Tal Dahan, Author at EuroMix

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,...

Reports in Sweden: SVT Knew About Måns Zelmerlöw’s Drug and Violence Allegations

May 23, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2015 winner Måns Zelmerlöw, who competed in this year’s Melodifestivalen, faces accusations of drug use and violence against his ex-wife. Production officials admitted awareness but took no action. A storm has erupted in Sweden over the participation of singer Måns Zelmerlöw in the Melodifestivalen 2025 final. According to an investigation by Aftonbladet, senior officials at the Swedish national broadcaster, SVT, were aware that Zelmerlöw was struggling with drug addiction and knew of allegations of violence against his former partner, Ciara Janson. Nevertheless, they allowed him to continue competing. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Zelmerlöw, 38, was considered a leading contender to win, even for Eurovision 2025 itself, but there was significant concern behind the scenes. Production sources revealed that throughout the tour, his drug problem was widely discussed and known. According to testimonies, he used drugs during the competition and even consumed cocaine at the after-party in March. Sources claim he spoke openly about his drug use. Public Response and...

Belgium: Eurovision 2025 Judge Participated in a Pro-Palestinian Campaign

May 23, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Belgian organization Hart Voor Israël ("Heart for Israel") is demanding an investigation by the national broadcaster after its jury gave Israel zero points at Eurovision 2025, while the public awarded Israel the maximum points. The controversy over Belgium’s Eurovision scoring for Israel continues. While the public at home awarded Israel the maximum 12 points, the Belgian jury chose not to give Israel any points. It has now been revealed that one of the jury members, singer Noémie Wolfs, participated in a pro-Palestinian campaign. In response, the organization "Hart Voor Israël" is demanding an external investigation by the Belgian national broadcaster (VRT). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Call for Investigation into Jury Composition On Wednesday, "Hart Voor Israël" issued a public call for VRT to launch an independent investigation into the jury’s composition and its conduct. At the center of the demand is Wolfs’ participation in an Oxfam campaign with the hashtag "#SpeakUpForPalestine", which, according to...

American Famous Producer on Eurovision: “Being Number One By The Public is The Most Important Thing”

May 20, 2025May 20, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Scooter Braun, the producer behind some of the world’s biggest artists, defends Yuval Raphael and Israel’s second-place finish at Eurovision 2025, emphasizing the significance of the public vote. The controversy surrounding the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final and Israel’s second-place finish continues to make headlines. While countries such as Spain and Belgium question the results, and representatives claim that Israel "engineered votes," one highly successful producer is unafraid to voice his support for Israel. Scooter Braun, the producer behind the careers of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Kanye West, and others, has spoken out against critics of Yuval Raphael and explained why she received such overwhelming support from the public vote. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "The public spoke, and you should’ve listened to them." Braun declared in a video posted on social media. "There are people having an issue with this young woman, Yuval, taking second place at Eurovision.. She was number one in the public vote...

Stockholm Considers Hosting Eurovision 2026!

May 16, 2025May 16, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Stockholm has expressed interest in hosting Eurovision 2026, as Sweden’s 2025 representative, the band KAJ, is currently the favorite to win according to betting odds. The band KAJ, Sweden’s representative for Eurovision 2025 with their song “Bara Bada Bastu,” is predicted by betting sites to potentially win the contest tomorrow. In anticipation, Sweden is preparing for the possibility of hosting Eurovision for the eighth time, and the capital city, Stockholm, has expressed its interest in hosting the event. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Stockholm’s Bid and Venue Availability In an interview with the news outlet Dagens Nyheter, Stockholm city official Karin Wanngård stated: "We would be happy to host, provided the financial conditions are right. We are used to major events. Our main arenas, Avicii (formerly Globen) and Strawberry (formerly Friends), are booked in advance-but at least we know Taylor Swift won’t be coming," she joked. Last year, due in part to a Taylor Swift concert at one of Stockholm’s venues, the contest was ultimately...