“Not to Become a Political Player”: How Did Norway Respond to Calls to Ban Israel from Eurovision 2025?

“Not to Become a Political Player”: How Did Norway Respond to Calls to Ban Israel from Eurovision 2025?

 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Our job is to present reality": Another sharp demand to boycott Israel at Eurovision, this time from Norway. Will the Norwegian national broadcaster finally break its silence? The storm surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2025 refuses to subside. Just a few hours ago, we published an exclusive report in Hebrew about a letter from Eurovision artists opposing Israel’s inclusion - and now Norway takes center stage. Growing calls within the country are pressuring the Norwegian national broadcaster, NRK, to take a firm stand and demand Israel’s removal from the contest, amid the war in Gaza and accusations of human rights violations. But it turns out that reality is more complicated than the campaign initiators might have anticipated. While the public uproar continues to gain traction, the Norwegian national broadcaster has already made a quiet yet resolute decision—one that surprises many involved. What really happened behind the scenes? How did the Norwegian broadcaster respond, and what strong message is...
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Finland’s First Rehearsal: Erika Vikman Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

Finland’s First Rehearsal: Erika Vikman Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Finland in Eurovision 2025: Singer Erika Vikman took the stage for her first rehearsal with the song “Ich Komme”. Stay updated with all the reports from Basel, Switzerland… Finland was the eighth and final country to hold a rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 today with a - performance. Finnish singer Erika Vikman is the eighth contestant to rehearse today on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel, Switzerland, with the song “Ich Komme”. Erika Vikman will perform as song number 16 in the second semi-final, which will take place on May 15 in Basel. This year’s competition features 37 countries. The performance closely resembles what was seen in the Finnish national final, UMK, but on a larger and more intense scale. Erika Vikman begins on a gold circular stage, echoing the visual style of her music video. After the first verse and chorus, she grabs her microphone and quickly walks to the front stage with the frame. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle...
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Serbia’s First Rehearsal: Princ Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

Serbia’s First Rehearsal: Princ Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Serbia in Eurovision 2025: Singer Princ took the stage for his first rehearsal with the song “Mila”. Stay updated with all the reports from Basel, Switzerland… Serbia was the seventh country to hold a rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 today with a - performance. Serbian singer Princ is the seventh contestant to rehearse today on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel, Switzerland, with the song “Mila”. Princ will perform as song number 15 in the second semi-final, which will take place on May 15 in Basel. This year’s competition features 37 countries. For this year’s performance, Princ has completely revamped his staging from the national selection. Gone are the moon prop, spinning dancer, and leather outfits. Instead, he starts center stage, singing the opening lines in shadow, as three male dancers in black join him for a contemporary routine. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Further details about Serbia's performance: He wears a sharp red suit, and at one...
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Israel’s First Rehearsal: Yuval Raphael Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

Israel’s First Rehearsal: Yuval Raphael Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel in Eurovision 2025: Singer Yuval Raphael took the stage for her first rehearsal with the song “New Day Will Rise”. Stay updated with all the reports from Basel, Switzerland… Israel was the sixth country to hold a rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 today with a - performance. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael is the sixth contestant to rehearse today on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel, Switzerland, with the song “New Day Will Rise”. Yuval Raphael will perform as song number 14 in the second semi-final, which will take place on May 15 in Basel. This year’s competition features 37 countries. Taking to the stage next is Yuval Raphael from Israel with her powerful ballad New Day Will Rise, blending English, French, and Hebrew lyrics. Yuval, 24, hails from Ra’anana near Tel Aviv but also spent part of her childhood in Geneva, making her quite familiar with Switzerland. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Further details about Israel's performance Yuval...
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Luxembourg’s First Rehearsal: Laura Thorn Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

Luxembourg’s First Rehearsal: Laura Thorn Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Luxembourg in Eurovision 2025: Singer Laura Thorn took the stage for her first rehearsal with the song “La Poupée Monte Le Son”. Stay updated with all the reports from Basel, Switzerland… Luxembourg was the fifth country to hold a rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 today with a - performance. Luxembourgish singer Laura Thorn is the fifth contestant to rehearse today on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel, Switzerland, with the song “La Poupée Monte Le Son”. Laura Thorn will perform as song number 13 in the second semi-final, which will take place on May 15th in Basel. This year’s competition features 37 countries. The song, performed in French, La Poupée Monte Le Son ("The Doll Turns Up the Sound"), is an upbeat and lively track that pays tribute to and continues the style of "Poupée de cire, poupée de son," the legendary song that won Eurovision for Luxembourg, performed by France Gall exactly sixty years ago, in 1965. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle...
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Yuval Raphael, Take Note: Which Famous Eurovision Artists Called for Israel’s Removal from Eurovision 2025?

Yuval Raphael, Take Note: Which Famous Eurovision Artists Called for Israel’s Removal from Eurovision 2025?

 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A huge controversy in Basel: over 70 former Eurovision participants demand Israel’s disqualification from Eurovision 2025. Who signed the letter, and what’s behind this wave of criticism toward Israel? The Eurovision world is once again in turmoil – and not for the reasons you might expect. Seventy-two former contestants have signed a public letter calling to exclude Israel and its national broadcaster from this year’s competition, where Yuval Raphael is set to represent Israel and is preparing for her first rehearsal on the Eurovision stage later today. This initiative, first reported by British outlet "The Independent", has sparked mixed reactions, with growing criticism: should artists really turn Europe’s biggest musical event into a platform for political activism? The letter, addressed to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), accuses the organization of whitewashing Israel’s actions in Gaza – a repeated and highly contested claim that seems, to many, driven more by political motives than genuine concern for Eurovision’s founding principles. (adsbygoogle =...
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Czechia’s First Rehearsal: Adonxs Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

Czechia’s First Rehearsal: Adonxs Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Czechia in Eurovision 2025: Singer Adonxs took the stage for his first rehearsal with the song “Kiss Kiss Goodbye”. Stay updated with all the reports from Basel, Switzerland Czechia was the fourth country to hold a rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 today with a - performance. Czech singer Adonxs is the fourth contestant to rehearse today on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel, Switzerland, with the song “Kiss Kiss Goodbye”. Adonxs will perform as song number 12 in the second semi-final, which will take place on May 15 in Basel. This year’s competition features 37 countries. Adonxs, representing Czechia this year, stands out with a distinctive look that fuses fashion and commanding stage presence. He wears wide silver pants, a white shirt resembling a sleeveless top with sleeves, and white gloves-a unique combination that highlights his personal style. The entire outfit exudes modern elegance and emphasizes Adonxs’ charisma and vocal ability, while maintaining a clean, refined line that allows him...
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Denmark’s First Rehearsal: Sissal Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

Denmark’s First Rehearsal: Sissal Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Denmark in Eurovision 2025: Singer Sissal took the stage for her first rehearsal with the song “Hallucination”. Stay updated with all the reports from Basel, Switzerland… Denmark was the third country to hold a rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 today with a - performance. Danish singer Sissal is the third contestant to rehearse today on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel, Switzerland, with the song “Hallucination”. Sissal will perform as song number 11 in the second semi-final, which will take place on May 15 in Basel. This year’s competition features 37 countries. In March, Sissal captured the spotlight by winning the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix. Her performance featured a green, glittering leotard, two contemporary dancers, and a dramatic wind machine. Following her win, Sissal promised an updated performance for Basel, which she has since delivered. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Further details about Denmark's performance Stage Design and Visual Effects The centerpiece of the stage is a transparent curtain, suspended from...
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Georgia’s First Rehearsal: Mariam Shengelia Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

Georgia’s First Rehearsal: Mariam Shengelia Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Georgia in Eurovision 2025: Singer Mariam Shengelia took the stage for her first rehearsal with the song “Freedom”. Stay updated with all the reports from Basel, Switzerland… Georgia was the second country to hold a rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 today with a - performance. Georgian singer Mariam Shengelia is the second contestant to rehearse today on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel, Switzerland, with the song “Freedom”. Mariam will perform as song number 10 in the second semi-final, which will take place on May 15 in Basel. This year’s competition features 37 countries. Next in line to rehearse is Georgia’s Mariam Shengelia, who’s bringing her grand orchestral ballad Freedom to life. The song blends both Georgian and English lyrics, and you can definitely pick up on some 1960s vibes in the arrangement. We’re eager to see how it translates on the Eurovision stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Further details about Georgia's performance A striking stage prop is featured...
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Malta’s First Rehearsal: Miriana Conte Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

Malta’s First Rehearsal: Miriana Conte Takes the Eurovision 2025 Stage

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Malta in Eurovision 2025: Singer Miriana Conte took the stage for her first rehearsal with the song “Serving”. Stay updated with all the reports from Basel, Switzerland… Malta was the first country to hold a rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 today with a - performance. Maltese singer Miriana Conte is the first contestant to rehearse today on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel, Switzerland, with the song “Serving”. Miriana will perform as song number 9 in the second semi-final, which will take place on May 15 in Basel. This year’s competition features 37 countries. Miriana has undergone a significant transformation in her appearance between the national selection and her new performance. In the national final, she appeared on stage in a long dress, which quickly changed into a black lace bodysuit, with dramatic pink and black makeup, accompanied by dancers in matching suits. In contrast, in the new performance, she begins inside a giant structure of sparkling red lips holding a spinning...
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