News Archives - Page 91 of 271

Portugal: RTP’s chair reveals “enormous pressure” over Israel boycott

January 7, 2026 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Portugal’s RTP faces intense political and public pressure over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, yet backs EBU reforms and confirms its place in Vienna The preparations for Eurovision 2026 are in full swing, and voices from Lisbon’s corridors are revealing the scale of the battle unfolding across Europe over Israel’s participation in the contest. Nicolau Santos, chair of the board of directors of Portugal’s national broadcaster (RTP), dropped a political bombshell this week during a hearing of the Portuguese Parliament’s Committee on Culture, Communication, Youth and Sport, openly acknowledging the severe pressure the broadcaster has faced in recent months. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Gaza concert sparks controversy The heated parliamentary debate did not begin with Eurovision. Santos spoke in response to a pointed question from representatives of the right-wing party Chega, who challenged the broadcaster’s neutrality after its decision to air the concert “Juntos por Gaza” (“Together for Gaza”). To demonstrate that the broadcaster faces criticism and pressure from...

HaKokhav HaBa – Episode 26: Eitan Aharon Is the Eleventh Contestant Eliminated From the Show

January 6, 2026January 12, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eitan Aharon is the eleventh contestant to bid farewell to HaKokhav HaBa. 10 contestants remain in the race, including Noam Bettan, Gal De Paz, and Alona Erez. Full recap of Episode 26. In exactly two weeks, the grand finale of "HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision 2026" will take place, featuring four finalists. The winner of the competition will represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th. 11 contestants remain in the competition so far, but by the end of tonight’s episode, only the top 10 will continue. This evening, the production introduced a brand-new challenge never before seen in previous seasons. Each contestant chose a hit song to perform alongside a live band. However, during the song, a signal appeared on the screen - after which they had to continue singing a-cappella, without the band’s backing. Keeping rhythm, staying in tune, and maintaining composure became crucial. The two contestants who received the lowest scores of...

Bambie Thug Says She Would Perform in Russia While Boycotting Israel

January 6, 2026 by Oscar Diefenthal Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026 controversy intensifies after Bambie Thug states in a live broadcast she would perform in Russia, while continuing to publicly boycott Israel’s participation in the contest. Recently, Irish singer Bambie Thug sparked widespread backlash and reignited debate across Europe after remarks that many perceived as highlighting contradictions within parts of the progressive cultural sphere. Ireland’s Eurovision 2024 representative stated during a live broadcast on the social media platform “TikTok” that she would be willing to perform in Russia while continuing to boycott Israel. The statement, delivered live and recorded by viewers, draws a sharp contrast: a sustained public boycott of Israel, a democratic country and full member of the EBU, alongside cultural openness toward a country excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest following its military invasion of Ukraine. This was a direct, unequivocal public declaration without clarification or subsequent correction that intensifies the ongoing controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision and the singer’s stance toward it. (adsbygoogle =...

Monokate Explains Why She’s Going Solo for Eurovision 2026

January 6, 2026January 12, 2026 by Oscar Diefenthal Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); It was recently revealed that Eurovision star Monokate is returning to Ukraine’s national selection. In a new interview, she explains why she chose to compete solo, without her band Go_A. One of the most exciting and talked-about surprises this year came with the release of the participant list for Ukraine’s Eurovision national selection, “Vidbir 2026.” In a complete surprise, beloved singer Monokate (Kateryna Pavlenko) was revealed as one of the contestants for the 2026 selection. The announcement sparked major excitement and anticipation among Eurovision fans across Europe and beyond. Now, Monokate opens up in a candid interview about why she decided to return this year on her own, without her band. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “This Is the Place Where I Can Be Myself” According to Pavlenko, the decision to compete as Monokate rather than as part of Go_A stems from an artistic desire to explore new creative territories that were not possible within the band framework. “Go_A is a...

Spain: RTVE humiliates Melody on live TV

January 6, 2026January 12, 2026 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain's RTVE mocks Eurovision representative Melody on live TV with satirical subtitles. Singer responds by embracing competitor network amid ongoing broadcaster conflict. In Spain, Eurovision may last only one week, but the drama that follows can persist far longer. Singer Melody, who represented Spain at Eurovision 2025 and finished in a disappointing 24th place, has spent recent months embroiled in a media storm with Spain's national broadcaster, RTVE. This week, during New Year's Eve celebrations, the conflict exploded once again before the entire nation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The "me, me, me" that irritated Spain Since returning from Basel with a low score, Melody has adopted a consistent narrative: "They didn't let me do what I wanted." In press conferences and interviews, she repeatedly emphasized that the screens weren't what she requested, decisions were made over her head, and delivered her now-famous line on the talk show "El Hormiguero": "I would rather finish 24th with my own mistakes than with someone else's mistakes." This self-focused approach, where...

Eurovision 2026: Semi-Final Draw Reveals 30 Countries Grouped by Voting Patterns

January 6, 2026 by Oscar Diefenthal Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); EBU reveals Eurovision semi-final allocation draw, grouping 30 countries by voting patterns to limit bloc voting and enhance competition drama. As every year, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) conducts an allocation draw to determine the semi-final participation of the competing countries. This year, following the withdrawal of the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, and Iceland, 30 countries are expected to compete in the two semi-finals and were divided into five different pots (with the sixth pot consisting of countries automatically qualified for the Grand Final). The allocation is based on historical voting patterns between countries over the years and is intended to reduce neighbor and diaspora voting in order to increase suspense around the show, according to the official statement released. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Voting Patterns and Allocation Logic Each of the six pots contains countries that share a common pattern of mutual voting at the Eurovision Song Contest or close geographical proximity. Each pot...

Drama in Norway: Will the Eurovision Winner Return to the Competition?

January 6, 2026 by Rachel Geron Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The violinist who took Eurovision by storm is back? The Norwegian Eurovision winner has sparked a wave of rumors following an Instagram post shared just ahead of the reveal of the participants in the national selection for Eurovision 2026. Former Eurovision winner Alexander Rybak shared a New Year’s post on his Instagram account, mentioning a date that led European fans to suspect that the artist, who has represented Norway twice and won Eurovision 2009 by a landslide, is planning a return to the competition, set to take place in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In the post, Rybak wrote that he is celebrating the New Year with a new album set to be released, added the words “Get ready for 2026,” and mentioned the date January 19. הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎🎻 ALEXANDER RYBAK 🎻‎‏ (@‏‎rybakofficial‎‏)‎‏ Fans were quick to connect the dots and discovered that the date coincides with the announcement of the contestants for the...

Ukraine: The Entry for Eurovision 2026 Will Be Chosen on February 7th!

January 6, 2026January 6, 2026 by Rachel Geron Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ukraine's national broadcaster reveals that the final of the national selection “Vidbir 2026” will take place on February 7th. The winner of the selection will represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2026, set to be held in Vienna, Austria. In recent hours, the Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne announced that February 7th has been set as the date for the final of the national selection “Vidbir 2026”, during which Ukraine’s representative for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, will be chosen. Ten contestants will compete in the selection, which will take place in about a month. The winner will be determined through a combination of public voting (50%) and jury voting (50), and will go on to represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Susplilne officially confirmed the news today in a post published on its Instagram account, announcing that the grand final of “Vidbir 2026” will be held on February 7th. הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Євробачення Україна‎‏ (@‏‎suspilne.eurovision‎‏)‎‏ It...

Austria: Conchita Wurst Confirms Eurovision 2026 Return in Vienna?

January 6, 2026 by Oscar Diefenthal Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Conchita Wurst confirms her return to Eurovision 2026 in Vienna? Sparking speculations over whether she will host, appear as a guest, or take another prominent role. The race to select hosts for Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Austria, is heating up. Many fans are still hoping that Conchita Wurst, Austria’s Eurovision 2014 winner with "Rise Like A Phoenix", will take on the role. Yesterday (Monday), Conchita spoke to the German magazine BUNTE and officially confirmed her return to the Eurovision stage but left open the question of her exact role. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Conchita Wurst and the Full-Circle Moment Despite confirming her participation, Conchita tempered expectations regarding a lead hosting position. When asked in the interview what her role would be, she replied candidly: “What exactly will I be doing there? I don’t even know myself yet”. That statement leaves several scenarios open: Full hosting role: Negotiations may still be ongoing behind the scenes,...

Poland: Viki Gabor’s “Wedding” Ceremony Sparks Controversy

January 6, 2026January 6, 2026 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Polish media rushed to declare the marriage of 18-year-old Junior Eurovision 2019 winner Viki Gabor and her partner. Now, the singer responds to the rumors. Viki Gabor, winner of the 2019 Junior Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Superhero”, is currently at the center of a media storm during a time that was supposed to be one of the happiest in her life. What began as mysterious clips on social media showing a traditional Romani ceremony with her partner soon turned into a nationwide discussion about the 18-year-old star’s future - and speculation that she might leave Poland for a new life in the UK. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Ceremony That Ignited Social Media At the end of December 2025, videos emerged showing Gabor alongside her boyfriend, Giovanni Trojanek, celebrating in a lavish Romani-style ceremony. The footage, shared by none other than Giovanni’s grandfather, well-known Romani musician Bogdan Trojanek, quickly went viral. However, a flood of online criticism soon followed, with many...