News Archives - Page 5 of 251

North Macedonia: Eurovision Star Vlado Janevski Dies at 65

June 29, 2026 by Nicole Postelnik Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); MRT confirms Eurovision 2027 participation as North Macedonia mourns the passing of its first contest representative, Vlado Janevski, aged 65. Alongside the good news regarding the exceptionally quick decision by MRT to confirm its participation in Eurovision 2027, very sad news has emerged from the country. The Macedonian singer Vlado Janevski, who was the first to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1998, passed away last night at the age of 65 after being hospitalized following a brief illness. Janevski was not only a Eurovision star, but a singer who left a lasting mark on Macedonian music and transformed its landscape. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Pioneer of Macedonian Music Vladimir Vlado Janevski, born in 1960 in the city of Skopje, enjoyed a solo career spanning approximately 35 years. However, to Eurovision fans, he is best known for his performance at the 1998 contest with the song "Ne zori, zoro" (in English: "Dawn, Do Not Rise"). North...

Linda Lampenius Explodes: “Papers Will Do Anything to Get More Clicks!”

June 28, 2026June 28, 2026 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Linda Lampenius rejects the Swedish outlet Expressen's claims, insisting she never said anything about Israel's Eurovision 2026 result. Linda Lampenius, Finland's representative at Eurovision 2026, has strongly criticized Swedish newspaper Expressen over an interview it published following this year's contest. According to the newspaper, the violinist - who represented Finland alongside Pete Parkkonen with "Liekinheitin" (English: "Flamethrower") - was unhappy with the results of the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final, which saw Bulgaria win while Israel finished in second place. The newspaper claimed that Lampenius described the results as unfair. However, following EuroMix's coverage of the interview, the Finnish artist responded angrily, insisting: “I never said anything about Israel doing anything wrong.” ‎ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Lampenius Rejects the Newspaper's Version Swedish newspaper Expressen attributed the following comments to Lampenius: "Israel was second and on the verge of victory... it's such a scam, I think, with everything in the competition, I don't understand anything, I don't trust it." She also noted there, according...

Linda Lampenius Slams Israel’s High Score in Eurovision 2026 as a “Scam”

June 28, 2026June 28, 2026 by Talya Raviv Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Finnish violinist Linda Lampenius alleges the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest voting was a scam, targeting Israel's near-victory after finishing sixth. Following last month’s spectacular Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, where Bulgaria claimed the ultimate victory, a wave of controversy has erupted from the upper echelons of the scoreboard. Finnish violinist Linda Lampenius, who represented Finland alongside singer Pete Parkkonen, has publicly accused the international competition of rigged voting results. The duo, who performed the fiery track "Liekinheitin", had dominated betting odds for months as the undisputed favorites to win, but ultimately finished in a disappointing sixth place. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Finnish Eurovision Star Linda Lampenius Slams Voting System Speaking to the Swedish newspaper Expressen this week, Lampenius did not hold back her frustration regarding the outcome. She openly questioned the integrity of the public televote and suggested that outside manipulation altered the true standings. "I think the referendum is a prank, and that there are bought votes and all...

Germany’s Insane Cost to Participate in Eurovision 2026

June 27, 2026 by Talor Fishler Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany's official participation costs for Vienna reveal a record-breaking budget crossing the half-million euro mark. Is this a waste of public funds or the best deal on television? Behind the glamour of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna lies a massive budget that is sparking public outrage. Germany, a 'Big Five' country that automatically qualifies for the Grand Final, sent Sarah Engels with her song "Fire", only to finish 23rd. Despite the disappointing result, the real debate now focuses on the financial costs, as newly revealed official data shows the country's participation fee crossed the half-million euro mark for the first time in history. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ‎‏ A Historic Record in Participation Fees According to official data released by German broadcaster SWR following a journalistic inquiry, the participation fee paid by ARD to the EBU for Eurovision 2026 reached an exact total of €507,389. This marks the first time in history that Germany's official cost for the entry fee alone...

From Eurovision to the Dance Floor: The BBC and Delta Are Facing Backlash

June 27, 2026 by Talor Fishler Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Fresh off her fourth-place, she is already caught up in a British TV storm over. The Australian star just wants to dance, but the local audience won't make it easy. The drama refuses to leave the Eurovision world, and this time, one of the most beloved stars of the recent contest is in the spotlight. Only recently did we see Australia's representative, Delta Goodrem, snatch a respectable fourth place in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 with her massive hit "Eclipse", bringing Australia 287 points and waves of praise. But instead of resting on her laurels, Goodrem dove straight into particularly deep and turbulent waters in the United Kingdom. The official announcement of Goodrem's participation in the upcoming season of the British version of 'Dancing with the Stars' (Strictly Come Dancing) was broadcast earlier than usual, igniting a wave of harsh criticism and crossfire directed at both the singer and the BBC. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ‎‏ The Big 'Strictly...

Denmark Confirms Participation in Eurovision 2027

June 27, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Danish national broadcaster DR officially confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2027, releasing the rules for "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix". The Danish national broadcaster DR, announced last night that Denmark will participate in Eurovision 2027, which will take place in Bulgaria next May. Denmark is the 11th country to confirm its participation in Eurovision 2027, following Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the host country – Bulgaria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ‎‏ Selection Rules for Dansk Melodi Grand Prix The Danish national broadcaster revealed that the process of selecting the entry and artist will once again be held through the national final "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix". The official rules governing the selection process were released last night. The submission window for songs is currently open and will close on October 25th, 2026, via the website www.dr.dk/grandprix. From the submissions, a professional committee will select eight songs to compete for the right to represent Denmark at Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria....

Reports: EBU Approves Major Eurovision 2027 Televoting Reforms

June 27, 2026 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to reports, the EBU approved televoting reforms for Eurovision 2027 at the Prague General Assembly to "curb geopolitical voting trends". The rules of the game are changing. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) General Assembly, which concluded yesterday (Friday) in Prague, brought dramatic news that is poised to fundamentally alter how public voting impacts the scoreboard. According to reports by the Greek Eurovision outlet, Eurovisionfun, the union approved a comprehensive reform package for the televoting system ahead of Eurovision 2027, with the goal of reducing "political voting". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Behind the reported discussions lies a remarkable phenomenon in the competition's history. In recent years, exceptionally dedicated fanbases and public voting campaigns have demonstrated unprecedented strength on the scoreboard. While this overwhelming show of public support highlights the undeniable passion of the viewers, who have successfully maximized their voting power within the official rules, it has also caused some strategic headaches for several European national broadcasters and...

RTL Secures Luxembourg’s Eurovision Funding Through 2029

June 26, 2026 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); RTL secures €2 million annual funding, confirming Luxembourg's Eurovision participation through 2029 Luxembourg's national broadcaster RTL has officially confirmed the country's participation in Eurovision 2027, set to take place in Bulgaria next May, as well as in the 2028 and 2029 editions of the contest. The announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the project's funding. The financial crisis has now been fully resolved after the Luxembourgish government approved an annual allocation of €2 million for Eurovision participation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ‎‏ Government Increases Eurovision Budget Since returning to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024, Luxembourg has participated with an annual budget of €1.6 million. That amount occasionally proved insufficient, with the project exceeding its budget by approximately €70,000 in 2025. According to Luxembourg's Ministry of Culture, “The annual budget for the Eurovision Song Contest has been increased to €2 million in order to strengthen the Eurovision ecosystem, which is now firmly established in Luxembourg, and to enable partnerships with...

BNT and DARA Launch Major Tourism Push Ahead of Eurovision 2027

June 25, 2026June 25, 2026 by Talya Raviv Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026 winner DARA joins forces with BNT and the Ministry of Tourism to promote Bulgaria ahead of hosting Eurovision 2027. Photo: Ministry of Tourism Bulgaria Preparations for hosting Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria are gaining momentum, and with them, efforts to leverage tourism in the country. DARA, the winner of Eurovision 2026, is expected to lead a large-scale advertising campaign that will showcase Bulgaria to the world, after responding to an invitation from the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Ilin Dimitrov, to take part in the initiative. A formal meeting held between the two was also attended by Milena Milotinova, the CEO of the Bulgarian national broadcaster BNT, which is responsible for producing the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in the country. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The new project by the Ministry of Tourism is based on creating videos and promotional materials starring famous Bulgarians - including artists, athletes, scientists, and young achievers, who can speak about the country in a...

RTVSLO Faces Backlash Over Eurovision 2026 Israel Boycott

June 25, 2026 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); RTVSLO receives complaints over Eurovision 2026 boycott as Slovenia weighs a possible return to the contest. Slovenia, remembered in recent years as one of Israel's most vocal critics within the Eurovision community, led initiatives calling for a boycott of Israel at Eurovision 2026 and replaced the contest's Grand Final broadcast with a special programme titled "Voices of Palestine". Although the country has since undergone a change in government, the controversy surrounding the boycott of Israel is far from over. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to the May report published by the Ombudsman for Viewers and Listeners of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, 20 complaints were received regarding the decision to boycott the contest. The majority of those complaints criticized the decision, arguing that Eurovision is first and foremost a cultural and musical event that should remain politically neutral and not be influenced by political developments. Opposition to RTVSLO's decision not to broadcast the contest also included claims that the...