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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New Hope: Is Hungary Returning to Eurovision Soon?

New Hope: Is Hungary Returning to Eurovision Soon?

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Hungary, which withdrew from Eurovision after the 2019 Tel Aviv contest, signals renewed interest. Will we see Hungary back in the competition in the coming years? Hungary withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019 after the edition held in Tel Aviv, and has since opposed a return each year. Lately, there has been a shift in Hungary’s approach. Although a comeback is not expected for Eurovision 2026, the country’s return as early as next year is a distinct possibility. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Hungarian national broadcaster MTVA is seen by many as heavily influenced by the Hungarian government, which in recent years has been led by the far-right Fidesz party under Viktor Orban. Orban’s party is characterized by anti-LGBT policy, which many believe motivated Hungary’s exit from Eurovision—a contest that actively promotes the LGBT community. In April 2026 elections will be held in Hungary, and for the first time, Orban’s party is trailing the moderate right-wing Tisza party—46%...
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Eurovision 2026: New Schedule Released – When Is Everything Happening?

Eurovision 2026: New Schedule Released – When Is Everything Happening?

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A week after deleting its previous schedule post, the Austrian national broadcaster now publishes a new timeline for Eurovision 2026. When will everything happen? Last week, the Austrian national broadcaster ORF sparked controversy after removing a newly posted schedule for Eurovision 2026. One major theory for its removal related to Israel’s continued participation in the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The original post stated that the list of participating countries would be published this September. Meanwhile, Israel is still fighting off calls for its exclusion, with Iceland and Slovenia threatening to withdraw if Israel remains. According to several fans, the uncertainty over Israel’s involvement could prevent the EBU from committing to a closing date for the confirmed participant list. This theory suggests the original post was deleted for that reason. Earlier this week, the Austrian national broadcaster held a press conference revealing further details. Hitradio Ö3’s Instagram, linked to the national broadcaster, subsequently released a new post about the schedule—this...
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Israeli Brand Moroccan Oil to Sponsor Eurovision Again in 2026

Israeli Brand Moroccan Oil to Sponsor Eurovision Again in 2026

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israeli cosmetics brand "Moroccan Oil" will remain the official sponsor of Eurovision for 2026. The haircare brand Moroccan Oil has been named the official sponsor of Eurovision 2026, as revealed by the European Broadcasting Union’s new graphic designs, featuring the company alongside the updated event logo. This marks the sixth consecutive year of Moroccan Oil’s sponsorship, excluding the 2020 contest that was cancelled. What does this renewed partnership mean for the Israeli company, and could it impact Israel’s participation in the contest? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Criticism and Controversy: The Debate Around Sponsorship The Israeli company Moroccan Oil has officially sponsored Eurovision since 2021. While this partnership appears strictly professional, the brand has come under fire, with several national broadcasters—such as Slovenia’s—expressing concern that the collaboration influences public voting in favor of Israel and may affect contest outcomes. Many critics voiced their objections to the announcement—which has yet to be officially confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union. Some claim it’s inappropriate...
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Enormous Tour: What Awaits the Eurovision 2026 Finalists?

Enormous Tour: What Awaits the Eurovision 2026 Finalists?

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); For Eurovision’s 70th anniversary celebrations, Lithuania’s head of delegation announces the first-ever tour for Eurovision finalists. Who will perform, when, and where? With the excitement building for the 70th anniversary of the contest, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has decided on significant changes to the format—making this edition especially festive. According to Lithuania’s head of delegation, who also reported on the logo change revealed earlier today, ten participants from Eurovision 2026, presumably the grand final top ten, will take part in a tour spanning Europe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision’s First-Ever Finalists’ Tour Lithuanian head of delegation Audrius Giržadas, revealed in an interview on the national TV program “Labas rytas, Lietuva” that for the contest’s 70th anniversary, Eurovision will feature its first-ever finalists’ tour. According to Giržadas’ initial report, the tour will include ten artists from the Eurovision 2026 grand final, most likely the top ten finishers. These artists will perform in ten European capital cities, in major arenas and stadiums, with productions...
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Innsbruck Optimistic About Its Chances to Host Eurovision 2026!

Innsbruck Optimistic About Its Chances to Host Eurovision 2026!

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Not Vienna this time? Innsbruck, located in the Tyrolean Alps, expresses optimism about hosting Eurovision Song Contest in 2026! The city council of Innsbruck, whose voice is heard less in the media compared to its rival Vienna, is displaying significant optimism regarding the city’s chances of hosting Eurovision 2026! The Austrian national broadcaster (ORF) is expected to reveal the host city on August 20th between 7:30 and 8:30 AM. Which city will win the honor to host the contest? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Innsbruck Story Isn't Over? It seemed in recent days that the Austrian capital, Vienna, had a strong momentum towards hosting Eurovision 2026. Now, Johannes Anzengruber, Innsbruck’s mayor, told German media that this is not the case: "Our chances are good. Our ambition, concept, and commitment have been very well received." The Innsbruck mayor highlights the advantages of Austria’s fifth-largest city compared to Vienna: "Our strength is that all the city’s events are within a 15-minute walking distance of one...
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