Spain Escalates and Considers to Withdraw From Eurovision – If Their Demands aren’t Met!

Spain Escalates and Considers to Withdraw From Eurovision – If Their Demands aren’t Met!

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain at Eurovision: The Spanish national broadcaster has taken a more extreme stance regarding Eurovision 2025, threatening to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if the European Broadcasting Union does not meet its demands. Spain is intensifying its pressure and is now threatening to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if its demands to the European Broadcasting Union are not addressed. As previously reported, Spain has called for an investigation into the credibility of the public vote results in Eurovision 2025, apparently following Yuval Raphael’s victory. In addition, Spain has pushed to open a broader discussion about Israel’s participation—a move seemingly aimed at excluding Israel from the contest, given that Spain is currently governed by a distinctly far-left, anti-Israel administration. Ana Maria Bordas, head of the Spanish Eurovision delegation since 2017 and currently a member of the EBU’s reference group, was asked about the possibility of Spain’s withdrawal and responded briefly: “We’ll see.” Her succinct reply leaves open the possibility that Spain may...
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Serbia: Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

Serbia: Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2026!

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Serbian national broadcaster confirms Serbia's participation in Eurovision 2026 in Austria, expected to select its representative through the national selection 'Pesma za Evroviziju '26'. The Serbian national broadcaster, RTS, has confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026 to be held in Austria. According to previous statements by the head of the Serbian delegation, Uroš Marković, Serbia is expected to continue selecting its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 through the national selection "Pesma za Evroviziju," which has accompanied Serbia since 2022. Registration for the selection is expected to open annually in July. Serbia is the 11th country to express interest in participating in Eurovision 2026, following Denmark, Greece, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, and the host country, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Comments from RTS Eurovision Media Head During an interview on the morning program of the RTS national broadcaster on May 26, Duška Vučinić-Lučić, responsible for Eurovision media at the...
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Between Politics and Music: Eurovision Producers Instructed Klavdia Not to Mention the Genocide

Between Politics and Music: Eurovision Producers Instructed Klavdia Not to Mention the Genocide

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Greece at Eurovision 2025: Klavdia from Greece was asked not to mention the Pontic Genocide, sparking debate on freedom of expression, identity, and the rules set by Eurovision’s organizers. During preparations for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, an unusual directive emerged from the event’s organizers: Klavdia, Greece’s representative, was asked not to make any public reference to the Greek-Pontic Genocide - a deeply sensitive issue that has preoccupied Greek society for decades. This request, prompted by concerns over potential negative reactions from Turkey, sparked widespread public debate in Greece and across Europe. For many, it raises questions about freedom of expression, national identity, and historical memory - right on the world’s biggest entertainment stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who Are the Pontic Greeks? The Pontic Greeks are an ethnic Greek group originating from the Pontus region, along the Black Sea coast in what is now northeastern Turkey. This ancient community settled in the area as...
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Melody Takes Aim at RTVE – And What Did She Say About Israel?

Melody Takes Aim at RTVE – And What Did She Say About Israel?

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “I was insulted in an ugly way”: Spain’s Eurovision 2025 representative launches a scathing attack on the production, the audience, and the national broadcaster. Will she return to Eurovision? And what did she say about Israel? Today (Monday), May 26th, Spanish singer Melody held a special press conference, about a week after her performance at the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final in Basel with the song “Esa diva”, which left Spain third from the bottom. Throughout her performance, Melody captivated a large audience, but public discourse in Spain afterwards was far from positive. At the press conference, Melody aimed to put an end to rumors and frustrations – and at times, even touched on the tension surrounding Israel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Absence Explained: “They Didn’t Understand I Needed to Be With My Child” At the start of the press conference, Melody addressed reporters to clarify the cancellation of the press event originally scheduled upon...
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Will Bosnia and Herzegovina Return to Eurovision 2026?

Will Bosnia and Herzegovina Return to Eurovision 2026?

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Bosnia and Herzegovina may return to Eurovision 2026 after a decade-long absence due to financial debts. Former head of delegation stresses: the comeback depends on settling the EBU debt and a joint effort. Former Bosnian head of delegation, Lejla A. Babović, stated in an interview that there is a possibility Bosnia and Herzegovina could return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026. The country was forced to withdraw from the contest nearly a decade ago due to financial debts owed by the national broadcaster BHRT to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The primary reason for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s prolonged absence is the significant debt of approximately €10 million owed by BHRT to the EBU. This substantial debt led Bosnia and Herzegovina to withdraw from EBU services, including Eurovision. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Main Obstacle: Outstanding Debt to the EBU Babović emphasized that the country’s return to the contest largely depends on repaying the debt to the EBU and on a collective...
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Sweden: KAJ’s Axel Åhman Casts Doubt on Public Voting for Israel

Sweden: KAJ’s Axel Åhman Casts Doubt on Public Voting for Israel

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “The Israeli song received too many points from the public,” claims Axel Åhman of KAJ, Sweden’s 2025 Eurovision band. He added, “Austria’s win was the best for everyone - and for the world.” Eurovision 2025 concluded over a week ago, yet artists continue to question the public voting—particularly regarding Israel. Axel Åhman, accordionist for the band KAJ, which represented Sweden and finished fourth, expressed his satisfaction with Austria’s victory. “It was the best win for everyone—and for the world,” he said, referring to the results table, where Israel placed second despite a decisive win in the public vote. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In an interview with Finnish national broadcaster YLE, Åhman voiced doubts about Israel’s public vote victory. He claims: “The points Israel received were so numerous that it’s hard to believe everything was in order.” He also referenced media reports about “state-sponsored campaigns aimed at mobilizing votes.” Calls for Investigation and Future Participation “It’s a complicated situation… Those who support Israel vote for it,...
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Slovenia Issues Ultimatum to EBU Over Israel: “Transparency or Eurovision Withdrawal”

Slovenia Issues Ultimatum to EBU Over Israel: “Transparency or Eurovision Withdrawal”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the competition is breaking records. Why is Slovenia warning that it will withdraw from Eurovision - and what does it have to do with voting for Israel? The Slovenian national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has announced that unless the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) takes concrete steps to address ethical and transparency questions surrounding the Eurovision 2025 voting process, it will seriously reconsider its continued participation in EBU events, including Eurovision. This warning was issued in an official letter sent to EBU management by Ksenija Horvat, CEO of the Slovenian national broadcaster, and made public alongside similar appeals from Belgian and Spanish broadcasters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Direct Criticism of Israel’s Participation: “This Appeal Is Not New” In her letter, Ksenija Horvat wrote: “As the CEO of Slovenian Television, I am once again reaching out to you with serious and growing concerns regarding Israel’s continued participation in EBU events, especially the Eurovision Song Contest”. She noted that she had raised these...
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“He Has No Connection to Austria”: Fierce Backlash in Austria Against JJ

“He Has No Connection to Austria”: Fierce Backlash in Austria Against JJ

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “If you’re not wearing a skirt, you have no chance at Eurovision”: The Eurovision winner faces a wave of erasure and criticism. What’s behind the public rejection of JJ, and what does it reveal about Austrian society? About a week after JJ's victory in the Eurovision 2025 final, which secured Austria’s third win in the contest’s history, the nation is in turmoil. What was initially seen as a moment of national pride quickly turned into a political battleground, with public criticism focusing on the winner himself rather than the winning song. At the center of the uproar are JJ's statements against Israel’s participation in the contest, made during an interview shortly after his win. These remarks sparked intense reactions, yet most politicians who praised the singer at the time of his victory have since chosen to remain silent. One notable exception is Herbert Kickl, leader of the far-right "FPÖ" party, who gave a sharply critical interview to the Tiroler Tageszeitung. ...
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Italy: Sanremo Festival 2026 – The Legal Battle and Its Implications for Eurovision

Italy: Sanremo Festival 2026 – The Legal Battle and Its Implications for Eurovision

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026 begins in court: All the drama behind the Sanremo Festival tender, the hints shared by the host, and why only RAI submitted a bid. The Sanremo Festival, one of Europe's most significant musical events and undoubtedly Italy's most central, is currently at the epicenter of an unprecedented cultural, political, and legal storm. Such turmoil has not been seen since the competition's inception in 1951, predating even Eurovision. The core issue is not just who will stand on stage, but primarily who will operate this grand platform, who will own this cultural-national format, and how Italy's journey to Eurovision will look in the coming years. At the center of the storm lies the question of ownership and production rights. Is the Italian national broadcaster, RAI, entitled to produce the festival without a public tender? And will the upcoming legal decision undermine the broadcaster's historic role as the steward of an event that has become a cornerstone of...
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Drama in Ukraine: Kateryna Pavlenko Removed from the Eurovision 2025 Jury Panel

Drama in Ukraine: Kateryna Pavlenko Removed from the Eurovision 2025 Jury Panel

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After Estonia, Ukraine is also in turmoil: Kateryna Pavlenko, lead singer of Go_A and Eurovision 2021 representative, was removed from the Eurovision 2025 jury panel due to a violation of contest regulations. Kateryna Pavlenko, the lead vocalist of Go_A and Ukraine’s representative at Eurovision 2021, has been removed from Ukraine’s jury panel for Eurovision 2025 following a breach of the European Broadcasting Union’s voting rules. The decision, made at the request of the EBU just before the voting phase of the Eurovision Song Contest, has stirred strong reactions among fans in Ukraine and across Europe. Pavlenko’s disqualification, after being chosen by the public to serve as a juror, underscores the EBU’s strict commitment to fairness in the judging process. She has been replaced by Natela Chkhartishvili-Zatsarinna, the producer of music channels M1 and M2, in order to maintain gender balance on the panel. This intriguing decision is notable, as the specific reason for Pavlenko’s removal has not been...
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