Weekly Update

Israel Stays in Eurovision 2026 & New Rules Approved

EBU Confirms Israel’s Participation

At an EBU general assembly in Geneva on December 4, members decided not to hold a vote on Israel’s status, effectively confirming that Israel will remain in the Eurovision 2026 lineup. This came after some broadcasters had called for Israel’s exclusion over the Gaza war and alleged voting irregularities. The EBU decided there was “no need for a further vote”, so the contest will proceed with Israel included. Albeit with additional safeguards in place. The decision ended weeks of uncertainty and affirmed that Israel is cleared to compete next year, despite the controversy.

Broadcasters Approve New Contest Rules

Instead of voting Israel out, the EBU put forward a package of new rules to reinforce the contest’s neutrality and fairness. Members from 37 countries voted on reforms aimed at “strengthening trust” in Eurovision. 65% of delegates backed these changes. Key measures include the return of an expanded professional jury in the semi-finals and stricter guidelines to discourage any government or third-party from excessively promoting entries to sway the vote. The number of jurors per country will expand (from 5 to 7) with younger members added, and anti-fraud systems will be enhanced to detect suspicious voting. Additionally, audience vote limits are being halved to curb mass voting campaigns. These rule changes were approved in a secret ballot. The are designed to keep Eurovision a “neutral space” for music and prevent a repeat of last year’s controversies.

Martin Green

Spain, Ireland and Others Withdraw in Protest

Following the EBU’s announcement, four countries immediately declared a boycott of Eurovision 2026. Public broadcasters from the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain all said they will not send an entry to Vienna in protest of Israel’s inclusion. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS stated that under the current circumstances participation “cannot be reconciled with the public values” of their organization. AVROTROS cited Israel’s “proven interference” in the 2025 contest and crackdowns on press freedom during the war. Ireland’s RTÉ deemed participation “unconscionable” given the appalling loss of civilian life in Gaza. Slovenia’s RTV SLO likewise announced a pull-out “on behalf of the 20,000 children who died in Gaza”. They say Eurovision must stand for peace.

Spain’s RTVE not only withdrew its delegation but also said it will not broadcast the contest. RTVE Secretary-General Alfonso Morales cited the situation in Gaza and accused Israel of using Eurovision for political aims. This makes it “difficult to keep Eurovision a neutral cultural event”. This marks Spain’s first absence from the contest since 1961. It’s a particularly heavy blow as Spain is one of the Big Five automatic finalists whose participation underpins the event’s funding.

Melody, Spain 2025, EBU

Mixed Reactions from Across Europe

Not all countries are on board with a boycott. Germany had warned it would pull out if Israel were excluded essentially backing Israel’s right to compete. German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer insisted that “Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest”, opposing any move to bar the country. France also confirmed it will participate regardless of Israel’s presence. French officials rejected the idea of a cultural boycott. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised the EBU for not giving in to pressure and said he “deeply regrets that several European TV channels made a different choice”. Austria’s ORF, the host broadcaster for 2026, welcomed the decision as well. ORF’s Director-General Roland Weißmann argued the contest “is a competition for broadcasters, not governments”. He emphasized the importance of cultural dialogue and not “burning bridges” between participants.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials applauded the outcome. President Isaac Herzog said Israel “deserves to be represented on every stage around the world”. The president expressed hope that Eurovision will remain a venue for music, friendship, and cross-border understanding. Israel’s public broadcaster KAN likened calls to exclude Israel to an unjust “cultural boycott”. They are celebrating the EBU’s decision to keep the country in.

Outlook: A Fractured Contest Ahead?

Eurovision now faces an unprecedented crisis heading into 2026. The slogan of Eurovision 2024 was “United by Music,” but experts warn the contest could be fractured by politics next year. Dr. Paul Jordan, a noted Eurovision expert, observed that the event is becoming “disunited through politics” as the fallout grows. Several broadcasters have yet to announce their stance. For example, Iceland’s RÚV is deliberating and will decide by next week. More countries could potentially join the boycott before the EBU’s mid-December participation deadline. The loss of multiple major countries is raising concerns about television ratings and the contest’s reach. Eurovision typically draws over 150 million viewers worldwide, but with some national networks refusing to air it, viewership in those markets will vanish. If the audience drops significantly, it will “raise alarm bells” for the organizers.

Additionally, many fans and commentators on social media are calling for a broader global boycott of Eurovision 2026, accusing the EBU of a double standard. They note that the EBU swiftly banned Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, so they ask “why should Israel be any different?”. The EBU maintains that Eurovision must stay non-political. That’s hard to maintain, given Israeli President Herzog’s involvement in the contest.

As the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna (12–16 May 2026) approaches, the contest’s unity and spirit of inclusivity will be under intense scrutiny. Will the Eurovision community find a way to come together again, or is this rift a sign of lasting changes to come? Only time will tell.

Martijn

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History

Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest, part 6

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest has been won by Austria. It was the 57th Austrian entry. Reason for us to go back to all the Austrian entries in history! For the sixth episode, we look back at the nineties. With Tony Wegas’ double, and a total of three top-10 scores, the hard times began for Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest. 1992: Tony Wegas – “Zusammen geh’n” Tony Wegas, an Austrian singer and television actor, represented Austria at Eurovision 1992 with the power ballad “Zusammen geh’n”. Dieter Bohlen composed the music and Joachim Horn-Bernges wrote the lyrics, giving the song a classic pop-ballad style. Wegas delivered an emotive performance of this German-language track on the Malmö stage. “Zusammen geh’n” earned 63 points, securing a 10th place finish for Austria at the 1992 contest. 1993: Tony Wegas – “Maria Magdalena” Tony Wegas returned in 1993 to represent Austria with “Maria Magdalena,” a dramatic pop song with biblical references. He was selected internally, and presented 7 songs. Wegas, known for his singing career and TV acting, gave an engaging performance of this German-language track about Mary Magdalene. Christian Kolonovits and Johann Bertl composed the music, while Thomas Spitzer penned the lyrics, infusing the song with theatrical flair. Despite its uptempo style compared to the previous year, “Maria Magdalena” scored 32 points and placed 14th out of 25 entries at Eurovision 1993. 1994: Petra Frey – “Für den Frieden der Welt” Eight artists and songs competed in the national final. Simone participated but did not win. Petra Frey, only 16 years old at the time, represented Austria at Eurovision 1994 in Dublin with the ballad “Für den Frieden der Welt” (translated as “For the Peace of the World”). Alfons Weindorf composed the music, and brothers Karl & Johann Brunner wrote the lyrics, creating a heartfelt pop ballad calling for world peace. The song showcased Frey’s strong vocals, honed from her early schlager music career, and delivered a sincere message on stage. Austria’s 1994 entry earned 19 points, finishing in 17th place among 25 countries. 1995: Stella Jones – “Die Welt dreht sich verkehrt” Stella Jones, an Austrian singer with jazz and soul roots, took the stage in 1995 with “Die Welt dreht sich verkehrt” (meaning “The World Turns Upside Down”). Jones delivered a funky, blues-infused pop performance that reflected her versatile musical background. Michael W. Krausz both wrote the lyrics and composed the music for this entry, a song which stood out amid a contest often dominated by ballads. The Austrian entry scored 67 points, achieving a 13th place finish in the 1995 Eurovision final. 1996: George Nussbaumer – “Weil’s dr guat got” George Nussbaumer, a blind Austrian blues musician, brought a unique gospel-blues flair to Eurovision 1996 with “Weil’s dr guat got”. Sung in his native Vorarlberg dialect (the title roughly means “Because You’re Doing Well”), the song blended upbeat soul and pop elements. Nussbaumer co-wrote the entry himself. He composed the music and co-authored the lyrics with Michael W. Krausz and infused it with authentic blues style. His uplifting performance in Oslo resonated with the juries, as Austria earned 68 points and a 10th place finish at the 1996 contest. 1997: Bettina Soriat – “One Step” Bettina Soriat, an Austrian singer and stage performer, stepped into the spotlight in 1997 with “One Step.” Having been a backing vocalist for Austria’s 1996 entry, Soriat brought an upbeat dance-pop routine to Eurovision 1997. Marc Berry (stage name of Marcus Dlugaiczyk) wrote the song’s lyrics and co-composed the music with Ina Siber, crafting a catchy tune with playful choreography. Despite the energetic performance and its fun pop appeal, “One Step” received just 12 points, placing 21st out of 25 entries in the Dublin final. 1999: Bobbie Singer – “Reflection” Bobbie Singer (born Tina Schosser), an 18-year-old Austrian pop singer, returned for Eurovision 1999 after Austria’s one-year absence. She performed “Reflection,” a contemporary English-language pop song that projected a youthful, radio-friendly vibe. Dave Moskin wrote and composed “Reflection”, providing a modern pop sound accompanied by a live band on stage. Bobbie’s engaging performance in Jerusalem gave Austria a fresh image in the contest. The entry scored 65 points, achieving a 10th place finish out of 23 countries – Austria’s best Eurovision result of the 1990s.

December 7, 2025 No Comments

Eurovision 2026

Weekly Update

It’s Tuesday, December 9, 2025, and time for another weekly update! This week, the Eurovision world has been rocked by a single major story: the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 and the adoption of new contest rules. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU)’s decision on December 4 set off a chain reaction of boycotts and debates. As the road to the 70th Contest in Vienna turns turbulent, here are this week’s top stories: Israel Stays in Eurovision 2026 & New Rules Approved EBU Confirms Israel’s Participation At an EBU general assembly in Geneva on December 4, members decided not to hold a vote on Israel’s status, effectively confirming that Israel will remain in the Eurovision 2026 lineup. This came after some broadcasters had called for Israel’s exclusion over the Gaza war and alleged voting irregularities. The EBU decided there was “no need for a further vote”, so the contest will proceed with Israel included. Albeit with additional safeguards in place. The decision ended weeks of uncertainty and affirmed that Israel is cleared to compete next year, despite the controversy. Broadcasters Approve New Contest Rules Instead of voting Israel out, the EBU put forward a package of new rules to reinforce the contest’s neutrality and fairness. Members from 37 countries voted on reforms aimed at “strengthening trust” in Eurovision. 65% of delegates backed these changes. Key measures include the return of an expanded professional jury in the semi-finals and stricter guidelines to discourage any government or third-party from excessively promoting entries to sway the vote. The number of jurors per country will expand (from 5 to 7) with younger members added, and anti-fraud systems will be enhanced to detect suspicious voting. Additionally, audience vote limits are being halved to curb mass voting campaigns. These rule changes were approved in a secret ballot. The are designed to keep Eurovision a “neutral space” for music and prevent a repeat of last year’s controversies. Martin Green Spain, Ireland and Others Withdraw in Protest Following the EBU’s announcement, four countries immediately declared a boycott of Eurovision 2026. Public broadcasters from the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain all said they will not send an entry to Vienna in protest of Israel’s inclusion. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS stated that under the current circumstances participation “cannot be reconciled with the public values” of their organization. AVROTROS cited Israel’s “proven interference” in the 2025 contest and crackdowns on press freedom during the war. Ireland’s RTÉ deemed participation “unconscionable” given the appalling loss of civilian life in Gaza. Slovenia’s RTV SLO likewise announced a pull-out “on behalf of the 20,000 children who died in Gaza”. They say Eurovision must stand for peace. Spain’s RTVE not only withdrew its delegation but also said it will not broadcast the contest. RTVE Secretary-General Alfonso Morales cited the situation in Gaza and accused Israel of using Eurovision for political aims. This makes it “difficult to keep Eurovision a neutral cultural event”. This marks Spain’s first absence from the contest since 1961. It’s a particularly heavy blow as Spain is one of the Big Five automatic finalists whose participation underpins the event’s funding. Melody, Spain 2025, EBU Mixed Reactions from Across Europe Not all countries are on board with a boycott. Germany had warned it would pull out if Israel were excluded essentially backing Israel’s right to compete. German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer insisted that “Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest”, opposing any move to bar the country. France also confirmed it will participate regardless of Israel’s presence. French officials rejected the idea of a cultural boycott. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised the EBU for not giving in to pressure and said he “deeply regrets that several European TV channels made a different choice”. Austria’s ORF, the host broadcaster for 2026, welcomed the decision as well. ORF’s Director-General Roland Weißmann argued the contest “is a competition for broadcasters, not governments”. He emphasized the importance of cultural dialogue and not “burning bridges” between participants. Meanwhile, Israeli officials applauded the outcome. President Isaac Herzog said Israel “deserves to be represented on every stage around the world”. The president expressed hope that Eurovision will remain a venue for music, friendship, and cross-border understanding. Israel’s public broadcaster KAN likened calls to exclude Israel to an unjust “cultural boycott”. They are celebrating the EBU’s decision to keep the country in. Outlook: A Fractured Contest Ahead? Eurovision now faces an unprecedented crisis heading into 2026. The slogan of Eurovision 2024 was “United by Music,” but experts warn the contest could be fractured by politics next year. Dr. Paul Jordan, a noted Eurovision expert, observed that the event is becoming “disunited through politics” as the fallout grows. Several broadcasters have yet to announce their stance. For example, Iceland’s RÚV is deliberating and will decide by next week. More countries could potentially join the boycott before the EBU’s mid-December participation deadline. The loss of multiple major countries is raising concerns about television ratings and the contest’s reach. Eurovision typically draws over 150 million viewers worldwide, but with some national networks refusing to air it, viewership in those markets will vanish. If the audience drops significantly, it will “raise alarm bells” for the organizers. Additionally, many fans and commentators on social media are calling for a broader global boycott of Eurovision 2026, accusing the EBU of a double standard. They note that the EBU swiftly banned Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, so they ask “why should Israel be any different?”. The EBU maintains that Eurovision must stay non-political. That’s hard to maintain, given Israeli President Herzog’s involvement in the contest. As the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna (12–16 May 2026) approaches, the contest’s unity and spirit of inclusivity will be under intense scrutiny. Will the Eurovision community find a way to come together again, or is this rift a sign of lasting changes to come? Only time will tell.

December 10, 2025 No Comments