News Archives - Page 124 of 271

Iceland Faces Key Decision: Will It Support Expelling Israel from Eurovision?

October 7, 2025 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The saga over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 continues as Iceland’s national broadcaster RÚV will hold a decisive board meeting at October’s end ahead of the EBU’s November vote. The saga surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 continues to unfold, with a crucial development from Iceland. The national broadcaster RÚV will convene a board meeting at the end of October to formally decide how it will vote in the decisive European Broadcasting Union (EBU) vote in November concerning Israel’s participation. This step is essential for RÚV, which must present a consolidated position through its representative at the EBU’s general assembly. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The latest development comes just days after our report about the strongly worded article by the chairman of Iceland’s National Broadcasting Council, Stefán Jón Hafstein, openly calling for Israel’s expulsion from the contest. In his article, Hafstein detailed six arguments, including allegations of Israel violating international law, comparing the situation to Russia’s expulsion...

Klavdia: “I Didn’t Expect 12 Points from Israel After Last Year’s Events”

October 7, 2025October 9, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Klavdia, Greece’s representative at Eurovision 2025, shares in an interview her experiences from Basel and the big surprise in the grand final - 12 points from Israel. Why was she surprised? And who made her doubt the score from Israel? Klavdia, Greece’s representative for Eurovision 2025, shared today (Tuesday) in an interview about her experiences during the contest. Among other things, the Greek artist described her emotions during the second semi-final evening, up until she was announced last as a qualifier for the grand final. She also shared her thoughts on the unexpected 12 points from Israel and revealed the figure who made her question that score. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Klavdia is shocked: “I was surprised when I saw we got 12 points from Israel”. In an interview with the Greek show "Τσάι με ΛεμόΝ1", Klavdia revealed that when asked about the tense moments during the final — which she concluded in a respectable...

San Marino: The Entry for Eurovision 2026 to Be Chosen on March 1st

October 7, 2025October 9, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); San Marino’s national broadcaster SMRTV will select its Eurovision entry for 2026 through San Marino Song Contest, whoch will take place on March 1st. San Marino’s national broadcaster SMRTV announced on Monday that it will select its local representative for Eurovision 2026 on March 1st, through the traditional San Marino Song Contest. Reports indicate that the upcoming edition of the contest will undergo another significant structural change. Starting this year, the event will follow a format similar to Eurovision itself, featuring two semi-finals and a grand final - unlike last year’s format, which consisted of seven separate semi-finals. The country’s new head of delegation, Denny Montesi, also revealed a new preparatory stage called “Stage Live Academy”, due to take place during February before the two semi-finals. This phase aims to serve as a professional training platform for the participants ahead of their appearance on the main stage. It is designed to enhance the contest’s position as an independent and progressive musical hub...

North Macedonia: “With the right strategic planning – we might manage to return to Eurovision”

October 7, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); North Macedonia has not yet confirmed participation in Eurovision 2026, but could strategic plans for 2027 mark its comeback? MRT Council President shares details about the country's Eurovision future. Davor Pašoski, head of the MRT Council, disclosed during a Board of Directors meeting on September 19th early plans to broadcast Eurovision 2026 from Vienna, Austria. Although the country has not yet confirmed participation, the rising public pressure to return is making its mark, with signs pointing to a possible comeback – if not in 2026, then potentially in 2027. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Particularly encouraging statements came from Pašoski regarding a Macedonian Eurovision comeback. In a meeting with Zaharija Vulgarakis, Chair of the national broadcaster, it was revealed that MRT's budget is expected to be approved by the Macedonian government and may expand if the country returns to Eurovision. These details emerged after Vulgarakis addressed the country's absence in recent editions, citing financial and organizational difficulties as the cause between 2023 and 2025. Additional optimism came from another...

Spain to Announce Participants for Benidorm Fest 2026 This Thursday

October 6, 2025 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE will reveal the 16 participants of Benidorm Fest 2026 this Thursday—despite earlier threats to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel takes part. Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE has announced that on Thursday, October 9th, it will publish the list of 16 artists competing in the fifth edition of Benidorm Fest 2026.Despite a previous statement from the network’s board declaring that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate, RTVE continues preparations for the festival as planned. The network emphasized that Benidorm Fest has “its own life and identity” and will be held independently of any final decision regarding Spain’s Eurovision participation in 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision-Style Production and Open Rehearsals The upcoming edition of Benidorm Fest will feature major production upgrades and a format more closely aligned with the Eurovision Song Contest itself.For the first time, public open rehearsals will be held, marking a step toward a more immersive and international...

Secret Talks in Iceland: Nordic States to Debate Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

October 6, 2025October 7, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Nordic broadcasters meet in Reykjavik with EBU to debate Israel’s Eurovision 2026 status amid political tensions and conflicting positions Stefán Jón Hafstein, Chairman of the Broadcasting Council of Iceland’s national broadcaster, broke his silence by calling for Israel’s immediate exclusion from Eurovision. His opinion piece in Icelandic news outlet Vísir sparked heated debate in Iceland and across Nordic countries, echoing in Israel as well. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Hafstein revealed that Nordic national broadcaster directors will soon convene in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, for a closed, high-profile meeting attended by an EBU representative. The envoy is tasked with gauging Nordic sentiment, but many delegations appear to have already reached firm positions. Six Reasons Behind the Demand In his article, Hafstein outlined six decisive arguments for expulsion, led by the UN Special Inquiry Committee’s report alleging Israel’s commission of genocide in Gaza. “It has long been evident to all that Israel’s government violates international law, commits crimes...

Two Remain in The Race To Represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2026!

October 6, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); CyBC revealed eight finalists for Eurovision 2026, mixing veteran contenders and newcomers. Now it was revealed that two artists remain in the race to represent the country! CyBC has announced the eight final candidates to represent the country at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Now it was revealed that two artists only remain in the race to represent the country in Eurovision 2026. Cyprus has already confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 and stated that the representative will be chosen by a professional committee. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Contestants: Familiar Names and Fresh Faces Josephine The first on the list is a highly popular singer. Rumors of her attempts to represent either Greece or Cyprus at Eurovision have circulated for years. Evangelia Another artist often mentioned among Eurovision fans as a likely contender. Once again, her name appears this year, maintaining her consistent presence. Nina Mazani This year’s surprise inclusion. Though she emerged in recent years, she already has a unique career...

Will the Next “Espresso Macchiato” Come from Poland?

October 6, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A new contender aims to represent Poland at Eurovision 2026 with a song breaking all the rules. After Kaarija, Joost Klein, and Tommy Cash, is Poland ready to amaze Europe again? Is a love song for Poland coming after Espresso Macchiato? A new track emerging from Poland, reminiscent of the humorous and playful style of past candidates like Kaarija, Joost Klein, and Tommy Cash, is attracting significant attention and is shaping up to be one of the contenders for representing the country at Eurovision 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Polish singer Przemek Kucyk recently released his new song, “Polska Gurom” (in English: Poland on Top), a funny, almost troll-like song based on Western stereotypes about Poland. The track, blending broken Polish and English with an accent, has enjoyed great success in Poland and worldwide. Przemek is likely planning to submit it for Eurovision 2026. In the music video, Przemek flips through a book showing caricatures of Poland’s Eurovision representatives — including Alicja Szemplinska (who was to represent Poland...

Sweden: Who Are the Four Artists Competing in Melodifestivalen 2026?

October 6, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Swedish media reports four artists are likely to enter the Swedish Eurovision selection, Melodifestivalen 2026, and Eurovision fans know them all! Who are the artists expected to compete this year? As anticipation for Melodifestivalen 2026 rises, rumors and media reports about the stars set to take the stage are fueling excitement in Sweden’s music scene. The question on everyone’s mind: who will step onto the big stage this year to deliver another smash hit? After reports that the duo Medina is likely returning next year, media outlets are now surfacing four more artist names. Who are they? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The first name very familiar to Eurovision fans is Meira Omar, who participated last year with the hit single “Hush Hush,” which advanced to the final through the second chance round and finished in tenth place. The second name recognized by Eurovision followers is Saga Ludvigsson, age 19, who last year performed the song “Hate You So Much,” which reached the final as a...

German Chancellor Draws a Red Line: If Israel Is Expelled from Eurovision, Germany Must Withdraw

October 6, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Scandal": German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vows that Germany will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is expelled, stirring diplomatic waves and reshaping the balance of power in the European contest. What would happen to the Eurovision Song Contest if one of Europe’s strongest countries decided to withdraw? German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly backed Germany’s withdrawal from the competition if Israel is expelled. What does this suggest about the leverage of countries like Germany compared to others — such as Spain and the Netherlands — which recently declared they would boycott the contest if Israel does participate? The Chancellor’s new statement shifts the balance of power, but does it carry practical weight within the competition’s framework? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany’s Position and Merz’s Statement In a clear and assertive interview with German media, the Chancellor stated: “If Israel is expelled, I will support our non-participation.” This is one of the most striking political statements made by a senior European leader in...