After Astonishing Europe – Yuval Raphael Returns to “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision”

After Astonishing Europe – Yuval Raphael Returns to “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A year after competing on the reality show “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision” and earning the honor of representing Israel in Eurovision 2025, Yuval Raphael returns to the show – this time as a judge. After astonishing Europe, earning a respectable second place at Eurovision 2025, and moving an entire nation, Yuval Raphael comes full circle exactly one year after her first audition — returning to the reality show “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision”. But this time, she takes on a completely different role: sitting in the judge’s chair. The winner of the upcoming season, set to air in November, will step into Yuval Raphael’s shoes and represent Israel on the grand international stage at Eurovision 2026, set to take place in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Yuval Raphael, the winner of the previous season and Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2025 in Basel with her stirring ballad “New Day Will Rise”, will join the judging panel as a guest judge. Her...
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Yuval Raphael Releases New Three-Track Mini Album: “22:22”

Yuval Raphael Releases New Three-Track Mini Album: “22:22”

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2025 runner-up and televote winner releases a moving mini-album inspired by her survival story, intertwining spirituality, healing, and hope two years after the Nova tragedy Sometimes, small and seemingly random numbers turn into signs from the universe – sparks of light within a shaken reality. Two years after surviving the horrific Nova festival massacre, and months after winning hearts across Europe at Eurovision, Yuval Raphael returns with her debut mini-album (EP), a work that aims to heal, believe, and embrace the soul. The album includes three songs: “VeMa Itcha” (“And What About You”), “Kama Ahavti” (“How Much I Loved”), and “Yidalek Ha’Or” (“The Light Will Shine”). In two of them – “VeMa Itcha” and “Yidalek Ha’Or” – Raphael also co-wrote the lyrics. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “There isn’t a single day I don’t see the numbers 22:22 appearing somewhere", said Raphael. “It follows me. This small thing keeps my spirit moving forward...
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Eurovision 2026: Debate on Israel’s Participation Postponed to December 4

Eurovision 2026: Debate on Israel’s Participation Postponed to December 4

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel in Eurovision: Discussion on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 postponed to December 4 amid Middle East developments In an official statement sent to members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), it was announced that the discussion regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, which had been moved up to early November, will ultimately take place on its original date – December 4 – as part of the organization’s General Assembly. According to the EBU, this decision was made “in light of the recent developments in the Middle East” and out of a desire to hold “an open discussion with the full participation of all members.” However, the statement does not specify whether an actual vote will take place at that time, raising the possibility that the decision may be postponed – or that the vote may be canceled altogether – depending on the tone and direction of the debate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); EBU’s Position and Internal...
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“HaKokhav HaBa”: How Is the Production Preparing for a Possible Eurovision Disqualification?

“HaKokhav HaBa”: How Is the Production Preparing for a Possible Eurovision Disqualification?

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});   Reports reveal that the production of "HaKokhav HaBa," the Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2026, is preparing for every possible scenario - including a possible elimination from the contest. What is the winner's alternative prize? Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision remains unclear due to countries threatening to withdraw if Israel takes part. Despite this, the popular show "HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision," which is due to select Israel’s representative for the 2026 contest in Vienna, Austria, has already started filming. Recent reports highlight how the show’s producers are preparing for a possible elimination scenario. The season is set to premiere mid-November. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Alternative Prize Planned Should Israel be excluded from Eurovision 2026, the show’s production will award the winner a cash prize of 1 million shekels (about 264,000 Euro), as reported by "Walla Tarbut". This prize was given in past seasons not linked to Eurovision—to Tamir Grinberg and Eliav Zohar. It’s worth...
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Who Will Decide Israel’s Future in Eurovision? Norwegian Statement Raises Questions

Who Will Decide Israel’s Future in Eurovision? Norwegian Statement Raises Questions

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Norway’s TV 2 questions voting on Israel’s Eurovision exclusion, raising uncertainty over participation and possible impact on final results Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 is considering whether to participate in the vote on Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision 2026, spokesperson Jan-Petter Dahl confirmed. The hesitation stems from the fact that the channel is an active EBU member but does not hold Eurovision broadcasting rights, which in Norway belong exclusively to the competing broadcaster NRK. “We will wait for the invitation before considering whether it is natural for us to participate,” said Dahl. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who Will Participate in the Vote? The vote on Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision 2026 has been postponed to mid-November. Since the EBU has not yet sent an official invitation to any national broadcaster – only announcing it will take place in a “special online session” of the General Assembly – it remains unclear which broadcasters will vote, what majority will...
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Poll Finds: Most Icelanders Support Withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 If Israel Participates

Poll Finds: Most Icelanders Support Withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 If Israel Participates

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Gallup poll finds most Icelanders back withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, ahead of Iceland’s key EBU vote  According to a new Gallup poll, 58% of Iceland's citizens support withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. Conversely, 20% favor Iceland’s participation regardless of Israel’s inclusion. It is important to note that the survey was conducted between September 18th and October 2nd, prior to the announcement of a ceasefire, which is likely to influence many Icelanders’ opinions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Gender and Education Differences in Opinion The survey reveals notable demographic variations regarding views on Israel. Men were found to be less influenced by Israel’s participation compared to women, while individuals with academic education were more inclined to oppose Israel’s presence than those with lower education levels. The sample size consisted of 1,748 respondents, with a participation rate of 46.8%. All participants were selected randomly. Iceland Likely to Support Israel's Exclusion Iceland is among...
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Australia Divided Over Eurovision 2026 – How SBS Responds to the Israel Controversy

Australia Divided Over Eurovision 2026 – How SBS Responds to the Israel Controversy

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Will Australia boycott Eurovision 2026? SBS responds to political criticism and chooses to remain neutral regarding Israel’s participation – here are all the details behind the controversy. As Australian politicians call for a strong stance against Israel, the national broadcaster SBS has opted for a different approach – maintaining neutrality. The decision not to take a position on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 has sparked debate in the local parliament. As accusations and boycott calls spread, SBS insists on continuing business as usual – preserving Australia’s decades-long musical link to Europe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Storm in the Aussie Parliament During a heated parliamentary session, Green Party Senator Mehreen Faruqi criticized the network’s decision: “Israel is set to perform pop songs while it bombs Palestinian children. If Israel participates, will Australia withdraw or provide media coverage?” Acting CEO Jane Palfreyman responded that during such sensitive times, a public broadcaster must remain neutral and refrain from taking political sides. Later in the session, SBS’s head of public...
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Will the BBC Turn Its Back on Israel Again? The Dilemma Stirring the United Kingdom

Will the BBC Turn Its Back on Israel Again? The Dilemma Stirring the United Kingdom

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel at Eurovision 2026 – yes or no? BBC Director General admits the decision on Israel’s participation is “very complex”. Full details behind the United Kingdom’s stance ahead of the dramatic vote. Between the corridors of the British national broadcaster, the BBC - long accused of anti-Israeli bias - one of the most sensitive decisions is taking shape: How will the United Kingdom vote regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026? Employees, journalists, and managers are demanding a clear answer from Director General Tim Davie, yet he prefers to wait. Will the national broadcaster remain committed to the principle of an apolitical competition, or join the voices calling for Israel’s exclusion - a country that has won the contest four times but now provokes global controversy? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Pressure on Davie from BBC staff and viewers is mounting over whether the broadcaster will support Israel or side with calls to expel Israel’s national broadcaster...
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Following Ceasefire Agreement: Vote on Expelling Israel from Eurovision 2026 May Be Postponed!

Following Ceasefire Agreement: Vote on Expelling Israel from Eurovision 2026 May Be Postponed!

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ORF announced the vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 may be delayed or canceled due to a hostage release deal and war’s end Against the backdrop of reports about a deal to end the war, it was revealed today (Thursday) that the vote regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria, may be postponed or even canceled. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria finds itself at the center of a political storm ahead of Eurovision 2026 due to uncertainty over Israel’s participation in the upcoming contest in Vienna. U.S. President Donald Trump announced last night a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. According to a report by the Austrian newspaper Der Standard, ORF faces a dilemma worth €40 million: whether to refuse hosting the major event if Israel is ultimately barred from participating. After Austria’s victory in the last Eurovision in Basel, ORF took on significant responsibility and committed...
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Austrian Chancellor Threatens: Vienna Will Not Host Eurovision 2026 if Israel Is Excluded

Austrian Chancellor Threatens: Vienna Will Not Host Eurovision 2026 if Israel Is Excluded

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Chancellor issues a bold warning: Vienna will withdraw from hosting Eurovision 2026 if Israel is banned, sparking major diplomatic waves and raising Israel’s prospects for participation. A major diplomatic bombshell shakes the Eurovision stage: amid the ongoing debate surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, a firm statement of support has arrived from one of the most crucial places — the host country itself. Austria’s Chancellor has declared unequivocally that without Israel in the competition, Vienna will not host the event. What could this mean for Eurovision’s future and for Israel’s participation? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and State Secretary Alexander Proll made an official announcement stating that if a boycott against Israel is enforced, they will pressure the national broadcaster and the City of Vienna to withdraw their hosting of Eurovision 2026. In a statement from their party, OVP, they emphasized: “It makes no sense that we, of all people, would prevent a Jewish artist from coming to...
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