Germany Archives

Drama: Will Germany Withdraw From Eurovision 2026 if Israel Gets Expelled?

December 2, 2025December 2, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); This Thursday the discussion on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is expected to take place, and according to reports – if Israel is disqualified, Germany is expected to boycott Eurovision entirely and not even broadcast it. The discussion on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is scheduled for Thurdsay as part of the European Broadcasting Union’s General Assembly. After many rumours regarding the position of the German national broadcaster ARD, and its vague response on the matter, a new report from Reuters now confirms that if the upcoming discussion leads to a vote that results in Israel’s expulsion, Germany will boycott Eurovision and will not broadcast the contest at all. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Reuters report comes after a period of ambiguity from the German national broadcaster, which has even chosen not to comment on the report itself. Many political figures in Germany have expressed strong support for Israel’s participation; the German Chancellor, Friedrich...

The Eurovision Icons Kessler Twins Have Passed Away

November 19, 2025 by Rachel Geron Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Kessler twins, who represented Germany at Eurovision 1959 and became international icons, died together at the age of 89 after choosing to end their lives through joint assisted dying. The twins Ellen Kessler and Alice Kessler, who earned international fame as singers, dancers and actresses - and as Germany’s representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest 1959 — have passed away. The two died at the age of 89 in Grünwald, near Munich, through a pre-arranged assisted death. According to a statement by the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS) to Bavarian Radio, the twins had planned their own deaths over a long period of time: “The Kessler twins have been involved with assisted death for a long time”. It was also stated that the twins had been members of the organization for years and had personally chosen the date of their death. A lawyer and a doctor held preparatory conversations with them and later arrived at the sisters’ home to...

German Education Minister: “Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision 2026 Is an Antisemitic Act”

October 30, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany reaffirms support for Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 as Education Minister Karin Prien calls any expulsion “an antisemitic act” contradicting the contest’s spirit of unity and cultural dialogue. Germany continues to firmly support Israel’s participation in the contest. German Education Minister Karin Prien stated today (Thursday) that she strongly opposes Israel’s removal from Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. According to her, excluding Israel because of its government’s actions would be an antisemitic act that undermines the cultural values and dialogue on which the competition is based. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “Germany must continue to support Israel’s participation" Karin Prien declared unequivocally: “Expelling Israel from Eurovision 2026 is a completely antisemitic act. Therefore, I fully agree with Germany’s insistence and its threats regarding Israel’s participation”. Her remarks stand among the strongest diplomatic statements recently made by senior European officials. Prien added: “The values of enlightenment and acceptance require maintaining dialogue and avoiding punishment of artists and creators for their governments’...

German National Broadcaster Ends Collaboration with Stefan Raab Ahead of Eurovision 2026

October 22, 2025 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After just one year, Germany’s national broadcaster ARD announced it will not continue its partnership with Stefan Raab for the Eurovision 2026 national final - but left the door open for future cooperation. Germany’s national broadcaster ARD has officially announced that it will not renew its collaboration with producer and musician Stefan Raab, who co-produced "Chefsache 2025" for Eurovision alongside RTL last year.The decision follows a year that was considered a television success but did not achieve the main goal - winning Eurovision 2025 held in Basel. ARD’s Program Director Christine Strobl explained the reasoning in an interview: “We entered into this partnership because we wanted to win. Now, a year later, to say: ‘Okay, it didn’t work out, we’ll just keep going anyway,’ doesn’t feel right”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SWR Takes Over the German Selection Responsibility for choosing Germany’s representative for Eurovision 2026 has now been transferred to SWR, one of ARD’s regional broadcasters.At...

Bernd Meinunger, One of Eurovision’s Greatest Songwriters, Died at Age of 81

October 18, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); German lyricist Bernd Meinunger, who penned some of Germany’s most iconic Eurovision classics, has passed away at the age of 81. The German lyricist Bernd Meinunger, one of the most renowned figures in Germany’s Eurovision history and the author of huge hits such as “Ein bisschen Frieden” and “Reise nach Jerusalem”, passed away yeaterday (Friday) at the age of 81. Meinunger died at his home in Grunwald after struggling for years with severe health issues. He passed away following a prolonged battle with a bacterial infection that began after knee surgery around four years ago. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who Was Bernd Meinunger? Meinunger was best known as the longtime collaborator and creative partner of legendary Eurovision composer and producer Ralph Siegel. Together, the two created many of the most famous Eurovision songs ever submitted by Germany - Meinunger wrote the lyrics while Siegel composed the music. Siegel paid tribute to his late friend in an interview, saying: “He...

German Chancellor Draws a Red Line: If Israel Is Expelled from Eurovision, Germany Must Withdraw

October 6, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Scandal": German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vows that Germany will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is expelled, stirring diplomatic waves and reshaping the balance of power in the European contest. What would happen to the Eurovision Song Contest if one of Europe’s strongest countries decided to withdraw? German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly backed Germany’s withdrawal from the competition if Israel is expelled. What does this suggest about the leverage of countries like Germany compared to others — such as Spain and the Netherlands — which recently declared they would boycott the contest if Israel does participate? The Chancellor’s new statement shifts the balance of power, but does it carry practical weight within the competition’s framework? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany’s Position and Merz’s Statement In a clear and assertive interview with German media, the Chancellor stated: “If Israel is expelled, I will support our non-participation.” This is one of the most striking political statements made by a senior European leader in...

Is the German Public Opposes Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026?

October 3, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Is Germany with Israel or against? An in-depth analysis of a new survey examining the political implications of Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 and its perception among the German public. As the debate across Europe intensifies over Israel’s place in Eurovision 2026, Germany finds itself at the heart of the storm. In a country where historical and cultural ties with the Jewish people are deeply charged, a heated public discussion is taking place regarding Israel’s participation. Against the backdrop of mounting boycotts in countries like the Netherlands and Spain, and amid heated discussions within the EBU, it comes as no surprise that the issue has also taken center stage in Germany. The national broadcaster in Germany has previously expressed support for Israel’s participation in the contest, but what does the German public truly think? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany Still Standing with Israel? A new survey conducted in Germany by the national broadcaster ARD reveals...

Germany: Eurovision National Selection to Be Held in Late February

September 18, 2025October 6, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SWR will host its Eurovision 2026 selection in February, featuring international jurors and voters across Europe to decide the country’s representative The German national selection for Eurovision 2026 will take place at the end of February, the national broadcaster SWR has announced, according to ESC Kompakt. The winner representing Germany will be chosen through a voting model that mirrors the Eurovision Song Contest itself, combining votes from viewers across Europe with an international jury of music industry experts. The final will be broadcast live on the public channel Das Erste. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Preparations: Berlin Songwriting Camp As part of the preparations for the national selection, Germany relaunched the Berlin Song Fest songwriting camp this past summer. The initiative is designed to bring together writers, composers, and producers from across Europe to create songs fit for the big stage. The camp, held in August following a pilot in April, is gradually becoming one...

Germany Issues Statement on Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

September 16, 2025 by Aviad Berger Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026: As a “Big 5” country, Germany holds significant influence in the contest. Will it use this to back Israel or remain neutral? Germany makes a new statement on Israel In the past week, several European countries announced that they will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel remains in the competition. Slovenia, Ireland, and the Netherlands declared their withdrawal under such circumstances, while Iceland and Spain hinted they may also join the boycott. This year, as the Eurovision Song Contest moves closer to Vienna, Israel finds itself at the center of a storm of declarations, boycotts, and threats that could disrupt one of Europe’s most beloved cultural traditions. The question now looming: What is the future of Israel in the contest? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision Bubble in Turmoil: Boycotts and Criticism The possibility of Israel being excluded currently dominates the “Eurovision bubble.” National broadcasters in several countries have not hesitated to...

Duncan Laurence Breaks Record: “Arcade” Is Eurovision’s Most-Streamed Song

July 23, 2025July 30, 2025 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); With over 1.4 billion Spotify streams, "Arcade" leads Eurovision’s all-time charts - discover the the top songs dominating global Spotify and YouTube play counts. The song "Arcade" by Dutch artist Duncan Laurence, the Eurovision 2019 winner, has become the most-streamed song in Eurovision Song Contest history, exceeding 1.4 billion Spotify streams. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From TV Event to Streaming Powerhouse: The Evolution of Eurovision Recent data confirm Eurovision’s transformation from a contest evaluated by juries and public voting into an international sensation measured by streams, views, Instagram Reels, and TikTok content. For nearly a decade, releasing a Eurovision song has been a full-scale digital marketing endeavor - Spotify plays, Instagram trends, and YouTube views now play a role as significant as the live performance itself. Duncan Laurence has set an almost unreachable standard for future contestants. Close behind is "Snap" by Armenian artist Rosa Linn, which has accumulated more than 1.2 billion Spotify streams - even though it finished only 20th in...