🇳🇱 Road to Basel: The Netherlands

It’s Tuesday, March 17, 2026, which means it’s time for another weekly Eurovision update! Over the past week, the final wave of song reveals for Eurovision 2026 generated plenty of buzz both on and off the stage. Four more countries unveiled their entries, completing the Vienna line-up. Meanwhile, controversies erupted around a few artists and songs. Preparations also ramped up as EuroClub tickets went on sale and pre-party announcements rolled out. The Heads of Delegation met in Vienna to finalize plans. The betting odds also shifted as new favorites emerged. Here are this week’s top stories: New Eurovision Entries Confirmed 🇨🇭 Switzerland Switzerland has revealed its entry for Eurovision 2026: Veronica Fusaro will perform the song “Alice”. The track is an intense alternative pop ballad with rock influences. It tells the story of a woman whose personal boundaries are gradually crossed under the guise of affection. Fusaro was internally selected by Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR. “Alice” is a revamped version of a song from her 2025 album, updated in collaboration with producer Charlie McClean. 🇦🇲 Armenia Armenia completed this year’s Eurovision roster by announcing SIMÓN as its representative with the song “Paloma Rumba”. The entry delivers a “rebellious anthem” about breaking free from a suffocating 9-to-5 routine. Its title literally translates to “Dove’s Dance” and symbolizes a joyful dance of freedom. Lilit Navasardyan (LI’LITH) composed “Paloma Rumba”. David Tserunyan, Eva Voskanyan, and Rosa Linn (Armenia’s 2022 representative) wrote the lyrics. SIMÓN earned the selection after finishing as the runner-up in Armenia’s national final. 🇨🇿 Czechia Czech Television (ČT) confirmed 23-year-old Daniel Zizka as the Czech representative for Eurovision 2026 with his song “CROSSROADS”. During the artist reveal on March 8, the broadcaster highlighted his soulful voice and authentic style. Daniel impressed the selection team by performing his song flawlessly in the studio on his first attempt. He premiered “CROSSROADS” on March 11, completing Czechia’s line-up for Eurovision 2026. 🇬🇪 Georgia Georgia unveiled its entry “On Replay”, which trio Bzikebi will perform. Bzikebi famously won Junior Eurovision 2008 as children. Now the three members return to the Eurovision stage as adults. Giga Kukhianidze composed “On Replay”, while Lizi Japaridze wrote the lyrics. The song closed the release schedule for the 70th contest. Georgia will present “On Replay” in the first semi-final on May 12. 2026 🇸🇪 Sweden: Felicia’s Israel Comment Draws EBU Reminder Sweden’s Eurovision representative, Felicia, sparked controversy by stating that Israel “should not be allowed to compete” in Eurovision 2026. The European Broadcasting Union responded by contacting SVT and Felicia to reiterate the contest’s rules against political statements. SVT held a meeting with Felicia following the incident. The broadcaster confirmed that she has been clearly reminded of Eurovision’s guidelines forbidding political advocacy. The EBU also stressed that all contestants must respect the event’s neutrality and keep the focus on music. source: SVT 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan: Broadcaster Denies AI Rumors Around Entry Azerbaijan’s broadcaster İctimai officially dismissed rumors that its Eurovision entry “Just Go” by JIVA was created using artificial intelligence. Speculation had spread online after fans noted that the song’s composer, Fuad Javadov, used AI tools in some previous projects. In a public statement, İctimai clarified that “Just Go” is an original work “created through a professional process.” The broadcaster stated that allegations of AI involvement “do not correspond to reality”. They also noted the increased involvement of local songwriters this year, with 107 of 186 submissions written by Azerbaijani creators. The selection committee chose JIVA for her strong live vocals. This aligned with Azerbaijan’s focus on vocal quality, especially now that juries have returned for the semi-finals. source: Instagram İctimai 🇷🇴 Romania: Entry “Choke Me” Faces Backlash Romania’s Eurovision entry “Choke Me” by Alexandra Căpitănescu has come under fire from anti-violence campaigners. Critics argue that the song’s lyrics – which repeat the phrase “choke me” – glamorize sexual strangulation. Campaigners have called the entry “dangerous” and “reckless” for young audiences. Many people have urged the EBU to disqualify the song or demand a lyric change. So far, no official action has been taken. Alexandra has defended her song. She explains that the vivid “choking” imagery is a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed by emotions and self-doubt, not a literal call for violence. source: Romania Insider EuroClub 2026 Tickets Now on Sale EuroClub – the official afterparty venue during Eurovision week – is coming to Vienna, and tickets are now on sale. Nightly EuroClub events will run from May 11 through May 16 at the Prater DOME in Vienna, giving fans and delegations a place to celebrate after each show. Early-bird tickets cost around €28 for OGAE fan club members and about €37 for non-members. These discounted prices are only available until March 14. The EuroClub will feature different themed nights and guest DJs. It is open to all fans aged 18 and over. With the Eurovision party atmosphere returning, many attendees are already snapping up EuroClub passes to dance into the early hours during contest week. source: Instagram Euroclub   Heads of Delegation Meeting Held in Vienna The Heads of Delegation meeting for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 took place today in Vienna. Representatives from all 35 participating countries gathered on March 17. This was one week after the deadline for each broadcaster to submit their song, staging plans and other materials for the contest. During the meeting, each delegation handed over its final entry and performance plans to the EBU and host broadcaster ORF. This annual summit allows producers to review all plans, ensure rules are being followed, and begin working on the show’s running order. Now that the Heads of Delegation meeting is complete, preparations move into the next phase. In the coming weeks, ORF will focus on postcard filming, stage design work and other production tasks as the road to Vienna continues. source: Eurovoix Update: A draw decided that Austria will perform in 25th position in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest. Betting Odds Update With all 35 songs now revealed, the betting markets are