Tal Dahan, Author at EuroMix

Germany: Eurovision Winner Steps Away from the Spotlight

July 19, 2025July 19, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Lena Meyer-Landrut, Eurovision 2010 winner for Germany, has been absent from the stage and social media for a year due to significant health issues. Lena Meyer-Landrut, the winner of Eurovision 2010 and Germany’s representative again in 2011, has not been seen in public nor posted on social media for an entire year—a fact that has caused considerable concern among the Eurovision community and fans both in Germany and around the world. According to the latest update from her manager, Lena’s absence is due to serious health reasons, following the cancellation of a summer tour last year and several emergency hospitalizations caused by acute pain. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Lena’s Impact and Cultural Resonance While Germany remains a focal point in Eurovision with enormous audiences, Lena’s absence is keenly felt: from social media follower reactions to professional discussions among music industry experts. In many ways, her story brings to the forefront ongoing issues such as pressure, mental health challenges,...

Sweden: Björn Skifs Announces Retirement from Music Career!

July 19, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The prominent Swedish Eurovision icon, who appeared as a guest at Eurovision 2024, has announced his retirement from music due to health reasons. The Swedish legend Björn Skifs, who represented Sweden at Eurovision in 1978 and 1981, has announced his retirement from music after being diagnosed with FTD (frontotemporal dementia). In 1978, he performed the song "Det blir alltid värre framåt natten", finishing 14th, and returned in 1981 with "Fångad i en dröm", reaching 10th place. Despite not achieving top rankings at the contest, Skifs is seen as one of Sweden’s most respected artists, notably as the first Swedish musician to top the American charts with the band Blue Swede and their hit "Hooked on a Feeling". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Skifs’ announcement, coming from one of the most beloved and influential voices in Swedish pop history, was met with deep sorrow in both the Eurovision community and the European music industry. The 78-year-old singer wrote: “It’s not easy to take...

These Are the Leading Candidates to Host Eurovision 2026!

July 10, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Victoria Swarovski, TV star, singer, and crystal empire heiress, and Andi Knoll, Austrian Eurovision commentator since 1999, are the leading candidates to host Eurovision 2026 in Austria. As tradition goes, preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 are accompanied by rumors, bets, and speculations. With the host city announcement pending, the spotlight is on a fascinating question: who will host the three grand broadcast nights watched by hundreds of millions worldwide? Hosting Eurovision has long become more than just leading a show—it is a representative, almost diplomatic role that conveys the host country's character to the world. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Battle for the Microphone: Who Will Lead the Broadcast Across Europe? The Austrian national broadcaster ORF is considering appointing Victoria Swarovski to host Eurovision 2026. Swarovski is a pop singer, TV presenter, model, and heiress to the Swarovski crystal, jewelry, and fashion empire. At 31, known also as the host of the German "Dancing...

Bosnia and Herzegovina Will Not Return to Eurovision 2026 – A Decade Out of the Contest

July 9, 2025July 16, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national broadcaster has confirmed the country will miss Eurovision 2026, marking a tenth consecutive year of absence due to financial crisis and EBU sanctions. The national broadcaster BHRT has officially confirmed that Bosnia and Herzegovina will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Austria. The primary reasons are a severe financial crisis and ongoing sanctions from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which have remained in place since the country’s outstanding debt was left unpaid. As a result, the Balkan nation will miss the grand European stage for the tenth year in a row—a streak that concerns both the fan community and figures in the local music industry. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Cultural and Political Loss: The Impact of Prolonged Absence Bosnia and Herzegovina’s continued absence from Eurovision is not merely a musical issue—it represents the loss of a platform for cultural, social, and political representation on the international stage. In an...

Manizha Accused of Being a “Foreign Agent”?

July 5, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Manizha, Russia’s 2021 Eurovision representative, returned to Moscow, sparking controversy: calls for prosecution, political accusations, and questions about freedom of speech in Russia. The singer Manizha Sangin, who represented Russia in the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Russian Woman," has found herself at the center of a new political storm. After reports emerged that she had returned to Russia and was set to perform in Moscow, there were calls within Russia to prosecute her and declare her a "foreign agent." The criticism stems from her previous political stances, including her opposition to the invasion of Ukraine and her alleged positions regarding the attack at Crocus City Hall. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “Manizha should be recognized as a foreign agent” "The singer Manizha Sangin should be recognized as a foreign agent, and criminal proceedings should be initiated against her," said Vitaly Borodin, head of the "Federal Project for Security and Anti-Corruption" in the city of Mytishchi, Moscow region, in an interview...

EBU: “Eurovision Is Not Immune To The Pressures Of Global Politics”

July 3, 2025July 3, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The European Broadcasting Union released an official statement after today’s discussion on Israel’s Eurovision participation, expressing support for KAN and criticism toward the Israeli government. The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel has concluded, but the political controversies surrounding it are far from over. In a rare statement published today, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) directly addressed the geopolitical challenges facing the contest in recent years, admitting that “Questions around participation have become increasingly sensitive and multifaceted.” (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2025 Ends, but the Debates Continue Representatives from EBU member countries convened in London today to discuss Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest and its membership in the union. The meeting ended without a decision. "If the war continues into the winter and further discussions are held, Israel will struggle to remain in Eurovision. Many countries are against it," EBU sources told Ran Boker, a Ynet correspondent. While Israel has avoided exclusion...

Discussion on Israel’s Eurovision Participation Ends Without Resolution

July 3, 2025July 3, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EBU General Assembly discussed Israel’s possible exclusion from Eurovision. What were the main points, and could Israel find itself out of the contest in the future? Representatives from the member states of the European Broadcasting Union gathered today in London to discuss various matters, including Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest and its ongoing membership in the union. The meeting took place amid calls from several countries - Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, and Iceland - for Israel to be excluded from the competition. In May, Ireland also hinted that the EBU had promised to review Israel’s status after the most recent contest. The meeting concluded without a definitive decision. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Could Israel Be Excluded from Eurovision in the Future? "If the war continues into the winter and further discussions are held, Israel will struggle to remain in Eurovision. Many countries are against it," EBU sources told Ran Boker, a Ynet...

Bosnia and Herzegovina Unlikely to Return to Eurovision 2026!

June 22, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Despite hopes for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Eurovision 2026 comeback, ongoing economic and political crises make its return increasingly unlikely. The return of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Eurovision Song Contest depends on settling the national broadcaster’s financial debts to the European Broadcasting Union, totaling around 10 million euros - the reason the country was forced to withdraw after Eurovision 2016. However, it appears this debt will not be resolved soon. The Minister of Communications and Transport, Edin Forto, expressed disappointment at the ongoing lack of a solution to the economic crisis facing BHRT, following recent meetings in the Council of Ministers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Political Stalemate and Eurovision: The Council of Ministers’ Approach During the session, ministers were expected to discuss the national broadcaster’s debt to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), but the topic was pushed aside - reflecting a deeper lack of political commitment. “For far too long, we have been going in circles around the BHRT...

Eurovision 2026: Austria and the European Broadcasting Union Begin Preparations!

June 6, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A delegation from the European Broadcasting Union met yesterday with Austrian national broadcaster executives to initiate preparations for Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Austria as the contest’s 70th edition. The Austrian national broadcaster, ORF, winner of Eurovision 2025, has begun preparations to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026—the 70th anniversary of Europe’s largest music event. Yesterday, a formal meeting took place in Vienna between ORF management and a delegation from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), led by Thomas Ramstorfer, a key figure in Austrian Eurovision productions. During the meeting, ORF representatives emphasized their commitment to a world-class production: “We at ORF have committed to hosting an Eurovision in 2026 that fully meets the standards of the world’s biggest TV entertainment show.” (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Host City Still Undecided—Vienna and Surrounding Areas in Focus Despite Austria’s victory, the host city has yet to be determined. ORF is still considering various options, with Vienna...

Sweden: KAJ’s Axel Åhman Casts Doubt on Public Voting for Israel

May 26, 2025May 26, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “The Israeli song received too many points from the public,” claims Axel Åhman of KAJ, Sweden’s 2025 Eurovision band. He added, “Austria’s win was the best for everyone - and for the world.” Eurovision 2025 concluded over a week ago, yet artists continue to question the public voting—particularly regarding Israel. Axel Åhman, accordionist for the band KAJ, which represented Sweden and finished fourth, expressed his satisfaction with Austria’s victory. “It was the best win for everyone—and for the world,” he said, referring to the results table, where Israel placed second despite a decisive win in the public vote. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In an interview with Finnish national broadcaster YLE, Åhman voiced doubts about Israel’s public vote victory. He claims: “The points Israel received were so numerous that it’s hard to believe everything was in order.” He also referenced media reports about “state-sponsored campaigns aimed at mobilizing votes.” Calls for Investigation and Future Participation “It’s a complicated situation… Those who support Israel vote for it,...