Sweden: Around 1000 artists want Israel banned from Eurovision!

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Around 1,000 Swedish artists are demanding that Israel be banned from the Eurovision Song Contest, according to a petition that Expressen has taken part of. The document, which is currently being prepared to be handed over to the EBU writes:

“Put down the double standards, exclude Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest. For more than 100 days, we have witnessed the Israeli army committing what leading human rights organizations describe as grave war crimes.”

Among the artists who seem to have signed are musicians well-known in Sweden such as Alba August, Hoffmaestro, Jonathan Johansson, Malena Ernman, Markus Krunegård and Titiyo.

The EBU has previously excluded Russia and Belarus

The European Broadcasting Union announced in connection with Iceland‘s and Finland‘s appeal that Israel will not be excluded. Their position is that the Eurovision Song Contest is a contest between public service broadcasters rather than states.

However, the EBU has previously excluded countries from competing. In 2022, Russia was excluded due to the war against Ukraine. In 2021, Belarus was not allowed to participate in the competition after the EBU expelled the Belarusian public broadcaster BTRC for violating the EBU‘s press freedom rules.

There have been calls to ban Israel from Eurovision 2024, like outside NRK right before the first and second semi-finals of MGP. In Iceland, more than 500 artists signed a petition asking RÚV to withdraw from the contest, while Silvia Night signed an open letter to the EBU asking to ban Israel. In Finland, 1300 artists signed a petition asking for Israel to be removed. The British representative Olly Alexander has also shared in public his opinion against Israel. Also just recently Montaigne signed an open letter to the EBU asking the ban of Israel from the contest and Ben Dolic joined her by doing the same.

Source: Expressen
Photo: Jessica Gow / TT News Agency

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Norway: Artists ask for Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision 2024!

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Almost 300 Norwegian artists have signed a petition against Israel’s participation in Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö. “We want NRK to take more responsibility”, says Marthe Valle, one of the singers included in the petition.

Ane Brun, Aurora and the group Karpe are some of those  who have signed. In total there are 293 artists that have signed the petition. Some familiar names that have competed in MGP can be found in the list, like Ulrikke Brandstorp, Maria Haukaas Mittet, Jørn Hoel and Åge Aleksandersen as well.

Aleksandersen took part in MGP 1980, in what is considered the best MGP final in history. He says that it was a matter of course for him to sign this petition:

“It means so much to me. I have made songs that address this issue. And I think what is happening is so ugly, and it hurts me and many others. Therefore, it was right for me to contribute with my voice.”

The petition states that Israel’s violation of intenational law, is now normalized because there are no concequences:

“For now, the EBU says that it will not ban Israel from this year’s final, as it did with Russia after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This is selective morality and politics from a union that claims to be apolitical.”

Singers Marthe Valle and Μarte Wulff are the initiators of this petition, and they say they want NRK to take responsibility and put some pressure to the EBU:

“We wish we didn’t have to do this. We wish NRK took responsibility. But then the point of this appeal is to show that there are many voices who now say that Israel cannot be a participant in Eurovision. All the time we are selective about when we should promote morality and politics, and when we choose to overlook it. We cannot pretend that this should be an arena for dialogue and solidarity, when Israel kills several hundred children a day.”

In this list you can see the names of all the artists that have signed the petition.
NRK MGP Demonstration against Israel

NRK MGP Demonstration against Israel

Despite this whole situation in Norway, NRK, the country’s public broadcaster, has announced that they are not going to boycott Israel’s participation in Eurovision this year.

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

Source: nrk.no

Israel: The results of the 19th episode of HaKokhav Haba | Only six artists left!

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Yesterday 25/1, the 19th episode of HaKokhav Haba (special edition), the talent show through which the artist who will raise the flag of Israel at Eurovision 2024 will be announced!

As we have already informed you, 35 artists passed the scope of the auditions, with 14 of them going to the second phase – the battles phase, and they will claim the representation of the country in Eurovision 2024!

In the 19th episode we watched duets of the candidates with well-known Israeli artists, with six contestants advancing to the next stage and one leaving the show. We remind you that the presenters of HaKokhav Haba are Assi Azar and Rotem Sela who have been in this position since 2014, while the members of the jury are Shiri Maimon, Itay Levy, Assaf Amdorsky, Ran Dankar and Keren Pels with a new addition being Eden Hasson.

Seven contestants then appeared in front of an audience and a panel of judges, with the one with the lowest score leaving the show.

Or Cohen

Opening the night is Or Cohen, who continues to show great confidence on stage. Despite relatively mediocre comments from the judges, everyone votes for her. Or Cohen receives 94% and advances to the next phase.

Mika Moshe

Mika joins in with a duet with Netta. The voices of both match very well and this of course does not go unnoticed by the judges. All but one judge votes for her. With 86% she advances to the next phase.

Dor Shimoni

Dor insists on his familiar Mediterranean style and this is commented negatively by the judges, who would like him to try other styles, like the other contestants. With 79%, however, he advances to the next phase.

Eden Golan

Eden performs a Beatles song and proves that she can sing anything. The comments are once again demeaning to Eden. With 92% it proves that it is one of the big favorites for the victory.

Shay Tamino

Shay’s performance divided the judges, with some saying it was her best on the show and two judges not liking it, voting her off. Finally with 72% it will be in the next episode as well.

Leanne Byrne

Leanne’s choice of song and performance did not convince most of the panel. In the end, with 56%, she will manage to qualify for the next phase.

Arik Sinai

Although Arik received generally positive reviews, he did not convince the audience and the jury with his performance. With 51% he was the one who was eliminated from the continuation of the show.

The six artists who are still in the running to represent Israel at Eurovision 2024 are:

Leanne Byrne
Eden Golan
Shay Tamino
Or Cohen
Mika Moshe
Dor Shimoni

Through HaKokhav HaBa, Israel managed to advance to the final of our favorite competition every year from 2015 to 2020, while in 2018 Netta was also the winner of Eurovision with the song “Toy”.

This year Israel at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool was represented by the explosive Noa Kirel and the song “Unicorn” who gave the Middle Eastern country the third place in the Grand Final by collecting 362 points.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3mIcCllJXY

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Israel: On February 6, the choice of representative for Eurovision 2024!

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In an announcement, Israel’s public television reports today that the HaKokhav Haba final will be held on February 6, where the Israeli representative for Eurovision 2024 will be chosen.

Four contestants will compete in the grand finale of HaKokhav Haba for the ticket to Malmo, Sweden. The winner will be chosen by the viewers and judges.

KAN has already made a call to a wide range of Israeli creators to submit the song with which the winner of HaKokhav Haba will represent the country at Eurovision 2024. A necessary condition for those who submit a song this year is that it also contains Jewish lyrics.

At least 30 creators will nominate their songs for the winner of HaKokhav Haba, who will also be able to nominate a song. All creators must have Israeli citizenship, while foreign creators are not allowed to participate. Each creator can submit up to two songs, until February 11th.

The song selection committee will consist of seven members and will choose based on professional criteria such as: the quality and originality of the lyrics and melody, the suitability of the song for the artist, the suitability of the song for the Eurovision contest, the chances success of the song in the Eurovision contest, suitability for representing the company as a public broadcaster, the general impression left by the song and other relevant criteria.

The proposed songs will be presented to the committee anonymously, without revealing the identity of the creators of the songs to the committee members. Composers participating in Israel’s song selection process will not be able to participate as composers in another country for Eurovision 2024.

According to the regulations, if the committee does not find a suitable song, it can publish a call to the general public for additional songs, or choose a song that has been published after September 1, or choose a song from other songs submitted for Israel’s participation at Eurovision, between 2021-2023.

The winning song will be edited, recorded and produced a clip, in preparation for the program to reveal the song, as well as for its submission to Eurovision. The song will be announced in a special show in late February or early March!

At the moment there are seven artists left in the running to represent Israel at Eurovision 2024:

Leanne Byrne
Eden Golan
Arik Sinai
Shay Tamino
Or Cohen
Mika Moshe
Dor Shimoni

One of the above will be the HaKokhav Haba winner and the one who will get the ticket to the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.

Last year Israel at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool was represented by the explosive Noa Kirel and the song “Unicorn” who gave the Middle Eastern country the third place in the Grand Final, collecting 362 points.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all developments regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024, in Malmö!

Source: Euromix

Denmark: To boycott Israel or not?

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This morning, during the press conference revealing the eight hopefuls to represent Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, there were demonstrators with flags of Palestine demanding a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The call from the protesters was clear. Both DR and the Danish Melodi Grand Prix winner must refuse to go to the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö in May, if the organizers maintain that Israel must participate in the competition.

For several of the participants, that call was a difficult amount to deal with.

The singer Stella would not answer whether she had decided whether she was ready to drop Eurovision if she won the Danish song contest.

– I think that it is a very unfortunate situation that we are in, but it is not something that I have an opinion on. Unfortunately.

– Have you thought about it?

– Yes, but it is not something I have a comment on, she said to Ekstra Bladet.

Faroese Janus Wiberg also did not want to deal with the inflamed question.

– It is not something I want to comment on. I don’t want to do that. Someone other than me has to take care of that.

Chu Chu said that she has not thought about the problem at all.

– But you may have to if you win.

– Yes, and I think no matter what, I would go to Sweden and celebrate the music without having any political opinion.

– So it is apolitical to go to Eurovision?

– For me it is, said Chu Chu.

Many of Basim‘s competitors were tight-lipped when it came to Israel, but the 31-year-old singer-songwriter didn’t mind talking about the war in the Middle East.

– It’s very human to talk about this. The whole situation down there affects me a lot. I have followed what is happening. I have seen dead children on video. I have seen dead, innocent people and it has touched me deeply and it has torn open my own wounds, he said.

However, he is not going to insist that Israel be excluded from Eurovision:

– I don’t think we stop hate with hate. I believe that we stop hate and injustice with love. The thing about excluding someone, it never helped anything. You don’t become a better child by being thrown out the door. So my position is that we will have to meet each other in love and justice and be humane to each other.

Aura Dione, RoseeLu and the group Ublu agreed that the situation in the Middle East is heartbreaking and something that touches them deeply.

But none of them could give a clear answer as to whether Israel’s participation in Eurovision will have any significance for them if they win and have to represent Denmark in May.

– I just have to think about it a bit, because it’s a big question that goes beyond what Eurovision is about. I would like to answer, but it requires some thought, Aura Dione replied.

– It is difficult to answer in a simple way. After all, I am not directly nominated for Eurovision. Right now I’m in Melodi Grand Prix. But if you ask me later, I’d like to tell you how I feel at that time, RoseeLu said.

– It’s something we’ve talked about a lot in the band, and we’re hugely affected by what’s happening to the Palestinians right now. So we are also going to talk to DR and the other participants about finding a good solution to that, said the lead singer of Ublu, Andreas Darger.

Denmark’s public broadcaster is hosting DMGP 2024 on Saturday, February 17 in DR Koncerthuset in Copenhagen, with eight artists competing.

The hosts of Dansk Melodi Grand Prix are Stéphanie Surrugue and Sara Bro.

Until we learn who is going to represent Denmark in Eurovision 2024, let’s remember their song for last year’s contest. Reiley was the winner of Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2023 with the song “Breaking my Heart” ending up in 14th place of the second semi-final:

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

source: Ekstrabladet

Eurovision 2024: Intense Battle at the Top and changes in the Top 5 & Top 10!

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As we approach the semi-final draw of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, one of Eurovisionfun‘s favorite and most-discussed columns makes its return. The betting analyses for Eurovision 2024 are back, offering insights into the current landscape as we head towards the highly anticipated event in May.

Hot Competition at the Top

The battle for the top spot in the betting odds continues, with Ukraine maintaining its position as the favorite ten days before the Vidbir 2024 grand final. Compared to our analysis three weeks ago, Ukraine‘s odds have slightly declined, attributed to the popularity of Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil, considered strong contenders for representing Eastern Europe. The odds for Ukraine‘s victory in Malmo range between 5.7 and 7.

The United Kingdom holds its ground in the second position. Similar to Ukraine, the UK‘s odds have decreased, ranging from 6.5 to 8. The selection of Olly Alexander and the expectations surrounding the BBC‘s choice have influenced these odds.

Shuffling in the Top 5

Italy has risen to the third position in the betting odds. Just days before the Sanremo Festival, Italy‘s victory in Malmo is a topic of discussion, with betting odds reaching up to 11 times the initial wager. The country’s strong recent track record, coupled with the impressive Sanremo lineup, has boosted confidence in Italy’s chances.

Sweden now holds the fourth position, aiming for its historic eighth victory on home soil. In-house victory for Sweden is offered at odds ranging from 8 to 13.

Israel rounds off the top 5, facing a decline in odds due to geopolitical realities and the conflict in Gaza. Despite this, Israel‘s odds for victory are around 15.

Top 10

Lithuania steadily climbs to the sixth position, with Silvester Belt‘s “Luktelk” and VB Gang‘s “KABOOM!!!” gaining attention. Odds for Lithuania’s potential first-ever victory in Malmo range from 7 to 17.5.

Norway drops to seventh place, with odds around 15-17. The Melodi Grand Prix 2024, concluding next Saturday, is eagerly awaited by Eurofans.

Greece moves up one spot to eighth, showing resilience after a disappointing presence in Liverpool. Marina Satti‘s name and the direct assignment to a prominent figure in the Greek music scene restored bookers’ confidence on the Mediterranean country. Greece remains in the Top 10 throughout 2024, with odds between 13 and 21.

Switzerland takes the ninth spot, benefitting from the decision not to send a male ballad this year. Memories of Luca Hänni‘s success in 2019 play a role, with odds offered being around 13 and 21, as well as Greece.

Finland completes the top 10, with Sara Siipola and “Paskana” gaining attention. Odds for Finland’s potential victory range from 17 to 22.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE2Fj0W4jP4

As the Eurovision 2024 excitement builds, the betting landscape is dynamic, with shifting odds and intense competition among the favorites. Will the bookmakers’ predictions hold true, or will a surprise winner emerge? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Iceland: The country’s participation in Malmö is uncertain!

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Just a few days before the reveal of Söngvakeppnin’s 2024, Iceland’s national selection for Eurovision 2024, entries, it appears that the nation’s participation in Malmö is not certain yet.

This uncertainty stems from Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024, despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza. After receiving backlash and protests, RÚV has decided to reconsider the country’s participation in Malmö and take the final decision on a later stage and under some circumstances.

How will the decision be made?

Taking into consideration the political implications of the upcoming Eurovision and the pressure on broadcasters and participants regarding Israel’s participation, RÚV has decided that the winner of Söngvakeppnin 2024 will be consulted before making a final decision regarding its participation in Eurovision 2024. This implies that Söngvakeppnin 2024 will take place as expected.

According to Rúnar Freyr Gíslason, Söngvakeppnin’s 2024 manager:

Deciding with RÚV’s participation in Eurovision after Söngvakeppnin ends is completely new. The contestants who have been selected for the competition, and will be revealed on Saturday, were able to accept this result. Criticism of participation in Eurovision certainly does not go unnoticed by them.

As the Söngvakeppnin’s 2024 Final is scheduled for March 2, RÚV’s final decision is expected around mid-March.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzlTcA0OC5s&themeRefresh=1

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: RÚV

Israel: Everything that happened in the eighteenth HaKokhav Haba episode! | Seven artists are still in the race!

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The eighteenth episode of HaKokhav Haba (special edition), the talent show through which Israel‘s representative for Eurovision 2024 will be selected, aired on Monday, January 22

Out of the 35 artists who made it beyond the audition stage, 14 advanced to the battle phase, where they compete to represent their country in Eurovision 2024

In episode eighteen, four battles aired and seven more artists went through to the next round. Assi Azar and Rotem Sela, who have been hosting HaKokhav Haba since 2014, are the show’s presenters. The jury is made up of Eden Hasson, Shiri Maimon, Itay Levy, Assaf Amdorsky, Ran Dankar, and Keren Pels.

Therefore, eight competitors then gave performances in front of the judges and audience. Nevertheless, the jury ultimately selected one of the three performers with the lowest score to be eliminated.

Mika Moshe VS Dor Shimoni

Mika opened the show with Diana Golby’s song “Hey Tom,” which she had previously sung at her first audition for the television programme “Music School.” Mika, who is only 16 years old, has a beautiful, captivating voice and delivers a very mature performance. With a 97% score, all judges gave her a favourable vote.

On the other hand, Dor decided to play Shimon Buskila’s song “From the river to the sailors (Ya Mama)”. The song’s style fits Shimon’s age and although though it’s a “classic audition song”, it still manages to impress the majority of the judges, earning an 81% score.

Mika Moshe prevailed in the duel and moves on to the next round.

Leanne Byrne VS Oral Ravid

Leanne decided to perform the song “Out Here On My Own” and dedicate it to everyone who is missing a loved one. Her voice is really unique, and her vocals are spot on. With an 82%, Leanne was unable to persuade every judge.

Oral selected the song “Believe” by Idan Raichel, Pen Chazot, and Dolev Ram. He performs an Israeli tune again, as usual. Without a doubt, he has enormous potential to launch a successful career in Israel. He was given another chance to perform, but this time the judges weren’t convinced, and he only received a 59%.

After winning the duel, Leanne Byrne moves on to the next round.

Eden Golan VS Shay Tamino

Eden sang a rendition of Jessie J’s song “Masterpiece.” She is undoubtedly one of the musicians that offers a fresh and captivating sound in each episode. This girl can definitely do extremely well at Eurovision, even though her previous performances have been better. Eden received 83% of the vote, with all judges voting in favour except one.

Shay Tamino decided to perform Demi Lovato’s song “Warrior.” The song’s inspiration stems from Shay’s decision to withhold certain memories from her early life. With only two judges voting against Shay, she received a final score of 73%.

After winning the duel, Eden Golan moves on to the next round.

Or Cohen VS Arik Sinai

Or Cohen closes the show. He is among the season’s most unexpected competitors, having been regarded as a certain qualifier and even a lock for the victory. With the support of every judge, he received 94% of the vote.

Arik decided to perform Shlomo Artzi’s song “Tagidi.” He has remained in the competition largely due to his “conversational” style. While the public was not delighted with Arik’s singing, the judges all voted in favour, and he received a score of 79%.

Or Cohen prevailed in the duel and moves on to the next round.

Oral Ravid was ultimately chosen by the judges to be eliminated from the show out of the four artists that were defeated in their dueling matches. There are currently just seven contestants left to represent Israel in Eurovision 2024.

The 7 artists still in the running to represent Israel in Eurovision 2024 are:

  1. Leanne Byrne
  2. Eden Golan
  3. Arik Sinai
  4. Shay Tamino
  5. Or Cohen
  6. Mika Moshe
  7. Dor Shimoni

Israel qualified for the finals every year from 2015 to 2020 through HaKokhav HaBa, and Netta won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2018 with the song “Toy”.

Israel was represented last year by Noa Kirel and the song “Unicorn”, which came in third placewith 362 points overall.

Stay tuned on EurovisionFun to stay up to date on all the latest news about the world’s largest music competition!

Source: Euromix

Israel: The results of the seventeenth episode of HaKokhav Haba | Eight artists in the race for Malmo!

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Yesterday, the seventeenth episode of HaKokhav Haba (special edition) was aired! Through this talent show the artist who will raise the flag of Israel at Eurovision 2024 will emerge!

As we have already informed you, 35 artists passed the scope of the auditions, with 14 of them going to the second phase – the battles phase, and they will claim the representation of the country in Eurovision 2024!

In the 17th episode we watched eight artists advancing to the next phase. We remind you that the presenters of HaKokhav Haba are Assi Azar and Rotem Sela who have been in this position since 2014, while the members of the jury are Shiri Maimon, Itay Levy, Assaf Amdorsky, Ran Dankar and Keren Pels with a new addition being Eden Hasson.

Nine contestants performed in front of the juries and the audience, and the artist with the lowest score was the one to leave the show.

Or Cohen

Or Cohen was the one to open the night, with the song “Take Me to Church” by Hozier. Another amazing performanc by Or wjo shows through the whole season that she is acrazy and great singer. She perfromed the song well, a great performance. Most judges gave their positive vote, and she collected 86%.

Shay Tamino

Shay Tamino decided to sing “What do you want from me?” by Hanan Ben Ari. Her voice moved from a whisper to a scream and it was her best performance by far. Only one judge gave a negative vote to her, saying that she should have keeped the original melody of the song. She got 83%.

Dor Shimoni

Dor decided to surprise everyone with the song “Am Yisrael Chai” by Eyal Golan. One of the best singers this season, he has a strong and full voice and confidence. Seeing the public standing up and being enthusiastic about the strong message of the song, was a spectacular moment. Every judge gave his positive vote, and he got 88%.

Mika Moshe

Mika chose to sing the song “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears tonight. At first glance the choice of this song sounds a bit strange because the song is completely different from what Mika presented herself with throughout the season so far, but when the song starts you can tell that she totally took it in her direction. Mika is a good singer, she sings very precisely and in an intriguing way. All judges voted positively and it scored 94%.

Oral Ravid

Oral chose to sing “Absurd” by Shlomo Artzi. Oral always makes sure to sing only “Israeli” songs. He is a charming singer, he has a special and intriguing voice. But as the end of the season approaches and the selection of the Israeli representative for Eurovision, the judges believe that he should also present something to the European audience. With 81% he continues but not all the judges were with him.

Eden Golan

Eden performed the song “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. She is definitely a good and talented singer. The judges were a bit divided on the song choice, but after their outburst that it’s inappropriate to dance and sing happy songs, it’s somewhat justified.

Ran Dankar said:

“I think it’s both a matter of song choice and a matter of taste. Eden is the most suitable for Eurovision. When you think about Eurovision, the size, the presentation, the look, everything you bring to the stage, you are really at a very, very high level.”

All judges gave their positive vote and she got 90%.

Yonathan Biton

Yonatan decided to sing “Fear of God” by Kafir Zafir. His performance was was static but was good overall. He didn’t manage to convince the audience and the judges and he got 62%.

Leanne Byrne

Leanne sang the song “None” by Miri Masika. She has a special voice and she always expresses her songs in a different and convincing way. Leanne wasn’t voted by all judges and she got 68%.

Arik Sinai

Arik sang “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Arik explained that he didn’t feel well and it was reflected in his performance, however he managed to give off the special feeling of the song. The judges were divided and she got 66%.

After all the performances, Yonathan Biton was the one to leave the show, as he collected the lowest score, with 62%. Now eight artists are still in the race to claim the Israeli representation in Eurovision 2024.

These are:

  1. Leanne Byrne
  2. Eden Golan
  3. Arik Sinai
  4. Shay Tamino
  5. Or Cohen
  6. Mika Moshe
  7. Dor Shimoni
  8. Oral Ravid

Through HaKokhav HaBa, Israel managed to qualify every year to the final of our favorite competition from 2015 to 2020, while in 2018 Netta was also the winner of Eurovision with the song “Toy”.

This year Israel was represented at Eurovision 2023 by Noa Kirel and the song “Unicorn” who gave the Middle Eastern country the third place in the Grand Final by collecting 362 points.

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

Source: euromix.co.il

Iceland: Silvia Night signs an open letter to the EBU against Israel!

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It seems like the statement of EBU that confirms that KAN and Israel can normally participate to the contest has sparked reactions among the fans but not only.

Now the Icelanding artist and singer Ágústa Eva Erlendsdóttir is added to the list of artists that protest against the participation of Israel in this year’s contest. Her name might not ring a bell for you, but for sure you remember her as Silvia Night, the TV persona she played on an Icelandic TV show and her Eurovision participation in Athens, back in 2006 with the song “Congratulations“.

 

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“As an artist who has had the privilege of competing in eurovision, it is my shared opinion that israel should be removed from the 2024 contest.
I have signed an open letter to the european broadcasting union asking them to remove israel as it is unfair to any artist they select to have their participation tied to political motivation. This is not the spirit of eurovision’s celebration of music.”

Who is Ágústa Eva Erlendsdóttir?

Ágústa Eva Erlendsdóttir is an Icelandic actress and singer. She is best known for her portrayal of the controversial character Silvía Night in the television series Sjáumst með Silvíu Nótt and during the Eurovision Song Contest 2006, in Athens, Greece. Her antics, both onstage and offstage, created controversy and garnered international media attention. She even staged slapping one of her dancers and sweared on Greek TV reporters live on Greek TV news, after she got disqualified from the finals, while in character.

Silvía Night participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with the song “Congratulations“. Have a look on her live performance below:

There have been calls to ban Israel from Eurovision 2024, like outside NRK right before the first and second semi-finals of MGP. In Iceland, more than 500 artists signed a petition asking RÚV to withdraw from the contest. In Finland, 1300 artists signed a petition asking for Israel to be removed. The British representative Olly Alexander has also shared in public his opinion against Israel. Also just recently Montaigne signed an open letter to the EBU asking the ban of Israel from the contest and Ben Dolic joined her by doing the same.

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun for all the latest news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest!

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