Eurovision 2025: Stricter rules for artists and mandatory political neutrality like the Olympics

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The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel is set to introduce an innovative commitment to fair play, inspired by the Olympic Games. Following the controversies and protests that overshadowed the contest in Malmö, Bakel Walden, chairman of the contest’s supervisory board, announced the new rules in a statement to the German Press Agency.

Fair Play and the Olympic Model

Participants in Eurovision 2025 will need to follow a code of conduct similar to the Olympic Oath taken by athletes. This commitment aims to foster an atmosphere of respect and neutrality, ensuring the contest remains a space free from political or personal agendas.

“Negative behavior will not be tolerated,” Walden stated. “Violations will lead to warnings or even access restrictions. There are areas where freedom of expression has limits, especially when it affects others.” He emphasized that, just like the Olympics, neutrality is essential for the Eurovision’s success.

Addressing the 2024 Protests

The push for stricter rules emerged after the tumultuous contest in Malmö, where the atmosphere was significantly affected by anti-Israel protests. Beyond the demonstrations, incidents of hostility and offensive remarks toward the Israeli performer created a divisive climate.

Walden expressed concern that if participants and fans continue to openly express opposing beliefs, the cohesion of the contest could be jeopardized. “If this trend continues, Eurovision simply won’t work anymore in three to five years,” he warned.

A Vision of Unity

The new measures aim to preserve Eurovision’s legacy as a celebration of diversity and unity. Participants will be required to commit to a fair and safe environment, respecting the inclusive spirit of the event and ensuring it remains a platform for music and culture free from divisive actions or hate speech.

With Basel hosting Eurovision 2025, these regulations represent a significant step toward reinforcing respect and neutrality at one of Europe’s most beloved cultural institutions. Fans and participants hope that this approach will restore harmony to the contest and safeguard its tradition as a unifying cultural celebration.

Conclusion

Practically, all of the above means that the EBU is determined not to allow incidents in Basel that could inflame tensions, whether caused by statements or actions from artists, accredited journalists, or delegation members. Political neutrality will be mandatory for everyone accessing the contest venues. As mentioned earlier this summer, the EBU’s model will follow the environment seen at the Paris Olympics, where athletes, stakeholders, and spectators alike demonstrated respect for all sides. These international events aim to bring people closer, not resolve global issues.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates!

Source: SRF

Luxembourg: The songs of Luxembourg Song Contest 2025 to be released on 19th of December!

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RTL announced the date on which the songs of Luxembourg Song Contest 2025 are going to be released!

The national broadcaster of Luxembourg, RTL, revealed today that the seven songs that are going to participate in Luxembourg Song Contest 2025 are scheduled to be released on Thursday 19th of December. More details on the songs will be made available the coming days.

In addition to the above, RTL also announced that the tickets for those who want to attend the big night of Luxembourg Song Contest 2025 are going to go on sale the coming Friday at 16:00 CET. The national song contest is going to take place in the town of Esch-Uelzecht on 25th of January 2025.

The seven artists who are going to claim the representation of the Grand Duchy are as per below:

  1. Laura Thorn
  2. One Last Time
  3. Luzac
  4. MÄNA
  5. Rafa Ela
  6. Rhythmic Soundwave
  7. ZERO POINT FIVE

Source: RTL

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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Ukraine: The 20 artists that are going to claim the 10 positions for Vidbir 2025!

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The list of the 20 artists who are going to claim the 10 positions for Vidbir 2025 was published today. Vidbir is the song contest through which Ukraine choose their representative in the Eurovision Song Contest, and their are going to do so for Eurovision 2025 as well.

The 20 artists that were announced by the national broadcaster of Ukraine, Suspilne, are going to participate in auditions which are going to determine 9 out of the 10 artist that are going to participate at Vidbir 2025. For the 10th position, an online voting is going to take place for the artists who will not make it throught the auditions. The nine artists of Vidbir are going to be detemrined on 20th of December, while the full list is going to be published on 17th of January 2025.

The 20 artists are as per below:

  1. BRYKULETS
  2. ENLEO
  3. FIЇNKA
  4. Future Culture
  5. GRISANA
  6. KHAYAT
  7. KRYLATA
  8. MOLODI
  9. MON FIA
  10. Ranrawi
  11. Starykova Hrystyna
  12. TESLENKO
  13. YAGODY
  14. Ziferblat
  15. Абіє
  16. ДК Енергетик
  17. Маша Кондратенко
  18. МУАЯД
  19. Слухай Сашу
  20. Влад Шериф

Vidbir 2025 will take place sometime in February and the winner will be decided by the votes of public and the jury.

Source:  Suspilne

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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Albania: The First Two Nights’ Lineup for Festivali i Këngës 63 Revealed!

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The lineup of the 30 artists across the first two nights of Festivali i Këngës 63 was announced earlier today.

Here’s how the artists are divided between the two evenings:

First Night – December 19

  1. Orgesa Zaimi – “I parë”
  2. Erma Mici – “Mbaje”
  3. Luna Çausholli – “Qiell apo ferr”
  4. Ronaldo Mesuli – “N’zemër”
  5. Mihallaq Andrea – “Porositë e babait”
  6. Kejsi Jazxhi – “Kur bota hesht”
  7. Lorenc Hasrama – “Frymë”
  8. Jet – “Gjallë”
  9. Djemtë e Detit – “Larg”
  10. Nita Latifi – “Zemrës”
  11. Martina Serreqi – “Nese qaj”
  12. Alis Kallacej – “Mjegull”
  13. Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
  14. Kleansa Susaj – “Ta dija”
  15. Ardit Çuni – “Amane”

Second Night – December 20

  1. Mal Retkoceri – “Antihero”
  2. Klea Dina – “Dashuri Ngiej“
  3. Devis Xherahu – “Ka momente”
  4. Vesa Smolica – “Lutem”
  5. Algert Sala – “Bosh”
  6. Gresa Gjocera – “E vërteta”
  7. Frensi Revania – “Rreziko”
  8. Endrik Beba – “Ishe ti”
  9. Epos – “Kurajo dhe Zjarr”
  10. Laurjan Ejlli & Adelina Corraj – “A thu”
  11. Santino De Bartolo – “Kur nata vjen si bora”
  12. Rea Nuhu – “Sot”
  13. Elvana Gjata – “Karnaval”
  14. Stine – “E kishim nis”
  15. Gjergj Kaçinari – “Larg jetës pa ty”

The festival, running from December 19 to 22 at the Pallati i Kongreseve, promises four nights packed with music, emotions, and spectacular performances suitable for all ages.

Last year’s televote winner, Besa, who performed “Zemrën n’dorë,” later released an English version titled “Titan” for Eurovision. Unfortunately, she didn’t qualify for the Grand Final, finishing 14th in the second semi-final.

Stay updated with Eurovisionfun for all the latest news on Albania’s participation in Eurovision 2025, which will take place in Basel.

Source: X

Lithuania: LRT unveils Eurovizija.LT 2025 lineup

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Lithuanian broadcaster LRT has officially revealed the 45 artists who will compete in Eurovizija.LT 2025, Lithuania‘s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. The winner will represent Lithuania in Basel, Switzerland, this May.

The line up:

  1. Aistay „Meile sapnavau”
  2. Amari „Sirens Call”
  3. Amoralu „Freedom”
  4. Anyanya „Running Out Of Time”
  5. „Black Biceps” „Visaip man reik”
  6. Donata „Empower”
  7. „Euften” „Goodbye Hell”
  8. Evelina Gancewska „Aurora”
  9. Ewa „Tell me lie”
  10. Freya Alley „Lalala”
  11. Gebrasy „Whole”
  12. Goya „After Storm”
  13. Godo Yorke „<3 neparodai”
  14. „Halummi” „The Flame”
  15. „Hansanova” „Leilydo”
  16. leva Zasimauskaite „Don’t You Ever Leave Me”
  17. Indre ir Laimonas „Namo”
  18. Jokübas Jankauskas „Far Away”
  19. Joseph June „Ko man nesakei?”
  20. Juste Baradulinaite „Tired”
  21. Justinas „Alright”
  22. Káro „Love Bug”
  23. „Katarsis” „Tavo akys”
  24. Liepa „Ar mylétum”
  25. Lion Ceccah „Drobe”
  26. LIT „You’re Not Alone”
  27. Mantas Ben „Svajones po 12″
  28. Mario Junes „Bury Me”
  29. Matas Ligeika „Saule”
  30. Matt Len „Not Alone”
  31. MeidE „Gyvates”
  32. Noy „Just Take Me On A Date”
  33. Ofelija „Sirdele”
  34. Petunija „l salduma”
  35. „Queens of Roses” “Taip!”
  36. Rüta Budreckaite „Tai kur namai”
  37. Siga ,Walking With My Shadow”
  38. Sophie Ali „The Bluest Bell”
  39. „Sun Francisco” „Atsimerkt”
  40. „The Ditties” „Zui Zu Bi”
  41. Thomas G „Highest Goals”
  42. Tomas Dirgela „Pa§ok”
  43. Ustin „You’re The One”
  44. Viktorija Faith „Scary Beautiful”
  45. Vilija „Liesti negalima”

Among the hopefuls are two former Eurovision representatives:

Ieva Zasimauskaitė, who brought Lithuania to the Eurovision Grand Final in 2018 with her emotional ballad “When We’re Old” and Vilija Matačiūnaitė, who performed  “Attention” in 2014.

Three entries have already been released:

Indrė Ananktaitė ir Laimonas Bendaravičius – “Namo”

Sophie Ali – “The Bluest Bell”

VILIJA – “Liesti negalima”

“Eurovizija.LT” 2025 will kick off on January 11th with the first of five semi-finals, each featuring nine participants. Only two acts from each semi-final will qualify for the Grand Final.

The Grand Final will take place at  Žalgiris Arena in Kaunas. Unlike the earlier stages, where jury opinions will play a role, the Grand Final winner will be determined solely by public televoting, ensuring that the Lithuanian public has the final say in their Eurovision representative.

Artist Withdrawal Deadline

Artists have until December 20th to withdraw their participation. After this date, the lineup will be considered final.

Last year, Lithuania was represented by Silvester Belt with his track “Luktelk”  finishing 14th in the Eurovision 2024 Grand Final with 90 points.

Will Lithuania’s next representative build on this success?

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the Eurovision 2025 developments!

Source: LRT

Czechia: ADONXS will represent the country in Basel!

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For the first time since 2017, Czechia has decided its Eurovision entry through an internal selection rather than a national selection. After teasing the announcement on social media, Czech broadcaster, ČT, revealed that ADONXS will represent the country at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in 2025.

How was ADONXS selected?

ČT opened a submission window for artists interested, which closed on September 30. The final decision was made by three different panels:

  • A focus group of Czech citizens (40%)
  • An international panel of music experts (40%)
  • A committee from ČT (20%)

These panels evaluated the submissions and ultimately selected ADONXS as the Czech representative.

His entry for the contest is set to be released in the coming months.

Who is ADONXS?

ADONXS is a 29-year-old Slovak artist known for his work as a singer, songwriter, dancer, and model. He began his music career as a member of the group PACE before transitioning to a solo career in 2021. That same year, he won the seventh season of the Czech-Slovak version of Idol.

His debut single, “Moving On,” became a hit, topping the Slovak charts. With his distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and openly queer identity, ADONXS has become a prominent figure in the Czech-Slovak music scene.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Albania: The Grand Prize of the 63rd Festivali i Këngës is back & for the first time, the diaspora votes!

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Today, at the premises of the Radio and Television of Albania (RTSH), a press conference was held by the organizers of the 63rd Festivali i Këngës, from which the representative of Albania for  Eurovision 2025 will be chosen.

The panel consisted of directors and professionals involved in organizing this music festival, as well as the presenters Enkel Demi and Ornela Bregu, whose names were announced for the first time. They shared details about the preparations, innovations, and the artistic program.

The Director of RTSH, Aurora Polo, revealed an innovation in the voting process for the Festivali i Këngës.

For the first time in Festivali i Këngës, the vote of the diaspora will play a role in selecting the winner.

The Artistic Director of the Festival, Elhaida Dani, emphasized the importance of the competition and transparency:

In this edition, there will be only one first-place winner, who will represent Albania in Eurovision, based on the votes of the jury and the public.

It is important to note that in the last two editions of the Festival, Albania’s representative for Eurovision was chosen separately from the overall winner of the Festival. However, this year, the organizers decided to return to the older tradition, according to which the winner of the festival will also be the country’s representative in Eurovision.

The festival’s director, Redi Treni, emphasized that the latest technologies would be used to deliver an impressive visual spectacle.

This festival will bring visual innovations in both direction and stage design, using the most advanced technology for the first time.

The 63rd Festivali i Këngës will take place from December 19 to 22 at the Palace of Congresses and is expected to offer four nights full of emotions, music, and spectacle for all ages.

You can listen to the songs of the 63rd Festivali i Këngës in the list below

  1. Algert Sala – “Bosh”
  2. Alis Kallacej – “Mjegull”
  3. Ardit Çuni – “Amane”
  4. Devis Xherahu – “Ka momente”
  5. Djemtë e Detit – “Larg”
  6. Elvana Gjata – “Karnaval”
  7. Endrik Beba – “Ishe ti”
  8. Epos – “Kurajo dhe Zjarr”
  9. Erma Mici – “Mbaje”
  10. Frensi Revania – “Rreziko”
  11. Gjergj Kaçinari – “Larg jetës pa ty”
  12. Gresa Gjocera – “E vërteta”
  13. Jet – “Gjallë”
  14. Kejsi Jazxhi – “Kur bota hesht”
  15. Kleansa Susaj – “Ta dija”
  16. Klea Dina – “Dashuri Ngiej“
  17. Laurjan Ejlli & Adelina Corraj – “A thu”
  18. Lorenc Hasrama – “Frymë”
  19. Luna Çausholli – “Qiell apo ferr”
  20. Mal Retkoceri – “Antihero”
  21. Martina Serreqi – “Nese qaj”
  22. Mihallaq Andrea – “Porositë e babait”
  23. Nita Latifi – “Zemrës”
  24. Orgesa Zaimi – “I parë”
  25. Rea Nuhu – “Sot”
  26. Ronaldo Mesuli – “N’zemër”
  27. Santino De Bartolo – “Kur nata vjen si bora”
  28. Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
  29. Stine – “E kishim nis”
  30. Vesa Smolica – “Lutem”

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates regarding Albania’s participation in Eurovision 2025, in Basel!

Source: RTSH

Serbia: These are the contestants of Pesma za Evroviziju 2025!

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The list of the artists who are going to take part in Pesma za Evroviziju 2025 was published today. Pesma za Evroviziju is the song contest through which Serbia choose their representative in the Eurovision Song Contest, and their are going to do so for Eurovision 2025 as well.

In the list which was published by the national broadcaster of Serbia, RTS, you can read the names of the 30 artists and the titles of their respective songs.

The 30 acts are as per below:

  • Buč Kesidi – Tužne ljubavi
  • Igor Simić – Ne mogu
  • Tropico band – AI
  • Tam – Durum durum
  • Džet Vega – Rolerkoster
  • Mila – Gaia
  • Dušan Kurtić – Boginja
  • Harem Girls – Aladin
  • Mimi Mercedez – Turbo žurka
  • Dram – Vanja
  • Ivana Štrbac – La La La
  • Milan Nikolić i banda – Storia del amor
  • Bojana x David – Šesto čulo
  • Iskaz – Trendseter
  • Tanja Banjanin – Ja sam bolja
  • Princ – Mila
  • Biber – Da mi se vratiš
  • Nataša Kojić – Up and Down
  • Kruz Roudi – Sve i odmah
  • SEDLAR – Oči boje zemlje
  • Jelena Pajić – Kameleon
  • Nikola Antonijević Anton – U grad
  • AltCtrl – Mamurna jutra
  • Filarri – Meet and Greet
  • GIFTS & ROSES – Do kraja vremena
  • Maja Nikolić – Žali srce moje
  • Ohajo – MaMa
  • Ana & The Changes – Brinem
  • Vukayla – MASK
  • Vampiri – Tebi treba neko kao ja

The list of contestants includes Princ, who finished second in the Serbian national competition in 2023, as well as Filarri, who competed in both 2023 and 2024 editions.

We remind you that Pesma za Evroviziju consists of two Semi-Finals and a Grand Final. The dates of the Semi-Finals and the Final are:

  • First Semi-Final – 25 February
  • Second Semi-Final – 27 February
  • Final – 1 March

Source: RTS

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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EBU: New mandatory code of conduct for accredited individuals and other changes to the Eurovision Song Contest

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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is introducing new initiatives and changes aimed at improving the experience of Eurovision Song Contest participants and reinforcing the values of community, respect, and equality. These changes seek to create a more positive and supportive environment and will be implemented for the first time at the 2025 contest in Basel.

Code of Conduct and Duty of Care Protocol

For the first time, adhering to a Code of Conduct will be mandatory for accreditation at the contest, fostering a culture of professionalism and respect. The Code will include compliance with local laws, a ban on political statements, and guidelines for responsible communication and behavior.

Additionally, the Duty of Care Protocol will ensure the safety and well-being of participating artists, encouraging collaboration between the EBU, the Host Broadcaster, and participating broadcasters to prevent unnecessary physical or emotional strain.

Changes to Event Organization and Participant Experience

To better support artists, the EBU has announced the following measures for Eurovision 2025:

  • Camera-free zones in key artist preparation areas.
  • More closed-door rehearsals to allow artists to focus without distractions.
  • Optimized rehearsal schedules to provide artists with more time for rest and to explore the host city.
  • Appointment of a Welfare Officer to act as a key point of contact for supporting artists and staff.

Commitment to Unity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Eurovision Song Contest continues to stand as a symbol of unity and diversity. In 2025, the EBU will introduce the Eurovision Pledge, reaffirming its commitment to community, respect, and equality.

Statements from the Leadership

Martin Green, the new Director of the Contest, emphasized:

“We are united through music – and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the Contest remains an event that promotes unity, diversity, and inclusion. The changes we are introducing for Basel 2025 aim to offer the best possible experience for participants, staff, and audiences alike.”

Bakel Walden, Chair of the ESC Reference Group, added:

“The new measures to be implemented for Eurovision 2025 represent an important first step in the responsible development of this iconic music event, tailored to modern needs.”

The Catalyst for Change

The behavior of many accredited individuals during Eurovision 2024 appears to have been the tipping point that prompted the EBU to take these decisions. It is time for those attending the contest in a journalistic capacity to recognize that while they may also be fans, they are professionals within the press center and must act accordingly.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: EBU

Serbia: This Week, the 28 Finalists for the National Selection Will Be Revealed!

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Preparations have already begun for selecting the songs to determine Serbia’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

Olivera Kovacevic, journalist and director of the contest for Pesma za Evroviziju 2025, announced on her personal Instagram account that the official list of the 28 artists participating in Pesma za Evroviziju 2025 will be released this week.

A total of 222 songs were submitted for Serbia’s representation in Basel.

We remind you that Pesma za Evroviziju 2025 will once again consist of two Semi-Finals and one Grand Final. The dates for the semi-finals and the final are as follows:

  • First Semi-Final – February 25
  • Second Semi-Final – February 27
  • Grand Final – March 1

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments regarding Serbia’s participation in Eurovision 2025!

Source: Olivera Kovacevic