Eurovision Drama: Slovenia Threatens to Withdraw from Contest if Israel Participates in 2026

Eurovision Drama: Slovenia Threatens to Withdraw from Contest if Israel Participates in 2026

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Slovenia, consistently opposing Israel’s participation, officially announced it may withdraw from Eurovision 2026, citing political tensions and concerns about voting transparency. The Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO declared during a EBU conference that it would withdraw from the competition if Israel continues to participate. The statement follows growing criticism of Israel due to the war in Gaza, along with allegations of insufficient transparency in the Eurovision voting process. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Slovenia’s Withdrawal Threat: "The Union Ignores Us" At the July conference in London, Slovenian broadcaster representatives stated: “If Israel takes part in the Eurovision Song Contest – because of the 'genocide in Gaza' – Slovenia will not participate in the event”. This stance reflects a long-standing policy of RTVSLO’s management. In previous months, the broadcaster already expressed reservations about continuing collaboration with Israel in the contest. RTVSLO’s director Ksenija Horvat reinforced this message in media interviews. According to her, the EBU has not provided adequate answers regarding Israel. In a strongly...
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Ukraine: Song Submission Window for Vidbir 2026 Opens

Ukraine: Song Submission Window for Vidbir 2026 Opens

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ukraine’s national broadcaster Suspilne has opened the submission window for “Vidbir 2026”, set to take place in February. Ukraine is already gearing up for Eurovision 2026 with the opening of the song submission window for “Vidbir 2026.” The musical producer of “Vidbir 2026”, Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala, will curate an initial shortlist of 15 songs that will advance to live auditions. From this pool, nine artists will be chosen to compete in the final, which will be held in February in a live show format. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “You are representing not only yourselves but also Ukraine” In addition, the Ukrainian public will select a tenth finalist via online voting, choosing from six shortlisted candidates. The submission deadline is October 27th. Jamala, who this time serves as the national selection’s music producer, stressed that contestants must begin their preparations immediately: “Don’t be afraid to experiment and to stay true to yourselves - that’s what Eurovision values, and that’s what leaves...
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Sanremo Festival 2026: Agreement Between RAI and Sanremo Secures Future

Sanremo Festival 2026: Agreement Between RAI and Sanremo Secures Future

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sanremo and RAI signed an agreement ensuring the festival remains in the city through 2028, keeping its Eurovision tradition alive The Sanremo Festival, which serves as Italy’s selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest, will remain in the city of Sanremo for at least the next three years. After lengthy and unpredictable negotiations, the Italian national broadcaster RAI and the Municipality of Sanremo signed an agreement granting the municipality ownership of the festival’s trademark, while RAI will retain full production rights and the authority to select Italy’s Eurovision representative. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Festival Dates and Rumors The upcoming edition of the Sanremo Festival will take place from February 24th to February 28th, 2026, immediately following the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina and just before the start of the Paralympic Games. This represents a departure from the traditional dates due to scheduling conflicts and the density of large-scale events in the city. Carlo Conti will...
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Ksenija Horvat: “Slovenia May Not Participate in Eurovision 2026”

Ksenija Horvat: “Slovenia May Not Participate in Eurovision 2026”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO is expected to withdraw from participating in Eurovision 2026, amid ongoing debates regarding Israel's inclusion, and is currently holding internal discussions on the matter. The Slovenian national broadcaster, RTVSLO, headed by Ksenija Horvat, is among the leading voices against Israel within the EBU. At the annual meeting of the Slovenian broadcaster this week, the agenda included, among other topics, the issue of whether the country should participate in Eurovision 2026. The discussion stemmed primarily from the meeting of the planning–production committee (PPN), which dealt with proposals to adjust the entertainment department’s programming. Eurovision participation emerged as a significant factor in the debate. Could Slovenia be preparing to withdraw from the upcoming competition? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Originally, RTVSLO planned to introduce a new show in the fall, modeled after Israel’s “The Next Star for Eurovision” — a competitive music program featuring both established and emerging artists, infused with humor and rivalry, with contestants advancing...
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Eurovision’s Winning Formula: Women, Men & The Unbreakable Code

Eurovision’s Winning Formula: Women, Men & The Unbreakable Code

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Women, men, or groups? In the third article of “The Eurovision Formula” series, we reveal whether there is a winning gender-based formula and uncover surprising data. Article by Ilay Gaist and Noy Yehoyada. Every year, with the revival of the Eurovision season, thousands of viewers, fans, and professional jurors attempt to crack the code how to win at Eurovision: What is the secret formula that leads a country to first place? Do audiences prefer solo male singers? solo female singers? Or perhaps they favor bands? In the series “The Eurovision Formula”, we dive into historical data. In this article, we take a closer look at one of the contest’s most central criteria: is there a gender advantage on the road to Eurovision glory? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Gender in Eurovision: From Soloists to Groups and Beyond Throughout Eurovision’s history, the stage has been filled with all kinds of performers – solo vocalists, duos, and full-scale bands. Yet, when analyzing patterns...
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Montenegro: Song Submission Window for National Selection “Montesong” Opens

Montenegro: Song Submission Window for National Selection “Montesong” Opens

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Montenegro’s national broadcaster RTCG has opened submissions for "Montesong", the national selection that will determine the country’s entry for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The Montenegrin national broadcaster RTCG officially opened today (Wednesday) the song submission window for "Montesong", Montenegro’s national selection for Eurovision. This marks the second consecutive year that Montenegro will choose its representative through this festival. A day after confirming its participation in the upcoming contest, the national broadcaster published the full set of rules for the second edition of "Montesong". The final date for "Montesong 2025" has not yet been revealed. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Rules for "Montesong 2025": RTCG revealed the regulations for the second edition of the contest, which will serve as the country’s pre-selection for Eurovision 2026: All songs must comply with the general Eurovision rules. Songs must not be published or performed before September 1st, 2025. Competing performers must hold Montenegrin citizenship. Songwriters may be of any nationality. Each songwriter can...
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Czechia Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

Czechia Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Czech national broadcaster ČT has officially opened the song submission window for the Czech selection process, thereby confirming its participation in Eurovision 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria. Czechia’s representative will be chosen internally. The Czech national broadcaster ČT has confirmed the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. Czechia is the 26th country to express interest in participating in Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Czech national broadcaster ČT has launched the selection process, inviting artists, composers, and producers to submit their songs between September 3rd and October 19th, 2025. Once again, the Czech entry will be chosen through an internal selection process, marking the second consecutive year this method is used. According to the broadcaster, the decision will be made through a combination of jury and audience voting. The decision has...
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Céline Dion: New Details on the Huge Comeback That Didn’t Happen at Eurovision 2025

Céline Dion: New Details on the Huge Comeback That Didn’t Happen at Eurovision 2025

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The rumors and excitement surrounding Céline Dion’s anticipated comeback at Eurovision 2025 made fans believe the big moment was near. Now, months after the disappointment, the long-awaited explanations finally arrive. Céline Dion, Eurovision 1988 winner representing Switzerland and one of the greatest singers of all time, was expected to make a historic comeback on the Eurovision stage in the country where she triumphed. In May, rumors spread about the singer’s presence in Basel, the host city of Eurovision 2025, and her preparations for a potential surprise performance in the grand final. Now it turns out the comeback was indeed meant to happen! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Historic Comeback That Was Canceled According to the French newspaper Le Parisien, after months of rumors and speculation, we now learn for the first time that Eurovision legend Céline Dion, was on the verge of stepping onto the Basel stage. However, the historic comeback was canceled at the very...
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Save The Date: Expected Vote on Israel’s Eurovision Participation Scheduled

Save The Date: Expected Vote on Israel’s Eurovision Participation Scheduled

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EBU set December 4th–5th for its 95th General Assembly in Geneva. A vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 may take place then The EBU confirmed today that its 95th General Assembly will be held in Geneva on December 4th–5th. While it has not yet been formally announced that a vote will be held regarding Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, it is highly likely that such a vote will take place during the assembly. Traditionally, the first day of the General Assembly is dedicated to formal matters, which makes December 4th the likely date for the potential vote on Israel’s participation. If the assembly concludes without such a vote, Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, will be ensured, as there will be no further opportunity to hold a vote before the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No National Broadcaster Has Officially Requested Israel’s Expulsion This week, the Dutch division of...
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Australia Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

Australia Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Australian national broadcaster SBS has confirmed the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria. The method for selecting Australia’s entry has not yet been decided. The Australian national broadcaster SBS has confirmed the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. Australia is the 25th country to express interest in participating in Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SBS issued the confirmation earlier today (Wednesday) to the blog TV Tonight Australia, with the official statement later published via the blog’s X account, declaring: “Yes, Australia will compete at Eurovision in Vienna”. #SBSUpfront #SBS2026 Yes Australia will compete at #Eurovision in Vienna — TV Tonight Australia (@tvtonightau) September 3, 2025 No additional details were provided regarding the Australian selection process. However, reviewing past selection methods reveals that only three entries (2019, 2020, and 2022) were chosen via the national...
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