Category: Eurovision

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The bids to host Eurovision 2026 have closed: Vienna and Innsbruck face off, with the host city decision set by the European Broadcasting Union in August. The city of Innsbruck has officially submitted its bid to host Eurovision 2026, under the ambitious slogan “Together on Top”. The Austrian city aims to combine the Alpine mountain scenery with a modern urban atmosphere, offering an unforgettable experience for fans across Europe. Innsbruck’s candidacy reflects a new trend in hosting international competitions - not only large capitals but also medium-sized cities with a fresh approach to audience experience. If selected, the city will face logistical challenges but gain massive exposure and the opportunity to brand itself as a young, European cultural hub. Austria chose to propose Innsbruck in the 50th anniversary year of the Winter Olympics held there, hoping to return to global attention - this time through music instead of sport. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle ||...

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EBU’s new partnership with the BBC brings the “Eurovision” brand back to cultural public broadcasting for the first time since 1982. For the first time in over four decades, the EBU and the arts division of the British national broadcaster, BBC, are launching a new classical music production under the “Eurovision” brand. The series, titled Eurovision Classical Concerts, features four performances by leading orchestras and will be broadcast across Europe via public television. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision-Flavored Classical Concerts At the heart of this initiative are four of Europe’s most prominent symphonic ensembles: the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra (United Kingdom), the WDR Symphony Orchestra (Germany), the Yle Philharmonic Orchestra (Finland), and the Gulbenkian Orchestra (Portugal). The concerts will be filmed in some of the continent’s most impressive music halls, showcasing both beloved classical works and innovative repertoire. The broadcast will be distributed by 113 public broadcasters in 56 countries - a record-breaking figure...

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Linz & Wels has withdrawn from the race to host Eurovision 2026 due to technical demands and rising costs. These are the three cities still in the running—and why it matters. Austria is narrowing down its options: two additional cities—Wels and Linz—officially withdrew on Tuesday from the race to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, citing unrealistic technical requirements and unprecedented costs. Only three cities remain in contention: Vienna, which hosted the contest after Conchita Wurst's 2014 victory, Innsbruck in western Austria, and St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, known for its modern venues and excellent public transport access. The decision was made public by the mayors, who clarified that this was not due to a lack of motivation or capability—but rather a clash between the desire to host a prestigious international event and unavoidable physical and financial limitations. It is claimed that only one site in Austria currently meets all of the production requirements set by...

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Instagram rankings of Eurovision 2025 stars have been revealed – how many followers did they gain since the contest, and who tops the list? A month and a half after Eurovision 2025, a new ranking reveals which artists have gained not only audience votes but also new Instagram followers. Austrian Eurovision winner JJ recorded the most impressive follower jump, with an increase of 340,000 followers since April. Following him are Norway’s representative Kyle Alessandro, Estonia’s Tommy Cash, Spain’s Melody, and Greece’s Klavdia. Israel’s representative Yuval Raphael also achieved a significant milestone in the newly released ranking, adding more than 135,000 followers. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); More Than Just Voting: The Power of Digital Presence In recent years, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become critical tools for Eurovision contestants’ careers, on par with their stage performances. The data reveals another achievement for the contestants: even those who did not win the trophy can emerge victorious in the digital arena. For example, Yuval Raphael,...

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 34% of Austrians selected their preferred city to host Eurovision 2026, but the final decision is expected only in August. Several cities remain in the race – and the stakes are high. 34% of Austrians would like Eurovision 2026 to be held in their capital, Vienna — according to a comprehensive national survey published this week. Alongside Vienna, Innsbruck and Wels-Linz also expressed official interest in hosting the contest, though one prominent contender has already dropped out. The final decision is expected in mid-August, just ahead of the official preparations for the world’s biggest song competition. While Vienna enjoys governmental backing and significant cultural prominence, the contest to host Eurovision is still wide open. The national broadcaster in Austria will receive formal submissions until July 4, and behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway — one shaped by political, logistical, and financial considerations. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Survey Results Show Clear Public Preference The...

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After record-breaking ratings and bold reforms, Eurovision’s Executive Supervisor steps down ahead of the 70th anniversary—raising crucial questions about the contest’s future leadership and direction. In mid-summer 2025, Martin Österdahl announced he would be stepping down from his role as Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest and Junior Eurovision Song Contest, following five years that marked a digital transformation, deep administrative reforms, and unforgettable milestones. His dramatic resignation shakes the European entertainment industry and has direct implications for Eurovision's future as the contest nears its 70th anniversary. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What Happened and Why It Matters Amid the backdrop of Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Martin Österdahl—who had served as Executive Supervisor since 2021—announced the end of his tenure. He oversaw landmark events: Rotterdam during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021), the unprecedented hosting of Eurovision by the BBC in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine (2023), the infamous Malmö edition (2024), and the record-breaking contest in Basel (2025). Österdahl spearheaded bold...

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Graz will not host Eurovision 2026 after the Austrian city, once considered a frontrunner, withdrew its candidacy due to a lack of funding, with €29 million in costs left uncovered. The municipality of Graz, Austria, has officially announced it will not submit a bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The reason: budget constraints, after both the federal government and the Styrian regional government declined to contribute to the estimated €29 million cost. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Economic and Cultural Impact: Who Will Replace Graz? Graz's withdrawal has reopened the race among Austrian cities interested in hosting the upcoming Eurovision – including Vienna, Innsbruck, and St. Pölten. Tourism industry stakeholders across Austria have expressed disappointment at the decision, viewing it as a missed opportunity with significant economic, cultural, and tourism potential. Graz was considered an attractive candidate due to its central location, accessible transport infrastructure, and previous preparations to host large-scale international events. Under...

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Vienna receives official backing from the city council to host Eurovision 2026. All the latest on Austria's frontrunning bid, economic impacts, and behind-the-scenes dynamics of the Eurovision. The City of Vienna has received official support from the municipal council to bid for Eurovision 2026, positioning Austria’s capital as a leading contender to host the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, expected to take place in May 2026. The decision was passed with a solid majority and garnered wide backing from the city’s major political parties, placing Vienna at the forefront of a national competition among several other Austrian cities. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026: More Than a Musical Celebration – A Cultural and Economic Catalyst Hosting Eurovision 2026 is not merely a matter of prestige – the event generates significant tourism, investment, and global media attention. Vienna, which last hosted the contest in 2015, boasts cutting-edge infrastructure, 82,000 hotel beds across 433...

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2025 shattered records with millions of TV viewers, expansion to new platforms, and tremendous economic success for Basel. Here are all the key figures and insights. Eurovision 2025, held this past May in Basel, Switzerland, was not only a thrilling spectacle for hundreds of millions of viewers - it also became a cultural, digital, and economic powerhouse. According to a recent impact report published by the research department of the EBU, this was one of the most significant editions in the competition’s history. More than 166 million viewers experienced the event via television, over 83 million watched content on YouTube, and for the first time, the gaming platform Roblox participated in the Eurovision Song Contest, offering a groundbreaking virtual viewing experience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Beyond Ratings: A Global Cultural and Social Phenomenon The numbers are impressive, but the true strength of Eurovision lies in its unique blend of culture, technology, and a cross-border audience experience. The viewing rate...