News Archives - Page 29 of 251

Greece’s Akylas Sparks Storm After Finnish Outlet Interview Clash

April 24, 2026 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Akylas interrupts Finnish outlet Iltalehti interview after Israel question, raising Eurovision 2026 Code of Conduct concerns. Akylas, Greece’s representative for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna and currently ranked fifth in the betting odds to win the contest, has found himself at the center of controversy after abruptly halting an interview with one of Finland’s largest newspapers - following a question about Israel that could potentially breach the European Broadcasting Union’s Code of Conduct. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Finnish “Trap” Akylas, representing Greece, was interviewed by the Finnish newspaper "Iltalehti", one of the country’s most prominent outlets, by journalist Mari Pudas. The interview began on a warm note, with Finnish media praising the Greek artist and his song. Finland is also showing strong interest in Eurovision this year, as both Finland and Greece are considered leading contenders for victory. The tone shifted when Pudas raised a question regarding Israel’s participation. According to the Finnish account, a representative from Akylas’ team -...

Eurovision 2026: Israel Included in Vienna’s “Eurofan Cafe” Initiative

April 24, 2026 by Adi Gazel Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After an initial exclusion, the Austrian national broadcaster ORF adds Israel to the official "Euro cafe" list for Noam Bettan's fans. With only a few weeks remaining until the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026, preparations in the host city of Vienna are in full swing. Last week, the "Eurofan Cafe" initiative - organized by the Austrian national broadcaster ORF, the media company Echo, and the Association of Viennese Coffee House Owners - was first reported. Throughout the month of May, local cafes across Vienna will transform into meeting points for Eurovision fans from various participating nations. Although the original publication of the event included all 34 other participating countries except for Israel, the organizing company Echo announced a last-minute correction today (Friday). The Israeli fan hub will be MQ Kantine, located in the city’s central Museumsquartier. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A week after the original publication by the Austrian national broadcaster ORF, a significant and critical update has arrived:...

Tamara Živković: “I cannot wait for you to see what we are planning”

April 23, 2026 by Aviad Berger Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Montenegro at Eurovision 2026: Tamara Živković discusses her empowering song her journey and - her odds to qualify for the final Tamara Živković, representing Montenegro at Eurovision 2026, is currently at the height of her preparations for the contest taking place in May. In just a week and a half, the singer will step onto the stage for the first time to begin rehearsals. After modifying her song for the competition, EuroMix conducted a brief interview with the artist to discuss the message behind the entry and her most successful experience so far. Watch the full interview: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); During the interview, Živković explained the underlying message of her song: "Boris Subotić wrote the lyrics and the music, and he was actually inspired by my journey to become myself. The song is basically about a woman who makes a change within herself and experiences a kind of rebirth. She finally opens up, breaks all the chains that...

Vienna To Launch Eurovision 2026 With Massive Drone Show

April 22, 2026April 22, 2026 by Adiel Shtainmetz Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ORF and Cyberdrone will launch Eurovision 2026 at Schönbrunn Palace with 3,000 drones honoring the Austrian winners: Udo Jürgens, Conchita Wurst, and JJ. On Monday, April 27th, Austria’s largest drone show will kick off Eurovision 2026. Approximately 3,000 drones will illuminate the skies above Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, depicting various figures, including the three Austrian Eurovision winners: Udo Jürgens, who won for Austria for the first time in 1966 with "Merci, Chérie", the history-making drag artist Conchita Wurst, who brought the trophy home in 2014 with "Rise Like A Phoenix", and the latest winner, JJ, who triumphed in 2025 with "Wasted Love". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Michael Krön, Executive Producer of Eurovision 2026, shared his excitement regarding the grand event: "I am very happy that the Eurovision production team, together with the Austrian national broadcaster, ORF, and the drone company 'Cyberdrone', are managing to bring this extraordinary event to Vienna. With the Eurovision drone show, we are making a...

San Marino’s Boy George Sparks Debate Ahead of Eurovision 2026

April 21, 2026 by Ido Naman Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); San Marino at Eurovision 2026: Boy George addresses criticism over Israel’s participation, defends Jewish friends ahead of Eurovision 2026 with Senhit and “Superstar”. Two weeks before the delegations depart for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Boy George, who represents San Marino alongside Senhit with their song “Superstar”, continues to generate headlines and controversy. Since being selected as the country’s representative, the singer has stirred widespread reactions - most of them stemming from his outspoken support for Judaism and the State of Israel, a stance that stands out in the Eurovision landscape, particularly over the past three years. Now, he has issued a sharp response to pro-Palestinian activists who criticized his participation in the contest due to Israel’s involvement, making a clear and direct statement: “I will never turn my back on my Jewish friends”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Not Afraid to Respond From the very first days after being chosen to represent San Marino at the upcoming Eurovision, Boy George...

Germany confirms Eurovision 2027 participation

April 18, 2026June 18, 2026 by Nicole Postelnik Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SWR and Head of Delegation Tina Sikorski confirm Germany will participate in Eurovision 2027 using national selection Das deutsche Finale. Even before the Eurovision 2026 season comes to an end, Germany's participation in Eurovision 2027 has already been officially greenlit. During the "Eurovision in Concert" Eurovision party in the Netherlands, the official confirmation was given, which also guarantees another year for the country's national selection format. Germany is the second country to confirm its participation in Eurovision 2027, following Bulgaria, which became the first country to do so approximately three months ago. As the country is part of the "Big 4" (the four countries contributing the largest sums to the European Broadcasting Union, alongside Italy, France, and UK), Germany will automatically advance to the Grand Final and will not have to compete in the semi-final stages. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ‎‏ Germany's Selection Process for 2027 During the "Eurovision in Concert" event held in the Netherlands last week, Germany's Head of...

Standing in Support: Over 1,000 Artists Oppose Calls to Exclude Israel from Eurovision

April 18, 2026April 18, 2026 by Neta GeffenNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Over 1,000 international artists signed a letter opposing calls to exclude Israel from Eurovision, amid withdrawals and growing political pressure surrounding participation in the contest. Against the backdrop of increasing calls to remove Israel from Eurovision 2026, set to take place in less than a month in Vienna, an unusual counter-response has emerged: more than 1,000 artists, creators, and entertainment industry figures have signed an open letter supporting the country’s continued participation in the contest. The letter, initiated by the organization “Creative Community For Peace”, includes a long list of leading names from Hollywood and the global music industry. Among the signatories are Amy Schumer, Mila Kunis, and San Marino’s Eurovision 2026 representative Boy George. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Global Voices Speak Out: “A Song Contest Should Unite” The letter states: “A song contest is meant to bridge cultural divides and unite people from different backgrounds. We are shocked and disappointed by calls to...

“I came to shine my light”: An intimate conversation with Noam Bettan on his journey to Eurovision 2026

April 18, 2026 by Talor FishlerNo Comments

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel’s representative for the upcoming Eurovision met with the fan community for an intimate conversation about the unique blend of Hebrew, English, and French, the Italian influences, and the human message he seeks to bring to the world’s largest stage. Noam Bettan, Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2026, is currently preparing for the professional peak of his life in Vienna, Austria. On May 12th, he will take the stage for the first semi-final, carrying with him the song "Michelle" that blends cultures, languages, and a great deal of emotion. At the annual event of the Eurovision fan organization, OGAE Israel, which was held in a warm and supportive atmosphere, Noam took the stage for a conversation with community representative, Shira Tal, to discuss the journey he has taken and what awaits us this coming May. Watch the full interview: להחליף סרטון כשיהיה (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Noam’s Playlist: Italy at the Top Despite his busy schedule,...

Estonia: Eurovision Version of “Too Epic to Be True” Revealed

April 17, 2026 by Rachel Geron Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Vanilla Ninja release the final and official version of their song “Too Epic to Be True,” featuring a more dynamic production tailored for the big stage in Vienna. Listen to the song and watch the new music video here. The Estonian entry for Eurovision 2026, Vanilla Ninja, unveiled today the final and revamped version of their entry, “Too Epic to Be True.” Alongside the updated track, an official music video has also been released ahead of their journey to Vienna. Watch the official music video: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Revamping the Estonian Entry for Eurovision he band members shared that they felt the need to upgrade the song to make it more “punchy” and alive on stage. The new version leans further into a powerful pop-rock style, aiming to fully capitalize on the energy of a live performance in front of a European audience. They also revealed that their performance in Vienna will be fundamentally different from what we saw at...

The Only One Missing: Israel Excluded from Vienna’s Eurovision Event

April 17, 2026 by Talor Fishler Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Vienna, host city of Eurovision 2026, is launching a new initiative: for one week, its iconic coffeehouses will each represent a different participating country. One country, however, is notably missing- Israel. With less than a month to go before the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final, preparations in the host city of Vienna are in full swing. Today (Friday), a new initiative set to run throughout May across the city was announced. In a collaboration between the Austrian broadcaster ORF and the Association of Viennese Coffee House Owners, twenty local cafes will transform into meeting hubs for Eurovision fans from various countries. The participating nations have been distributed among these 20 cafes, with one notable exception: Israel, which is not represented by any of them. Is this due to security concerns or a different underlying message? All the details in the full article. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From May 3rd to May 17th, the many Eurovision fans expected in Vienna...