Azerbaijan: 154 entries submitted to İctimai Television for Eurovision 2025!

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The national broadcaster of Azerbaijan, İctimai Television, announced back in August that it will be participating in Eurovision 2025. Then, for those who wanted to compete in Eurovision 2025, a submission window was opened.

154 entries were submitted to İctimai Television in total, as it was revealed after the submission window closed on September 15.

 

Notably, the broadcaster observed an increase in the number of Azerbaijani composers expressing interest; last year, their participation rate was 43%; this year, it is 49%, accounting for nearly half of the submissions.

What’s next?

Although, there is no further information about the progress of this selection stage, it seems that İTV will first review the entries submitted. Then and if last year’s procedure is followed, we can assume that the broadcaster will test its Eurovision candidates’ vocal and performance skills. The candidate who has the best song and can deliver it vocal and performance wise, will be the one to represent the nation to Basel.

Fahree and Ilkin Dovlatov, were İTV’s picks for Eurovision 2024 with their song “Özünlə apar”. Unfortunately, the duo did not manage to qualify for the Grand Final for the second consecutive year.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: ıctimaieurovision

Mans Zelmerlöw: Return to Eurovision in 2025 with the aim to win

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Ten years after his impressive victory in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 with “Heroes,” Mans Zelmerlöw expresses his desire to return to the Eurovision stage in 2025, as reported in today’s article by Aftonbladet. This return is not merely a nostalgia trip, but a new challenge for the artist, who hopes to claim the prize once again.

Zelmerlöw is in communication with Benke Rydman, the director who helmed the staging of “Heroes” in 2015 and “Cha Cha Cha” in 2023. Their past collaboration has yielded positive results, and Mans seems determined to rekindle this successful partnership.

The artist expresses excitement at the prospect of returning to Eurovision, as his participation in 2015 changed his life and defined him as an artist on the European stage. His goal is clear: to create a new song that will thrill the audience and give him the chance to compete for victory once more. Aftonbladet reports that he already has a very strong song in hand, which could serve as a sequel to “Heroes” and achieve global success.

With memories of his victory and the experience he has gained over the years, Mans Zelmerlöw is ready to return and, why not, secure the eighth victory for Sweden, as well as become the third artist (second male) after Johnny Logan and Loreen to win the contest twice as a performer. To achieve this, of course, he must first triumph in the Melodifestivalen, Sweden’s national final. A task that is neither easy nor guaranteed.

What do you think, will he succeed?

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: Aftonbladet

Basel Tourism Opens Applications for 2025 Eurovision Volunteers

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Are you interested in becoming a volunteer at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest? Do you have the skills and passion required to help make the event a success? If you’re fluent in German, French, Italian, English, or another foreign language, and you’re a dedicated Eurovision fan, now is your chance!

Basel Tourism has begun the process of recruiting volunteers for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Those who sign up will have the opportunity to work closely with the event’s delegations, artists, and experience behind-the-scenes action in the fan zones and backstage areas.

A call for volunteers has been made, and the pre-registration form is now available. Here’s an excerpt from Basel Tourism’s announcement:

“The Eurovision Song Contest is coming to Basel, and we need your help! Become a volunteer and immerse yourself in the largest music event in the world. Whether you excel in languages, have strong organizational abilities, or are simply an enthusiastic Eurovision fan, your support is crucial in various capacities. As a volunteer, you will play a key role in welcoming artists, fans, and press, assisting with events behind the scenes, and ensuring Basel shines during Eurovision week. Apply now and help make Eurovision 2025 an unforgettable event!

Please note that this is a pre-registration, and we likely won’t contact you with further details until January. We appreciate your interest and patience!”

Volunteers will be assigned various roles to assist at the official Eurovision venues such as St. Jakobshalle, St. Jakob’s Park, Eurovision Village, Eurovision Street, as well as the Press Centre, Delegation Area, and Backstage. They will serve as delegation hosts, providing essential support to the delegations throughout the two-week Eurovision period.

You can appy HERE

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

EBU Director General Praises ERT During Official Visit to Athens

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The Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson, Pavlos Marinakis, met with the Director General of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Noel Curran. Mr. Curran was accompanied by ERT’s CEO, Katerina Kaskanioti, and the company’s President, Yiannis Papadopoulos. During his first official visit to Athens, the EBU’s Director General spoke highly of the Greek public broadcaster.

Deputy Minister Pavlos Marinakis highlighted the significant upgrades that Greek Public Television has undergone over the past five years, as well as its innovations, such as the launch of ErtFlix and its investment in continuous and objective news coverage through ERTNews.

The Director General of the EBU congratulated ERT for its programming, stating that it ranks among the top in Europe in terms of viewership among younger audiences and within the top ten among older viewers. He also expressed the EBU’s satisfaction with Greece’s improvement in the areas of the rule of law and media transparency, referring to the recent European Commission Rule of Law report, which noted progress from the Greek side.

The Deputy Minister, the EBU’s Director General, and ERT’s President and CEO committed to further collaboration between the organizations, with the aim of improving the services provided by Public Broadcasting and modernizing production through Artificial Intelligence.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

North Macedonia: Absent from Eurovision for the third year in a row!

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Unpleasant news from North Macedonia, since according to the budget of the country’s public television that was posted publicly, there is no relevant provision for participation in the Eurovision Contest. This practically means that MRT, the public television of North Macedonia, will be absent from the competition for the third year in a row!
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EXCLUSIVE: 30 more artists join the race for the Greek National Final!

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In recent days, interest in the Eurovision national final has reached a peak, as artists and bands from all over Greece and abroad, either through Eurovisionfun or publicly, confirm their intention to represent the country on the Eurovision stage. Following the publication of the first list with 26 names, it’s time to reveal the second batch. A total of 30 more artists, including well-known names from the music scene as well as newcomers, have confirmed their intention to compete for the ticket to Eurovision 2024.

One of the most commercially successful artists in Greece in recent years is Trannos. As an authentic representative of the local trap music scene, Trannos, according to his own statements, has submitted his proposal to ERT again this year. This time, he is determined to more actively pursue the opportunity to represent Greece by participating in the national final.

With over 81 million views on YouTube, Konstantinos Koufos can proudly claim that his song “Η Πιο Ωραία Στην Ελλάδα” is one of the most-viewed Greek songs. He is open to submitting an entry for the national final.

Ian Stratis is considered by many to be an ideal candidate for Eurovision. In the past, his name has been rumored several times, both for Greece and Cyprus. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will also be present in the national final, either as a solo artist or with his band.

The winner of “The Voice 2” and well-known traditional Greek music songwriter Kostas Ageris will also be among the contestants. In 2015, he was the producer for Thomai Apergi in the national final for Eurovision.

The talented and unique Antonia Kaouri, although she didn’t represent Greece in 2023, despite being ERT’s jury’s choice, returns this time with a song she believes in more, aiming to do it right this time.

Another standout artist, like Antonia Kaouri, is Daphne Lawrence, who also emerged from “The Voice”. With a successful career, countless live performances, and millions of views, she believes the time has come to vie for Greece’s Eurovision representation in 2025.

Artists who have participated in past national finals, both in Greece and Cyprus, are already preparing their submissions. Nikos Ganos, Nearchos Evaggelou, Kyriakos Georgiou, Nicole Paparistodimou, and Leea Nanos from Australia will once again try their luck.

Also making their mark on this list are artists who became known through talent shows. Giannis Lafis, Holly Grace, Konstantinos Frantzis, Thanos Lambrou, Sindorela Sindy and Fani Melemeni (known for her cover of “Eίναι Στιγμές” in the Cosmote TV ad) are ready to submit their entries.

Additionally, several bands will also be making their presence felt, covering a range of musical genres. Rec, Decho, Mobvibe, Majovoli, Dinamiss, and Enorasis are ready to bring their unique perspective to the national final.

The Greek diaspora, which has often supported our country in Eurovision, is also returning strongly for 2025. Eleni C from the UK and Desi G from Canada hope to fulfill their dream and appear on the Eurovision stage representing Greece.

Finally, established artists such as Han Nah, Naira Alexopoulou, Xenia Ghali, Akylas and Giannis Chatzigeorgiou will send their proposals to ERT, hoping for victory and to represent Greece in Switzerland.

Of course, this list doesn’t end here, as more artists confirm their interest in participating in the national final daily. Eurovisionfun will return soon with a third part. The ball is now in ERT’s court, which is expected to officially announce the start of submissions and provide details about the national final, through which the artist and song representing us at Eurovision 2025 will be selected.

Summary of the artists mentioned above:

  1. Trannos
  2. Konstantinos Koufos
  3. Ian Stratis
  4. Kostas Ageris
  5. Antonia Kaouri
  6. Daphne Lawrence
  7. Nikos Ganos
  8. Nearchos Evaggelou
  9. Kyriakos Georgiou
  10. Nicole Paparistodimou
  11. Leea Nanos
  12. Giannis Lafis
  13. Holly Grace
  14. Konstantinos Frantzis
  15. Christina Zioga
  16. Thanos Lambrou
  17. Fani Melemeni
  18. Rec (band)
  19. Decho (band)
  20. Mobvibe (band)
  21. Majovoli (band)
  22. Dinamiss (band)
  23. Enorasis (band)
  24. Eleni C
  25. Desi G
  26. Han Nah
  27. Naira Alexopoulou
  28. Xenia Ghali
  29. Akylas
  30. Giannis Chatzigeorgiou

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

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Greece: A New Surprise from ERT – Preliminary Rounds Before the National Final?

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After nearly 20 years of selecting Greece’s Eurovision entry through internal selection or committee decisions, the process is once again returning to public involvement. The song and artist who will represent Greece at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, will be chosen through a national final, as announced by ERT’s CEO, Katerina Kaskanioti.

The idea to bring back the competitive selection process surfaced two years ago, following Greece’s failure to qualify for the Eurovision final. Interest grew further after Marina Satti’s success in 2024. The final decision was made recently, due to the increasing demand from artists eager to participate.

According to Realnews, ERT is considering not only a national final but also the possibility of preliminary rounds, depending on the number of entries. This would turn the selection process into a multi-stage competition, similar to music talent shows.

Already, 26 artists have confirmed their intention to submit their entries to ERT, with the number steadily rising. On Wednesday, more names are expected to be announced in a follow-up article.

However, according to our information for this first year, it appears that ERT is leaning toward holding a single final night featuring 10-15 finalists.

The details of the national final format will be announced soon, providing clarity for all involved.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

RTÉ has launched the search for Ireland’s entry to the 69th Eurovision Song Contest

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Following the impressive performance of Bambie Thug in Malmö in 2024, the next entry has big shoes to fill. The submission process for the Eurovision 2025 is now open, giving artists an 8-week window, from Monday 23 September to 18:00 CET on Monday 18 November.

Ireland’s 2024 entry, “Doomsday Blue”, not only secured 6th place – the country’s best result since 2000 – but also received international praise. The song has over 24 million streams on Spotify, and its Grand Final performance has been viewed more than 9.4 million times on YouTube.

Michael Kealy, Ireland’s Head of Delegation, highlighted that Eurovision is a unique opportunity for artists to make a name on the global stage, encouraging musicians from across the country to submit their entries.

For more details you can check RTE’s official website for Eurovision Song Contest.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

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.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: euromix

Poland: Justyna Steczkowska expresses interest for Eurovision 2025!

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Justyna Steczkowska is still a sensation among Eurovision fans even though she did not win Poland’s national selection for the 2024 contest. The Polish diva impressed the crowd with her amazing dance routine and slavic sounding song “WITCH-ER Tarohoro” when she submitted it in the Polish preselection last year. Her performance thrilled fans in Poland and across the vast majority of the Eurovision fandom. Nevertheless, she was merely surpassed by Luna in the TVP internal committee voting.

Justyna Steczkowska appears to be preparing a song for Eurovision 2025, which she will submit to TVP subject to certain conditions, suggesting that her time in the competition may not be over.

Justyna’s song for Eurovision 2025

Justyna recently posted a teaser of her upcoming song on social media. She is collaborating with Hotel Torino, the composers of “WITCH-ER Tarohoro” and other popular Polish Junior Eurovision entries.

@justyna_steczkowska Jest moc ❤️ Może na Eurowizję ? #HotelTorino #JustynaSteczkowska #Eurowizja ♬ dźwięk oryginalny – justyna_steczkowska

She states that she may submit this song to TVP, suggesting that:

There is power. Maybe for Eurovision?

The final say must be given to the public

A five-person jury made the final decision in TVP’s internal selection process, where Justyna only came in second. Justyna would like to try once more only in the event that Poland goes back to its usual selection process, which includes a televised show where the public can vote for its representative. She therefore wants to return to the Eurovision stage only with the support of the general public on the 30th anniversary of her Eurovision performance.

Poland in Eurovision 2025

Up to this date, there is no official statement regarding TVP’s participation or selection method for Eurovision 2025. Following the speculation according to which JoJo Siwa was in talks with TVP about Eurovision, the Polish broadcaster mentioned that no decision has been made yet. More details regarding Poland’s participation in Basel is anticipated after Junior Eurovision, which will take place in November.

Luna was TVP’s pick for Eurovision 2024 with her song “Tower“. Unfortunately, she did not manage to qualify to the Grand Final, placing twelfth on the First Semi-Final.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: eska.pl