Basel Bulletin: the big five and Switzerland

📷 EBU/Corinne Cumming/Sarah Louise Bennett/Alma Bengtsson

The Big Five and Switzerland have their second rehearsal. We have no liveblog from EBU, however we are expecting 30 seconds videos later today. We also have pictures.

🇩🇪 Germany

Germany’s Abor & Tynna have been riding the positive wave on social media. The duo shared behind-the-scenes snaps from Basel and thanked fans for their support, with Tynna joking that she “might need a new boombox after that performance!” Their playful, upbeat posts convey confidence and gratitude, showing they’re enjoying every moment of their Eurovision journey with the fans.

Abor & Tynna delivered a high-energy “Baller” rehearsal with a dramatic ’80s flair. It opens with Abor on a glowing white electric cello before a curtain drops to unveil Tynna standing atop a giant boombox prop. Four dancers and pulsing LED graphics join the mix, creating a gritty warehouse party vibe with flashing “BALLER” visuals. Pyrotechnics cap off the number as the boombox “explodes” amid fireworks. The performance is being hailed as a “huge glow-up” from the German national final. Eurovision bloggers and fans praised the inventive staging – one Reddit user gushed that it “looks absolutely amazing” and said the clip raised their “hopes up a LOT”. The edgy Lara Croft-meets-rave styling and the sibling duo’s musical prowess have earned Germany a surge of online excitement. 

Despite the buzz, Germany is still seen as an underdog. Bookmakers have kept “Baller” around the lower mid-pack – roughly 19th to 24th position in the odds – but there’s hope that this memorable staging could boost their ranking during live shows.

🇫🇷 France

On social media, France’s Louane has been gracious and heartfelt. The French star shared that representing France on the Eurovision stage is “a dream come true ✨” and thanked fans “infiniment” (infinitely) for their support. In an Instagram post after rehearsals, she posted a photo of herself amid the falling sand with a caption about feeling her mother’s presence during the performance, reflecting the song’s personal theme.

Louane delivered a powerful first rehearsal of “Maman”, built around a central hourglass theme. On a dimly lit stage, sand poured steadily from above as she stood barefoot in a flowing black lace gown, spotlit within a circle of sand. At one point, she knelt and cleared the sand to reveal a mirror beneath. Each gesture followed the rhythm of the drums with precision. Fans and media alike praised her performance. The sand motif captivated many viewers; one fan on Facebook described Louane’s staging as a “universe of realness and emotion,” comparing it to a past winner and adding, “Can see this winning now.” Commentators frequently linked her emotional delivery to Barbara Pravi’s 2021 performance, while highlighting how Louane brings a distinctly modern, pop-chanson style to the Eurovision stage.

Louane remains firmly among the favorites to win Eurovision 2025. France is currently the 3rd favorite in the betting markets with roughly a 7% chance to win. Her odds have held steady (around 11/1) and even improved slightly after the impactful rehearsal, narrowing the gap behind front-runners Sweden and Austria. There’s a sense that France’s odds could shorten further if the strong rehearsal buzz continues into the jury show.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

The UK’s all-female trio Remember Monday have been infectiously enthusiastic on social media. After their rehearsal, they tweeted, “And we’re back – FIRST REHEARSAL DONE!!! ❤️”, showing both relief and excitement. A TikTok followed, playfully referencing the “morning after” theme with confused wake-up expressions, echoing the song’s storyline. The trio has also been chatting with fans on Twitter, joking about needing “a bigger chandelier budget next time.” Their posts remain upbeat and self-deprecating, and they continue to thank fans for “all the love from London to Basel,” clearly eager to do the UK proud.

Their first rehearsal for “What The Hell Just Happened?” made a strong impression. It begins in a Regency-style boudoir before erupting into neon chaos, complete with a crashed chandelier and vivid lighting. The scene transitions smoothly between calm and chaos, ending with a return to the quiet boudoir and one final harmony.

Reaction to the rehearsal has been largely positive. Many fans praised the bold concept, calling it one of the UK’s most creative stagings in recent years. Reviewers highlighted the trio’s “powerful, three-part harmonies” and authentic stage presence. While a few felt the staging was slightly over-the-top, most agree that the UK has taken a welcome creative leap. The group’s chemistry and humour are winning over new supporters.

Bookmakers currently place the UK mid-table. Before rehearsals, the trio sat around 13th in the odds. Some outlets have since shortened their odds, citing growing buzz, though others still rate the UK as an outsider, with odds near 100/1. Overall, Remember Monday’s rehearsal has helped the UK’s momentum, and with continued strong performances, the entry could climb higher in the coming days.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Host nation Switzerland’s Zoë Më was visibly moved after her first rehearsal on home soil. The Basel-born singer shared a heartfelt Instagram message, calling Eurovision in her hometown “the journey of a lifetime.” In a behind-the-scenes clip, she nervously smiled and said, “C’est parti – let’s go, wish me luck!” blending French and English. After rehearsing, she tweeted, “One shot, one soul – I felt every second on that stage 🙏.” Zoë has continued engaging with fans in French, German, and English, thanking them for their support and feedback on the staging.

Her performance of “Voyage” takes a daringly minimalist route: a single, uncut three-minute handheld shot. With vintage film lenses and moody lighting, the staging focuses entirely on Zoë, seated in darkness and framed like a painting. As the song builds, soft lighting, wind effects, and audience phone lights add subtle movement. Reactions have been largely positive. Press described the staging as “cinematic” and praised the emotional intimacy. Fans were split—some found it “hypnotic” and powerful, while others worried its stillness might not capture casual viewers. Nonetheless, the home crowd gave Zoë an extended ovation, recognizing the risk and vocal precision.

In the betting odds, Switzerland holds steady in the 15th–17th range. The rehearsal hasn’t shifted expectations dramatically, but some analysts now call it a potential “sleeper pick” for a top 10 finish, especially if juries reward the artistic vision. While not a frontrunner, Zoë’s staging has earned widespread respect—and if it connects in the final, Switzerland may quietly climb the scoreboard.

🇮🇹 Italy

Lucio Corsi keeps a modest presence on social media, posting simple, heartfelt updates. His recent posts — including a lyric quote and sunflower emoji — align with the reflective tone of his performance. Fans have responded warmly to his sincerity, and the atmosphere around Italy’s entry is quietly confident.

Lucio Corsi stayed true to his artistic roots in his first Eurovision rehearsal, delivering a near-replica of his Sanremo performance. Dressed in his signature mustard bolero jacket with shoulder pads and white makeup, he sat at a long piano while vintage-style speakers and a sepia filter evoked a 1970s rock vibe. English subtitles appeared on screen for key lyrics, and midway through, Lucio transitioned to center stage for a harmonica solo before closing the song alongside guitarist Tommaso Ottomano. The reaction was largely positive. Fans and press praised the performance’s authenticity and clarity, calling it “sharper and more sophisticated” than before. The subtitles were widely seen as a smart addition. Supporters celebrated Lucio’s decision to keep the Sanremo spirit intact, while some noted the act may feel understated next to more theatrical entries. Still, a viral fan moment — Lucio taking time to meet a supporter after a six-hour wait — reinforced the goodwill around his candidacy.

In the betting odds, Italy remains steady. Lucio sits just outside the top 10, currently between 12th and 16th place. Bookmakers list him at around 20/1 to 30/1, reflecting respect rather than frontrunner status. A top 10 finish seems within reach, particularly if juries reward his sincerity and style.

🇪🇸 Spain

Melody has embraced the support. On social media, she posted, “Primer ensayo superado! Qué emoción, mi gente!!!” with fire and heart emojis. On Instagram, she called the moment “incredible” and thanked the stage crew. She reposted fan art and a video of girls copying her dance, replying, “Vosotras sí que sois divas!” Her tone has remained energetic, grateful, and empowering—just like her song.

Melody’s first rehearsal brought theatrical flair to Basel, with a performance split into three bold acts. It begins in deep purple lighting, with Melody in a black corseted outfit, fedora, and thigh-high boots. Three male dancers join for flamenco-pop choreography. Act Two brings fiery red lighting and two female dancers as Melody drops the hat and intensifies the movement. Act Three explodes in white, matching the lyric about rising to the top. All five dancers join for the climax, ending with a surprise dance break. Fans and press reacted passionately. Spanish media highlighted clear growth in energy and presence since earlier previews. Many praised the staging’s ambition and Melody’s vocal strength despite intense choreography. “Winner vibes” trended on X, and “Viva la diva” caught fire among Spanish fans. Still, some found the visuals overwhelming or dated, and questioned how sustainable the vocals would be. Overall, the rehearsal transformed Spain from under-the-radar to showstopper status.

Spain’s odds improved dramatically. From 36th place before rehearsals, Melody has climbed to 18th. Betting sites now show Spain as an outside contender, with some analysts tipping it for a potential top 10 finish.

 

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Weekly Update

It’s Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and time for another weekly update! This week, debates over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 intensified, as several broadcasters take a stand. We also have news about a potential new country joining Eurovision, plus a flurry of national selection updates. With 2026 fast approaching, broadcasters across Europe are unveiling their plans and contestants. Here are this week’s top stories: Israel 🇮🇸 Iceland: RÚV Board Wants Israel Barred The board of Icelandic broadcaster RÚV has formally called on the EBU to ban Israel from Eurovision 2026. At a recent meeting, 5 of 9 RÚV board members approved a recommendation urging Israel’s exclusion. Chairman Stefán Jón Hafstein noted that the EBU General Assembly on December 4–5 will discuss Israel’s participation. RÚV is even weighing Iceland’s withdrawal if Israel is allowed to compete, pending the EBU’s decision. A final call on Iceland’s own participation will be made after that EBU meeting. source: RÚV 🇸🇮 Slovenia: Will Only Participate if Israel Excluded Slovenia’s broadcaster RTVSLO has signaled it won’t take part in Eurovision 2026 unless Israel is out. A draft of RTVSLO’s 2026 programming plan made no mention of Eurovision, fueling withdrawal speculation. Now RTVSLO board president Natalija Gorščak clarifies that Slovenia will compete only if Israel does not. If the EBU votes to exclude Israel at next week’s assembly, RTVSLO will amend its plan and join the contest. Otherwise, Slovenia is prepared to sit out. RTVSLO joins broadcasters from Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain in this stance. source: RTVSLO 🇪🇸 Spain: RTVE Reaffirms Israel Boycott Threat Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE has doubled down on its position regarding Israel. RTVE President José Pablo López told parliament that Spain will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, a stance maintained for months. He stated Israel’s presence is “untenable,” citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and argued that Israel has broken contest rules without punishment. Spain’s culture minister echoed this, revealing Spain formally requested Israel’s exclusion. RTVE’s message is clear: unless the EBU expels Israel, Spain will not compete. source: eurovision-spain 2026 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan: Debut to be Decided in Early 2026 Is Kazakhstan finally joining Eurovision? The Kazakh Ministry of Culture says the EBU will consider Kazakhstan’s debut in early 2026. Over the summer, Kazakh broadcaster Khabar Agency met with EBU’s Director General to discuss this possibility. No decision has been made yet, but the EBU is expected to revisit the issue after New Year’s. One major hurdle is funding. The Ministry noted that participating would require significant financial resources, and no budget is currently approved for it. For now, Kazakhstan remains hopeful, awaiting the EBU’s verdict on whether it can join the Eurovision family in Vienna. source: esc-kaz National Finals and Selections 🇱🇻 Latvia: 24 Supernova 2026 Semi-Finalists Unveiled Latvian broadcaster LTV has revealed the 24 artists and songs competing in Supernova 2026, Latvia’s national selection. The semi-finalists were selected from 124 submissions and will be split across two heats before a February 14 final. The full lineup is: Agnesse – “Oh My My” Aivo Oskis – “Walking Out” Antra Stafecka – “Divejāda” Atvara – “Ēnā” Blurie – “Lovin’ Always Gets Me Down” Daba – “Panic Attack” De Mantra – “Let Them” Edvards Strazdiņš – “I Ain’t Got The Guts” ELPO – “Blakus” Emilija – “All We Ever Had” Honey Blue – “Blue Disco” Ivo Grīsniņš Grīslis – “Home” Jānis Rugājs – “Smoke” Kautkaili – “Te un tagad” Krisy – “Take It” Kristīne Meģija – “Insanity” LEGZDINA – “Ribbon” Miks Galvanovskis – “Cruel Angel” NOLARK – “Different Places” Papīra lidmašīnas – “You’re My Saviour” PAULA – “Dejot vien” Robert Ox – “Ravin’ At The Taj Mahal” Tikasha Sakama – “#010126 CODA” Vēstnieks – “Vai tas ir kāds brīnums?” If there is a link, the song is already published on YouTube. 🇲🇪 Montenegro: 15 Songs Out for MonteSong 2025 Montenegro’s national broadcaster RTCG has released all 15 entries for MonteSong 2025, its selection for Eurovision 2026. The songs are available on the RTCG website, and the national final will take place on December 21. The MonteSong 2025 participants are: Andrea Demirović – “I Believe” Baryak – “Minerva” Dolce Hera – “Casanova 91” Đurđa – “Dominos” Krstinja Matanović – “Oli oli” Lana Lopičić – “Doline” (Valleys) Lana Vukčević & Đorđe Savković – “Temperatura” (Temperature) Lara Baltic – “Rhythm Boy” Luka Radović – “Pjevaj vilo” (Sing, fairy) Majda Božović – “Ipak smo ljudi” (We are human after all) Mila Nikić – “Kao varnica” (Like a spark) Neno Murić – “Ako čuješ glas” (If you hear a voice) Stefan Vukotić – “Nedekodirana” (Undecoded) Tamara Živković – “Nova zora” (New dawn) Tina Džankić – “Shadows” 🇲🇹 Malta: MESC 2026 Semi-Finalists Revealed PBS, the Maltese broadcaster, has announced the 18 artists for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) 2026. These acts will compete in a single semi-final on January 15, hoping to reach the final on January 17. Snippets of all the songs are online. You can listen to them here. The MESC 2026 lineup is: Franklin Calleja – “Guide You Home” Chess Galea – “Shout It Out” Liston Bongailas – “Mela” Kurt Anthony – “On the Borderline” Stefan Galea – “Pose” Ema – “Achikuku (Don’t Think About It)” Kelsey Attard – “Perfectly Broken” Adria Twins – “Nerġà nqum” Kelsie Borg – “Let a Girl Breathe” Matthew Cilia – “Brutality Mentality” Matt Blxck – “Ejja lejja ħdejja ’l hawn” Rhiannon Micallef – “Hold Myself Up” Mychael Bartolo Chircop – “My Sweet Angel” Aidan – “Bella” Denise – “Trophy” Nathan Psaila – “Ganador” Mark Anthony Bartolo – “Mumenti sbieħ” Janice Mangion – “Univers” 🇦🇱 Albania: Festivali i Këngës 64 Songs Released Albanian broadcaster RTSH has released the 28 entries competing in Festivali i Këngës 64, which will determine Albania’s Eurovision 2026 act. The contest will be held December 17–20 in Tirana. This year’s FiK features a diverse mix of new and returning artists. The full list of participating acts and song titles is: 2Farm – “Valle mbi hi” Alis – “Nân” Endri Kaçaçi – “Si unë”

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Martijn

Weekly Update

It’s Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and time for another weekly update! This week, debates over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 intensified, as several broadcasters take a stand. We also have news about a potential new country joining Eurovision, plus a flurry of national selection updates. With 2026 fast approaching, broadcasters across Europe are unveiling their plans and contestants. Here are this week’s top stories: Israel 🇮🇸 Iceland: RÚV Board Wants Israel Barred The board of Icelandic broadcaster RÚV has formally called on the EBU to ban Israel from Eurovision 2026. At a recent meeting, 5 of 9 RÚV board members approved a recommendation urging Israel’s exclusion. Chairman Stefán Jón Hafstein noted that the EBU General Assembly on December 4–5 will discuss Israel’s participation. RÚV is even weighing Iceland’s withdrawal if Israel is allowed to compete, pending the EBU’s decision. A final call on Iceland’s own participation will be made after that EBU meeting. source: RÚV 🇸🇮 Slovenia: Will Only Participate if Israel Excluded Slovenia’s broadcaster RTVSLO has signaled it won’t take part in Eurovision 2026 unless Israel is out. A draft of RTVSLO’s 2026 programming plan made no mention of Eurovision, fueling withdrawal speculation. Now RTVSLO board president Natalija Gorščak clarifies that Slovenia will compete only if Israel does not. If the EBU votes to exclude Israel at next week’s assembly, RTVSLO will amend its plan and join the contest. Otherwise, Slovenia is prepared to sit out. RTVSLO joins broadcasters from Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain in this stance. source: RTVSLO 🇪🇸 Spain: RTVE Reaffirms Israel Boycott Threat Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE has doubled down on its position regarding Israel. RTVE President José Pablo López told parliament that Spain will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, a stance maintained for months. He stated Israel’s presence is “untenable,” citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and argued that Israel has broken contest rules without punishment. Spain’s culture minister echoed this, revealing Spain formally requested Israel’s exclusion. RTVE’s message is clear: unless the EBU expels Israel, Spain will not compete. source: eurovision-spain 2026 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan: Debut to be Decided in Early 2026 Is Kazakhstan finally joining Eurovision? The Kazakh Ministry of Culture says the EBU will consider Kazakhstan’s debut in early 2026. Over the summer, Kazakh broadcaster Khabar Agency met with EBU’s Director General to discuss this possibility. No decision has been made yet, but the EBU is expected to revisit the issue after New Year’s. One major hurdle is funding. The Ministry noted that participating would require significant financial resources, and no budget is currently approved for it. For now, Kazakhstan remains hopeful, awaiting the EBU’s verdict on whether it can join the Eurovision family in Vienna. source: esc-kaz National Finals and Selections 🇱🇻 Latvia: 24 Supernova 2026 Semi-Finalists Unveiled Latvian broadcaster LTV has revealed the 24 artists and songs competing in Supernova 2026, Latvia’s national selection. The semi-finalists were selected from 124 submissions and will be split across two heats before a February 14 final. The full lineup is: Agnesse – “Oh My My” Aivo Oskis – “Walking Out” Antra Stafecka – “Divejāda” Atvara – “Ēnā” Blurie – “Lovin’ Always Gets Me Down” Daba – “Panic Attack” De Mantra – “Let Them” Edvards Strazdiņš – “I Ain’t Got The Guts” ELPO – “Blakus” Emilija – “All We Ever Had” Honey Blue – “Blue Disco” Ivo Grīsniņš Grīslis – “Home” Jānis Rugājs – “Smoke” Kautkaili – “Te un tagad” Krisy – “Take It” Kristīne Meģija – “Insanity” LEGZDINA – “Ribbon” Miks Galvanovskis – “Cruel Angel” NOLARK – “Different Places” Papīra lidmašīnas – “You’re My Saviour” PAULA – “Dejot vien” Robert Ox – “Ravin’ At The Taj Mahal” Tikasha Sakama – “#010126 CODA” Vēstnieks – “Vai tas ir kāds brīnums?” If there is a link, the song is already published on YouTube. 🇲🇪 Montenegro: 15 Songs Out for MonteSong 2025 Montenegro’s national broadcaster RTCG has released all 15 entries for MonteSong 2025, its selection for Eurovision 2026. The songs are available on the RTCG website, and the national final will take place on December 21. The MonteSong 2025 participants are: Andrea Demirović – “I Believe” Baryak – “Minerva” Dolce Hera – “Casanova 91” Đurđa – “Dominos” Krstinja Matanović – “Oli oli” Lana Lopičić – “Doline” (Valleys) Lana Vukčević & Đorđe Savković – “Temperatura” (Temperature) Lara Baltic – “Rhythm Boy” Luka Radović – “Pjevaj vilo” (Sing, fairy) Majda Božović – “Ipak smo ljudi” (We are human after all) Mila Nikić – “Kao varnica” (Like a spark) Neno Murić – “Ako čuješ glas” (If you hear a voice) Stefan Vukotić – “Nedekodirana” (Undecoded) Tamara Živković – “Nova zora” (New dawn) Tina Džankić – “Shadows” 🇲🇹 Malta: MESC 2026 Semi-Finalists Revealed PBS, the Maltese broadcaster, has announced the 18 artists for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest (MESC) 2026. These acts will compete in a single semi-final on January 15, hoping to reach the final on January 17. Snippets of all the songs are online. You can listen to them here. The MESC 2026 lineup is: Franklin Calleja – “Guide You Home” Chess Galea – “Shout It Out” Liston Bongailas – “Mela” Kurt Anthony – “On the Borderline” Stefan Galea – “Pose” Ema – “Achikuku (Don’t Think About It)” Kelsey Attard – “Perfectly Broken” Adria Twins – “Nerġà nqum” Kelsie Borg – “Let a Girl Breathe” Matthew Cilia – “Brutality Mentality” Matt Blxck – “Ejja lejja ħdejja ’l hawn” Rhiannon Micallef – “Hold Myself Up” Mychael Bartolo Chircop – “My Sweet Angel” Aidan – “Bella” Denise – “Trophy” Nathan Psaila – “Ganador” Mark Anthony Bartolo – “Mumenti sbieħ” Janice Mangion – “Univers” 🇦🇱 Albania: Festivali i Këngës 64 Songs Released Albanian broadcaster RTSH has released the 28 entries competing in Festivali i Këngës 64, which will determine Albania’s Eurovision 2026 act. The contest will be held December 17–20 in Tirana. This year’s FiK features a diverse mix of new and returning artists. The full list of participating acts and song titles is: 2Farm – “Valle mbi hi” Alis – “Nân” Endri Kaçaçi – “Si unë”

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