Weekly Update

It’s time for another weekly Eurovision update! This week saw critical decisions about Israel’s participation, North Macedonia’s potential comeback, and a flurry of national selection news. Israel’s fate in Eurovision 2026 is on hold. North Macedonia’s return remains uncertain as its broadcaster weighs budgets and timelines. Meanwhile, Austria gears up for a host-country selection show, and several countries have revealed their contestants for national finals. Here are this week’s top stories:

Israel: EBU Postpones Vote on Participation

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has cancelled its planned extraordinary vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026. The vote, originally set for November, was called off in light of ongoing Middle East peace negotiations and will now be discussed at the EBU’s winter General Assembly in December.

In a statement, the EBU explained: “Due to recent developments in the Middle East, the EBU’s Executive Board agrees that there is a clear need for an open and in-person discussion among members concerning the issue of participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Therefore, the matter has been added to the agenda of the regular winter General Assembly, scheduled for December, instead of an extraordinary session beforehand.” This decision comes after several member broadcasters had questioned Israel’s role following the conflict in Gaza. With the November vote off the table, any formal decision on Israel’s Eurovision 2026 participation is delayed for now.  source: eurovisionworld.com.

🇲🇰 North Macedonia’s Eurovision Return Remains Uncertain

Hopes for North Macedonia’s return to Eurovision are fading after a recent MRT Program Council meeting. The broadcaster’s President, Davor Pašoski, noted that participation in 2026 is possible only if the government approves an expanded MRT budget. Some council members argued for waiting until 2027, considering a detailed long-term strategy and stronger financial footing more realistic. For now, MRT aims to invest in domestic music events like Cvetnici and Skopje Fest to strengthen the local music scene before rejoining Eurovision. The Council also acknowledged receiving many appeals from fans at home and abroad (including the diaspora in Australia and Sweden) urging a comeback. MRT has not made a final decision yet and has until December to decide whether to submit an entry for Eurovision 2026. source: MRT

🇦🇹 Austria Launches “Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?” Selection

Austria’s host broadcaster ORF has kicked off its search for the country’s Eurovision 2026 act on home soil. The song submission deadline closed this week, and ORF will now choose 12 finalists for a live national final on 20 February 2026. The prime-time show, titled “Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?” (Vienna Calling – Who will sing for Austria?), will be hosted by Alice Tumler, who previously co-hosted Eurovision 2015. A professional jury, including Eurovision 2018 alumnus Cesár Sampson, will review all entries and invite 24 artists for live auditions in November. After that they will be narrowing down to the final 12 acts. In the televised final, the winner will be determined by a combination of public votes plus national and international juries, earning the honor of representing Austria at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. source: ORF stories and ORF

Cesár Sampson (EBU/Andres Putting)

🇪🇸 Spain Reveals Benidorm Fest 2026 Lineup

Spanish broadcaster RTVE has announced the 18 artists who will compete in Benidorm Fest 2026, the national selection for Spain’s Eurovision entry. The festival will feature two semi-finals (February 10 and 12) and a final on February 14 in Benidorm. A total of 870 songs were submitted, and a jury of music professionals chose the final 18 acts. The lineup includes a mix of newcomers and familiar names. One act even co-wrote a past Eurovision hit, and two are children of Spain’s 1990s Eurovision stars. The 18 participants announced are:

  • Asha

  • Atyat

  • Dani J

  • Dora & Marlon Collins

  • Funambulista

  • Greg Taro

  • Izan Llunas

  • Kenneth

  • KITAI

  • KU Minerva

  • Luna Ki

  • María León (feat. Julia Medina)

  • MAYO

  • Mikel Herzog Jr.

  • Miranda! & bailamamá

  • Rosalinda Galán

  • The Quinquis

  • Tony Grox & LUCYCALYS

source: RTVE

🇦🇱 Albania Announces Festivali i Këngës 64 Contestants

In Albania, national broadcaster RTSH has unveiled the 28 artists participating in Festivali i Këngës 64. Over 100 songs were submitted for consideration, and the selected entries will compete in December for a ticket to Eurovision 2026. Festivali i Këngës 64 will follow its traditional format of four live shows: two semi-finals, a nostalgia night, and the Grand Final. For the first time the Albanian public will get to vote via a real-time voting app alongside the jury votes. The lineup of 28 participants includes:

  • 2Farm

  • Alis

  • Egzon Pireci

  • Endri Kaçaçi

  • Enxhi Nasufi

  • Erand Sojli

  • Erik Lloshi

  • Evi Reçi

  • Fifi & Tiri Gjoci

  • Frensi

  • Gerta Mahmutaj

  • Ghiti

  • Gresa Gjocera & Bledi Kaso

  • Inis Neziri

  • Kamela Ismalaj

  • Kimi

  • Kleansa Susaj

  • Lorenc Hasrama

  • Luna Çausholli

  • Malvina Likaj

  • Rezarta Smaja

  • Rigersa Loka

  • Sara Kapo

  • Savjana Vjerdha

  • Sheila

  • Sihana Haxhnikaj

  • ThreeX

  • Vedat Ademi

source: RTSH

🇲🇪 Montenegro Reveals MonteSong 2025 Finalists

RTCG, Montenegro’s broadcaster, announced the 15 finalists for MonteSong 2025, its national contest to choose the Eurovision 2026 representative. The participants were revealed on the morning show “Dobro jutro, Crna Goro”, and include some notable names. Among them is Andrea Demirović, who represented Montenegro at Eurovision 2009, and Baryak, who finished 3rd in last year’s MonteSong. The selection committee chose the finalists from 37 submitted entries, including songs by local and international writers. All 15 songs will be released in early December, ahead of the MonteSong 2025 final scheduled for 21 December in Podgorica. The 15 competing acts and song titles are:

  • Andrea Demirović – “I Believe”

  • Baryak – “Minerva”

  • Dolce Hera – “Casanova 91”

  • Đurđa – “Dominos”

  • Krstinja Manatović – “Oli oli”

  • Lana Lopičić – “Doline” (Valleys)

  • Lana Vukčević & Đorđe Savković – “Temperatura” (Temperature)

  • Lara Baltić – “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”

source: RTCG

Each of these stories marks an important development as we head into the Eurovision 2026 season. Stay tuned for more updates on EurovisionUniverse.com as the road to Vienna continues!

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Eurovision 2026

Weekly Update

It’s time for another weekly Eurovision update! This week sees multiple countries making their Eurovision comebacks for the 70th contest in 2026. Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and North Macedonia are stepping back onto the Eurovision stage after time away. Meanwhile, national selection season is kicking into high gear, with news ranging from song submission tallies to finalist announcements across Europe. Here are this week’s top stories: Returning Countries in 2026 🇧🇬 Bulgaria Ends Three-Year Eurovision Hiatus BNT (Bulgarian National Television) has confirmed that Bulgaria will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 after a three-year hiatus. The broadcaster last participated in 2022. Preparations are underway to choose a new entry. BNT has not yet decided whether it will hold a national final or an internal selection for its 2026 act. BNT’s Director General Emil Koshlukov hailed Eurovision as a platform where cultures meet. He is proud that Bulgaria will once more have the chance to send an artist to an audience of millions. Source: bnt.bg 🇷🇴 Romania Returns After Two-Year Absence Romania will be back for Eurovision 2026. Broadcaster TVR’s Board of Directors voted on October 30 to approve Romania’s return. This marks the country’s comeback after its last appearance in 2023. In a bid to improve on past results, Romania is reviving its traditional national selection, Selecția Națională. This will be the first Selecția Națională since 2022. TVR’s President-General Director, Dan Cristian Turturică, noted that the two-year break allowed the broadcaster to reflect on what needed to change. He promised a “fresh start” with better support for artists. source: Eurovision.tv 🇲🇩 Moldova Back in Eurovision After 2025 Withdrawal Moldova confirmed its return to Eurovision 2026 after a one‑year break. Teleradio‑Moldova (TRM) withdrew from the 2025 contest because of financial and organizational issues. After consulting artists and producers, TRM will launch a revamped national selection for 2026. The format follows European best practices and fits Moldova’s music scene. The national final will feature a 20‑member jury, five international and fifteen local, to strengthen transparency and broaden perspectives. Song submissions open on 7 November and run for 30 days as Moldova searches for its next representative for Vienna. Source: trm.md 🇲🇰 North Macedonia Poised for Eurovision Comeback North Macedonia is moving closer to rejoining Eurovision in 2026 after not participating since 2022. Although MRT (Macedonian Radio Television) has yet to make a final official decision, recent developments are promising. According to minutes from MRT’s Program Council, the broadcaster reports improved finances, a clear selection plan, and reviewed production capacities. MRT’s Director General confirmed that the 2026 budget is largely in place and the broadcaster is regaining stability. With these positive signs, North Macedonia’s comeback now looks more likely than ever, though formal confirmation is still pending. source: MKRTV National Finals and Selections 🇵🇹 Portugal: Festival da Canção 2026 Gets Format Tweaks RTP has unveiled the format for Festival da Canção 2026. The selection features 16 songs across two semifinals and a grand final. RTP will invite eight songwriters, while six spots go to the open submissions that closed on October 31. Last year’s winner, NAPA, will pick one act, and a new “Prova de Acesso” for music schools will award the final slot to an emerging artist. The headline change: the Festival da Canção winner does not have to go to Eurovision. RTP makes representing Portugal optional; an unprecedented shift in its selection strategy. source: Eurovoix 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Vidbir 2026 Draws 451 Entries Ukraine’s Eurovision hopes look strong: Suspilne received 451 songs for Vidbir 2026 from 392 artists. The scale of interest promises fierce competition to represent Ukraine in Vienna. Suspilne appointed Jamala (Eurovision 2016 winner) as music producer to oversee shortlisting. An expert jury and the production team will review submissions, create a longlist, and run live auditions under Jamala’s supervision. By December 15, Suspilne plans to reveal nine finalists, while an online wildcard vote will add a tenth. Suspilne has scheduled the Vidbir 2026 national final for February 2026. source: suspilne 🇪🇪 Estonia: Eesti Laul 2026 Finalists Announced In Estonia, the lineup for Eesti Laul 2026 is now complete. ERR (Estonian Public Broadcasting) received 171 song submissions and has selected 12 finalists to compete for Estonia’s ticket to Eurovision. The national final is set for February 14, 2026, where all 12 acts will perform and a winner will be chosen. Notably, this year’s Eesti Laul roster includes some big names and returning stars. 2000s girl band Vanilla Ninja, famous for representing Switzerland in Eurovision 2005, have made the cut,. Another high-profile finalist is NOËP (Andres Kõpper), a popular electronic artist in Estonia, who will be bringing his distinctive sound to the contest. Facebook Eesti Laul 🇬🇷 Greece: 264 Songs Submitted for National Final Greece’s upcoming Eurovision selection has attracted significant interest. ERT, the Greek national broadcaster, confirmed that 264 songs were submitted for its national final, titled Ethnikós Telikós 2026. According to ERT, a total of 28 songs will be chosen from the submissions to compete in the televised shows. The Greek selection format will include two semifinals, each featuring 14 songs, from which the finalists will be decided solely by public vote. In the final, however, the winner will be determined by a 50/50 voting split between the public and juries. The 28 semifinalists are expected to be unveiled by January, and excitement is building to see who will vie to represent Greece in Vienna. source: ERT 🇩🇰 Denmark: Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026 Gets a Modern Makeover Denmark’s road to Eurovision is gearing up with Dansk Melodi Grand Prix (DMGP) 2026 taking on a refreshed approach. Danish broadcaster DR is promising a “modern, renewed and innovative” DMGP show for 2026, complete with a new stage design, logo, and visual identity. In terms of the competition itself, DR has confirmed that eight songs will compete in DMGP 2026. The selection committee has already picked several of these entries, and interestingly, the lineup is said to include a few familiar names. Former DMGP participants and other established Danish

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November 4, 2025 No Comments
Eurovision 2026
Martijn

Weekly Update

It’s time for another weekly Eurovision update! This week sees multiple countries making their Eurovision comebacks for the 70th contest in 2026. Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and North Macedonia are stepping back onto the Eurovision stage after time away. Meanwhile, national selection season is kicking into high gear, with news ranging from song submission tallies to finalist announcements across Europe. Here are this week’s top stories: Returning Countries in 2026 🇧🇬 Bulgaria Ends Three-Year Eurovision Hiatus BNT (Bulgarian National Television) has confirmed that Bulgaria will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 after a three-year hiatus. The broadcaster last participated in 2022. Preparations are underway to choose a new entry. BNT has not yet decided whether it will hold a national final or an internal selection for its 2026 act. BNT’s Director General Emil Koshlukov hailed Eurovision as a platform where cultures meet. He is proud that Bulgaria will once more have the chance to send an artist to an audience of millions. Source: bnt.bg 🇷🇴 Romania Returns After Two-Year Absence Romania will be back for Eurovision 2026. Broadcaster TVR’s Board of Directors voted on October 30 to approve Romania’s return. This marks the country’s comeback after its last appearance in 2023. In a bid to improve on past results, Romania is reviving its traditional national selection, Selecția Națională. This will be the first Selecția Națională since 2022. TVR’s President-General Director, Dan Cristian Turturică, noted that the two-year break allowed the broadcaster to reflect on what needed to change. He promised a “fresh start” with better support for artists. source: Eurovision.tv 🇲🇩 Moldova Back in Eurovision After 2025 Withdrawal Moldova confirmed its return to Eurovision 2026 after a one‑year break. Teleradio‑Moldova (TRM) withdrew from the 2025 contest because of financial and organizational issues. After consulting artists and producers, TRM will launch a revamped national selection for 2026. The format follows European best practices and fits Moldova’s music scene. The national final will feature a 20‑member jury, five international and fifteen local, to strengthen transparency and broaden perspectives. Song submissions open on 7 November and run for 30 days as Moldova searches for its next representative for Vienna. Source: trm.md 🇲🇰 North Macedonia Poised for Eurovision Comeback North Macedonia is moving closer to rejoining Eurovision in 2026 after not participating since 2022. Although MRT (Macedonian Radio Television) has yet to make a final official decision, recent developments are promising. According to minutes from MRT’s Program Council, the broadcaster reports improved finances, a clear selection plan, and reviewed production capacities. MRT’s Director General confirmed that the 2026 budget is largely in place and the broadcaster is regaining stability. With these positive signs, North Macedonia’s comeback now looks more likely than ever, though formal confirmation is still pending. source: MKRTV National Finals and Selections 🇵🇹 Portugal: Festival da Canção 2026 Gets Format Tweaks RTP has unveiled the format for Festival da Canção 2026. The selection features 16 songs across two semifinals and a grand final. RTP will invite eight songwriters, while six spots go to the open submissions that closed on October 31. Last year’s winner, NAPA, will pick one act, and a new “Prova de Acesso” for music schools will award the final slot to an emerging artist. The headline change: the Festival da Canção winner does not have to go to Eurovision. RTP makes representing Portugal optional; an unprecedented shift in its selection strategy. source: Eurovoix 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Vidbir 2026 Draws 451 Entries Ukraine’s Eurovision hopes look strong: Suspilne received 451 songs for Vidbir 2026 from 392 artists. The scale of interest promises fierce competition to represent Ukraine in Vienna. Suspilne appointed Jamala (Eurovision 2016 winner) as music producer to oversee shortlisting. An expert jury and the production team will review submissions, create a longlist, and run live auditions under Jamala’s supervision. By December 15, Suspilne plans to reveal nine finalists, while an online wildcard vote will add a tenth. Suspilne has scheduled the Vidbir 2026 national final for February 2026. source: suspilne 🇪🇪 Estonia: Eesti Laul 2026 Finalists Announced In Estonia, the lineup for Eesti Laul 2026 is now complete. ERR (Estonian Public Broadcasting) received 171 song submissions and has selected 12 finalists to compete for Estonia’s ticket to Eurovision. The national final is set for February 14, 2026, where all 12 acts will perform and a winner will be chosen. Notably, this year’s Eesti Laul roster includes some big names and returning stars. 2000s girl band Vanilla Ninja, famous for representing Switzerland in Eurovision 2005, have made the cut,. Another high-profile finalist is NOËP (Andres Kõpper), a popular electronic artist in Estonia, who will be bringing his distinctive sound to the contest. Facebook Eesti Laul 🇬🇷 Greece: 264 Songs Submitted for National Final Greece’s upcoming Eurovision selection has attracted significant interest. ERT, the Greek national broadcaster, confirmed that 264 songs were submitted for its national final, titled Ethnikós Telikós 2026. According to ERT, a total of 28 songs will be chosen from the submissions to compete in the televised shows. The Greek selection format will include two semifinals, each featuring 14 songs, from which the finalists will be decided solely by public vote. In the final, however, the winner will be determined by a 50/50 voting split between the public and juries. The 28 semifinalists are expected to be unveiled by January, and excitement is building to see who will vie to represent Greece in Vienna. source: ERT 🇩🇰 Denmark: Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026 Gets a Modern Makeover Denmark’s road to Eurovision is gearing up with Dansk Melodi Grand Prix (DMGP) 2026 taking on a refreshed approach. Danish broadcaster DR is promising a “modern, renewed and innovative” DMGP show for 2026, complete with a new stage design, logo, and visual identity. In terms of the competition itself, DR has confirmed that eight songs will compete in DMGP 2026. The selection committee has already picked several of these entries, and interestingly, the lineup is said to include a few familiar names. Former DMGP participants and other established Danish

Read More »
November 4, 2025 No Comments
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