Eurovision 2024: The schedule of the third day of rehearsals (Monday 29 April)!

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , /by

Malmö Arena opened its gates on Saturday for the rehearsals of the 37 participating countries of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, and the action continues today with the first eight countries of the second semi-final taking to the stage for the first time.

With no major changes expected this year, the rehearsals for Eurovision 2024 are expected to take place in the upcoming week. Rehearsals are divided into two phases, the first which will run for four days from today until Tuesday 30/04 and will include the initial first rehearsals of all countries taking part in the two semi-finals of the contest and the second which will run from Wednesday 01/05 until Saturday 04/05 and will include the second rehearsals of the countries in the two semi-finals as well as both rehearsals of the countries competing directly in the Final, namely the Big 5 and the host Sweden.

Last year’s changes in the way the rehearsals are covered are maintained this year, as the Press Centre opens on the Monday after the first and second rehearsals.

As a consequence, the information we will have for the first week of the contest will come exclusively from the material provided by the EBU to accredited journalists, as well as through the Live Blogs on Reddit and the short videos on TikTok.

Today’s Schedule

Eight countries are set to take to the stage at Malmö Arena for their first rehearsal, with Malta and Sarah Bonnici “kicking off” on Saturday morning. The detailed schedule for the second day of rehearsals of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest is as follows (Mentioned in CET/Swedish Time):

 

Follow us on all social media, so you don’t miss a moment of what’s happening around the Eurovision Song Contest:

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments!

Bets: The latest odds before the rehearsals!

/1 Comment/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

We are two days away from the start of the rehearsals in Malmö and that’s why one of Eurovisionfun‘s most loved and talked about columns is back, with the Eurovision 2024 betting analysis back again.

As you prepare for the pivotal days ahead with the climax of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest celebrations, the bookers are already getting down to business, with the Eurovision 2024 winner section already on offer across all bookmakers. So, we’re taking the opportunity to bring you the so far for the next contest.

The five that became four

A battle for four seems to be shaping up in this year’s contest, with Switzerland, Croatia, the Netherlands and Italy having a distinct lead over their pursuers and Ukraine ‘losing ground’ recently after the parties.

More specifically, at the top, now having a clear lead over its competitors, is Switzerland. With two 24 hours to go until the start of rehearsals in the Swedish south, Nemo‘s “The Code” starts from pole-position to win Switzerland‘s coveted third victory in its almost 70-year presence in the Eurovision Song Contest. Switzerland‘s victory is now being bet at odds of between 2.63 and 3.1, becoming the first to break the triple barrier this year.

In second place remains Croatia, who have been firmly established in the top two of the betting tables for the past two months, with their odds remaining largely stable after this year’s pre-parties. Baby Lasagna and “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” will go all the way for a maiden Croatian victory, with bookers offering odds of between 3.25 and 4.6.

The absolute hit on Western and Central European radios, the Netherlands, continues its rally up the betting tables. Joost Klein‘s “Europapa” has made an impression and is sweeping the charts and streams across much of the Old Continent, now bringing the Netherlands into fourth place. We told you long ago through this column about the dynamics of this entry, which was one of the dark horses of this year’s contest. Now in third place and offered at odds of between 4.25 and 5.5, it is anything but a dark horse, with betting companies recognising its potential and moving it up two places.

Fourth, with a slightly downward trend, but within a fairly close distance of the three leading countries, is Italy. Angelina Mango with “La Noia” may have lost one place compared to our last analysis, nevertheless the chances of a second Italian victory in this decade are highly respected. Between 5.75 and 7.5 is offered for Italian victory for those who believe in Angelina Mango‘s potential.

The top five is now completed by Ukraine, who have lost the momentum they had at the beginning of this year’s Eurovision season when they were considered the early favourites to win in Malmö. With the gap between the four leading countries having widened, bookers are offering Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil’s victory at the highest odds we have seen offered during this year’s Eurovision season. Ukraine‘s fourth win in the Eurovision Song Contest is currently being bet at odds of between 8.5 and 17.

Top 10

With the countries in the Top 5 having stood out in comparison to those below them in the betting tables, let’s take a look at the rest of the top ten. In sixth place, France has quietly risen to sixth, and has consistently remained in or on the fringes of the top ten for most of this Eurovision season. Up to 21 times the stakes are returned by “Mon Amour” and Slimane, with France gaining one place in the last few days.

Among the gainers in recent weeks is Israel, which has moved up to seventh place. Eden Golan and “Hurricane” have gained four places in the last period, steadily gaining momentum as evidenced by the reactions she is garnering on social media on the official Eurovision account. Israel’s victory is offered at odds between 21 and 36.

Greece is still in eighth place. The “tailwind” after the release of Marina Satti‘s “ZARI” brought our country inside the Top 10, with Greece now stabilizing within it and having a safety margin over its pursuers.

Marina Satti‘s win is currently being played at odds between 21 and 41, slightly higher compared to our last analysis, with bookers, however, giving a vote of confidence to the Greek entry.

The big winner in recent weeks has clearly been Ireland, who have now moved up to ninth place, being five places higher compared to our last analysis. Up to 51 times the stake is returned on Ireland’s win with Bambie Thug‘s “Doomsday Blue“.

Rounding out the top ten is Belgium, who have been the disappointment so far this Eurovision season. Mustii‘s pre-party performances with his mildly unacceptable rendition of “Before the Party’s Over” has brought Belgium into tenth place, showing a drop of four places compared to our last analysis. Belgium’s victory is currently being bet on odds between 26 and 67.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGDvM14Kwg

Will Switzerland achieve its third victory in the Eurovision Song Contest with Nemo’s “The Code”? Tell us in the comments!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments!

Greece: Marina Satti’s performance in Malmö – in detail!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

With less than a week from Greece’s first technical rehearsal in Malmö Arena, some very important information on Marina Satti’s stage performance was revealed on Greek Television.

In detail, Yiannis Poulopoulos on “Super Katerina” confirmed that Greece’s stage performance will be filmed in a single-shot. Throughout the song, a camera will follow Marina Satti and the dancers. However, in the last part of “Zari” more distant shots will be used depicting the stage and the Malmö Arena audience, who is expected to respond enthusiastically to “Zari“.

Moreover, we will see Marina Satti on the background too, along with some lyrics of “Zari“. The graphics are designed by NMR.

When it comes to the choreography, a part of it will remain the same as we have seen in the music video. However and obviously in the song’s bridge, we will see a traditional Greek circular dance, so the Greek element will still be present in the performance. Ηandkerchiefs will also be used.

No props shall be expected

We come to inform you that, contrary to what many may anticipate, there won’t be fires, fireworks, etc., as the Greek delegation aims to impress us with the full three minutes rather than just a cool shot. Also, Fokas Evangelinos has not prepared something “special” equal to what he has done in the past.

We would like to remind you that Mecnun Giasar is the choreographer and Fokas Evangelinos is the artistic director of this year’s Greek entry.

ERT along with the artistic team that has taken over are all satisfied with the final result and Marina Satti is ready for her first technical rehearsal on Monday 29/04.

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss a moment of what will be happening in Malmö:

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news! 

Greece: Helena Paparizou revealed as the spokesperson for Eurovision 2024!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

It is now official. Following rumors claiming that Helena Paparizou will be the one handing out the votes of the Greek jury in Eurovision 2024, ERT has now officially confirmed it via a press release.

In a year that marks the 50th anniversary of Greece’s first participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, the internationally renowned performer—the only one who achieved a first place finish for Greece at Eurovision in 2005, in Kiev, Ukraine, with the song “My number one”—will announce the 12 points of the Greek Jury on the night of the Final, Saturday, May 11, 2024.

It will not be Helena’s first time as a spokesperson, having previously taken over in 2015, on the tenth anniversary of her win in Kiev.

Marina Satti will represent Greece in Eurovision 2024 with her entry “Zari” and will perform third in the second semi-final on May 9.

Source: ERT

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss a moment of what will be happening in Malmö:

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news! 

EBU for what is revealed in the Cypriot Ambassador’s document: “We condemn any attempt to manipulate the vote”!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The EBU gave an answer to the issue that arose in the previous days with the official document of the Cypriot Ambassador about his meeting with the President of ERT, during which, according to the former, Mr. Zoulas announced the low score of Cyprus in the upcoming song contest Eurovision. According to what was published by the newspaper Ta Nea, which is published today, Monday 22/4, the EBU reacted to all these developments, publicly condemning any attempt to manipulate the scores of either the critical committees or the televoting.

The voting voting rules for the Eurovision Song Contest, which are known to all participating broadcasters, describe that the juries must vote independently and in a completely fair and objective manner. We condemn any attempt to manipulate either the public or the jury vote in the Eurovision Song Contest. All voting procedures are checked by an independent observer to ensure that we provide a fair and valid result throughout the competition.

EBU

The issue is again hosted on the front page of the newspaper:

The EBU document was also made public through Alpha’s show, Super Katerina.

In today’s article in Ta Nea, it is stated that there is particular concern in the EBU for the question marks that have been created, as well as that the answer given by the President of ERT did not particularly reassure the European decision-makers. We will, of course, monitor the matter and inform you of any new developments.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Listen to Marina Satti singing “Stis Naousas to Kastro” in “A Little Bit More”!

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Just like last year, some time before the first rehearsals of the countries, the show called “A Little Bit More” aired on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.

So, for all this time before the rehearsals, Eurovision TV will upload different performances of the artists, like different versions of their songs, or covers of songs from other artists.

This time, you can listen to Greece’s representative Marina Satti, performing the song “Stis Naousas to Kastro (At the Castle of Naousa)” by Eleni Tsaligopoulou, in a reworked version by Eleonora Zacharia:

You can also watch the Eurovisionfun team reacting and commenting to the Greek entry in Eurovision 2024:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Greek participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, in Malmö! 

OGAE Poll 2024: The results from Greece and the United Kingdom!

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Every year since 2007, OGAE International conducts the OGAE Poll, which includes the votes of its members from 42 different countries. After sixteen countries have voted, it is now Greece’s and the United Kingdom’s turn to cast their votes.

In detail, the 151 members of OGAE Greece voted as following:

  • 12 points to Belgium
  • 10 points to Croatia
  • 8 points to France
  • 7 points to Italy
  • 6 points to Switzerland
  • 5 points to Austria
  • 4 points to the Netherlands
  • 3 points to Ukraine
  • 2 points to the United Kingdom
  • 1 point to Sweden

Respectively, the 1294 members of OGAE United Kingdom voted as following:

  • 12 points to Croatia
  • 10 points to Switzerland
  • 8 points to Italy
  • 7 points to the Netherlands
  • 6 points to Austria
  • 5 points to Belgium
  • 4 points to Spain
  • 3 points to Lithuania
  • 2 points to Sweden
  • 1 point to Ukraine

The results following the votes of eighteen member clubs are the following:

Croatia is still first with a few points ahead of Italy and Switzerland completing the top 3.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, in Malmö!

Greece: Stage director Fokas Evangelinos talks about Marina Satti’s Eurovision performance!

/1 Comment/in , , /by

The artistic director of Greece‘s Eurovision 2024 entry, Fokas Evangelinos, discussed his role in this year’s project and his collaboration with Marina Satti on the ERT show “Studio 4”. Once again, the choreographer showed off his excitement as he shared details about the stage performance.

First, regarding his collaboration with Marina Satti, he stated the following:

Marina has a divine voice and the stage is her home. I believe in her.

I feel the same vibe I felt with Helena Paparizou.

He then stressed that, although he is optimistic about the position of the Greek entry in this year’s contest, he considered that the final ranking did not matter much. He considers it important that Greece is represented by a different and special song

He went on to emphasise that, despite his optimism over the Greek entry’s position in this year’s competition, he does not think that the final placement matters. He thinks that what is truly important is that Greece is represented by a unique song.

We’ll finish in a good position, maybe the first one, but I don’t know. When you go into a competition, you go in to win.

But the placement doesn’t matter because the song is something new. I would like to congratulate ERT and MINOS on this choice. The song is unusual, it has different layers, it changes all the time.

Lastly, he referred to the stage performance of the Greek entry, stating that no dice props will be used.

I don’t know if there’s going to be a story that the audience can follow. The whole show’s gonna come out of Marina.

There’s not gonna be a dice prop on stage.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ΕΡΤ (@ertofficial)

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the Eurovision 2024 developments!

Source: @ertofficial / Instagram 

Eurovision 2024: More “flexibility” for the producers to determine the Grand Final running order!

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest introduces a significant change in how the Grand Final running order is determined. Artists now have more options, with a new category introduced to give producers greater flexibility in shaping the lineup.

In March, it was announced that Malmö would see some major changes to enhance the Eurovision Song Contest‘s excitement. Following the revelation that the “Big 5” would perform their songs in full during the Semi-Finals and that fans could start voting as soon as the first artist hits the stage in the Grand Final, another significant change has emerged!

In recent years, qualifying countries from the Semi-Finals and the Big 5 have randomly selected which half of the Grand Final they will perform in. Subsequently, the show’s producers decided where within the First Half (songs 1 to 13) or Second Half (songs 14 to 26) of the Grand Final those acts would perform.

This year, a new category called “Producer’s Choice” will be introduced.

Host broadcaster SVT revealed that 25 of the 26 artists in the Grand Final (Sweden already has position 1) will have the option to choose First Half, Second Half, or Producer’s Choice through a random draw.

If an artist selects Producer’s Choice, the show producers will have the discretion to place that song anywhere in either the First or Second Half of the running order.

This change means there will be 6 slots available to pick in the First Half of the running order, 6 slots in the Second Half, and 13 Producer’s Choice slots.

The purpose of this change is to provide producers with more opportunities to ensure all songs in the Grand Final stand out and to create the most dynamic running order possible.

Christer Björkman, this year’s Contest Producer, elaborated on the rationale behind the change:

“It’s all about creating the best TV show possible and giving all artists a chance to shine. Adding the flexibility of Producer’s Choice allows me to create an even better flow of different tempos and an even more thrilling Grand Final.”

The Big 5 will select either First Half, Second Half, or Producer’s Choice after their second Rehearsal on Saturday, May 4, live during a Reddit AMA. Then, each of the 10 qualifiers from the First Semi-Final on Tuesday, May 7, will draw one of those three options live on the Official Eurovision Song Contest TikTok channel immediately after the show.

The 10 qualifying artists from the Second Semi-Final will draw from the remaining options live on TikTok after the show ends on Thursday, May 9.

Once all 25 options are chosen, producers will compile the running order for the Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in the early hours of Friday, May 10. It will then be revealed on the Contest’s website and social media channels.

The last time such a change to the running order was made was also in Malmö, in 2013.

Before 2013, the running order of the Grand Final was determined via a random draw. However, in 2013, host broadcaster SVT initiated a change to create a more entertaining evening of television for viewers. This format has remained in place every year since, with the introduction of the Producer’s Choice element in 2024 being the first major change in over a decade.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments!

Source: Eurovision.tv

Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (RIK): “It is a violation of the regulations what the media reports” | “It is known to the EBU!”

/0 Comments/in , , /by

In a recent segment on RIK1, the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (RIK) addressed the allegations raised by the media and clarified its stance on the matter. Andreas Anastasiou, the head of press for the Cypriot delegation, asserted that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is now aware of the situation and emphasized that any such claims constitute a violation of the competition’s regulations.

Anastasiou elaborated on the voting process of the jury committee and addressed concerns regarding statements attributed to the President of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT). He stressed that if the reports are accurate, they represent a breach of the rules governing the Eurovision Song Contest.

Highlighting the longstanding relationship between ERT and CyBC, Anastasiou underscored that these allegations may necessitate changes in their dynamic. He reiterated that the EBU has been informed of the situation.

The relations between ERT and CyBC are long-standing and not personalised. If the reports are true, you can understand that some things will change. They are known to the EBU.

Concluding his remarks, Anastasiou extended well wishes to Marina Satti and Greece, making it clear that he was speaking on behalf of CyBC (RIK).

With the matter now brought to the attention of the EBU and considering Anastasiou’s statements, it appears that RIK awaits further developments from the organizing authority. This incident underscores the need for resolution between ERT and RIK, a matter that the EBU will likely need to address once again.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates on this developing situation!