Tonight at 20:30 CET: The First Episode of “HaKokhav HaBa”!

Tonight at 20:30 CET: The First Episode of “HaKokhav HaBa”!

by Adiel Shtainmetz Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Tonight begins Israel’s search for its Eurovision 2026 representative. The first episode of the auditions of "HaKokhav HaBa" airs at 20:30 CET, hosted by Assi Azar and Rotem Sela. The official journey to select Israel’s Eurovision 2026 artist starts tonight. While the EBU has not yet finalized Israel's participation, the twelfth season of "HaKokhav HaBa" launches with a premiere episode immediately following the evening news. Filming began a month ago with audition stages that will be broadcast in the coming weeks. The show airs on Keshet 12 and Mako LIVE. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Hosts and Judges Assi Azar and Rotem Sela will continue hosting the twelfth season, expected to conclude in early February. Joining them on the judges’ panel are Assaf Amdursky, Shiri Maimon, Keren Peles, Itay Levi, and Eden Hasson, who previously served as judges when Yuval Raphael was chosen as Israel’s Eurovision representative. This season, Israel’s representative will open the show. Throughout the season, “guest judges” will...
Read More
CEO of ORF, Ronald Weissman in Jerusalem: “Israel Is an Integral Part of Eurovision”

CEO of ORF, Ronald Weissman in Jerusalem: “Israel Is an Integral Part of Eurovision”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); CEO of the Austrian national broadcaster ORF, Ronald Weissmann visits Jerusalem, met with President Herzog and expressed steadfast support for Israel's participation in Eurovision amid boycott threats and upcoming EBU deliberations. Vienna is set to host the 70th Eurovision celebration this spring, but prior to the event, diplomacy is once again in the spotlight. Austrian national broadcaster CEO Ronald Weissmann arrived in Israel not only to plan for Eurovision 2026 but also to expressly support Israel’s inclusion in the contest. During his visit to the President’s residence in Jerusalem, Weissmann met President Isaac Herzog, broadcaster CEO Golan Yochpaz, and legal advisor Ayala Mizrahi. All attendees highlighted the importance of free expression and cultural independence for public media organizations. Yokhpaz stated, “There is no justification for excluding Israel from Eurovision”, and underlined that the national broadcaster continues to comply with EBU regulations and will persist in doing so. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria Stands with Israel During...
Read More
Israel: “HaKokhav HaBa LeEurovision 2026” to Air on November 11th!

Israel: “HaKokhav HaBa LeEurovision 2026” to Air on November 11th!

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The twelfth season of the reality show "HaKokhav HaBa LeEurovision 2026" will premiere next Tuesday, November 11th. The show's winner will represent Israel at Eurovision 2026, in Vienna, Austria. The reality show "HaKokhav HaBa LeEurovision 2026" will air exactly one week from now, next Tuesday, November 11th, with the broadcast of the first audition episode. Audition episodes began filming about a month ago. Once again, this season will be hosted by the beloved presenters Assi Azar and Rotem Sela. The judging panel for this season will again include Assaf Amdursky, Keren Peles, Shiri Maimon, Eden Hasson, and Itay Levy. Occasionally, guest judges such as Netta Barzilai, Dana International, and Yuval Raphael will join. The winner of Season 12 of "The Next Star" will represent Israel at Eurovision 2026, in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A few days ago, we reported on the site that the reality show had already kicked off with an official promo and a minor change to its name. "Shel Israel" (in English: "Of...
Read More
More Than Half of Norwegians Oppose Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

More Than Half of Norwegians Oppose Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A new Norwegian survey reveals that most citizens believe the national broadcaster NRK should vote against Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. But will it affect NRK’s decision? The debate over Israel’s participation continues to stir controversy across Norway. According to a new poll conducted by Norstat for the national broadcaster NRK, six out of ten Norwegians believe that Norway should vote against Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, set to take place in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Divided Voices: Culture or Politics? Opinions remain split: some Norwegians argue that every country should be allowed to participate regardless of political circumstances, emphasizing that Eurovision is a cultural stage, not a diplomatic arena. Others contend that countries involved in armed conflicts should be barred from competing. Still, the data show that about 22% of respondents support Norway’s continued participation in the contest - even if Israel remains in the lineup. ...
Read More
German Education Minister: “Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision 2026 Is an Antisemitic Act”

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

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’...
Read More
Izhar Cohen Reveals: “I Had a Tumor on My Vocal Cords”

Izhar Cohen Reveals: “I Had a Tumor on My Vocal Cords”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Surgery to remove a tumor, a lifetime achievement award, and his bond with Israeli society: Eurovision winner Izhar Cohen opens up about his health struggles and his contribution to Israeli culture. The Israeli Eurovision icon Izhar Cohen received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Israeli Artists’ Association (EMI) during its annual ceremony. It was a festive recognition of his illustrious career, given at an event where additional artists who made significant contributions to Israeli culture were also honored. The award highlighted that Izhar Cohen is not merely a familiar face in Israeli entertainment but a cultural symbol uniting music with tradition, bridging local art and national representation. His selection for the Lifetime Achievement Award reinforces the notion that veteran creators continue to inspire younger generations. At a time of cultural budget cuts and societal shifts, this recognition carries a strong social and cultural message: art is not just entertainment, but preservation and tribute. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Izhar Cohen Reveals...
Read More
From Eurovision to the Bank: “Espresso Macchiato” Sold to Israeli “Discount” Bank for over €65,000

From Eurovision to the Bank: “Espresso Macchiato” Sold to Israeli “Discount” Bank for over €65,000

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From the Eurovision stage to commercial breaks: “Espresso Macchiato”, which gained international success, has been sold for use in a new Israeli commercial for Discount Bank starring Rotem Sela — in a deal valued at approximately €65,000. After conquering the stage of Eurovision 2025 in Basel and placing third in the final with the song “Espresso Macchiato”, Estonian singer and rapper Tommy Cash continues to enjoy success — this time in the commercial sphere. Cash has sold the rights to use the song to Discount Bank for about €65,000. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In recent days, a Hebrew-language version of the song was released as part of Discount’s new campaign for small business owners, starring Rotem Sela, the bank’s regular presenter and co-host of "HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision". The campaign was developed by the Adler Chomski advertising agency, which initiated and purchased the rights to Cash’s original song to use it as the main soundtrack of the advertisement. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle ||...
Read More
Austria Reinforces Its Support for Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

Austria Reinforces Its Support for Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amid a ceasefire and threats of boycotts, Ronald Weissman, CEO of ORF, reiterates its support for Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, in Vienna, Austria. The CEO of Austria’s national broadcaster, Ronald Weissmann, stated in an interview that “this is a time for diplomacy – both behind the scenes and in the open”. Weissmann, who in recent months emphasized Austria’s national broadcaster ORF support for Israel’s participation in the contest, addressed the threats of withdrawal by several countries should Israel be included: “I expect many nations to take part in the year Eurovision celebrates its 70th anniversary”. He added: “The financial risk is highly manageable. If one or two countries decide not to participate, it’s entirely something we can deal with”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Weissmann’s statements confirm that ORF is likely to maintain its support for Israel despite any potential boycott calls within Eurovision. This position is particularly significant ahead of the upcoming EBU General Assembly in early...
Read More
Luxembourg Government Rejects Boycott of Israel in Eurovision 2026

Luxembourg Government Rejects Boycott of Israel in Eurovision 2026

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Luxembourg’s parliament confirms the government opposes boycotting Israel from Eurovision 2026, emphasizing cultural unity and separating politics from music ahead of EBU discussions. The Luxembourg national broadcaster RTL revealed on Wednesday that a member of Luxembourg’s parliament raised a formal inquiry regarding Israel’s participation in the upcoming contest. According to RTL, the parliamentary session concluded unequivocally that the Luxembourg government does not support boycotting Israel from Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. Could this be a small hint of the tone that will prevail at the decisive assembly concerning Israel’s future in the contest, or merely brief solace for Eurovision fans united behind the Israeli flag? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Parliamentary Discussion: Luxembourg’s Stance Ben Polidori, a member of the Social Democratic Party, submitted an official parliamentary inquiry asking whether Luxembourg would support boycotting Israel at Eurovision, arguing that Israel might use the contest for "cultural whitewashing" — employing culture to normalize its image. In response, three ministers — Xavier Bettel, Stephen Till, and Gilles...
Read More
EuroLeague Lifts Restrictions on Israel: Could This Signal Its Participation in Eurovision 2026?

EuroLeague Lifts Restrictions on Israel: Could This Signal Its Participation in Eurovision 2026?

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EuroLeague has tentatively allowed Israeli teams to host games at home again from December 1st, raising hopes for Israel’s Eurovision 2026 participation Israeli basketball teams will once again host EuroLeague games in their home arenas starting December 1st, according to a preliminary decision by the EuroLeague’s management. Since the outbreak of the war on October 7th, Israeli teams were forced to host home games abroad due to concerns for players’ safety. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to a report published today (Tuesday) on the Sports Channel, the decision followed extensive efforts by Maccabi Tel Aviv. The management now seeks to monitor the continuation of the ceasefire and receive additional security assurances to ensure the safety of teams and players, though the decision in principle has already been made. The wording of the management’s announcement also inspires optimism: “EuroLeague management and participating clubs welcome the peace initiatives with optimism and hope for the future, believing in basketball’s power...
Read More