Tal Dahan, Author at EuroMix

“HaKokhav HaBa”: How Is the Production Preparing for a Possible Eurovision Disqualification?

October 12, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Reports reveal that the production of "HaKokhav HaBa," the Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2026, is preparing for every possible scenario - including a possible elimination from the contest. What is the winner's alternative prize? Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision remains unclear due to countries threatening to withdraw if Israel takes part. Despite this, the popular show "HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision," which is due to select Israel’s representative for the 2026 contest in Vienna, Austria, has already started filming. Recent reports highlight how the show’s producers are preparing for a possible elimination scenario. The season is set to premiere mid-November. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Alternative Prize Planned Should Israel be excluded from Eurovision 2026, the show’s production will award the winner a cash prize of 1 million shekels (about 264,000 Euro), as reported by "Walla Tarbut". This prize was given in past seasons not linked to Eurovision—to Tamir Grinberg and Eliav Zohar. It’s worth...

Sweden: Two More Artists Rumored for Melodifestivalen 2026

October 11, 2025October 11, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Swedish media reports reveal two additional artists likely to join Melodifestivalen 2026, including a former Eurovision representative. Which artists are expected this year? Melodifestivalen 2026, Sweden’s national Eurovision selection, has already sparked European media attention as Swedish outlets report on likely performers. Who will take the Melodifestivalen stage and deliver this year’s hits? After previous years’ big names like the duo Medina, Fröken Snusk, and Smash Into Pieces - who are set to return - the media is now naming two more possible participants. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision Veteran Set for Melodifestivalen Return Robin Bengtsson, 35, has previously competed in Melodifestivalen four times and even won the contest in 2017 with “I Can’t Go On,” taking fifth place for Sweden at Eurovision. He also entered the competition in 2016, 2020, and 2022. According to Expressen, Bengtsson is aiming for a fifth appearance - this time with a country song! Rising Star from Melodifestivalen 2025 Arwin Ismail, 17, a young and...

Reports in Sweden: These Are the Artists Expected to Compete in Melodifestivalen 2026!

October 1, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); As every year, Swedish media report on artists set to compete in Melodifestivalen, the Swedish national Eurovision selection, with a high rate of accuracy. Who is expected in 2026? Melodifestivalen, Sweden’s national broadcaster’s Eurovision selection, is the biggest and most popular pre-selection, viewed by countless Eurovision fans. The official contestant list for Melodifestivalen 2026 has not yet been published, but rumors and reports about the participants are already circulating. The newspaper "Expressen" reports on the first three artists likely to take part in the competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Normally, Sweden’s "Aftonbladet" publishes a list of artists expected to compete in the national selection. While not an official report from the national broadcaster SVT, the outlet is well known for its highly accurate predictions, often confirmed by the final list. For example, ahead of Melodifestivalen 2024, "Aftonbladet" predicted 29 names and missed only one. This time, "Expressen" is first to report—will it get the details right as well?...

Reports In Sweden: Gina Dirawi and Hampus Nessvold to Host Melodifestivalen 2026

September 24, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Reports in Sweden reveal that Gina Dirawi and Hampus Nessvold will co-host Melodifestivalen 2026. Gina Dirawi and Hampus Nessvold are expected to host Sweden’s Melodifestivalen—the national selection for Eurovision—for the fourth time for Dirawi and first time for Nessvold. Dirawi, 34, previously hosted in 2012, 2013, and 2016 alongside the 29-year-old comedian and actor Nessvold. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SVT Aims For Another Successful Melodifestivalen Edition According to respected Swedish news site Aftonbladet, Dirawi and Nessvold will jointly present the upcoming Melodifestivalen. The duo is described as a wise choice aiming to replicate last year’s success. Nessvold began his career in 2016 on Swedish radio and quickly expanded into literature, music, television, and stage. Rumors about the hosts have been circulating since August. One Aftonbladet source said, “The names came up in spring, and everything was likely finalized in summer.” Another added about Nessvold, “He is also a talented singer, so he can definitely perform entertainment bits and sketches—the hallmark of Melodifestivalen. Gina also enjoys...

Azerbaijan Responds: Will It Withdraw From Eurovision 2026 if Israel Is Excluded?

September 23, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Azerbaijan, known for its support of Israel at Eurovision, officially responds to rumors about a withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 should Israel be excluded from the contest. Azerbaijan has already confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. In recent months, Turkish media and social networks circulated rumors that Azerbaijan may withdraw from the upcoming contest if Israel is excluded. The Azerbaijani delegation’s Head of Media, Turab Teymurov, has put these rumors to rest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Azerbaijan Stays Apolitical In a conversation with the Azerbaijani news site APA, Teymurov clarified that the claims are unfounded and that the delegation’s approach is strictly apolitical regarding Eurovision: “Whether it is Israel or any other country, we do not involve ourselves in politics.” As a reminder, four countries have already announced they will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates—The Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Spain. Conversely, no nation has declared a boycott if Israel is excluded, but several countries—Austria, Italy, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Switzerland, and Azerbaijan itself—support...

France: President Macron Opposes Boycott of Israel in Eurovision

September 19, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); French President Emmanuel Macron rejected boycott calls against Israel in Eurovision 2026. Following France’s confirmation, what is the country’s likely vote in the upcoming EBU decision? France’s national broadcaster France Télévisions confirmed this week that the country will take part in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria. Yesterday, French President Emmanuel Macron also issued an encouraging statement, making clear he does not support calls to boycott Israel’s participation. But what does this mean for France’s stance in the vote on Israel’s Eurovision participation? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "I Never Advocate For a Boycott" In an interview with the Israeli journalist Yonit Levi on Channel 12 News, Macron was asked: "We are seeing this sort of worrying trend of boycotts against Israel, Eurovision as an example. Do you support those kinds of sentiments? For example, kicking Israel out of this Song Contest or from sporting events?" Macron replied: "No, I have never took this approach... I always try to be extremely sharp and to...

Crisis Resolved: Albania Will Participate in Eurovision 2026!

September 18, 2025September 18, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Albania’s Eurovision 2026 participation in Vienna is confirmed after resolving debts with the EBU. How was the crisis solved? The Albanian national broadcaster RTSH is in the midst of preparations for the 64th edition of the national Eurovision selection, "Festivali i Këngës". However, its place in Eurovision 2026 was recently in jeopardy, as reports indicated the broadcaster was facing major unpaid debts to the European Broadcasting Union. How did RTSH overcome the crisis? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Financial Disaster" – The Breaking Point? Eni Vasili, head of RTSH, described a few days ago the broadcaster’s state: heavy debts, long-overdue payments, and producers, writers, and creators left without compensation. According to her, leftover debts from the previous management placed RTSH in what she called a “financial disaster.” In an interview with news outlet BIRN, Vasili revealed further details regarding the crisis. Several writers and creators have complained about months-long delays in payment from RTSH. She stated: “I thank...

San Marino: Takes a Stance on Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

September 13, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); San Marino, the smallest country in Eurovision, joins several nations announcing they will not boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. Does support from such a small nation signal hope for the contest? San Marino’s national broadcaster, SMRTV, which has already expressed interest in participating in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, has stated it will not boycott the contest even if Israel takes part. This announcement follows similar statements from Norway, and from supporters including Austria, Italy, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, and Switzerland, all backing Israel’s right to participate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); An Encouraging Statement: No Boycott if Israel Competes This past week, Slovenia, Ireland, and the Netherlands officially declared their intention to boycott Eurovision while Israel is allowed to participate. Additionally, Iceland and Spain have hinted they too may withdraw should Israel remain in the contest. Declarations from countries confirming their participation regardless of Israel’s involvement, while perhaps made out of necessity, are a positive note amid current tensions....

Iceland Reveals: Several Countries Demand Israeli Representation at Eurovision 2026

September 11, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Multiple countries are supporting Israel's participation in Eurovision 2026, according to the Icelandic national broadcaster’s chairman. Which nations are taking a stand and what does this mean for the upcoming contest? The board's chairman of the Icelandic national broadcaster, Stefán Jón Hafstein, recently declared that the broadcaster intends to use the new EBU withdrawal deadline and postpone a final decision about participation until December 2026, when it will be clear if Israel is allowed to compete at Eurovision. Despite Iceland's own reservations regarding Israeli participation, Jón Hafstein revealed that several countries have demanded Israel's representation at Eurovision 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany Demands Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026 "There are countries demanding that Israel remain in Eurovision, including Germany," noted Jón Hafstein. The chairman's remarks highlighted the division between national broadcasters in the EBU, at a time when several broadcasters - including Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, and even Iceland - have opposed Israel's participation and threatened to withdraw...

Austria Opens Song Submissions Window for Eurovision Pre-Selection 2026

August 21, 2025August 28, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ahead of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, the Austrian national broadcaster ORF has launched the open song submission window for the national selection. The winner will represent Austria on home soil. Austria is energetically preparing for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2026 on its territory—not only in terms of hosting, but also regarding the next song that will represent it in Vienna. For the first time in a decade, Austria’s representative and entry will be chosen via an open national selection, set for late February 2026 and featuring both jury and public voting. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria’s National Selection Returns in 2026 In an Instagram post, Hitradio Ö3 of the Austrian national broadcaster ORF confirmed that the song submission window for Eurovision 2026 is now officially open. Austria will use this open selection format for the first time since 2016. A total of ten contestants will be selected to perform on stage, with the winner granted...