News Archives - Page 141 of 271

Iceland: Eurovision 2026 Participation Still Undecided Amid Israel Controversy

August 14, 2025September 9, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The final decision on Iceland's participation in Eurovision 2026 will be made only in the fall, amid ongoing debates and opposition to Israel's participation, which delays the process. The final decision of Iceland regarding its participation in Eurovision 2026 is expected only in the upcoming fall, according to a statement by the public broadcaster (RÚV). One of the reasons for the delay, admitted by the broadcaster, is an ongoing dispute in Iceland over Israel's participation in this year's competition. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Strong Opposition to Israel's Participation The network's program director, Eva Georgs Ásudóttir, confirmed in an interview with ESCspot that discussions at the broadcaster have not yet concluded, and no official decision has been made. The network's management explicitly opposes Israel's participation and has even instructed the channel's CEO to vote in favor of Israel's expulsion from Eurovision and the EBU, if such a proposal is raised at the general assembly. In recent...

Serhat is eager to represent Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest

August 13, 2025August 13, 2025 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Serhat who represented San Marino twice in the Eurovision Song Contest wants to return and compete for Turkey. Could Turkey rejoin the contest after 13 years of absence? The Turkish singer Serhat, who represented San Marino twice in Eurovision in 2016 and 2019, has expressed his interest in returning to the competition if Turkey will participate. In a statement from Bodrum, where he is currently vacationing, Serhat expressed his enthusiasm: "If Turkey participates in Eurovision again, I would be happy to represent it. I'm confident I will be successful". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Will Turkey Return to Eurovision? Serhat's announcement is significant for Eurovision fans, as Turkey's return has been a subject of international discussion for years. Another Turkish singer, Demet Akalın , has also declared her desire to represent Turkey at Eurovision. Despite the rising interest from artists and numerous fans, the broadcaster national, TRT, has yet to declare its intent to rejoin Eurovision, apparently due...

Joost Klein’s “Europapa” Became The Most-Viewed Dutch Performance on the Official Eurovision YouTube Channel

August 12, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); With over 47 million views, Klein recently surpassed "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence, the winner of Eurovision Song Contest 2019. Where did Anouk and Claude land? Disqualified but in the lead: The song "Europapa" by Joost Klein, who represented the Netherlands at Eurovision 2024, has crossed 47 million views on the Eurovision’s official YouTube channel. It now surpasses the grand final performance of "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence, the 2019 Eurovision winner, by nearly 250,000 views. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Klein is mainly remembered for being disqualified by the EBU after he attacked a Swedish production assistant. Ironically, his disqualification produced a “Streisand effect”, propelling the song to massive popularity across Europe. "Europapa" soared to the top of charts in Belgium, Croatia, Austria, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and even made its way onto the prestigious United States' Billboard chart. Understanding the "Streisand Effect" The Streisand effect describes a media phenomenon where attempts to suppress information unintentionally...

End of the Storm: The Case of Violence Against Måns Zelmerlöw Is Closed

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Serious allegations were made against Måns Zelmerlöw regarding drug use and violence by his former partner. Now, the investigation against him is closed. What was at the center of the storm? Måns Zelmerlöw found himself at the heart of controversy in recent months, as his former partner Ciara Janson accused him of serious offenses, such as drug use and violence against her. Despite the severe allegations, today (Tuesday) the case against the Eurovision 2015 winner was closed. "The prosecutor and the police examined every detail, and it was determined that there is no criminal offense involved". Stated Zelmerlöw’s attorney, Hanna Lindblom. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Behind the Scenes of Sweden’s National Eurovision Selection "It was very predictable, [...] He is not surprised, but at the same time very excited that there is finally an end to all this". Lindblom added after the case closed. Zelmerlöw, 39, was a prominent contender to win the final of Melodifestivalen, and even for victory at Eurovision 2025 itself. However, there was considerable concern...

Innsbruck Optimistic About Its Chances to Host Eurovision 2026!

August 10, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Not Vienna this time? Innsbruck, located in the Tyrolean Alps, expresses optimism about hosting Eurovision Song Contest in 2026! The city council of Innsbruck, whose voice is heard less in the media compared to its rival Vienna, is displaying significant optimism regarding the city’s chances of hosting Eurovision 2026! The Austrian national broadcaster (ORF) is expected to reveal the host city on August 20th between 7:30 and 8:30 AM. Which city will win the honor to host the contest? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Innsbruck Story Isn't Over? It seemed in recent days that the Austrian capital, Vienna, had a strong momentum towards hosting Eurovision 2026. Now, Johannes Anzengruber, Innsbruck’s mayor, told German media that this is not the case: "Our chances are good. Our ambition, concept, and commitment have been very well received." The Innsbruck mayor highlights the advantages of Austria’s fifth-largest city compared to Vienna: "Our strength is that all the city’s events are within a 15-minute walking distance of one...

The Battle Is Over: The Sanremo Festival Will Remain in Sanremo

August 10, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After months of economic and legal disputes, RAI and the Sanremo municipality have reached an agreement: the Sanremo Festival will stay in Sanremo. Who will fund the coveted festival, which selects Italy's Eurovision song? For months, reports have circulated that the prestigious and long-standing Sanremo Festival, from which Italy’s Eurovision representatives are chosen, might be leaving its legendary city for the first time in 75 years due to a heated conflict between the Italian national broadcaster, RAI, and the municipality of Sanremo. Now, it seems the drama is nearing its end, but with a controversial turn: this time, the Sanremo municipality will foot the bill - the same municipality that demanded the “Sanremo” trademark from RAI, alongside 1% of its advertising revenues. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From Dreams of Fame to Harsh Financial Reality RAI clarified that it was tired of serving as a cash machine and declared: “Either change direction, or we will find another...

Austria: Executive Producer Michael Krön Joins Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group

August 8, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Michael Krön, Executive Producer of Eurovision 2026, has joined the Eurovision Song Contest's Reference Group. The Reference Group, the supervisory and decision-making body for strategic Eurovision Song Contest matters, welcomes a new member: Austrian Michael Krön, who will also serve as Executive Producer for Eurovision 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Michael Krön – Who Are You? Michael Krön began his career with the Austrian national broadcaster in 2000, initially as a producer in the Sports Division. From 2007 to 2010, he headed the Programming Department in ORF Information, subsequently leading the Education and Current Affairs Department. Since 2012, he has managed program development and quality assurance across Information, Documentary, Sports, and Cultural divisions. In 2018, Krön became responsible for finances in the ORF programming division, and since 2019, he has lectured at the university on "TV Program Planning and Production". The Reference Group's Role The Reference Group acts as the Eurovision "engine room", overseeing, guiding, and making strategic...

A Eurovision Record: “#Eurodab” Surpassed the “Switch Song”

August 8, 2025 by Neta Geffen Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2025’s "#Eurodab" by Käärijä and Baby Lasagna became the most-watched interval act ever, overtaking the 2019 "Switch Song" performance. A new record has been set at Eurovision: "#Eurodab", the joint hit from Käärijä and Baby Lasagna, featured during the interval act of Eurovision 2025, officially became the most-watched interval act of all time, surpassing "Switch Song" from Eurovision 2019, with over 14 million views on YouTube. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); When Musical Stars Swap Performances: The 2019 "Switch Song" The iconic and fondly remembered "Switch Song" act at Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv featured four previous participants: Conchita Wurst, Måns Zelmerlöw, Eleni Foureira, and Verka Serduchka. Conchita performed "Heroes" by Måns, Måns sang "Fuego" by Eleni, Eleni performed "Dancing Lasha Tumbai" by Verka, and Verka performed "Toy" by Netta Barzilai. To conclude, all joined Gali Atari to sing "Hallelujah", the song that won Eurovision in 1979. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Fan Favorites Who Didn't Win The Trophy - But Won The Public's Hearts Neither Käärijä nor Baby Lasagna were Eurovision winners, though both won the public vote. The duo became...

A Whole World of Humor: The Most Iconic Moments from Eurovision National Finals!

August 8, 2025 by Ronnie Glik Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Did you think Eurovision was bizarre and strange? Think again. Here are the strangest songs from the world of Eurovision national finals—moments that left us speechless and full of questions. Eurovision national finals reveal iconic, bizarre, and hilarious performances that never made it to the main stage, showcasing recurring artists and humorous acts from across Europe. what were the most unforgettable moments from past 2 years? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2025 Season – The Most Iconic Moments Greek National Final: Rikki – "Elevator (Up and Down)" After a 22-year hiatus, the Greek Eurovision national final returned, delivering one of its most memorable moments. Rikki left a comedic mark with "Elevator (Up and Down)." The song talks about going up and down in an elevator, serving as a quirky metaphor for love and feelings. The lyrics, which can be interpreted in several humorous ways, combined with Rikki’s energetic performance and his unique suit, elevated the entire act into an amusing spectacle. Rikki finished seventh out of 12 competitors in the national final. Montenegrin National Final: Dolce Hera – "Repeat" Montenegro returned to Eurovision after two years and brought...

Belgium Denies Loïc Nottet Has Been Selected for Eurovision: “No Decision Has Been Made Yet”

August 7, 2025 by Aviad Berger Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Despite reports of Loïc Nottet returning for Eurovision 2026, the national broadcaster says Belgium's participation remains undecided amid ongoing debate. In recent days, European media reported that singer Loïc Nottet, Belgium's representative in Eurovision 2015, held in Vienna, Austria, has been chosen to once again represent Belgium at the Eurovision 2026, which will also take place in Austria. Nevertheless, sources at Belgian national broadcaster RTBF stated that no final decision has been made, and Belgium’s participation for the upcoming contest remains uncertain. “Our production teams are in contact with artists to select our representative for 2026,” a broadcaster source explained. “We must make it to the summer in case we choose to participate. The official announcement will be made at the appropriate time.” (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Belgium's Dilemma: Will They Withdraw Over the Israel Dispute? The source—who denied the reports to nieuwsblad.be—was open about the broadcaster’s hesitation: “There have been several discussions since Eurovision this year.” The comment refers to the ongoing controversy...