Eurovision 2025: Millions Watch, Billions Online, Basel In An Economic Boom

Eurovision 2025: Millions Watch, Billions Online, Basel In An Economic Boom

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(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...
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Graz, The City Coping with Tragedy Still Considers Hosting Eurovision 2026

Graz, The City Coping with Tragedy Still Considers Hosting Eurovision 2026

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Graz remains in the running to host Eurovision 2026, despite a recent tragedy. Five cities still await the announcement on August 8th, 2025. Could the contest become a symbol of hope or an open wound? Despite conflicting reports and media speculation, the city of Graz in Austria has not yet withdrawn its candidacy to host Eurovision 2026. Following the horrific massacre in the city on June 10th, in which 11 people were killed - including nine students - voices have emerged calling for the city to abandon its bid on moral grounds. However, according to local authorities, no official decision has yet been made - and some suggest that Eurovision could actually become a “symbol of hope.” (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Between Public Mourning and Collective Hope The shocking shooting that shook Graz - and sparked a fierce debate in Austria over gun laws - also casts a shadow over the city’s cultural and public...
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Between Iran and Israel: Barbara Pravi Reveals the Drama That Changed Her Life

Between Iran and Israel: Barbara Pravi Reveals the Drama That Changed Her Life

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “In Iran, singing is a crime”: Barbara Pravi, France’s Eurovision 2021 representative, opens up about her Iranian-Jewish roots, her fears of extremism, and the pivotal drama that shaped her life. Barbara Pravi, France’s Eurovision 2021 representative who captivated Europe with her song “Voilà”, returns to the headlines - this time for a far more profound reason. In a personal interview published as relations between Israel and Iran reach a historic boiling point, Pravi reveals her complex identity: a Polish Jewish grandmother, a Moroccan Jewish grandmother, an Iranian grandfather who fled after the Shah’s fall, and a Serbian grandfather who opposed Tito’s regime. Her music, it turns out, is only part of the story. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); One woman, four worlds: What connects Parisian Judaism to Persian poetry? “I can’t ignore any of this, [...] My roots are who I am.” Says Pravi. While her grandparents’ homelands stand on opposite sides of the Middle Eastern conflict,...
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Eurovision Reinvented: Major Changes Ahead – A New Trophy and Logo?

Eurovision Reinvented: Major Changes Ahead – A New Trophy and Logo?

by Guy Solo Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After yet another broken trophy, the EBU is reportedly considering a redesign of the Eurovision trophy and logo ahead of the 2026 contest. Is the glass microphone nearing retirement? Following the celebrations of Eurovision 2025, the iconic glass microphone trophy has broken—again. This time, the mishap befell Austrian winner JJ, who shared the damaged trophy on TikTok, revealing it in two separate pieces. "My suitcase arrived broken, so the trophy broke too," said the singer. "But don’t worry – it will be fixed." (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Why Is the Eurovision Trophy So Fragile? The Eurovision Song Contest, the world’s biggest music competition, is renowned not only for its performances, costumes, and drama—but also for its distinctive trophy: a glass microphone awarded to the winner. In recent years, however, the trophy seems to have developed a reputation for being delicate. JJ is already the fifth winner whose trophy broke: it previously happened to Nemo,...
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Iran at Eurovision? The Story of Iranians Who Captured the World’s Biggest Stage

Iran at Eurovision? The Story of Iranians Who Captured the World’s Biggest Stage

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Though Iran itself does not participate in Eurovision, artists of Iranian origin do - and more than you might think! Artists of Iranian origin have managed over the years to reach the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest - not as representatives of Iran, which does not participate in the competition, but under the flags of Western countries. This is a rare but fascinating phenomenon that highlights the power of migration, multicultural identity, and global influences in the world of entertainment. From unforgettable performances to interrupted participations, five prominent figures with Iranian roots have left their mark on Europe’s most watched competition. Among them are singers with international careers, new immigrants, and even one young girl. For some, their Iranian background was only hinted at, while for others, it was a source of pride and a message of cultural integration. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Arash – The Iranian Superstar Who Captivated Azerbaijan The most recognizable...
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JoJo Siwa Wanted to Represent Poland – And Now the United Kingdom – at Eurovision!

JoJo Siwa Wanted to Represent Poland – And Now the United Kingdom – at Eurovision!

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); JoJo Siwa, the American reality and music star, has expressed her desire to represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2026 - after her attempt to represent Poland in the contest did not materialize. JoJo Siwa, 22, is a controversial American singer and reality TV star who rose to fame as a child on "Dance Moms" and recently appeared on "Big Brother VIP UK." She remains determined to participate in Eurovision, after revealing last year that she has Polish roots and expressing interest in representing Poland at the Eurovision Song Contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No Call from Poland - So Maybe the United Kingdom? It all began when JoJo Siwa shared about a year ago that she was interested in representing Poland at the contest. Her song "Yesterday's Tomorrow's Today" even went viral in the country, but ultimately, the story faded away. The Polish national broadcaster even denied any contact with Siwa. Now, in a new...
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Angel in Maltese Too: Chiara Releases Maltese Version of Her 2005’s Eurovision Song

Angel in Maltese Too: Chiara Releases Maltese Version of Her 2005’s Eurovision Song

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Listen: 20 years after Chiara claimed second place, she releases a new version of the iconic song that captured hearts at Eurovision 2005. Chiara, one of Malta’s most prominent Eurovision singers, has released a new Maltese-language version of the iconic song “Angel”, now titled “Kuljum” (translated as: “Every Day”), marking twenty years since her original performance which earned her second place in Eurovision 2005. The song “Angel” remains one of Malta’s most popular Eurovision entries to this day, and its new Maltese version bridges national heritage with an international audience. The song, which became an anthem of hope and love, continues to move and inspire fans across Europe, especially among Eurovision enthusiasts. This new release underscores Chiara’s commitment to her language, culture, and her connection to her homeland. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Singer Who Never Gives Up Chiara, regarded as one of Malta’s most beloved and respected Eurovision artists, represented her country three times at...
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After the Fatal Tragedy – Graz Will Not Bid to Host Eurovision 2026

After the Fatal Tragedy – Graz Will Not Bid to Host Eurovision 2026

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Following a deadly school tragedy in Graz, Austria, the city’s municipality has withdrawn from the race to host Eurovision 2026 despite its logistical advantages. Four cities now remain in the running, awaiting the official announcement on August 8th, 2025. In the wake of last week’s severe shooting incident at a school in Graz, Austria, the city announced that it will not proceed with its application to host Eurovision 2026. The decision was conveyed by the regional governor, Mario Kunasek, amid security discussions conducted in the city following the disaster. This move has removed Graz from the list of candidate cities, leaving only four cities expected to submit their official bids by the final deadline of July 4th. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Security Concerns Outweigh Ambitions to Host Security considerations have taken precedence over the city’s aspirations. Although Graz was considered one of the leading contenders thanks to its impressive urban infrastructure, the municipality’s decision to refrain from...
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Oberwart Withdrew from the Eurovision 2026 Hosting Race: “We Realized There’s No Point”

Oberwart Withdrew from the Eurovision 2026 Hosting Race: “We Realized There’s No Point”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Oberwart’s municipality announced it will not submit a bid to host Eurovision 2026 due to infrastructure limitations. Five cities remain in contention, awaiting the official announcement on August 8th, 2025. The municipality of Oberwart has announced that it will not submit a bid to host Eurovision 2026, despite having received an official invitation from the Austrian national broadcaster ORF to present a comprehensive hosting proposal. After an initial review of the logistical and infrastructure requirements necessary to host the event, city representatives determined that the local arena is too small and does not meet the contest’s basic standards—chief among them, the requirement for a venue with at least 10,000 seats. Despite the initial excitement that followed a spontaneous statement from the mayor on the day after JJ’s victory with “Wasted Love” at Eurovision, and the positive media wave that ensued, the city ultimately made a realistic and prudent decision: to withdraw from the race and focus on alternative...
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Dramatic Reversals, Human Errors, and One Decisive Point: The Greatest Battles in Eurovision History

Dramatic Reversals, Human Errors, and One Decisive Point: The Greatest Battles in Eurovision History

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision has always been a battleground between audience and jury - tight contests, last-minute decisions, judging errors, and unexpected twists. How did Eurovision become the stage for historic dramas? The Eurovision Song Contest, one of the world’s largest and most-watched entertainment events, continues to deliver moments of tension, major drama, and unexpected surprises - especially around the ongoing battle of the scoreboard. For over six decades, Eurovision’s history has been marked by close decisions, technical errors, last-minute reversals, and broken records - all of which make the contest a hotbed of excitement. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Head-to-Head Battles: The Jury’s Votes Era The tight contest in Eurovision is no recent invention - it’s part of the contest’s DNA. In the 1960s, voting was done via rotary phones - technology that often betrayed participants, hosts, and the flow of the competition itself. Glitches, poor reception, and human errors turned each grand final into an unpredictable...
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