News Archives - Page 116 of 243

Kristian Kostov Criticizes Eurovision Jury Voting for Country Bias

August 2, 2025August 2, 2025 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Kristian Kostov exposes provocative claims about voting manipulation, country alliances, and dilemmas stirring Eurovision ahead of 2026 – is the contest truly fair? Kristian Kostov, who represented Bulgaria at Eurovision 2017 with the song "Beautiful Mess" and achieved an impressive second place, recently reignited discussions about the fairness and reliability of Eurovision voting. In a TikTok video that was published recently, Kostov claimed that "Eurovision results are not always reliable,” hinting at the influence of behind-the-scenes connections—especially among the juries. According to him, the path to victory is not always based solely on the music, and he suggested completely abolishing the jury voting system. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Behind-the-scenes allegations: Is it really all about ‘connections’? Kostov was candid in his latest TikTok video when asked if he had bought votes: "You’re implying I bought it, and I’m broke! I wish I could buy it but I can’t..." He continued by stating that "Eurovision results are neither fully reliable nor completely unreliable," alluding that "everything...

After Nearly a Decade of Absence: Bosnia & Herzegovina May Return to Eurovision

August 2, 2025August 2, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Spark of Hope: Bosnia and Herzegovina, which withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017 due to financial debts to the EBU, may return to Eurovision following a legal victory granting substantial financial compensation. Bosnia & Herzegovina persists in its financial struggle due to the debts owed by the national broadcaster, BHRT, to the EBU. Recently, however, a new development emerged: the Supreme Court of Republika Srpska in Bosnia ruled in the country’s favor, potentially entitling it to the payment of debts amounting to millions of shekels. Last month, the national broadcaster BHRT officially confirmed that Bosnia and Herzegovina will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 to be held in Austria, due to the acute economic crisis and sanctions imposed by the EBU, which have not been lifted since the outstanding debt has remained unpaid for nearly a decade. Could Bosnia and Herzegovina settle its EBU debts and make a Eurovision comeback? (adsbygoogle...

Brave Journalist Reveals: “I Was Sexually Assaulted by a Eurovision Artist”

August 2, 2025August 2, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Julia Morris, a BBC journalist, courageously exposes archival footage showing a Eurovision artist kissing and touching her against her will during an interview. The artist admits, "I was very drunk... maybe someone should have intervened." Julia Morris (BBC journalist) courageously revealed this week how a Eurovision artist harassed her on camera. At Eurovision 2005 in Kyiv, she interviewed the Norwegian band Wig Wam’s lead singer, Åge Sten (stage name Glam), sharing footage from that interview showing Sten straddling her on a couch, kissing her multiple times against her will, and touching intimate areas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amid the ongoing legal battle between the Municipality of Sanremo and RAI, the Italian national broadcaster is already planning ahead: Which city could be the next to host the Sanremo Festival? The prestigious and long-standing Sanremo Festival, from which Italy’s Eurovision representatives are selected, may depart from its legendary city for the first time in 75 years due to a fierce dispute between RAI, the Italian...

Drama in Italy: This Is the City That May Host the Sanremo Festival

August 2, 2025August 2, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amid the ongoing legal battle between the Municipality of Sanremo and RAI, the Italian national broadcaster is already planning ahead: Which city could be the next to host the Sanremo Festival? The prestigious and long-standing Sanremo Festival, from which Italy’s Eurovision representatives are selected, may depart from its legendary city for the first time in 75 years due to a fierce dispute between RAI, the Italian national broadcaster, and the Municipality of Sanremo. According to recent reports, the parties are embroiled in a public legal and financial battle that remains unresolved, and several potential host cities have already been identified, including Turin, which hosted Eurovision 2022 and is considered the favorite by the national broadcaster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Cultural Impact and the Future of “The Italian Eurovision” The future of the Sanremo Festival - the iconic competition that not only chooses Italy’s Eurovision acts but also sets the national musical agenda -...

Sam Ryder Announces New Song and Upcoming Album!

August 1, 2025August 2, 2025 by Shahar Asido Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sam Ryder announces his new album, "Heartland", set for release on October 17th. Simultaneously, he unveiled a new single today, "The Feeling Never Went Away". The Space Man Sam Ryder, United Kingdom’s representative at Eurovision 2022, reveals he will release his second album "Heartland" on October 17th, 2025! The album will feature 13 songs, offering listeners a glimpse into Sam’s personality and inner world. One of the tracks included in the album, "The Feeling Never Went Away" was released this morning on various streaming platforms. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Speaking about the album, Sam shared: “This album is a collection of songs that tries to convey the feelings of the past two years. The wish is to find a connection with you, no matter where you are in the world, whether it’s flying high or feeling like you’re the only ship out on the ocean.If you’re navigating the pain of forgiveness and the weight that...

Albania Announces Submission Window for Eurovision Preselection Songs

August 1, 2025 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Albanian national broadcaster RTSH has announced the upcoming submission period for Festival i Këngës, including the conditions for song entries. The Albanian national broadcaster RTSH has started preparations for the 64th edition of Festivali i Këngës. This traditional festival began in 1962, and ahead of Eurovision 2004—the year Albania joined Eurovision—it became the country’s official national final for Eurovision selection. Now, the national broadcaster shares that the submission window for the festival will span the entire month of September, from the 1st to the 30th. Additionally, RTSH revealed the eligibility criteria for submission: according to Eurovision rules, the song must be new, meaning it cannot have been previously published. The song must not exceed 4 minutes, and songs produced with artificial intelligence are prohibited. All participants must be over 16 years old. Submissions should be sent to [email protected]. In June, RTSH announced that singer Elhaida Dani, who represented Albania at Eurovision 2015 in Vienna, Austria, with the song "I'm Alive" and...

Turkey: Will It Return to Eurovision for the First Time Since Withdrawing in 2012?

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Demet Akalın wants to represent the Republic of Türkiye at Eurovision — but she has conditions! What are the successful singer’s terms, and is there a chance Türkiye will come back to the contest? The Turkish singer Demet Akalın, who performed the hit "Yerinde Dur" ("Standing Still") with Sefu, announced in an interview that she is open to participating in the Eurovision Song Contest if Turkey returns to the competition, on the condition that the song is in Turkish. Akalın’s latest hit topped all Turkish charts, reached fifth place on the global trending YouTube videos list, and garnered more than 91 million views on YouTube within just one month. The announcement of her willingness to represent the Republic of Türkiye comes after more than a decade in which the country has not taken part in the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Fans on Edge — Will Turkey Return? Demet Akalın's statement raises questions about the future of...

Storm in Serbia: Olivera Kovačević, Producer of the Serbian Eurovision Selection, Dismissed!

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A storm is brewing in Serbia following the dismissal of national Eurovision selection producer Olivera Kovačević by the Serbian national broadcaster. Is the Serbian broadcaster acting under political influence? A wave of controversy has erupted in Serbia after the national broadcaster, RTS, dismissed Eurovision pre-selection producer Olivera Kovačević. According to Kovačević, her firing was the result of her public support for the student protests in Serbia against the government. Serbia has confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026, set to be held in Austria, and is expected to continue selecting its representative for the contest through its national selection, “Pesma za Evroviziju,” the format in place since 2022. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Kovačević’s dismissal came after she stood firmly by her principle of allowing freedom of protest during live broadcasts. Serbia has seen massive student-led protests that have paralyzed the educational sector since last December, following a tragic incident in Novi Sad in which dozens of people...

Austria’s Eurovision Journey: From Udo Jürgens to Conchita Wurst and JJ

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From failures to history-making success: The dramatic story of Austria at Eurovision, marked by determination and three wins - Udo Jürgens, Conchita Wurst, and JJ. In May 2026, Austria will be at the center of worldwide attention as it hosts the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest - celebrating the rich legacy of an event that began in 1956. After more than a decade, the competition returns to Austria, energized by the outstanding opera singer JJ, who captivated audiences and won first place at Eurovision 2025 with his hit "Wasted Love". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria’s Early Days at Eurovision (1957–1968) Austria first joined Eurovision in 1957, but its debut proved challenging - Bob Martin, with the song “Wohin, kleines Pony”, finished in last place. Following several middling performances, Austria turned to Israeli singer Carmela Corren to represent the country in 1963 with "Vielleicht geschieht ein Wunder". Although Corren was the first Israeli...

Latvia Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Latvian national broadcaster LTV has confirmed Latvia’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Austria. Latvia is expected to select its entry again through Supernova 2026. The Latvian national broadcaster LTV has officially announced that Latvia will participate in Eurovision 2026, which will be hosted in Austria. Latvia becomes the 21st country to express interest in joining Eurovision 2026, following Albania, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Latvia Plans Another Supernova? Latvia’s national broadcaster confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 to Eurovision news website ESC Today. “Supernova” will again serve as Latvia’s selection platform for the Eurovision entry, marking the 11th consecutive year that the Latvian song will be chosen via Supernova - except for 2021, when Samanta Tina was selected directly after the cancellation of Eurovision 2020. The submission window for Supernova 2026 opened today, until October 1st, 2025....