Marina Satti on the yawn incident: “The answer given regarding safety did not satisfy me”

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Marina Satti gave her first television interview following Eurovision 2024, where she achieved 11th place for Greece with her song ZARI. She appeared on MEGA’s The Big Picture with Niki Lymberaki. As expected, Marina was asked about the infamous yawn during the press conference after the Second Semi-Final, which occurred while Israel’s representative, Eden Golan, was speaking.

Addressing the Incident

Marina Satti reflected on the controversial moment, admitting she never anticipated that it would gain such widespread attention, something she only realized the following day.

Without offering a definitive explanation, Satti clarified once again that her yawn was unrelated to the ongoing events in Gaza or her personal views on the matter. She elaborated that, at the moment of her yawn, a response was being given (presumably by Eden, though she did not name her) regarding the safety of artists in the competition. According to Satti, this response did not satisfy her.

“I could have been smarter and more cautious… A very specific question was posed at that time by a journalist. It was about safety. The response given did not satisfy me. Backstage, there was military presence and security personnel. I can’t know all the details, but the atmosphere was tense. I would not have addressed the issue (regarding Gaza) in that way. I don’t want my words or actions to be misinterpreted. I should have been more cautious.”

Does She Regret It?

When asked by Niki Lymberaki whether she regrets the incident, Satti appeared to have mixed feelings:

“I can’t say whether I regret it. It was a very honest reaction on my part. I regret and feel sorry for all those around me whom I may have inconvenienced, people who supported and trusted me.”

Her Position on the Middle East Crisis

Finally, when asked about her stance on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Marina Satti expressed a universal sentiment:

“My opinion is that I don’t want people to die, to be kidnapped, or for blood to be shed. That’s the view of any human being. Who wants people, especially children, to die?”

What do you think of Marina Satti’s comments on one of the most talked-about incidents of this year’s Eurovision? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Albania: The Song Titles for Festivali I Këngës 63!

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Following the announcement of the participant list for Festivali I Këngës 63, RTSH has gradually revealed the song titles of the competing artists. Today, the complete list of song titles for Albania’s national selection was finally released.

Below, you can find the list of participants along with their song titles:

  • Algert Sala – “Bosh”
  • Alis Kallacej – “Mjegull”
  • Ardit Çuni – “Amane”
  • Devis Xherahu – “Ka momente”
  • Djemtë e Detit – “Larg”
  • Elvana Gjata – “Karnaval”
  • Endrik Beba – “Ishe ti”
  • Epos – “Kurajo dhe Zjarr”
  • Erma Mici – “Mbaje”
  • Frensi Revania – “Rreziko”
  • Gjergj Kaçinari – “Larg jetës pa ty”
  • Gresa Gjocera – “E vërteta”
  • Jet – “Gjallë”
  • Kejsi Jazxhi – “Kur bota hesht”
  • Kleansa Susaj – “Ta dija”
  • Laurjan Ejlli & Adelina Corraj – “A thu”
  • Lorenc Hasrama – “Frymë”
  • Luna Çausholli – “Qiell apo ferr”
  • Mal Retkoceri – “Antihero”
  • Martina Serreqi – “Nese qaj”
  • Mihallaq Andrea – “Porositë e babait”
  • Nita Latifi – “Zemrës”
  • Olsi Bylyku – “Tupanët”
  • Orgesa Zaimi – “I parë”
  • Rea Nuhu – “Sot”
  • Ronaldo Mesuli – “N’zemër”
  • Santino De Bartolo – “Kur nata vjen si bora”
  • Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
  • Stine – “E kishim nis”
  • Vesa Smolica – “Lutem”

A combination of jury and public vote will decide

This year, according to Euromix.il, Albania’s representative for Eurovision 2024 will be chosen through a combination of public and jury voting. The selection process will follow a 60/40 model, combining jury and audience input to determine the country’s next entry.

This change reflects Festivali i Këngës’ gradual shift toward incorporating more public input, especially in the context of Eurovision. For many years, the festival faced criticism regarding transparency and its failure to align with modern Eurovision standards.

The dates for FiK 63 have not yet been announced. However, renowned singer and Albania’s former Eurovision representative, Elhaida Dani, will serve as the festival’s artistic director this year.

The Albanian public’s pick for Eurovision 2024 was Besa with her song “Zemrën n’dorë“. Besa released a revamped version in English titled “Titan” for Eurovision, where she did not make it to the Grand Final, finishing fourteenth in the second semi-final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQG22XJIdWw

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Source: RTSH

No EBU member has expressed official resentment οver Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024!

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In a quiet but significant revelation, it is confirmed that there have been no official complaints from any member-broadcaster regarding Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. The statement was made by Bakel Walden, the current chair of the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, during an interview on the ESC Insight podcast.

Walden explained that the decision regarding Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision 2024 was straightforward, emphasizing that as long as a broadcaster follows the rules, they are eligible to participate. He clarified that despite some differing opinions on social media and from certain delegations, there was no formal objection from any EBU member:

It was very simple. They [KAN] are a member of EBU, and it has been expressed many times by the EBU that as long as you play by the rules, you are eligible to participate. That was the case for KAN, and they are eligible. There were obviously different opinions in social media, we’ve heard from delegations, etc., but at the end of the day, there was not one single member of the EBU who expressed any official resentment.

Russia vs. Israel: A Different Scenario

The comparison between Russia’s disqualification from the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest due to the invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s ongoing participation was inevitable. However, Walden stressed that the circumstances surrounding the two countries are fundamentally different. He pointed out that Russia’s exclusion was related to its state broadcaster engaging in propaganda that violated the values of the EBU, whereas Israel’s situation is distinct.

There’s a clear difference between a state broadcaster that is just following propaganda, which is not actually playing by the rules and values of the EBU.

KAN itself has been in a difficult situation, also with the Israeli government. There is a different situation in how they position themselves, but I absolutely acknowledge that me and the Reference Group have been very much aware that the difference hasn’t been clear and hasn’t been accepted by a lot of people.

Walden further acknowledged that the EBU had not communicated this distinction clearly or transparently in the past, and that this lack of clarity has contributed to confusion and controversy. He called this a “learning experience for the EBU and the Reference Group“.

Walden’s comments effectively put to rest rumors that certain broadcasters had expressed a desire to withdraw from Eurovision 2024 due to Israel’s participation before or during the contest. The decision reaffirms that as long as a broadcaster is a member of the EBU and adheres to the rules, they are welcome to take part in the competition.

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Source: ESC Insight

Annalisa wins OGAE Second Chance Contest 2024!

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The OGAE Second Chance Contest returned for its 38th edition, with the reveal of the participants’ list in late July.

Sixteen countries participated this year, along with the participation of OGAE Rest of the World. Hence, tonight and live from Borås, Sweden the voting took place with the following results:

  1. Italy: Annalisa – “Sinceramente” – 364 points
  2. Sweden: Jacqline – “Effortless” – 252 points
  3. Norway: KEiiNO – “Damdiggida” – 238 points
  4. Finland: Sara Siipola – “Paskana” – 196 points
  5. Serbia: Konstrakta – “Novo, bolje” – 178 points
  6. Estonia: OLLIE – “My Friend” – 131 points
  7. Spain: Angy Fernández – “Sé quien soy” – 119 points
  8. Germany: Ryk – “Oh Boy” – 113 points
  9. Czechia: MYDY – “Red Flag Parade” – 70 points
  10. Denmark: Basim – “Johnny” – 50 points
  11. Croatia: MARCELA – “Gasoline” – 47 points
  12. San Marino (OGAE Rest of the World): Loredana – “Pazza” – 44 points
  13. Malta: ERBA’ – “Sirena” – 34 points
  14. Lithuania: Shower – “Impossible” – 8 points
  15. Ukraine: Ziferblat – “Place I Call Home” – 6 points
  16. Portugal: João Borsch – “…Pelas costuras” – 6 points

The votes cast by the OGAE fan clubs determined the 38th winner of the OGAE Second Chance Contest. Along with the participating clubs there were guest juries from countries that either did not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest this year or did not have a national selection process.

Therefore, “Sinceramente” by Annalisa from Italy was crowned as the fans’ favorite song that did not make it to Malmö with 364 points. Annalisa participated in Sanremo Music Festival and despite finishing in third place, it is established as a big commercial success in Italy, being multi-platinum awarded.

The rest of the top three included of:

  • Sweden: Jacqline – “Effortless”
  • Norway: KEiiNO – “Damdiggida”

This is Italy’s fourth win in the contest, and Annalisa’s second. Annalisa is the second artist to win the contest more than once, after Alcazar from Sweden.

What is OGAE Second Chance?

It is a contest that has been organized annually since 1987, with the goal of showcasing the best song that did not make it to the Eurovision stage. Thus, each organization selects what it considers to be the best song that competed in the national final of its country. It is not required that this song has placed second.

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Nemo: “I never considered withdrawing from Eurovision. However, I’m still waiting on the EBU to respond to some of the behind-the-scenes happenings”

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A few months after handing Switzerland its third Eurovision victory, Nemo talked on their experience on this year’s contest and denied the rumours that wanted them to withdraw just hours before the grand final. They did, however, highlight their dissatisfaction with a number of occurrences connected to the Israeli delegation and said that they are waiting an official response from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Following their absence from the flag parade of the grand final dress rehearsal, rumours circulated that the Greek, Swiss, and Irish contestants were pulling out. There were speculations that the reason for this absence was a disagreement between one of the Israeli delegation members and the artists in question.

However, Nemo denied the rumors that they wanted to consider the scenario of his withdrawal from the contest. More specifically, they stated:

I never considered withdrawing from the final. However, I am still awaiting an official response from the EBU regarding certain events that have taken place behind the scenes.

The organizers have not yet dealt with these incidents.

As an artist, it’s difficult for me to express my position on the matter.

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Source: Euromix

The unacceptable move by Bambie Thug to call Hezbollah “Resistance”

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Less than a day after an operation attributed to Israel in Lebanon, Bambie Thug, Ireland’s representative at Eurovision 2024, posted a hate-filled message on Instagram, portraying the terrorist organization Hezbollah as a resistance group. In them post, Israel is depicted as the evil occupier, while the Hezbollah terrorists are seen as victims of resistance.

The post claims that Israel conducted a cyberattack that resulted in injuries to Hezbollah members, without mentioning that Israel has not claimed responsibility for the operation. These assertions ignore the fact that Hezbollah has also targeted civilians in various countries, including the U.S. and Europe, resulting in numerous casualties.

Notably, them post does not mention that Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, is responsible for the deaths of innocent people and that its attacks have forced thousands to evacuate their homes.

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Source: euromix

UN Invites Eden Golan to Perform ‘October Rain’ One Year After Hamas Terror Attack

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Former Israeli Eurovision representative Eden Golan is set to perform the song “October Rain” in New York, as an invited guest of the United Nations. This performance will take place on October 7, marking one year since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. The song was initially intended to be Israel’s entry for Eurovision 2024 but was rejected by the EBU. Eden Golan and her team eventually modified the lyrics and changed the title to “Hurricane” to gain acceptance from the organizers and participate in the competition.

Golan, who placed fifth overall in Eurovision 2024 but secured second place in the televote with 323 points, will arrive at the UN with an Israeli delegation led by Foreign Minister Israel Katz.

The memorial event will reportedly include families of hostages still held by Hamas, as well as families of those who were killed on that dark Saturday a year ago. Attendees are expected to include US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, as well as ambassadors from other countries. Prominent figures from the Jewish community in the United States are also expected to participate.

The October 7 anniversary will also be observed at Israeli embassies worldwide. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs will organize memorial events to mark the anniversary of the massacre at embassies around the globe.

Golan first performed “October Rain” in May at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, just six days after securing fifth place in Eurovision, during a large rally calling for the government to agree to a hostage deal.

“I wanted to sing ‘October Rain’ tonight. This is my prayer for everyone to come back home. I will not stop making our voice heard in Israel and worldwide until everyone returns home,” she stated.

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Source: Euromix

Israel: Eden Golan in the final of Dancing With The Stars in the dress she would wear at Eurovision

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Eden Golan appeared in the final of Dancing With The Stars on Wednesday night 4/9, in the dress she was originally going to wear in Eurovision 2024. For the first time, she even sang and danced a different version of Hurricane, for the needs of the dance show, proving that she is not only a very good singer, but also an excellent dancer.

This dress is a creation of Alon Livna, just like the dress she finally wore at Eurovision 2024. Eden Golan had earlier posted on her social media that it was too nice to never wear.

Initially it was written in Israeli media that the EBU was the one that forbade Eden to wear this dress, as there was symbolism in it. In particular, it is stated that the intersection between the ropes refers to the map of Israel and so the EBU asked the Israeli delegation to replace it.

But now Eden’s stylist, Itay Bezaleli, gives a different reason, which is perhaps even more believable. The country’s public broadcaster, KAN, thought it should wear a dress more in keeping with the mood of mourning in Israel, following the October 7 Hamas terror attack that left 1,200 people dead and abducted, another 250 as hostages. So Eden Golan had to wait until the finale of Dancing With The Stars to wear the dress in question and this creation would not go to waste.

Watch the video HERE

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Source: Euromix

Eric Saade: “I had permission from the SVT to wear the Palestinian keffiyeh”

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Even though the Eurovision 2024 grand final was almost four months ago, the issues surrounding it still bother fans of the competition, demonstrating yet again that it was the most controversial edition in recent memory. In particular, Eric Saade claimed that he had informed the SVT of his plan to wear the Palestinian symbol “keffiyeh”, and that the broadcaster had given its approval.

The Swedish singer, who represented his country at Eurovision 2011 and participated in the opening act of the first semi-final of this year’s contest, stated that Ebba Adielsson, SVT‘s executive producer for the Eurovision Song Contest, gave him permission to wear the Palestinian keffiyeh, telling him that “symbols are not a problem”.

The artist went on to say that he was taken aback by the EBU’s strong response. We remind you that the EBU had denounced the singer’s behaviour as “political” and had declined to upload his appearance on social media.

Ebba Adielsson’s response

Following the aforementioned interview, the executive producer of SVT made the following clarifications:

“I think I was clear about the rules that had to be followed”.

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Source: Dagens Nyheter

Netherlands: Joost Klein had a previous confrontation with the camerawoman

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The camerawoman to whom Joost Klein made a threatening gesture is said to have had an earlier altercation with the Dutch representative during the week of the Eurovision Song Contest. This is reported by the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet based on the reports of the police interrogations of Klein and the woman, after the incident that cost Joost Klein his place in the Eurovision 2024 final. Aftonbladet published parts of the police reports and thus more details are revealed.

The previous incident reported by the woman allegedly took place when Klein was returning backstage. The singer had asked the woman to stop filming, which she did not do “because she had signed a document agreeing to the filming. I was just doing my job,” he said. According to the woman, the Dutch team apologized after this incident and promised that Klein “wouldn’t react this way again” during the festival.

When Klein made a threatening gesture towards her during the second incident, the woman did not react at first “because I thought Joost was joking”. Klein “became angrier. I felt scared and vulnerable,” the woman reportedly said during her first police interview the night before the final of the Song Contest.

The police informed the singer that the woman was demanding compensation of 7,000 kroner, over 600 euros. According to Aftonbladet, Klein told police interrogations that he had “vague memories of the event”. The singer in that questioning claimed that he made the threatening gesture towards the woman’s camera and not towards the woman herself. According to Aftonbladet, Klein also said at the first interrogation that he was innocent of the crime he was suspected of. “I don’t recognize myself in the incident,” Klein reportedly said.

Aftonbladet did not publish the full police report. Many passages have been blacked out.

AVROTROS and his manager Klein say the singer was “really harassed many times” during the Eurovision Song Contest, but would not comment on whether the Dutch team apologized to the woman after the first incident. The cameraman’s lawyer did not respond to the report.

The Swedish prosecutor’s office dropped the case against Klein in early August because there was not enough evidence to prove that Klein made his “threatening act” with the intention of causing “serious fear” to the camerawoman.

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Source:nltimes