Eurovision 1969 Winner Lenny Kuhr Slams Dutch Boycott of Israel

Eurovision 1969 Winner Lenny Kuhr Slams Dutch Boycott of Israel

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 1969 winner Lenny Kuhr criticizes AVROTROS’ boycott of Israel, urging Eurovision to stay apolitical and unite through music, not politics. Eurovision 2026 has not yet begun, but Israel’s participation is already shaping up to be one of the competition’s most contentious issues. Into this storm steps a familiar voice from the past – Lenny Kuhr, the Dutch singer who won Eurovision in 1969, who now directs sharp criticism at her country and European broadcasters. Her words carry added weight, she explains, not only because of her long artistic career but also due to her deep, personal connection to Israel: her daughters live in Ramat Gan, her grandson was injured in the October 7th attack, and she herself spent many years living in Israel after marrying an Israeli. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In an interview with Dutch radio, Kuhr said: “I find it incomprehensible and very sad. Art is a way to connect people, and when you boycott Israel—you deny that possibility and...
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Austria Officially Supports Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

Austria Officially Supports Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria’s ORF and governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner back Israel’s Eurovision 2026 participation, opposing boycott threats and affirming Vienna’s role as host. The board of directors of Austria’s national broadcaster, ORF, voted by majority in favor of Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The decision, taken on Thursday, follows a public statement by ORF CEO Ronald Weissmann, who said he "hopes to see Israel participate in the contest". This endorsement is considered crucial, especially against boycott threats voiced by Slovenia, Ireland, the Netherlands, and other countries. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Political Support from Austria for Israel The decision by ORF is more than a symbolic move—it represents a concrete stance within the contest itself, positioning Austria, the host country, as a firm ally of Israel amid growing boycott calls. Substantial reinforcement came from Lower Austria’s governor, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, who not only joined in support but also openly opposed boycott threats from other states. Her involvement underscores Austria’s...
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Ukraine: Will Olena Usenko Represent the Country at Eurovision 2026?

Ukraine: Will Olena Usenko Represent the Country at Eurovision 2026?

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Olena Usenko eyes Eurovision 2026 as Ukraine prepares Vidbir. The Junior Eurovision 2021 star hopes to compete for the chance to represent her country. Ukraine is already gearing up for Eurovision 2026, and as the national broadcaster opens the song submission window for its national selection, reports are emerging about artists planning to compete for the honor of representing Ukraine on the Eurovision stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Olena Usenko, who represented Ukraine at Junior Eurovision 2021 with the song "Vazhil," officially announced her intention to submit a song for the national selection. Usenko, who finished in sixth place at the Junior Eurovision, confirmed that work on her entry has already started. Usenko has expressed interest in taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2024, when she originally planned to enter Vidbir. However, she ultimately did not appear on the participants’ list. Usenko has not clarified whether she withdrew voluntarily or was simply not selected to compete. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle ||...
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“Want to Join Eurovision”: The Crazy Dream of Europe’s Smallest Micronation

“Want to Join Eurovision”: The Crazy Dream of Europe’s Smallest Micronation

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Could a little-known micronation make history by entering Eurovision? Meet the Free Republic of Verdis. How often do you hear about a microstate founded on uninhabited land — with a flag, government, currency, and nearly 400 registered citizens? Now imagine such a state, situated along the border between two European nations, making headlines not only as a political curiosity but also as a potential participant in the world’s most famous song contest: Eurovision. Could the “Free Republic of Verdis” really be the next country to leap on stage and capture Europe’s heart? Keep reading to discover this unusual story, the ambitious dream, and the challenges that lie ahead.   (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Origins of the Free Republic of Verdis The “Free Republic of Verdis” was declared an independent state in 2019 by Daniel Jackson, a 20-year-old entreprene ur born in Australia to British parents. At the time, he identified an unclaimed piece of land located between Serbia and Croatia, stretching...
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So Where Will We Celebrate Eurovision 2026 in Vienna?

So Where Will We Celebrate Eurovision 2026 in Vienna?

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Vienna, Austria’s capital, will host Eurovision 2026 for the third time. Beyond the main event in Wiener Stadthalle, parties and celebrations will unfold in several historic city locations. With the announcement of Vienna as the host city for Eurovision 2026, more details have been revealed about the venues for concerts, official events, and Eurovision parties. To make it simple, here is a clear and structured overview of all the key information. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Main Venue: Wiener Stadthalle The central event will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor arena, with a capacity of around 16,000 spectators. This iconic venue also hosted Eurovision in 2015 and will once again welcome thousands of visitors during May 12–16. The live shows include the semifinals on May 12 and 14, and the Grand Final on May 16. This will mark the first time since 2018 that a host nation’s capital city also hosts Eurovision. The...
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Netherlands: Douwe Bob Sues Politician Over Antisemitism Allegations

Netherlands: Douwe Bob Sues Politician Over Antisemitism Allegations

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
  (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Douwe Bob sues politician Dilan Yeşilgöz for accusations of antisemitism after canceling a performance for Jewish children at an Amsterdam event. Douwe Bob, who represented the Netherlands in Eurovision 2016, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Dilan Yeşilgöz, leader of the largest party in the Dutch parliament, following her post on X that accused him of antisemitism. As previously reported, Douwe Bob left the Netherlands with his family after receiving life threats due to uproar caused by his cancellation of a performance at an event for Jewish children. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Controversy at Amsterdam’s “Jom Ha Voetbal” Tournament The controversy began when Douwe Bob canceled his appearance at the annual “Jom Ha Voetbal” football tournament in Amsterdam, an event for the Jewish community’s children. According to the artist, he withdrew due to the "promotion of Zionist propaganda" at the event, which he claimed was contrary to agreements with the organizers. After the cancellation became public, Yeşilgöz posted a strong...
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Kristian Kostov Criticizes Eurovision Jury Voting for Country Bias

Kristian Kostov Criticizes Eurovision Jury Voting for Country Bias

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Kristian Kostov exposes provocative claims about voting manipulation, country alliances, and dilemmas stirring Eurovision ahead of 2026 – is the contest truly fair? Kristian Kostov, who represented Bulgaria at Eurovision 2017 with the song "Beautiful Mess" and achieved an impressive second place, recently reignited discussions about the fairness and reliability of Eurovision voting. In a TikTok video that was published recently, Kostov claimed that "Eurovision results are not always reliable,” hinting at the influence of behind-the-scenes connections—especially among the juries. According to him, the path to victory is not always based solely on the music, and he suggested completely abolishing the jury voting system. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Behind-the-scenes allegations: Is it really all about ‘connections’? Kostov was candid in his latest TikTok video when asked if he had bought votes: "You’re implying I bought it, and I’m broke! I wish I could buy it but I can’t..." He continued by stating that "Eurovision results are neither fully reliable nor completely unreliable," alluding that "everything...
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The End of an Era? What Will Become of Sanremo Festival?

The End of an Era? What Will Become of Sanremo Festival?

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Sanremo Festival, from which Italy’s Eurovision representatives are chosen, may leave its historic city in 2026 due to a dispute between the national broadcaster and the city administration. Is the Sanremo Festival, Italy’s most iconic music competition and the foundation for selecting Italy’s representative to Eurovision, about to relocate to another city? The conflict between the national broadcaster RAI and the Sanremo city council has escalated to a boiling point — and it is possible that in 2026, the festival will no longer take place at the legendary Ariston Theatre. About a month ago, we reported that the festival’s relocation could happen starting in 2027, but recent reports indicate this might occur even before the upcoming Eurovision. If no solution is found by August 1st, RAI will move the festival to alternative cities under consideration, including Milan, Turin, and Naples. This represents a significant upheaval in the Italian cultural scene — and a strategic change that may...
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Duncan Laurence Breaks Record: “Arcade” Is Eurovision’s Most-Streamed Song

Duncan Laurence Breaks Record: “Arcade” Is Eurovision’s Most-Streamed Song

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); With over 1.4 billion Spotify streams, "Arcade" leads Eurovision’s all-time charts - discover the the top songs dominating global Spotify and YouTube play counts. The song "Arcade" by Dutch artist Duncan Laurence, the Eurovision 2019 winner, has become the most-streamed song in Eurovision Song Contest history, exceeding 1.4 billion Spotify streams. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From TV Event to Streaming Powerhouse: The Evolution of Eurovision Recent data confirm Eurovision’s transformation from a contest evaluated by juries and public voting into an international sensation measured by streams, views, Instagram Reels, and TikTok content. For nearly a decade, releasing a Eurovision song has been a full-scale digital marketing endeavor - Spotify plays, Instagram trends, and YouTube views now play a role as significant as the live performance itself. Duncan Laurence has set an almost unreachable standard for future contestants. Close behind is "Snap" by Armenian artist Rosa Linn, which has accumulated more than 1.2 billion Spotify streams - even though it finished only 20th in...
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An Unforgettable Moment: Louane Surprises Fan at Her Wedding

An Unforgettable Moment: Louane Surprises Fan at Her Wedding

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Why did Louane, France’s Eurovision 2025 representative, surprised guests at a fan’s wedding with a live performance of her ballad “maman”. And how the emotional moment became unforgettable? Last week, Louane, France's representative for Eurovision, stunned guests at a longtime fan’s wedding by taking the stage and performing a live rendition of her heartfelt ballad “maman” — a deeply personal song written about her late mother, and the same track she performed on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel. Shared widely on social media, the emotional moment quickly went viral, once again proving that Louane remains grounded in her roots and connected to the fans who shaped her rise. After delivering one of France’s most emotional and talked-about performances in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Louane continued to leave an impression beyond the competition. Surprising Pauline — a fan she had met a year earlier — at her wedding, Louane performed an intimate set in front of the couple’s...
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