw from Broadcasting Eurovision 2026

Report: Slovenia Likely to Withdraw from Broadcasting Eurovision 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amid boycott threats over Israel’s participation, Slovenia’s draft annual programming plan suggests its national broadcaster RTVSLO will not broadcast or compete in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. Is Slovenia leaving for good? Although no official announcement has been made, signs indicate that Slovenia will neither broadcast nor participate in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. A draft of the annual Production and Programming Plan (PPN) shows that Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV SLO does not intend to air the Contest. If approved by the broadcaster’s council on November 26th, Slovenia’s withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 will become final. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What’s Behind the Decision? The draft outlines two main reasons for opting out of participation and coverage: First, RTVSLO declares 2026 as a "Year of Sports", explaining that large-scale events such as the Winter Olympics in Italy and the FIFA World Cup require significant resource allocation. Consequently, the network plans to reduce entertainment programming, making Eurovision participation financially and logistically unfeasible. In addition to budgetary...
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Drama: Major Changes to Eurovision 2026 Voting Rules!

Drama: Major Changes to Eurovision 2026 Voting Rules!

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ahead of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, the EBU announces a comprehensive voting reform - limiting political campaigns, reinstating juries in Semi-Finals, reducing vote caps, and strengthening anti-fraud security systems. The EBU has unveiled a series of significant updates to the Eurovision Song Contest’s voting framework, designed to enhance public trust, increase transparency, and ensure fair competition - ahead of the Contest’s 70th anniversary, set for May 2026 in Vienna, Austria. "We’ve listened and we’ve acted" said Martin Green, Director of the Contest: "The neutrality and integrity of the Eurovision Song Contest is of paramount importance to the EBU, its Members, and all our audiences. It is essential that the fairness of the Contest is always protected. We are taking clear and decisive steps to ensure the contest remains a celebration of music and unity. The Contest should remain a neutral space and must not be instrumentalized". The announcement follows extensive consultation with member broadcasters and an independent review conducted after...
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Eurovision Winner “La det Swinge” Hits the Big Screen in 2027!

Eurovision Winner “La det Swinge” Hits the Big Screen in 2027!

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Norwegian Film Institute has announced funding for a new feature film telling the story of Bobbysocks’ historic Eurovision 1985 victory. “La det Swinge” will premiere in late 2027. From the Eurovision stage to cinema screens: The Norwegian Film Institute (NFI) has confirmed a grant of 8.8 million NOK (approximately 750,000€) to produce a feature film revisiting Norway’s first-ever Eurovision win in 1985 in Gothenburg, Sweden - four decades ago. The film, titled “La det Swinge” (in English: “Let It Swing”), after the winning song by Bobbysocks, will be directed by Per-Olav Sørensen, produced by Tanya Badendyck and Rebecca Mathisen, and written by Mads Loken. It is scheduled for release in the second half of 2027. In its announcement, the institute wrote: “This is a true and moving story of how one Eurovision victory transformed an entire nation—from doubt and defeat to a moment of pride and unity. A colorful, musical celebration filled with humor, hope, and genuine chills.” ...
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Moldova: Submission Window for Eurovision 2026 National Final Now Open!

Moldova: Submission Window for Eurovision 2026 National Final Now Open!

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Moldova’s national broadcaster TRM has opened submissions for Selecția Națională 2026, the national final to select Moldova’s entry for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. Full participation rules have been released After a one-year absence, Moldova’s national broadcaster TRM is bringing back its national selection Selecția Națională in a fresh, modern format to choose the song that will represent the country at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. As of yesterday (November 7th), the submission window officially opened and will remain open for one month, until December 7th. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From Submissions to the Grand Final: The Selection Process The Moldovan selection process will consist of three stages: Song Evaluation – A TRM committee will review all submitted entries. Live Auditions – Artists will perform in front of a professional jury. National Final – Scheduled for January 17th, 2026, at Arena Chișinău. Finalists will be chosen based on song quality, stage presence, and international potential.The winner will be determined by a combined...
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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. ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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