Eurovision Archives - Page 35 of 52

Basel Reveals Eurovision 2025 Figures: “Fulfilling Our Wildest Dreams”

May 20, 2025May 24, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2025 viewership figures revealed: dozens of protests, hundreds of thousands of visitors - this is how the festivities looked in Switzerland. Was this the most successful year in contest history? The city of Basel and the Swiss national broadcaster, SRG SSR, have published a summary of the activities surrounding Eurovision 2025, and the numbers are remarkable: over 500,000 people participated in satellite events and public screenings, around 100,000 visited the main show venues, and 170 million people watched the contest worldwide. Local authorities and the national broadcaster are calling the project a complete success - culturally, in terms of tourism, and for public safety. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “We Fulfilled a Dream - And in a Big Way” The President of the Basel Cantonal Government, Conradin Cramer, proudly presented the figures and said: “These are numbers we could only dream of. Our expectations were fully met. My wildest dreams have come true”. During the week, approximately 100,000 people attended the main...

Actual Results vs. Betting Odds – How Countries Surprised the Bookmakers at Eurovision 2025

May 20, 2025May 24, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2025 betting: Expectations vs. reality - how the betting odds were upended on the night. Here’s how the table shocked Europe and what happened to the favorites. As in every year, Eurovision 2025 was surrounded by anticipation regarding the betting odds - especially those updated on the eve of the grand final, which aggregated all major bookmakers’ predictions. Despite meticulous forecasts, the final delivered some resounding surprises, both positive and negative. The gaps between the latest betting rankings and the actual results reveal much about the contest’s dynamics and the reactions of both the audience and the juries. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What Happened to the Favorites? The only country to meet expectations perfectly was Austria, which was ranked second in the odds and went on to win first place - the bet paid off. In contrast, Israel, with its representative Yuval Raphael, was ranked seventh in the odds but soared to second place in the final results...

“My Role Ends Next Spring”: Eurovision Supervisor Makes Dramatic Statement Amid Legal Dispute

May 20, 2025 by Aviad Berger Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Drama at the European Broadcasting Union: In a surprising legal hearing, Eurovision’s chief supervisor reveals his end date. What prompted Martin Österdahl’s announcement and what lies behind this unexpected statement? Photo: Sören Vilks Amid ongoing political disputes, public criticism, and media controversies surrounding the management of the Eurovision Song Contest, a personal front in the life of Martin Österdahl, the contest’s chief supervisor, was revealed this week. In the midst of a legal battle over his private apartment in Stockholm, the high-ranking Eurovision official made a rare statement: “My work with Eurovision will end next spring, and then I plan to return to live in Sweden.” This declaration, made during a hearing at the Rent Tribunal, comes in the context of a widely publicized legal dispute regarding his Stockholm apartment—a conflict that concluded this week with a decisive ruling requiring Österdahl to vacate the property permanently. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Luxury Apartment, Unusual Contract, and an Unkept Promise The story began years ago,...

Germany Threatens: “If Israel Is Removed from Eurovision – We Will Withdraw from the Contest”

May 20, 2025 by Aviad Berger Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany in Eurovision 2025: Amid growing controversy, Germany reportedly threatened to withdraw from Eurovision if Israel was excluded. What led Germany to make this ultimatum to ensure Israel’s participation? As the debate over Israel’s participation in Eurovision intensifies, a Turkish news site reports that one of the main reasons Israel was allowed to compete in Eurovision 2025—despite numerous calls for its removal—was a threat from Germany to withdraw if the demand was accepted. This claim comes from Dr. Martin Gak, a veteran German journalist with a clear anti-Israel stance, who cites a source within the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Threat That Saved Israel’s Spot? According to Dr. Gak, the factor that prevented Israel’s removal from Eurovision, despite mounting pressure across Europe due to the war in Gaza, was a direct ultimatum from the German national broadcaster. The cited source stated: “If Israel is removed – we will also withdraw.” Dr. Gak explained: “Germany is a very...

“I Will Not Return to Eurovision”: Erika Vikman Criticizes Public Voting for Israel

May 19, 2025 by Nitsan Eliraz Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Finland in Eurovision 2025: Erika Vikman vents frustration-criticizing the public vote for Israel, the media, and addressing whether she plans to return to Eurovision. In an interview stirring both Finnish and international media, Erika Vikman, Finland's representative for Eurovision 2025 with the song "Ich Komme," who finished 11th in the grand final with 196 points, publicly addressed the results of the grand final held in Basel, Switzerland-particularly the significant number of votes received by Israel's representative. In an interview conducted upon her return to Helsinki, Vikman did not hold back, expressing clear frustration with the outcome, including personal criticism toward the media and the Israeli audience. Vikman landed at Helsinki airport late Sunday night, where journalists and local media representatives awaited her. According to her, the feelings were mixed: "I feel grateful and relieved," Vikman described her mood. She added that she had hoped for a higher placement in the final: "Of course, it was disappointing that we didn't even make it...

The Story of Erika Vikman – The Dark Horse Climbing the Betting Odds!

May 17, 2025 by Nitsan Eliraz Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Finland in Eurovision 2025: Erika Vikman climbs to fourth place in the betting odds and accelerates towards the final. What message does she send her fans, and which prominent Eurovision artist helps promote her song? The Finnish singer Erika Vikman achieved great success in the semi-finals, captivating the European audience with a particularly iconic performance. Erika delivers a show brimming with charisma and overflowing self-confidence, and the results are evident: today, she ranks fourth in the betting odds. Although her song deals with an intimate and sexual experience-drawing criticism from the European Broadcasting Union and only partial support from home-it seems she has managed to win over fans across Europe with her unapologetic authenticity. Just hours before she takes the stage for the last time at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, with her song "Ich Komme," she published a heartfelt post dedicating her song. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); An Empowering Message to Fans Precisely because of the challenges Erika faced...

Finland Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026

May 17, 2025 by Maayan Eli Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Finnish national broadcaster has announced that the national selection show "Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu" (UMK), which has been used to select Finland’s Eurovision representatives since 2012, will once again be held next year. YLE, the Finnish national broadcaster, has confirmed that Finland’s entry for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen through the local pre-selection show "Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu," or UMK for short, for the 15th consecutive year. The selection show will take place on February 28, 2026, at Nokia Arena in the city of Tampere. This will be the third consecutive year that Nokia Arena hosts UMK. Additional details will be provided at a later date. Finland is the second country to confirm its participation in Eurovision 2026; the Netherlands, in fact, already announced their participation back in April. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); UMK’s Growing Popularity and Finland’s Recent Eurovision Success In recent years, the Finnish national selection has enjoyed great popularity and has brought Finland significant...

Is Celine Dion Already in Basel Ahead of a Eurovision 2025 Performance?

May 16, 2025 by Maayan Eli Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Will Celine Dion Return to Eurovision? Rumors Among Journalists Suggest She’s Already in Basel! All the Latest Details on Céline Dion at Eurovision 2025 Is Celine Dion set for a historic comeback to captivate millions of viewers during the live broadcast of Eurovision 2025? During the first semi-final, a two-minute video featuring Dion was aired, followed by performances from Marina Satti, Iolanda, Jerry Heil, and Silvester Belt from 2024, with her winning song, “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.” Recent rumors suggest that Celine Dion is already present in Basel and is preparing to appear and perform at the grand final! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “Switzerland Will Always Be in My Heart” – Celine Dion’s Emotional Message The message broadcast during the semi-final, which was reportedly pre-recorded, included a heartfelt and direct statement from Celine Dion herself: “There is nothing I want more than to be with you tonight in Basel. Switzerland will always be in my heart. It is a country that believed...

Eurovision 2025: The Grand Final – Dress Rehearsal: Everything Happening On Stage!

May 16, 2025May 16, 2025 by Aviad Berger Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Get the full coverage from the second dress rehearsal of the second semi-final, currently taking place on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel. One by one, Norway, Luxembourg, Estonia, Israel, Lithuania, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Austria, Iceland, Latvia, The Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Poland, Germany, Greece, Armenia, Switzerland, Malta, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, France, San Marino and Albania, will take the stage. We will be providing updates throughout the rehearsal with all the details received by our editorial team. Today at 13:30 CET, the first dress rehearsal began ahead of the grand final broadcast, which will take place tomorrow at 21:00 CET (Saturday, May 17). We’re here to report everything happening on stage in real time from Basel. Make sure to click the refresh button so you can continue following along during the rehearsals! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The show opens with a video featuring the hosts discovering that the trophy has not yet arrived at the Basel arena. The screen displays their...

Running Order for Eurovision 2025 Grand Final Revealed!

May 16, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The running order for the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final has been announced. Norway will open, Albania will close. Here’s the full list. The stage is set for the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final, which will take place this coming Saturday with 26 countries participating. Twenty songs advanced from the semi-finals and will join the Big 5 countries, who automatically qualify for the final-alongside the host country, Switzerland. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Each country drew its position in one of two halves of the show prior to the official press conference: the first half (songs 2–13), the second half (songs 14–26), or a “producer’s choice” slot, which allows the production team to determine both the half and the exact running order for that country. Since 2013, the precise running order has been set by the Eurovision production team and approved by the European Broadcasting Union. The aim is to create a dynamic and varied show, avoiding consecutive up-tempo or slow...