Weekly Update

It’s time for another weekly update on Eurovision. Big developments are underway as the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes shape. The EBU’s Reference Group has welcomed a new member to help steer the contest’s future. National selection season is kicking off. Luxembourg has completed a unique “team-up” submission phase. Austria is bringing back a televised national final. Ukraine is consulting fans on how to improve its selection process. Switzerland just opened its song submission window. Meanwhile, Cyprus confirmed its participation for 2026, and buzz is building about a possible Eurovision comeback for a former Belgian star. Here are this week’s top stories:

Reference Group Welcomes New Member Ahead of Eurovision 2026

The Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, the committee that guides contest strategy, has a new addition. Michael Krön, Executive Producer for Eurovision 2026, has officially joined the Reference Group as the representative of host broadcaster ORF. Krön is the Chief Producer at ORF and will oversee the 70th edition of the contest in Austria, filling the spot reserved for the upcoming host country. His appointment means the Reference Group now once again has all host broadcaster positions filled. source: EBU

Luxembourg: ‘Team-Up’ Phase Completed for Eurovision 2026 Selection

Luxembourg’s journey to Eurovision 2026 is well underway. The Luxembourg Song Contest 2026 introduced a special “team-up” initiative to pair artists with songwriters. Applications for this team-up process have now closed as of August 4. This allowed Luxembourgish artists without a song to connect with local or international songwriters (and vice versa), forming teams to create entries. Those newly formed teams have until September 21 to complete their songs and submit them through the main selection window. Once the submission window closes on September 21, all entries will be reviewed. Successful candidates will be invited to audition in front of an international expert jury in October. This jury will then select the finalists for the national final. The winner of that final will earn the chance to represent Luxembourg in Eurovision’s 70th edition. source: eurovoix.com

📷 EBU/Corinne Cumming

Austria Brings Back a National Final for 2026

Austria: ORF will stage a televised national final to choose the Eurovision 2026 entry. The broadcaster announced a late‑February 2026 show. Ten acts will compete for the ticket to Eurovision. Austria returns to a public selection on home soil, a big TV evening with plenty of audience involvement. Televoters and professional juries will decide the winner. ORF invites artists and bands to apply, and an internal panel will then select the ten finalists. ORF will share the exact date and format in the coming months. The broadcaster is also finalizing hosting duties, Vienna or Innsbruck, and plans to announce the host city later in August. source: ORF

📷 ORF/Thomas Ramstorfer

Ukraine’s Broadcaster Seeks Fan Input on Eurovision Strategy

Suspilne, Ukraine’s public broadcaster, took an innovative step this week by holding a listening session with Eurovision fans in Kyiv. The Head of Delegation Oksana Skybinska and popular Eurovision commentator Timur Miroshnychenko attended the meeting to hear feedback on how Ukraine approaches the contest. The goal was to discuss ways to improve Ukraine’s national selection process for Eurovision. Ukraine has tried various selection methods since its debut in 2003. This fan-inclusive discussion suggests the broadcaster is considering changes to keep up its strong Eurovision track record. Notably, Ukraine has not yet publicly confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2026. If it does take part in Austria next year, it will be Ukraine’s first Eurovision in Austria, as the country sat out the 2015 contest. For now, Suspilne is proactively gathering ideas on how to make their Eurovision entry as successful as possible. source: Suspilne

Switzerland Opens Song Submission Window for 2026

Switzerland has officially opened the search for its Eurovision 2026 song. Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR began accepting song submissions on August 4, and the window will remain open until August 25, 2025. Songwriters, artists, and producers are invited to send in their entries (up to five per artist/team). Once the submission period closes, Switzerland will hold multiple audition rounds to select its entry. The selection process will mirror last year’s approach: a Swiss audience jury, an international audience jury, and an international expert jury (comprised of 25 former Eurovision national jurors) will evaluate the songs in several stages. Through this combination of domestic and international feedback, the Swiss entry for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen, with the winning song and artist set to be revealed in early 2026. Switzerland will be aiming to continue its recent success, after finishing 10th in 2025 on home ground in Basel. source: Eurovoix

📷 EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Cyprus Confirms Eurovision 2026 Participation

The list of countries committing to Eurovision 2026 keeps growing. This week Cyprus officially joined the party for next year’s contest in Austria. Cypriot broadcaster CyBC confirmed that Cyprus will compete at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Cyprus thus becomes one of the early confirmed participants for the 70th Eurovision edition. It’s not yet known how the Cypriot entry will be selected – the broadcaster hasn’t announced whether it will opt for an internal selection or a national final for 2026. (In recent years, CyBC has often chosen its artist and song internally.) More details on Cyprus’s Eurovision 2026 project are expected in due course. The Mediterranean nation has yet to win Eurovision, but it will be hoping that 2026 might finally be the year to go one better than its best-ever 2nd place finish in 2018. source: esctoday.com

Other News in Brief

  • Belgium: Rumors swirled this week that Loïc Nottet, Belgium’s 2015 Eurovision star and fourth-place finisher in Vienna, could return in 2026. French media reported that RTBF had internally chosen him. RTBF denied the report, saying it hasn’t selected an artist for 2026 and is still running its usual selection process. Belgium has not yet officially confirmed its participation. For now, a Loïc Nottet comeback is only a rumor; officials say they haven’t made any decisions about the 2026 entry. source: Het Nieuwsblad

That’s all for this weekly update. Stay tuned for another roundup of Eurovision news next week as the road to Eurovision 2026 continues!

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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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December 3, 2025 No Comments
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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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December 3, 2025 No Comments
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