Noy Yehoyada, Author at EuroMix

Israel’s Eurovision 2026 Fate: EBU Vote and Legal Battle

September 30, 2025 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel’s Eurovision 2026 fate rests on a landmark EBU vote, with legal disputes, alliances, and transparency issues shaping the dramatic outcome. The announcement of moving forward the vote on Israel’s fate in Eurovision 2026 to early November left the fan world tense and alert. Now that the initial picture is clearer, more complex questions arise: How will this vote actually be conducted? Who is sitting at the decision-making table, and what weight does each voice carry? The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) faces one of the greatest crises in its history, and the outcome will be determined in a diplomatic and legal battle where every detail matters. Yet, a close examination of the rules reveals that Israel’s removal will not be simple, and Israel has powerful legal arguments that may tip the scales. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Arena: Beyond Europe, Beyond Contestants Contrary to popular belief, the decision on Israel’s participation in Eurovision is not only...

Austria’s ORF CEO: Full Support for Israel’s Participation in Eurovision

September 27, 2025 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria, the host country of Eurovision 2026, declares strong support for Israel against boycott threats, ahead of November’s decisive vote. The diplomatic battle over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 has taken a dramatic turn with an unprecedented statement from one of the key stakeholders: the host country. In an interview with the local press, Roland Weißmann, CEO of Austrian broadcaster ORF, put an end to speculation and made it unequivocally clear that the national broadcaster fully supports the participation of Israel’s broadcaster "KAN" in the contest, which will be held in Vienna. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Support Arises from Austria’s History" In an interview with Austrian newspaper Krone, when asked directly about growing boycott threats from other countries and broadcasters (such as the BBC), Weißmann did not hesitate. He revealed that his stance has been presented for months in various European Broadcasting Union (EBU) forums, and declared without reservation: “As I have represented in the EBU for months, and...

Where Will Eurovision 2026 Take Place? Which City Will Host Eurovision 2026? Where Will It Be Held?

September 24, 2025 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Which city will host Eurovision 2026? Where eurovision 2026 will be held? Vienna is the city that will host Eurovision 2026 on May 12, 14, and 16. It will be the third time the historic Austrian capital welcomes the contest. Vienna will host Eurovision 2026! The Austrian capital will stage the contest in May, with the first semi-final on May 12, the second on May 14, and the Grand Final on May 16. This will mark the third time the historic city hosts Eurovision, following previous editions in 1967 and 2015. The venue will be the Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor arena, with a capacity of around 16,000 spectators. This arena also hosted the contest in 2015 and will again welcome all shows. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is the country’s largest city with more than two million inhabitants. It is consistently ranked among the cities with the highest quality of life in the world. Founded as an ancient Celtic settlement and later serving as a Roman military camp, Vienna has grown into an important cultural, political, and economic hub in Europe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision Tickets: Details regarding ticket sale dates and prices will be published on...

Hope for a Comeback? North Macedonia to Broadcast Eurovision 2026

September 23, 2025 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); North Macedonia confirmed it will broadcast Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, but participation remains uncertain. Could this be the first step toward a long‑awaited comeback? The Macedonian national broadcaster, MRT, has published its 2026 programming schedule and confirmed it will broadcast Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. This announcement comes amid growing public pressure for a return to the contest, as previously reported. The fact that MRT continues to broadcast Eurovision despite its withdrawal raises speculation over a possible return. The door clearly remains open. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Reasons for Hesitation and Future Plans In its official statements, the Macedonian national broadcaster explains that no final decision has yet been made regarding participation in Eurovision 2026. The reasons include the need for a careful evaluation of financial and production capacities, considerations over the selection method for a representative and stage concept, as well as lessons drawn from previous participations. MRT appears determined to reach a well‑considered decision aligned with the...

Eurovision 1969 Winner Lenny Kuhr Slams Dutch Boycott of Israel

September 14, 2025 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...

Austria Officially Supports Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

September 14, 2025 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...

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

September 7, 2025 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 ||...

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

August 23, 2025 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...

So Where Will We Celebrate Eurovision 2026 in Vienna?

August 20, 2025 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...

Netherlands: Douwe Bob Sues Politician Over Antisemitism Allegations

August 6, 2025 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...