Neta Geffen, Author at EuroMix

Klavdia: “I Wanted the Contest to Remain a Celebration of Music”

December 21, 2025 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In a candid interview, Klavdia reflects on political tensions at the contest, explains her choice to stay neutral, and emphasizes the importance of unity and music above all In an interview with the television program “Tet A Tet”, Klavdia, Greece’s representative at Eurovision 2025, shared her personal experiences from the contest in Basel and admitted that the atmosphere this year was particularly tense. According to her, the political developments and the war in the background directly affected the backstage environment, creating a sensitive situation in which every gesture or interaction risked being interpreted as a political statement. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Between Music and Politics Klavdia confirmed in the interview what many experienced firsthand in Basel. The singer did not hide the fact that the atmosphere was unusually tense. Political developments and the war had a significant impact on the competition, creating discomfort among participants. As she explained, every movement could be misinterpreted, and...

Albania: 23 Acts Qualified to the Grand Final of Festivali i Këngës 64!

December 19, 2025 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The semi‑finals and nostalgia night are behind us: 23 contestants qualified tonight to the grand final of Albania’s “Festivali i Këngës 64”, taking place today (Saturday), where Albania’s entry for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen. "Festivali i Këngës 64" is approaching its conclusion, with the grand final taking place tonight (Saturday). The winner of the grand final will represent Albania at Eurovision 2026, set to be held in May in Vienna, Austria. After two semi-finals, 23 songs have officially qualified for the final stage of the competition. To watch the Nostalgia Night — click on the screen below! Watch the first semi final here Watch the second semi final here (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The finalists were revealed at the end of “Nata e Nostalgjisë” (Nostalgia Night). Unlike previous editions, which featured duets with former festival artists, this year’s evening was dedicated to the renowned songwriters and poets who have shaped the festival throughout its history. The...

Czechia: Eurovision 2026 Representative to Be Revealed in January

December 18, 2025December 19, 2025 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Czech national broadcaster ČT confirms that its internal selection for Eurovision 2026 is nearing completion, with eight artists still in contention ahead of the official reveal in January. The Czech national broadcaster ČT has announced that the artist who will represent Czechia at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna will be revealed in January, following an internal selection process that has now entered its final stage. In a post published on its official Instagram account, the broadcaster also confirmed that eight artists remain in the running. הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Eurovision Czechia‎‏ (@‏‎eurovision_czechia‎‏)‎‏ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); As previously reported in October, ČT officially confirmed that a total of 260 songs were submitted to the Czech internal selection process for Eurovision 2026. The submission window remained open from early September until mid-October, attracting a wide range of entries from artists hoping to represent the country on the Eurovision stage. The submitted songs are currently under review, with...

Israel Leads the Betting Odds for Eurovision 2026 Even Before Any Songs Are Selected

December 12, 2025 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Despite growing calls for a boycott, early betting odds place Israel as the leading contender to win Eurovision 2026 in Vienna - before any song has been chosen. With the release of the first betting odds for Eurovision 2026, scheduled for May in Vienna, excitement surrounding the 70th edition of the contest is already rapidly building. The international betting platform Betfair published its initial odds, placing Israel as the frontrunner for victory. This ranking comes shortly after Israel’s participation was officially confirmed during the EBU General Assembly and amid the country’s consistently strong performance in the televote in recent years. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel on Top – Who Follows? Alongside Israel, ranked first, Sweden holds second place, consistent with its longstanding reputation as one of the most successful countries in Eurovision history. Finland, benefiting from a significant renewal in its national selection process, sits in third. Ukraine, which almost every year enjoys substantial...

Eurovision 2026: The Official Stage Reveal Date Announced!

December 10, 2025 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Preparations for Eurovision 2026 continue as Austria’s national broadcaster ORF confirms that the official stage design for the Vienna contest will be unveiled on December 16th, led once again by designer Florian Wieder. The excitement ahead of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna continues to build, with the next major milestone being the unveiling of the stage design - one of the most anticipated moments in every Eurovision season. Austria’s national broadcaster ORF has announced the reveal date: Tuesday, December 16th. Florian Wieder, one of the most iconic stage designers associated with the Eurovision Song Contest, returns for the tenth time as the competition’s lead designer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Florian Wieder Designs His Tenth Eurovision Stage For Wieder, considered one of the world’s leading stage designers, this marks his tenth Eurovision stage and his third consecutive year in the role, following the designs for Malmö 2024 and Basel 2025. Wieder is known for drawing creative inspiration from the cultural and...

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

December 5, 2025January 12, 2026 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...

Bulgaria: National Final Confirmed for Eurovision 2026

December 2, 2025January 12, 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...

Report: Slovenia Likely to Withdraw from Broadcasting Eurovision 2026

November 24, 2025January 12, 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...

Drama: Major Changes to Eurovision 2026 Voting Rules!

November 21, 2025January 12, 2026 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...

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

November 16, 2025January 12, 2026 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.” ...