Report: Spain Will Demand Israel’s Expulsion From Eurovision 2026 at the EBU Conference

Report: Spain Will Demand Israel’s Expulsion From Eurovision 2026 at the EBU Conference

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Spanish national broadcaster RTVE convened today at the joint committee of the Spanish Congress and Senate to discuss participation in Eurovision 2026. Spain seems firm in its stance and is expected to withdraw if Israel participates. The Spanish national broadcaster RTVE held today (Thursday) a joint committee of the Spanish Congress and Senate on the issue of control over the national broadcaster. During the meeting, representatives answered questions regarding public broadcasting in Spain, including one that has captivated Eurovision fans more than any other — whether Spain will participate in Eurovision 2026 and display a dramatic retreat, or continue with the hardline stance it has taken against Israel and its allies in the contest. It now appears Spain remains entrenched in its position and aims to push for Israel’s disqualification at the upcoming meeting of the EBU, scheduled for next week. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Spanish national broadcaster RTVE met today (Thursday) at 16:00 CET, for the...
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Spain: Decision on Participation in Eurovision 2026 to Be Announced on Thursday

Spain: Decision on Participation in Eurovision 2026 to Be Announced on Thursday

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain will reveal on Thursday whether it will participate in Eurovision 2026, as a joint parliamentary–national broadcaster committee questions RTVE’s leadership ahead of the European Broadcasting Union General Assembly. The Spanish national broadcaster RTVE will appear this Thursday before the joint committee of the Spanish Congress and Senate on oversight of the national broadcaster, where its management will respond to various questions concerning public broadcasting in Spain. One key issue that particularly interests Eurovision fans is whether Spain will participate in Eurovision 2026 and signal a significant climbdown, or whether it will maintain the hard line it has led against Israel and its allies in the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); On Thursday at 16:00 (CET), the joint committee of the Congress and Senate responsible for supervising the Spanish national broadcaster will convene, during which RTVE’s leadership will have to answer questions from different politicians. This public hearing is part of the legal obligations of the Spanish national broadcaster, which...
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Spain: RTVE Makes Another Statement Against Israel’s Participation in Eurovision

Spain: RTVE Makes Another Statement Against Israel’s Participation in Eurovision

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Following the meeting between the Austrian broadcaster’s CEO and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Spain’s broadcaster president accuses Eurovision’s host of politicization and levels harsh criticism. The rift among Europe’s broadcasters continues to deepen. The president of the Spanish national broadcaster RTVE, José Pablo López, launched an unprecedented public attack today against the Austrian national broadcaster — host of Eurovision 2026 — and the EBU. The trigger was the widely reported visit by top Austrian TV officials to Jerusalem and their meeting with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog — a move López claims exposes “the politicization of the contest” and bias in favor of Israel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); López’s remarks came in response to reports suggesting Austrian officials are engaging in talks to persuade Spain and others not to withdraw from the contest in protest of Israel’s participation. Austria’s broadcaster CEO Roland Weissmann recently declared it was “Time for diplomacy within the EBU, [...] We will discuss, talk, listen, and try to persuade”. Weissmann’s statement referred...
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Benidorm Fest 2026: RTVE to Release Song Snippets ahead of Song Release

Benidorm Fest 2026: RTVE to Release Song Snippets ahead of Song Release

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); RTVE adds a new twist to Benidorm Fest 2026, unveiling 20-second song previews a week before the official song release. The Spanish national broadcaster RTVE has introduced a new and intriguing element in the timeline of its national Eurovision selection, Benidorm Fest 2026. Alongside the recent announcement of the 18 competing artists, it was confirmed that the full songs will be released on December 18. However, audiences will not have to wait that long for a first taste: RTVE’s management revealed a new preview stage featuring short snippets of each entry. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 20 Seconds of Fame: Snippets Coming December 11 Until now, the official release date for all 18 competing songs was set for December 18. But during the BIME conference in Bilbao, RTVE executive Sergio Calderón shared that fans will get an early glimpse. On December 11, exactly one week before the full unveiling, the national broadcaster will publish 20-second snippets from each of the 18 entries. This move...
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Melody On Eurovision 2025: Contest Is “Political”

Melody On Eurovision 2025: Contest Is “Political”

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain’s Eurovision 2025 singer Melody breaks her silence, calling the contest political and sparking debate about RTVE’s actions and its role in the event’s controversy. Five months have passed since the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final, and it seems Spain’s representative, Melody, is finally ready to say what she really thinks. In a new interview for the radio program “Dial Tal Cual,” the singer confirmed what many had long suspected: “Eurovision is not really a music festival.” When the host, Rafa Cano, asked, “Is it political?” Melody responded firmly: “Yes.” (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});   הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם   ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Cadena Dial Oficial‎‏ (@‏‎cadena_dial‎‏)‎‏ This statement stands in stark contrast to her tone during the stormy press conference she held on May 26. Back then, Melody firmly refused to address political issues—especially those surrounding Israel’s participation. “I’m not allowed to talk about politics; it’s in my contract,” she insisted, adding only a general statement about “love and peace in the world.” Interpretation: The Artist Caught Between Art and Politics So, what has changed?...
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Chanel: “I Don’t Support Israel’s Participation in Eurovision”

Chanel: “I Don’t Support Israel’s Participation in Eurovision”

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Hypocrisy hits new notes: Chanel, who performed in Israel alongside Noa Kirel two years ago, breaks her silence with harsh remarks about Israel’s Eurovision 2025 participation — sparking outrage online. The Spanish singer Chanel, who represented Spain at Eurovision 2022 and secured third place, surprised many when asked about Israel’s participation in the contest — admitting she does not support it. The moment occurred during an interview in which the reporter directly questioned Israel’s involvement in Eurovision. Her answer instantly went viral, reigniting the debate about the intersection between pop culture and political tensions on the international stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What Was Said and Who Asked? During a press event, Chanel was approached by a Spanish journalist from "No Somos Nadie", a media outlet known for provocative questions designed to spark headlines and controversy. She stopped for a few questions about her career but appeared uneasy, expressing hesitation toward some of them. Inevitably, she was asked what she thought...
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Spain: Contestant list for “Benidorm 2026” revealed

Spain: Contestant list for “Benidorm 2026” revealed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain’s national broadcaster has unveiled the 18 artists competing in “Benidorm Fest 2026”, the show that will determine Spain’s entry for Eurovision 2026. Discover the full lineup and event dates. Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE continues preparations for the upcoming “Benidorm Fest 2026”, the show that has chosen Spain’s Eurovision representative since 2022. This year, 870 songs were submitted - down from the record 1,000 entries submitted last year, yet slightly higher than 825 in 2024 and close to the 876 submitted in 2023. A selection committee from RTVE listened to all submissions and chose the best 18 songs for the live festival. Today, the national broadcaster held a press conference revealing the names of the contestants. The participating songs will be officially released on December 18th, 2025. Despite the recent statement by Spain’s board of directors that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate, RTVE continues preparations “as usual”. The broadcaster emphasized that the Benidorm...
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Spain to Announce Participants for Benidorm Fest 2026 This Thursday

Spain to Announce Participants for Benidorm Fest 2026 This Thursday

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE will reveal the 16 participants of Benidorm Fest 2026 this Thursday—despite earlier threats to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel takes part. Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE has announced that on Thursday, October 9th, it will publish the list of 16 artists competing in the fifth edition of Benidorm Fest 2026.Despite a previous statement from the network’s board declaring that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate, RTVE continues preparations for the festival as planned. The network emphasized that Benidorm Fest has “its own life and identity” and will be held independently of any final decision regarding Spain’s Eurovision participation in 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision-Style Production and Open Rehearsals The upcoming edition of Benidorm Fest will feature major production upgrades and a format more closely aligned with the Eurovision Song Contest itself.For the first time, public open rehearsals will be held, marking a step toward a more immersive and international...
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Charlotte Perrelli In? The Date Spain Will Reveal Its Benidorm Fest Contestants

Charlotte Perrelli In? The Date Spain Will Reveal Its Benidorm Fest Contestants

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spain’s national broadcaster will reveal the Benidorm Fest 2026 contestants by mid-October, with songs set to premiere on December 18th. Eurovision 1999 winner Charlotte Perrelli has submitted a song Spain remains steadfast despite tensions: the contestants of Benidorm Fest 2026 are set to be unveiled within the next two weeks, with the competing songs revealed on December 18th, according to head of the Spanish delegation César Vallejo during a meeting of the OGAE Spain. Although the country has threatened to withdraw from Eurovision over Israel’s participation, Vallejo confirmed that the festival will be held under any circumstance. At the same event, it was confirmed that Charlotte Perrelli, winner of Eurovision 1999 and a current resident of Spain, has submitted a song for the festival. Perrelli returned to the Eurovision stage in 2008 representing Sweden with “Hero”, finishing in 18th place. Since then, she has made three unsuccessful attempts to compete again through Sweden’s Melodifestivalen. 870 Submissions for the 2026...
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Spain: Around 900 Songs Submitted for Benidorm Fest 2026!

Spain: Around 900 Songs Submitted for Benidorm Fest 2026!

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 870 songs were submitted to RTVE for Benidorm Fest 2026, which will take place on February 14th RTVE closed on Wednesday the submission window for entries to Benidorm Fest 2026, the Spanish Eurovision pre-selection. According to the national broadcaster, around 900 songs were received, nearly 350 of them within the final 24 hours. This marks a lower number compared to last year, when approximately 1,000 songs were submitted, but still higher than the 825 entries received in 2024. Rising Popularity and Audience Success The overwhelming success of Benidorm Fest 2025 has clearly influenced the interest in the next edition. The number of submissions for Benidorm Fest 2026 remains impressively high due to the competition’s rapidly growing public appeal. The 2025 final, which topped television ratings throughout the week, was a massive success with a 17.1% viewing share and around 1,938,000 viewers. That made it the second most-watched edition in the festival’s history. At peak broadcast moments, nearly 5 million people...
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