Kristian Kostov Criticizes Eurovision Jury Voting for Country Bias

Kristian Kostov Criticizes Eurovision Jury Voting for Country Bias

(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?

(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

(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

(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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Why Liechtenstein Will Not Participate in Eurovision 2026: Statement from Prime Minister Brigitte Haas

Why Liechtenstein Will Not Participate in Eurovision 2026: Statement from Prime Minister Brigitte Haas

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Liechtenstein’s Prime Minister, Brigitte Haas, reveals the reasons behind the principality’s ongoing absence from Eurovision 2026, raising questions about the contest’s accessibility for smaller nations. Liechtenstein's Prime Minister, Brigitte Haas, has officially announced that the small principality will not join the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, scheduled to take place next May in Austria. Her detailed statement follows Liechtenstein’s historical absence from the competition and rekindles Europe-wide discussions about the nation's ambitions and capabilities in the cultural and musical arenas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "We Lack the Necessary Means" Haas stated in her press release: "Liechtenstein will not participate in Eurovision 2026. As a proud nation, we very much wanted to see our flag on the Eurovision stage, but at this point, we have to admit that we lack the essential means: an adequate budget, production infrastructure, and an independent national broadcaster – all of which are critical to ensuring successful and fair participation." She also addressed the...
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Unwelcome: Three Former Russian Eurovision Representatives Added to Ukraine’s Blacklist

Unwelcome: Three Former Russian Eurovision Representatives Added to Ukraine’s Blacklist

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Three members of the group Buranovskiye Babushki that represented the country at Eurovision, were blacklisted by Ukraine due to performances in Crimea and Donbas, reflecting ongoing cultural and political tensions. Three members of the Russian folk group Buranovskiye Babushki, who represented Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 and finished in an impressive second place with the song "Party For Everybody," have been added to Ukraine's blacklist of artists banned from performing in the country. Although recently reported by several news outlets, the decision was originally made in 2020. It is part of Ukraine's broader policy to block Russian artists who are perceived as supporting the Russian state's actions against Ukraine or who have performed in contested territories, as a means of upholding cultural and political security. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Another former Eurovision representative now on the list is Julia Samoylova, who represented Russia at Eurovision in 2018. Samoylova had originally been selected to represent Russia in 2017, but...
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Attempted Neo-Nazi Attack on Eurovision 2020 Revealed in Luxembourg Trial

Attempted Neo-Nazi Attack on Eurovision 2020 Revealed in Luxembourg Trial

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A previously undisclosed neo-Nazi plot targeting Eurovision 2020 has come to light: a chilling document, toxic gas, and plans to infiltrate the event. Will future contests face heightened security? During a trial held this week in Luxembourg, disturbing details surfaced regarding a planned neo-Nazi attack on Eurovision 2020 in the Netherlands—the song contest ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The plot included dispersing chlorine gas among the audience, blocking emergency exits in the arena, and infiltrating security teams. Beyond the gravity of these plans, the revelations raise troubling questions about security standards at international events, especially Eurovision, which is considered a symbolic target for extremist groups. The plans were outlined in a Google Docs file authored by a 23-year-old suspect from Sweden and his associate from the Netherlands. Their intent was to kill as many participants as possible to “ignite an ideological revolution.” The case, discussed this week in a Luxembourg courtroom, also involves links to international far-right...
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Luxembourg Sets Its Sights High: Eurovision 2026 Songwriting Camp Kicks Off

Luxembourg Sets Its Sights High: Eurovision 2026 Songwriting Camp Kicks Off

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Forty-five European songwriters gathered at a unique songwriting camp in Luxembourg, aiming to create the country’s next Eurovision 2026 entry. Will one of these new songs represent Luxembourg in Austria? While Eurovision 2025 has barely cooled down, Luxembourg is already polishing potential entries for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Austria. Forty-five creators and artists from across Europe are participating in an intensive songwriting camp currently taking place at Rockhal in Luxembourg, where songs are being born that could find their way to Europe’s grandest stage. Luxembourg, which recently confirmed its participation in the 2026 Eurovision edition, is solidifying its status as a serious player on the Eurovision scene. The country returned to the contest after an absence of more than 30 years with the song "Fighter" by Tali Golergant in 2024, and participated again in 2025 with "La poupée monte le son" by Laura Thorn. The current camp highlights Luxembourg’s investment in early preparation, international collaborations, and a continuous search...
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Serbia: Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

Serbia: Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Serbian national broadcaster confirms Serbia's participation in Eurovision 2026 in Austria, expected to select its representative through the national selection 'Pesma za Evroviziju '26'. The Serbian national broadcaster, RTS, has confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 to be held in Austria. According to previous statements by the head of the Serbian delegation, Uroš Marković, Serbia is expected to continue selecting its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 through the national selection "Pesma za Evroviziju," which has accompanied Serbia since 2022. Registration for the selection is expected to open annually in July. Serbia is the 11th country to express interest in participating in Eurovision 2026, following Denmark, Greece, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Comments from RTS Eurovision Media Head During an interview on the morning program of the RTS national broadcaster on May 26, Duška Vučinić-Lučić, responsible for Eurovision media at the...
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Austria With JJ Is the Big Winner of Eurovision 2025! Israel and Yuval Raphael Take Second Place

Austria With JJ Is the Big Winner of Eurovision 2025! Israel and Yuval Raphael Take Second Place

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2025 concludes with Austrian singer JJ winning first place and securing Austria's third victory after 11 years. Yuval Raphael delivered an impressive performance, placing second overall. Here are the full results… We have a winner at Eurovision 2025: the Austrian singer, JJ, claimed first place in the Eurovision Grand Final held this evening, bringing Austria its third victory, 11 years after their last win at Eurovision 2014. "Wasted Love" took first place in the competition with a total of 436 points- 178 points from the public televote and 258 points from jury panels across Europe. Israel and its representative, Yuval Raphael, finished the evening in a remarkable second place with a total of 357 points- 297 points from the public, which placed Israel first in the televote, and 60 points from the juries, ranking Israel 15th among the jury votes. Eurovision 2025 – Full Results Austria – 436 points Israel – 357 points Estonia – 356 points Sweden – 321 points Italy –...
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