Tal Dahan, Author at EuroMix

Against All Odds: Referendum May Derail Eurovision 2025 Funding in Basel

October 26, 2024November 30, 2024 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Despite recent reports of low public response, Basel managed to collect more than twice the required signatures to force a referendum against hosting Eurovision. How will this affect the competition's hosting? In July, it was reported that the Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland (EDU/UDF) announced it would demand referendums against funding Eurovision 2025 by municipalities or cantons comprising local government in Switzerland. In September, we reported on the party's preparations to collect signatures for a referendum, and about two weeks ago, it was reported that public response to sign the petition was very low. To force a referendum on the issue, the Federal Democratic Union party had to reach 2,000 signatures by the end of October. The public in the Basel-Stadt canton (one of the 26 states that make up Switzerland, each with its own borders, army, and currency) surprised everyone, and despite the goal seeming distant, no less than 4,203 residents signed the petition! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle...

Learning from Mistakes? Safe Space for Artists at Eurovision 2025

October 20, 2024October 21, 2024 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Chairperson of the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, Bakel Walden, promised new conditions for artists in the upcoming competition during a recent interview, learning from incidents at Eurovision 2024. For Eurovision 2025 in Basel, organizers plan to provide participating artists with a "safe space". According to Chairperson of the ESC Reference group, Bakel Walden, in an interview to "Sonntagsblick," artists will be given a private area where they won't be filmed, aiming to ensure their mental and physical well-being during preparations and rehearsals. "We have a duty of care", Walden emphasized, promising increased attention to artists' welfare in the future. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Addressing Past Challenges Walden also addressed events that occurred at the last Eurovision in Malmö, which took place in the shadow of the Israel-Hamas war and the Middle East conflict. He acknowledged there were mistakes in communication and crisis management during the competition. "In the future, we will ensure more effective crisis management, strengthen...

Belgium: Potential Contestants for Eurovision National Selection Revealed

October 8, 2024February 9, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Belgian sources reveal contestants expected to participate in the Eurovision national selection, Eurosong 2025. The Belgian newspaper HLN has revealed the identities of four out of eight contestants expected to participate in the Belgian Eurovision national selection "Eurosong" for Eurovision 2025. The Flemish national broadcaster VRT, which manages the selection, has not confirmed the news, but this source has proven reliable in the past. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); VRT's Selection Process VRT announced the selection of the Belgian representative through the "Eurosong" format even before the Eurovision 2024 contest took place. After singer Mustii's failure to qualify for the Eurovision final, it was reported that the broadcaster began approaching various artists to participate in the selection. Eventually, a professional jury of more than thirty members chose eight artists to compete in the national final. Revealed Contestants Although VRT is trying to keep the identities of the participants secret at this stage, HLN unofficially revealed the names of five singers: Jelle Van...

Finland: Blind Channel Announces Hiatus and New Documentary Series

October 8, 2024October 9, 2024 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In a dramatic announcement, Blind Channel, the band that represented Finland at Eurovision 2021, stated they are suspending their activities. They also released a trailer for a new documentary series. PHOTO: MONA SALMINEN The nu metal band Blind Channel, formed in 2013, represented Finland at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with their song "Dark Side," finishing in an impressive sixth place. In the years following their Eurovision participation, the band released two albums that topped the Finnish charts and gained significant popularity both in Finland and abroad. The band consists of six members: Aleksi Kaunisvesi, Joonas Porko, Joel Hokka, Niko Moilanen, and Olli Matela. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Announcement of Hiatus and Gratitude to Fans In a statement on the band's official Instagram page, they expressed gratitude to their fans for their support over the years and announced plans for an extended break starting from the end of 2024, with uncertainty about their return date. "After two full-length studio albums...

Azerbaijan: Potential Artists to Represent the Country at Eurovision

October 8, 2024 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Initial hints have been published about the identity of the eight artists from whom the national broadcaster İTV will choose the representative for Eurovision. Who is likely competing for the ticket to Eurovision 2025? Azerbaijan's national broadcaster, İTV, has confirmed that a total of 154 potential songs were submitted to represent the country at Eurovision 2025. This marks a decrease of 60 songs compared to the previous year when 214 songs were received. Despite the decrease in submissions, the Azerbaijani national broadcaster expressed satisfaction with the significant increase in the number of songs submitted by local creators. 49% of the songs submitted this year were written by Azerbaijani artists and composers, an increase from 43% in the previous year. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eight Potential Candidates The X account 'Songfestival Azerbaijan' is now publishing initial hints about the identity of eight candidates from whom the national broadcaster will choose the representative for Eurovision. Among the potential names, there are...