The War Is Not Over: AVROTROS Will Vote For Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision 2026 Despite Gaza Ceasefire

The War Is Not Over: AVROTROS Will Vote For Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision 2026 Despite Gaza Ceasefire

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS insists Israel must be expelled from Eurovision 2026, citing Gaza and press freedom, even if a ceasefire with Hamas materializes (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Netherlands will maintain its support for Israel’s expulsion from Eurovision 2026 even if a ceasefire with Hamas is reached, according to a spokesperson for the Dutch national broadcaster AVROTROS. He emphasized that Israel has no place in the contest. "Our Position Will Not Change" Trump’s plan, whose details were released yesterday, sparked hope among Eurovision fans in Israel that the threat of expulsion would be lifted and Israel’s path to Eurovision 2026 would be secured. The countries that previously called for Israel’s removal justified their stance by referring to the humanitarian situation and the decline in press freedom, raising expectations that an end to the war would render these threats irrelevant. However, the Dutch national broadcaster AVROTROS quickly clarified that its position remains firm, and even if a ceasefire agreement is finalized,...
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Eurovision in Concert 2026: Organizers Stand Firm on Israel, Event Confirmed for April in Amsterdam

Eurovision in Concert 2026: Organizers Stand Firm on Israel, Event Confirmed for April in Amsterdam

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Organizers of Eurovision in Concert 2026 confirm the show will proceed in Amsterdam despite boycott pressures over Israel, emphasizing music’s unifying role (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The controversy surrounding Eurovision 2026 continues: the organizers of Eurovision in Concert, one of the largest annual gatherings of the Eurovision community, held every year in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, have spoken out against the calls for a boycott of Israel in a new statement. “Eurovision in Concert 2026 will go on”, read the post. “As always, we’re looking forward to welcoming Eurovision delegations, fans and press from all over Europe for an unforgettable night in Amsterdam”. Resisting the Pressure The organizers described intense pressure placed on the management regarding Israel’s participation: “Dear Eurovision fans, we received several emails and messages whether Eurovision in Concert 2026 will go ahead after the news that several broadcoasters (including Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS) will withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 if Israel participates in Vienna. “It goes without...
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Eurovision 1969 Winner Lenny Kuhr Slams Dutch Boycott of Israel

Eurovision 1969 Winner Lenny Kuhr Slams Dutch Boycott of Israel

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 1969 winner Lenny Kuhr criticizes AVROTROS’ boycott of Israel, urging Eurovision to stay apolitical and unite through music, not politics. Eurovision 2026 has not yet begun, but Israel’s participation is already shaping up to be one of the competition’s most contentious issues. Into this storm steps a familiar voice from the past – Lenny Kuhr, the Dutch singer who won Eurovision in 1969, who now directs sharp criticism at her country and European broadcasters. Her words carry added weight, she explains, not only because of her long artistic career but also due to her deep, personal connection to Israel: her daughters live in Ramat Gan, her grandson was injured in the October 7th attack, and she herself spent many years living in Israel after marrying an Israeli. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In an interview with Dutch radio, Kuhr said: “I find it incomprehensible and very sad. Art is a way to connect people, and when you boycott Israel—you deny that possibility and...
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Drama: The List of Countries Withdrawing from Eurovision Grows Due to Israel

Drama: The List of Countries Withdrawing from Eurovision Grows Due to Israel

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Dutch national broadcaster AVROTROS has officially declared that it will not participate in Eurovision as long as Israel takes part. At the peak of ongoing tensions surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, the Dutch national broadcaster AVROTROS issued an unusual announcement today (Friday), stating: "We can no longer justify Israel’s participation in Eurovision due to the ongoing situation in Gaza". AVROTROS is the third national broadcaster, following those of Slovenia and Ireland, to officially announce that it will withdraw from the contest as long as Israel continues to participate. Alongside the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia, both Iceland and Spain have hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the competition if Israel remains involved, though they have yet to issue official statements. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Worrying Trend As mentioned, the Netherlands is already the third country in recent days to officially declare that it will withdraw from the contest as long as Israel participates. Why is...
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Because of Israel? The Netherlands Withholds Song Submission Numbers for Eurovision 2026!

Because of Israel? The Netherlands Withholds Song Submission Numbers for Eurovision 2026!

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Netherlands confirmed its Eurovision 2026 participation and began internal selection, but refuses to disclose how many songs were submitted—citing ongoing negotiations with the EBU, apparently regarding Israel’s participation. Claude brought the Netherlands notable success at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, with an uneventful and smooth participation. The Netherlands was enthusiastic about the upcoming 2026 contest and quickly launched its internal selection process. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Dutch national broadcaster, AVROTROS, opened its internal submission window as early as May 19, 2025—just two days after the 2025 Grand Final. The nation was the first to confirm Eurovision 2026 participation back in November 2024 and was once again optimistic following the end of the 2025 season. Despite tradition, the Netherlands now refuses to reveal the number of songs submitted to its selection process, citing ongoing discussions with the European Broadcasting Union about the "future of the contest," widely believed to revolve around Israel's participation. According to AVROTROS, “Immediately after the Grand Final,...
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Kyle Alessandro, Claude, Imaani and Global Stars Confirmed for Het Grote Songfestivalfeest Amsterdam Show

Kyle Alessandro, Claude, Imaani and Global Stars Confirmed for Het Grote Songfestivalfeest Amsterdam Show

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Kyle Alessandro and Claude, Eurovision 2025 representatives and the British Singer Imaani have been added to the Dutch Eurovision show set for November 20th at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome. Two notable singers from Eurovision 2025 – Kyle Alessandro, Norway’s representative, and Claude, the Dutch representative – have joined the prestigious artist list for Het Grote Songfestivalfeest, the Netherland's major Eurovision show. Scheduled for November 20th, 2025, at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, the event has become a must for Eurovision, pop culture and contemporary music fans. Also joining is Imaani, who became a British Eurovision icon as the 1998 runner-up with "Where Are You?". This year's lineup includes winners and influential acts that have performed unforgettable songs at Eurovision, underscoring the event’s global stature and quality. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What Makes Het Grote Songfestivalfeest Unique? The show, first held in December 2019 to mark the Netherlands' victory in Tel Aviv, quickly became a cherished Dutch tradition....
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Joost Klein’s “Europapa” Became The Most-Viewed Dutch Performance on the Official Eurovision YouTube Channel

Joost Klein’s “Europapa” Became The Most-Viewed Dutch Performance on the Official Eurovision YouTube Channel

  (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); With over 47 million views, Klein recently surpassed "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence, the winner of Eurovision Song Contest 2019. Where did Anouk and Claude land? Disqualified but in the lead: The song "Europapa" by Joost Klein, who represented the Netherlands at Eurovision 2024, has crossed 47 million views on the Eurovision’s official YouTube channel. It now surpasses the grand final performance of "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence, the 2019 Eurovision winner, by nearly 250,000 views. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Klein is mainly remembered for being disqualified by the EBU after he attacked a Swedish production assistant. Ironically, his disqualification produced a “Streisand effect”, propelling the song to massive popularity across Europe. "Europapa" soared to the top of charts in Belgium, Croatia, Austria, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and even made its way onto the prestigious United States' Billboard chart. Understanding the "Streisand Effect" The Streisand effect describes a media phenomenon where attempts to suppress information unintentionally...
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Netherlands: Douwe Bob Sues Politician Over Antisemitism Allegations

Netherlands: Douwe Bob Sues Politician Over Antisemitism Allegations

  (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Douwe Bob sues politician Dilan Yeşilgöz for accusations of antisemitism after canceling a performance for Jewish children at an Amsterdam event. Douwe Bob, who represented the Netherlands in Eurovision 2016, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Dilan Yeşilgöz, leader of the largest party in the Dutch parliament, following her post on X that accused him of antisemitism. As previously reported, Douwe Bob left the Netherlands with his family after receiving life threats due to uproar caused by his cancellation of a performance at an event for Jewish children. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Controversy at Amsterdam’s “Jom Ha Voetbal” Tournament The controversy began when Douwe Bob canceled his appearance at the annual “Jom Ha Voetbal” football tournament in Amsterdam, an event for the Jewish community’s children. According to the artist, he withdrew due to the "promotion of Zionist propaganda" at the event, which he claimed was contrary to agreements with the organizers. After the cancellation became public, Yeşilgöz posted a strong...
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Duncan Laurence Breaks Record: “Arcade” Is Eurovision’s Most-Streamed Song

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

(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...
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Netherlands: Zoë Livay Writes New Song in Hopes of Representing the Country at Eurovision

Netherlands: Zoë Livay Writes New Song in Hopes of Representing the Country at Eurovision

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Zoë Livay reveals her new song is ready for Eurovision 2026, sparking excitement and speculation among fans about her chances and artistic direction. The Netherlands is buzzing with anticipation as singer-songwriter Zoë Livay, one of the most compelling voices in the Dutch music scene, revealed that the song she intends to use to compete for the honor of representing the country at Eurovision 2026 is already completed and awaiting its big debut. Livay’s bold move, disclosed this month, firmly places her at the center of buzz circulating around the country's upcoming selection and adds momentum to the ever-evolving conversation surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest—a nexus of entertainment, style, and drama closely followed across Europe. The Dutch national broadcaster, AVROTROS, confirmed that it will once again utilize an internal selection process to choose its act for Eurovision 2026. It officially opened the submission window for artists and composers this year, which will remain open through August 31. The Netherlands already made headlines in...
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