News Archives - Page 123 of 271

Eurovision’s Winning Formula: The Power of the Running Order

October 11, 2025October 12, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Strategic placement, betting predictions, or pure luck? The fourth article in "The Eurovision Formula” series explores how the running order can impact a contestant’s chances of victory. 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 tend to favor songs performed early in the show, or do they remember those closing the night? In this fourth installment of “The Eurovision Formula” series, we dive deep into the historic data to explore one of the most significant factors: Does a song’s position in the running order actually affect its final score? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Allocation of Running Order: Luck, Choice, or Planning? Until 2013, performance positions in the Eurovision final were determined randomly by draw. Each participating country drew its position in the performance...

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

October 11, 2025October 11, 2025 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...

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

October 10, 2025 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...

Shocking News: Turkish Eurovision Star Hadise Arrested in Istanbul

October 10, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2009 representative was detained in Istanbul in a high-profile anti-drug operation. Is Turkey planning to return to Eurovision? Full report inside. The Turkish police carried out a special operation this week that led to the arrest of dozens of Turkish celebrities, including singers, actors, and bloggers, as part of a broad campaign against illegal drug use. Among the detainees is a former representative who competed in the Eurovision Song Contest and achieved significant success. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The beloved Turkish singer Hadise was arrested this week by Istanbul police because she allegedly supported and promoted the use of prohibited drugs. The popular singer was taken into custody at her home in the city of Şişli. The authorities plan to conduct blood tests on the Turkish celebrities, including Hadise, to determine whether they have used narcotics. They are expected to be released to their homes after the blood tests are completed in...

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

October 10, 2025 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...

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

October 10, 2025October 10, 2025 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...

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

October 9, 2025 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...

Olly Turned Down Eurovision, and Now Reveals – Does He Regret It?

October 9, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Two months after Olly, winner of Sanremo 2025, gave up representing Italy at Eurovision in Basel, he finally talks about his decision – does he regret walking away? A few months ago, we reported that Olly, who won Italy’s Sanremo Festival with the song “Balorda nostalgia” (“Foolish Nostalgia”), announced that he would forgo the right to represent Italy at Eurovision 2025, which took place in Basel, Switzerland. In his place, runner-up Lucio Corsi represented the country with his song “Volevo essere un duro” (in English: “I Wanted to Be Tough”), bringing Italy to an impressive fifth place. At the time, Olly announced his withdrawal from the opportunity to represent Italy via an Instagram post: “I truly believe that I need to reconnect with everything happening to me right now, before looking further ahead, before continuing with my beloved live performances… That’s why I’ve decided to give up the opportunity to take part in Eurovision”. Now, for the first time since the contest ended, Olly reflects...

Spain: Contestant list for “Benidorm 2026” revealed

October 9, 2025October 29, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain’s national broadcaster has unveiled the 18 artists competing in “Benidorm Fest 2026”, the show that will determine Spain’s entry for Eurovision 2026. Discover the full lineup and event dates. Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE continues preparations for the upcoming “Benidorm Fest 2026”, the show that has chosen Spain’s Eurovision representative since 2022. This year, 870 songs were submitted - down from the record 1,000 entries submitted last year, yet slightly higher than 825 in 2024 and close to the 876 submitted in 2023. A selection committee from RTVE listened to all submissions and chose the best 18 songs for the live festival. Today, the national broadcaster held a press conference revealing the names of the contestants. The participating songs will be officially released on December 18th, 2025. Despite the recent statement by Spain’s board of directors that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate, RTVE continues preparations “as usual”. The broadcaster emphasized that the Benidorm...

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

October 8, 2025 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...