Eurovision 2025: Grand Final to be held on May 10?

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According to Swiss media reports, the most likely date for the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is  May 10.

Local Swiss media reported that the CEO of the Hallenstadion in Zurich, a venue that could host the competition next May, said that the unofficial date for the final is May 10. It is said that the venue has been told by SRG SRR that it should be free for 6-8 weeks from early April to mid-May. In particular Philipp Musshafen, CEO of Hallenstadion, reported:

“The ESC is the biggest music event in the world. 180 million spectators! That would be invaluable advertising for Zurich, but also for the Hallenstadion. We were told to reserve six to eight weeks from around the beginning of April to mid-May 2025. With a possible, still unofficial, date for the final on May 10th.”

In recent years, the competition has been hosted in the middle weeks of May and the dates of May 6, 8 and 10 would fit this trend. The only major event around these dates that can “conflict” with Eurovision is the UEFA Europa League semi-final taking place on 8 May.

The dates 13, 15 and 17 May would both be free of major ‘clashes’ with other major pan-European events and still be in ‘mid-May 2025’. At present, no dates have been officially announced by the EBU or the broadcaster.

Eurovision 2025

The Eurovision 2025 song contest will be held in Switzerland following Nemo’s win with “The Code”. Switzerland won the Eurovision Song Contest for the third time, having won the 1956 and 1988 editions. Discussions will be held in the coming weeks with potential host cities across Switzerland.

Source: escxtra

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

Kosovo will apply to compete in Eurovision 2025!

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A few days ago, RTK, the public broadcaster of Kosovo, announced that it plans to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, taking place in Switzerland. Read more

Eurovision 2025: Moroccan Oil remains the official sponsor of the contest

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Earlier today, Moroccan Oil stated on its official website that it will extend its partnership with the EBU. In particular, the company appears to be maintaining its role as the official sponsor of the Eurovision Song Contest, which it has been holding since 2020.

The announcement, which has not been confirmed by the EBU yet, has elicited varied reactions. The unfavourable opinions revolve around the fact that the corporation in question is based in Israel.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for the latest news about the Eurovision Song Contest!

Source: Moroccan Oil

EBU Reference Group Chair Reflects on Eurovision 2024

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Bakel Walden, the Chair of the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, recently shared his insights into the happenings of Eurovision 2024.

This year’s contest, held in Malmö, Sweden, was not just about music. Despite Switzerland‘s victory with Nemo‘s groundbreaking win for “The Code“, Eurovision encountered various controversies, including Joost Klein‘s disqualification and debates over Israel‘s involvement.

Walden, leading the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, oversees a vital committee responsible for shaping the Eurovision Song Contest’s direction. This committee approves contest formats, secures funding, and supervises host broadcasters’ preparations.

In an interview with Swiss news outlet 20 minuten, Walden, also a member of SRG’s Board of Directors, shared his thoughts on this year’s Eurovision. He will play a role in Eurovision 2025 as it returns to Switzerland.

Reflecting on Eurovision 2024, Walden acknowledged its challenges:

“As my first year as chairman, I lack a broad comparison. Yet, many experienced individuals deemed this ESC historically difficult, a sentiment I share after recent weeks and days.”

Despite difficulties, Walden highlighted the contest’s positive impact, noting the shows’ ability to “enthral millions”:

“The preparation was intense, with many highlights and significant pressure. However, the overwhelming joy and gratitude from this year’s ESC, captivating millions, stand out.”

During the winner’s press conference, Walden bestowed upon Nemo and Switzerland the opportunity to host Eurovision 2025. This task typically falls to the Executive Supervisor, Martin Österdahl, who was absent.

Addressing controversy around Nemo’s display of a non-binary flag, Walden affirmed Nemo’s adherence to Eurovision’s guidelines:

“The non-binary flag, alongside participating countries’ flags and the rainbow flag, is permissible. Regrettably, there were some onsite implementation errors. Nevertheless, Nemo acted correctly.”

Responding to Nemo’s assertion that Eurovision “needs a little bit of fixing,” Walden acknowledged room for improvement:

“In our analysis, we must not only focus on Malmö’s positive experiences but also recognize the need for improvement.”

Regarding Joost Klein’s disqualification, Walden supported the EBU’s decision:

“Regrettably, we faced an additional crisis. However, the decision to disqualify Joost Klein was correct. Unacceptable behavior towards a production employee necessitated action.”

Looking ahead to Eurovision 2025, Walden expressed ongoing involvement in the contest’s production and preparations:

“Preparations for Eurovision 2025 are already underway, with many discussions ongoing. Our supervisory board will convene again shortly.”

Walden anticipates the announcement of Eurovision 2025’s host city during the summer, emphasizing the importance of a fair and well-prepared approach.

Eurovision 2025 marks Walden’s second engagement with the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group.

Source: 20 minuten

Sanremo 2025: Carlo Conti Announced as Host and Artistic Director

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The eagerly awaited announcement has finally arrived: Carlo Conti will be the host and artistic director of Sanremo 2025 and 2026. This decision follows the five successful editions led by Amadeus.

The announcement was made during the Tg1 broadcast at 8 AM on Wednesday, May 22. Carlo Conti, who has signed a two-year contract, will be returning for his fourth and fifth editions after previously hosting three consecutive editions from 2015 to 2017.

Here are Carlo Conti’s first statements:

“I Conti tornano! After seven years, I will try to build on the work done by Baglioni and Amadeus. The first person to message me was Fiorello. I am grateful for all the affection from the people at Rai. Hosting Sanremo for the next two years, 2025 and 2026, will be a wonderful way to celebrate my 40 years at Rai. From today, I will start thinking about the regulations, then I will begin listening to the songs and start planning the team on stage. I don’t think Pieraccioni and Panariello will be regulars, as I always try to mix up the guests.”

The official Rai statement reads:

“A unanimous decision by the company’s top executives, CEO Roberto Sergio and General Director Giampaolo Rossi in agreement with Prime Time Entertainment Director Marcello Ciannamea. For the next two years, Conti will steer the most important national multimedia event organized by Rai and the Municipality of Sanremo. For Conti, this is not just a return to the Festival but a new challenge aimed at continuing to promote and highlight new trends, as he did in his successful editions from 2015 to 2017, which launched artists who are now key figures in Italian music. The Artistic Director is already at work planning a Festival full of surprises and novelties.”

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates on Sanremo and Eurovision!

Spain: Submission window for Benidorm Fest 2025 opens today!

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Already, since the Eurovision week, RTVE the Spanish public broadcaster, confirmed its presence in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, while on the same time they announced the next Benidorm Fest, through which, the country’s representative will be selected! Read more

Eurovision 2025: Fribourg will check hosting bid!

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Fribourg could join the list of candidate cities to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

The preliminary examination has just started as confirmed by the CEO of HC Fribourg-Gottéronw, a renowned ice hockey club in Fribourg, John Gobbi.  At the moment there is no formal host bid.  However, the discussions are going on and the city is debating whether or not Fribourg may host Eurovision in 2025.

If Fribourg decides to bid, the most likely scenario is that they offer the BCF Arena, home of the HC Fribourg-Gottéron team to host the event which could hold up to 9,000 spectators which is below the requirements to host the event.  However, one of the problems to be selected is the size of the arena and potential clashes with ice hockey matches.

We are also analysing if the ice rink could meet the size requirements. It is certainly big but there are bigger arenas in Switzerland.

Furthermore, the local government of Fribourg has confirmed its intent to examine whether they are able to place a bid.  Before making that move they will assess if they can meet the accommodation and arena requirements.

Four Swizz cities have already confirmed their intent to become the host city of Eurovision 2025. They are:

  • Basel
  • Geneva
  • St. Gallen
  • Zurich

Source: Frapp

Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for more news about the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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Kosovo planning to apply for Eurovision 2025

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Kosovo cannot participate in the Eurovision Song Contest as it is not a member of the United Nations and even some Eurovision participant countries still do not recognize Kosovo’s independence including Spain and Serbia.

However, public broadcaster RTK is planning a path to participate in Eurovision as early as 2025.  Kosovo has reiterated its wish to participate next year in Switzerland.

Firstly, RTK needs to become an EBU member to get the right to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest.  If Kosovo were to pass this first obstacle, Festivali i Këngës në RTK would most likely be the national selection for Kosovo.  The music festival will celebrate their second edition under the direction of Adrian Krasta.

According to RTK’s most recent statement

The board of directors and management of RTK have continuously worked on this issue, and it has been possible to secure support from many countries.

Nevertheless, they recognize that some countries still do not recognize Kosovo which would be unwilling to let the country participate.

Kosovo will need to become a member of the European Broadcaster Union.  To get admitted, it must join the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) or the Council of Europe.  Kosovo has not yet met these requirements because of its partial international recognition.

La Fazani won the first edition of Festivali i Këngës në RTK with his song “Oj Kosovë”.  In his song, he references the Eurovision Song Contest in one line in which he mentions that because of the current situation he could not represent his country at the European festival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOgcsrU2KE8&ab_channel=RTK

Would you like to see Kosovo participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025?

Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for more news about the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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Eurovision 2025: Bern encouraged to host by Biel and the Canton of Bern!

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Preparations for Eurovision 2025 are already underway in Switzerland, and of course, the first phase is finding the right city to host the Contest. Read more

Iceland: Will Söngvakeppninn be changed for Eurovision 2025!

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After the Icelandic delegation returned from Malmö, Rúnar Freyr, the Head of Delegation, talked about their disappointing result in Sweden, and their future plans. Read more