Austrian Chancellor Threatens: Vienna Will Not Host Eurovision 2026 if Israel Is Excluded

Austrian Chancellor Threatens: Vienna Will Not Host Eurovision 2026 if Israel Is Excluded

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Chancellor issues a bold warning: Vienna will withdraw from hosting Eurovision 2026 if Israel is banned, sparking major diplomatic waves and raising Israel’s prospects for participation. A major diplomatic bombshell shakes the Eurovision stage: amid the ongoing debate surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, a firm statement of support has arrived from one of the most crucial places — the host country itself. Austria’s Chancellor has declared unequivocally that without Israel in the competition, Vienna will not host the event. What could this mean for Eurovision’s future and for Israel’s participation? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and State Secretary Alexander Proll made an official announcement stating that if a boycott against Israel is enforced, they will pressure the national broadcaster and the City of Vienna to withdraw their hosting of Eurovision 2026. In a statement from their party, OVP, they emphasized: “It makes no sense that we, of all people, would prevent a Jewish artist from coming to...
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Two Remain in The Race To Represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2026!

Two Remain in The Race To Represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2026!

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
  (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); CyBC revealed eight finalists for Eurovision 2026, mixing veteran contenders and newcomers. Now it was revealed that two artists remain in the race to represent the country! CyBC has announced the eight final candidates to represent the country at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Now it was revealed that two artists only remain in the race to represent the country in Eurovision 2026. Cyprus has already confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 and stated that the representative will be chosen by a professional committee. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Contestants: Familiar Names and Fresh Faces Josephine The first on the list is a highly popular singer. Rumors of her attempts to represent either Greece or Cyprus at Eurovision have circulated for years. Evangelia Another artist often mentioned among Eurovision fans as a likely contender. Once again, her name appears this year, maintaining her consistent presence. Nina Mazani This year’s surprise inclusion. Though she emerged in recent years, she already has a unique career...
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Will the Next “Espresso Macchiato” Come from Poland?

Will the Next “Espresso Macchiato” Come from Poland?

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A new contender aims to represent Poland at Eurovision 2026 with a song breaking all the rules. After Kaarija, Joost Klein, and Tommy Cash, is Poland ready to amaze Europe again? Is a love song for Poland coming after Espresso Macchiato? A new track emerging from Poland, reminiscent of the humorous and playful style of past candidates like Kaarija, Joost Klein, and Tommy Cash, is attracting significant attention and is shaping up to be one of the contenders for representing the country at Eurovision 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Polish singer Przemek Kucyk recently released his new song, “Polska Gurom” (in English: Poland on Top), a funny, almost troll-like song based on Western stereotypes about Poland. The track, blending broken Polish and English with an accent, has enjoyed great success in Poland and worldwide. Przemek is likely planning to submit it for Eurovision 2026. In the music video, Przemek flips through a book showing caricatures of Poland’s Eurovision representatives — including Alicja Szemplinska (who was to represent Poland...
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Sweden: Who Are the Four Artists Competing in Melodifestivalen 2026?

Sweden: Who Are the Four Artists Competing in Melodifestivalen 2026?

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Swedish media reports four artists are likely to enter the Swedish Eurovision selection, Melodifestivalen 2026, and Eurovision fans know them all! Who are the artists expected to compete this year? As anticipation for Melodifestivalen 2026 rises, rumors and media reports about the stars set to take the stage are fueling excitement in Sweden’s music scene. The question on everyone’s mind: who will step onto the big stage this year to deliver another smash hit? After reports that the duo Medina is likely returning next year, media outlets are now surfacing four more artist names. Who are they? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The first name very familiar to Eurovision fans is Meira Omar, who participated last year with the hit single “Hush Hush,” which advanced to the final through the second chance round and finished in tenth place. The second name recognized by Eurovision followers is Saga Ludvigsson, age 19, who last year performed the song “Hate You So Much,” which reached the final as a...
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German Chancellor Draws a Red Line: If Israel Is Expelled from Eurovision, Germany Must Withdraw

German Chancellor Draws a Red Line: If Israel Is Expelled from Eurovision, Germany Must Withdraw

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Scandal": German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vows that Germany will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is expelled, stirring diplomatic waves and reshaping the balance of power in the European contest. What would happen to the Eurovision Song Contest if one of Europe’s strongest countries decided to withdraw? German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly backed Germany’s withdrawal from the competition if Israel is expelled. What does this suggest about the leverage of countries like Germany compared to others — such as Spain and the Netherlands — which recently declared they would boycott the contest if Israel does participate? The Chancellor’s new statement shifts the balance of power, but does it carry practical weight within the competition’s framework? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany’s Position and Merz’s Statement In a clear and assertive interview with German media, the Chancellor stated: “If Israel is expelled, I will support our non-participation.” This is one of the most striking political statements made by a senior European leader in...
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Montenegro: Representative and Song for Eurovision 2026 to Be Chosen on December 21st

Montenegro: Representative and Song for Eurovision 2026 to Be Chosen on December 21st

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Montenegro’s national broadcaster RTCG announces that the national selection event “Montesong”—where the country’s Eurovision 2026 entry for Vienna will be chosen—will take place on December 21st. The Montenegrin national broadcaster RTCG has revealed that the country’s representative and song for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen on December 21st, during the national selection “Montesong.” Unless surprises occur, Montenegro is expected to be the first country to unveil its Eurovision 2026 song, even before Albania—which usually chooses its entry in the final ten days of December. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Vladana Vučinić, Montenegro’s Eurovision 2022 representative and lead producer of “Montesong,” stated: “It’s true that ‘Montesong’ has become almost synonymous with Montenegro's national pre-selection, but we see this festival as a platform to promote Montenegrin music and artists. All national broadcasters in our region invest even more money in similar festivals and selections, which also drive local music scenes forward. It’s a responsibility for Montenegro’s national broadcaster too.” This year, "Montesong" is set...
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Spain Will Withdraw From Eurovision 2026 if Israel Participates

Spain Will Withdraw From Eurovision 2026 if Israel Participates

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain confirms withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. Why does Spain matter more than others? Should Israel be scared? The Spanish national broadcaster RTVE has confirmed that Spain will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, if Israel participates in it. Spain is the fourth country to deliver such statement after Slovenia, Ireland and the Netherlands. The Spanish statement is an important one, that can be a game-changer against Israel. Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun was the first one to suggest that the broadcaster should withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is not disqualified. Urtasun joins his party colleagues in sharp criticism of Israel, including Yolanda Diaz, Minister of Labor and Deputy Prime Minister under Pedro Sanchez, who also declared opposition to Israel’s participation, and Sira Rego, Minister for Children and Youth, who has taken a clear anti-Israel stance on behalf of the Spanish government. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The broadcaster has already submitted its preliminary application for...
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Because of Israel? The Netherlands Withholds Song Submission Numbers for Eurovision 2026!

Because of Israel? The Netherlands Withholds Song Submission Numbers for Eurovision 2026!

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Netherlands confirmed its Eurovision 2026 participation and began internal selection, but refuses to disclose how many songs were submitted—citing ongoing negotiations with the EBU, apparently regarding Israel’s participation. Claude brought the Netherlands notable success at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, with an uneventful and smooth participation. The Netherlands was enthusiastic about the upcoming 2026 contest and quickly launched its internal selection process. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Dutch national broadcaster, AVROTROS, opened its internal submission window as early as May 19, 2025—just two days after the 2025 Grand Final. The nation was the first to confirm Eurovision 2026 participation back in November 2024 and was once again optimistic following the end of the 2025 season. Despite tradition, the Netherlands now refuses to reveal the number of songs submitted to its selection process, citing ongoing discussions with the European Broadcasting Union about the "future of the contest," widely believed to revolve around Israel's participation. According to AVROTROS, “Immediately after the Grand Final,...
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Because of Israel? Eurovision Will Allow Withdrawal Without Sanctions – Until December!

Because of Israel? Eurovision Will Allow Withdrawal Without Sanctions – Until December!

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A major shift? The EBU now lets countries withdraw without financial penalty until December—potentially due to Israeli participation, with a decision expected at that time. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which stirred controversy last week by releasing a video about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, appears to be changing its approach. In a rare move, the EBU has extended the deadline for penalty-free withdrawal from Eurovision from October to December, coinciding with when the decision about Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 will be made. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to a Ynet report, the EBU’s new timeline lets broadcasters withdraw from the contest without financial penalty until December—a move likely intended to accommodate those wanting to reconsider if Israel is approved to compete. This flexibility seems designed to ease concerns for countries opposed to Israel’s participation. So far, only Slovenia and Iceland have threatened to withdraw if Israel participates. Notably, Iceland recently confirmed its...
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Will the First Ever Eurovision Asia Take Place Soon???

Will the First Ever Eurovision Asia Take Place Soon???

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Were preparations for the first-ever Eurovision Asia already underway without anyone noticing? Reports from several national broadcasters suggest the event is actively taking shape! Asia is making history! Eurovision Asia was first announced in 2017 by the European Broadcasting Union, modeled as a song contest for Asian nations, similar to Eurovision. The concept attracted attention at first but was shelved in 2021, with plans for the contest dropped—until very recently, when new momentum appeared. How did things change? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); For years, the outlook for Eurovision Asia seemed bleak—the project was suspended for several seasons. However, this changed in June, when the national broadcaster of the mountain kingdom Bhutan issued an open call for artists to submit original songs to a national selection for Eurovision Asia. The call stated that Bhutan’s national broadcaster was inviting local artists to submit original songs for a pre-selection contest, with the winner to compete in Bangkok. Two months later, the selection...
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