Israel: Eden Golan will not attend the turquoise carpet, honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day!

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The Israeli media are reporting that Eden Golan will not be marching on the Turquoise Carpet on Sunday, May 5th, both for security reasons and wanting to honor Holocaust Remembrance Day.

A large and complex security plan is being prepared for the Eden Golan by both the Swedish organizers and the Israeli security services. Eden Golan, who after her victory in HaKokhav Haba and her selection as the representative of Israel in Eurovision 2024, receives many online attacks, will limit her appearances in Malmö to a minimum.

In this context is the decision of the Israeli public television, Eden Golan not to march on the turquoise carpet, together with the other 36 artists participating in this year’s song contest, which will take place on Sunday 5/5 and essentially marks the start of Eurovision 2024.

Both for security reasons, but also to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day, Eden Golan will not attend this event.

All this is happening while the pressure is intensifying from the artists of various countries, who do not want the presence of Israel in Malmö, something that the EBU has made clear is not going to happen, saying that the Israeli public television meets all the conditions to take part normally in the contest , reminding everyone that the Eurovision song contest is a non-political event.

At the moment, Eden Golan is in the recording phase of the song with which she will represent Israel at Eurovision 2024, which will be released in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Slovenia: RTV SLO to Seek EBU and Council Members’ Opinion on Israel’s Participation in the Contest!

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Following a plea from the Palestinian Rights Movement to the management of Slovenia’s public broadcaster, RTV SLO, there’s now a call to exclude Israel from the Eurovision. Specifically, 25 members of the European Parliament requested the cancellation of the decision allowing Israel’s participation in the upcoming contest in May in Malmö.

Several non-governmental and trade union organizations, Slovenian cultural figures, and artists, including some former Slovenian Eurovision representatives, signed the call by the Palestinian Rights Movement.

RTV SLO responded to their request, stating:

“The majority of the global audience is closely following events in Gaza. The EBU has already explained twice that the participants in the Eurovision Song Contest are public broadcasters, not countries.”

However, they added that they would still urge the EBU and its members to conduct a substantive discussion on the matter.

Raiven will represent Slovenia in Malmö this coming May with the song “Veronika,” entirely in Slovenian. She will compete in the second half of the First Semi-Final on May 7th.

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

Source: RTV SLO

Italy: Rai Stands with Jewish Community and Israel after Ghali’s statement!

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The 2024 Sanremo Festival finale took an unexpected turn when rapper Ghali used his platform to call for a “stop to genocide.” While his intention might have been to shed light on humanitarian concerns, the aftermath saw a flurry of reactions, highlighting the complexities of political and social discourse within the realm of entertainment.

Roberto Sergio, the managing director of Rai (Radiotelevisione italiana), wasted no time in expressing solidarity with the Jewish community and the people of Israel in the wake of the controversy. In a statement issued promptly after the event, Sergio emphasized, “My solidarity with the people of Israel and the Jewish community is heartfelt and convinced.”

Ghali‘s call for action, however, did not escape scrutiny. Noemi Di Segni, president of the Jewish community of Rome, lamented the missed opportunity for the festival stage to advocate for the release of hostages held by Hamas, criticizing the use of terms that she believed distorted historical realities. She remarked:

“If music and the festival, due to its relevance, is the space for the freedom to express thoughts of love, pain, joy, social denunciations and political contestations, it is regrettable that this stage was not the occasion to launch, likewise, an appeal for the release of the hostages in the hands of Hamas, leaving to unilateralism the legitimacy of distortion, with the use of terms that once again offend the history of our country and all of Europe.“

Israel’s ambassador to Italy, Alon Bar, condemned the exploitation of the Sanremo stage for spreading what he deemed as hatred and provocation. In response, Ghali expressed regret over the ambassador’s reaction, emphasizing the chilling effect of speaking out against war and genocide. He replied:

“I don’t know what to reply, I am so sorry that the ambassador responded in this way. There were so many things to say. This policy of terror continues and people are more and more afraid to say stop war and stop genocide, people feel they lose something if they say long live the peace.”

The controversy extended into the realm of politics, with Maurizio Gasparri of Forza Italia demanding an apology from RAI leadership to Israel. Piero Fassino also weighed in, underscoring the importance of acknowledging the victims of Hamas.

In a mid-afternoon statement, Roberto Sergio reflected on Rai’s coverage of tragic events such as the Shoah and ongoing hostage situations involving Hamas, reaffirming the broadcaster’s commitment to reporting on such issues.

The Sanremo controversy underscores the complex interplay between artistic expression, political discourse, and historical sensitivities, sparking a wider conversation about the responsibilities of public platforms in navigating sensitive topics. As the festival draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of introspection and debate, reminding us of the power and pitfalls of words spoken on stage.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: Domani

Photo Source: ANSA

Israel: The song selection for Eurovision 2024 is coming up!

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The committee tasked with selecting Israel’s entry for Eurovision 2024 convened yesterday (Sunday), and dozens of songwriters submitted their songs for consideration, including writers of some of the biggest pop hits in recent years. A decision is expected to be reached by tomorrow. No response has yet been received from the corporation.

The deadline for submitting the song to represent Israel at Eurovision 2024 was yesterday (Sunday). As previously announced, Israel will be represented by Eden Golan, who was chosen in the “The Next Star” final. Committee members began listening to the received songs yesterday.

It is reported that Yoav Tsafir, Tamira Yardeni, and Sion Yang from “Tedy Productions,” who produced “The Next Star,” will be members of the committee, alongside committee chairman Ofri Goffer, as well as individuals from the music field from the corporation’s radio and television programs – “experienced individuals only.”

Dozens of songwriters submitted songs, including leading writers in the country. Among the songwriters who submitted songs are Ofir Cohen (“Am Yisrael Chai,” “Lezat Me’dichaon“), Yoval Maayan (“Mi Zat“), and others. Additionally, it is reported that despite high expectations, Doron Medalie did not submit a song.

At the moment, committee members continue to listen to the songs, and by tomorrow, they are expected to make a decision regarding the song. It is not unlikely that the announcement of the song will take place today if the committee members reach a unanimous decision.

How the song will be chosen

The broadcaster, KAN, has issued an invitation to a wide range of Israeli creators to submit songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba” to compete in Eurovision 2024. A key requirement for this year’s submissions is that the songs must include Hebrew lyrics.

At least 30 creators will nominate their songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba” and participants are allowed to submit up to two songs each until February 11. All creators must have Israeli citizenship and foreign creators are not allowed to participate. Submitted songs will be presented anonymously to a seven-member selection committee.

The committee will evaluate the songs based on professional criteria, such as the quality and originality of the lyrics and melody, the suitability of the song for the artist, its suitability for the Eurovision contest, the possibility of the song’s success at Eurovision, the suitability of the representation of the broadcaster as public broadcasting, the overall impression left by the song and other relevant criteria.

If the committee does not find a suitable song, it has the option of inviting the general public to submit additional songs, or choose a song published after September 1, or choose a song from other proposals made for Israel’s participation in the Eurovision between 2021 and 2023.

The winning song will be edited, recorded and a music video produced for the song’s unveiling, which is scheduled for a special broadcast in late February or early March.

Below you can see Eden Golan’s performances during the show:

Last year Israel at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool was represented by the sensational Noa Kirel and her song “Unicorn” which gave the Middle Eastern country the third place in the Grand Final with 362 points.

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

Source: Mako

Betting Odds: Ukraine Leads by Margin | Greece and Cyprus out of Top 20!

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Following the first Super Saturday of the year, we saw significant reshuffling in the betting odds chart. Three new songs were selected last night, and the odds saw many changes, with Ukraine maintaining its top position, and moreover, with a clear lead. Bad news for Greece, which has significantly dropped compared to our previous article, and for Cyprus, which, despite gaining ground, still finds itself low in the rankings.

Top 5

Ukraine remains in the first position, with a considerable lead over its pursuers. A victory for Teresa Maria is playing out in odds of approximately 3.5, with no significant changes compared to our previous article. The United Kingdom, after the release of a teaser for Olly Alexander’s song “Dizzy,” temporarily dropped to third place, but is now back in second. A victory for the United Kingdom is playing out in odds ranging from 7 to 9. Italy is third, and after Angelina Mango’s victory, its odds have dropped, with a victory playing out in odds from 7.5 to 11. Sweden is fourth, and so far, has not convinced that it has a winning song. Rounding out the top 5 is Israel, which, after Eden Golan’s victory, regained some ground it had lost in the previous period.

The other countries making up the top 10 are Iceland, Croatia, Georgia, Finland, and Ireland.

Greece and Cyprus

Greece continues to lose ground and is now found in 21st place. A victory for Marina Satti is playing out in odds of up to 66, when just a few months ago, it was playing out in odds up to 35. Cyprus, on the other hand, had an upward trajectory in recent days, likely due to the publicity received from the filming of the video clip in Limassol. Cyprus is now in 27th place, with a potential victory for Silia Kapsis playing out in odds of up to 90.

The many fluctuations we have seen this year at the top of the betting odds herald an exciting year where we won’t know the winner early on, as happened in the previous two seasons. Of course, under the proviso that no song emerges as a clear favorite, and betting companies crown it the unbeatable favorite, as was the case with Stefania and “Tattoo.” We are likely heading towards a repeat of 2021, where things didn’t clear up even during rehearsals, as we had 3-4 songs that were betting favorites vying for victory on almost equal terms.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments!

400 Danish artists including Mø send petition to DR demanding to expel Israel from Eurovision!

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More than 400 professionals associated with the Danish music industry have signed a petition asking for Israel to be excluded from Eurovision 2024.

 

According to Kulturmonitor, the signing artists demand the expulsion of Israel from the upcoming Eurovision 2024.

The list of signing artists includes well-known names in the music industry such as  Tessa, Mø, Eee Gee, Pil, Marwan, Brimheim, Barbro, Erika de Casier, and many more.

“When Israel’s failure to comply with international law and order has no consequences, war crimes, occupation, and blockade are normalized. We believe that the EBU and all member states contribute to this normalization by allowing Israel to participate in this year’s Eurovision” says the open letter from the artists.

The petition finishes by stating that:

We cannot be passive and watch as a country that commits gross war crimes against an imprisoned people is invited to a joint celebration of music, diversity, and cohesion. We strongly urge DR to stand up for the exclusion of Israel in this year’s Eurovision.

You can read the entire petition in this link .  You can find the complete list of signing artists in this link.

Do you agree with this petition?  Do you think Israel should participate in Eurovision 2024?

Source: Kulturmonitor

Stay tuned at EurovisionFun for more news about Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024!

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Eden Golan: “I would like a song with a message, a huge song”!

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The winner of HaKokhav Haba and now representative of Israel in Eurovision 2024, spoke to our colleagues from Euromix, shortly before the final of the talent show. Among what she said, she also described the song with which she would like to represent her country in the contest!

The 20-year-old performer impressed from her first audition at HaKokhav Haba, gathering 100%, a record that has never happened in the years the said talent show has been held. She is as nervous as she needs to be, but she has high expectations both for her stage appearance and for the song with which she will be invited to represent Israel at Eurovision.

She would like a song with English and Hebrew lyrics, but also with a strong message:

It cannot be a song entirely in Hebrew. We need some Hebrew lyrics that unite us, but it has to be in English, with a message, a huge song!

In the ballad or dance song dilemma, Eden Golan explains how she could serve both.

Maybe I should combine both? Everything is still theoretical and many things can be done. If a commanding heart-wrenching ballad is submitted to the committee, then I will be happy to compete with a ballad. If a song is submitted that includes dancing but also has a message of strength and empowerment then that would be great. But maybe a combination of both it would be the best solution.

As for the reactions in some countries to Israel’s participation and whether this could affect the chances of winning in Malmö, it is something that Eden realizes exists, but prefers to focus on the love and sympathy that exists from someone else portion of the world and not in hatred.

There is a lot of hatred towards Israel and that is something that cannot be ignored, but on the other hand there is also a lot of love and many times we focus more on the bad things and less attention on the good things. What is important is to represent Israel with pride and give our best, make our people happy – and whatever happens will be for the best.

Watch the full interview below:

How the song will be chosen

The broadcaster, KAN, has issued an invitation to a wide range of Israeli creators to submit songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba” to compete in Eurovision 2024. A key requirement for this year’s submissions is that the songs must include Hebrew lyrics.

At least 30 creators will nominate their songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba” and participants are allowed to submit up to two songs each until February 11. All creators must have Israeli citizenship and foreign creators are not allowed to participate. Submitted songs will be presented anonymously to a seven-member selection committee.

The committee will evaluate the songs based on professional criteria, such as the quality and originality of the lyrics and melody, the suitability of the song for the artist, its suitability for the Eurovision contest, the possibility of the song’s success at Eurovision, the suitability of the representation of the broadcaster as public broadcasting, the overall impression left by the song and other relevant criteria.

If the committee does not find a suitable song, it has the option of inviting the general public to submit additional songs, or choose a song published after September 1, or choose a song from other proposals made for Israel’s participation in the Eurovision between 2021 and 2023.

The winning song will be edited, recorded and a music video produced for the song’s unveiling, which is scheduled for a special broadcast in late February or early March.

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

Source: Euromix

Israel: Eden Golan to Eurovision 2024!

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The Grand Final of HaKochav HaBa – Eurovision 2024 Edition was completed a few minutes ago, with Eden Golan ending up as the winner of the talent show, and the country’s representative in Eurovision 2024!

Hosts of the night were once again Assi Azar and Rotem Sela, while the jury consisted of Shiri Maimon, Itay Levy, Assaf Amdorsky, Ran Dankar and Keren Pels with Eden Hasson being a new addition.

Four artists were in the race to represent Israel in the coming Eurovision Song Contest:

  • Or Cohen
  • Eden Golan
  • Dor Shimon
  • Mika Moshe

In the first round, the two battles, were between Mika Moshe and Or Cohen, and Dor Shimon and Eden Golan. 

  • Mika Moshe 64% VS Or Cohen 83%
  • Dor Shimon 64% VS Eden Golan 79%

After the first round of voting, Or Cohen and Eden Golan, qualified for the final voting round in the superfinal. Dor Shimon and Mika Moshe were claiming the last ticket for the superfinal. Sadly Dor Shimon did not manage to get that ticket.

After the last three artists performed again, the jury and the public voted, and after the votes were combined, the winner was Eden Golan, who will fly the Israeli flag in Malmö!

Or Cohen ended up second, and Mika Moshe third:

The results of the jury:

The results of the public:

Below you can see Eden Golan’s performances during the show:

The broadcaster, KAN, has sent out an invitation to a diverse range of Israeli creators to submit songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba” to perform at Eurovision 2024. A crucial requirement for this year’s submissions is that the songs must include Hebrew lyrics.

At least 30 creators will propose their songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba,” and the participants have the option to submit up to two songs each by February 11. All creators must hold Israeli citizenship, and foreign creators are not allowed to participate. The submitted songs will be presented anonymously to a seven-member selection committee.

The committee will evaluate the songs based on professional criteria such as the quality and originality of lyrics and melody, the suitability of the song for the artist, its appropriateness for the Eurovision competition, the likelihood of the song’s success in Eurovision, its suitability for representing the broadcaster as a public radio and television entity, the overall impression the song leaves, and other relevant criteria.

If the committee does not find a suitable song, it has the option to issue a call to the general public for additional song submissions or choose a song that has been published after September 1, or select a song from other submissions made for Israel’s participation in Eurovision between 2021 and 2023.

The winning song will undergo processing, recording, and clip production for the song’s unveiling, scheduled for a special broadcast in late February or early March.

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

Israel: Tonight the Grand Final of HaKochav HaBa – Eurovision 2024 Edition!

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The exciting moment has arrived for Israel as it prepares to select its representative for Eurovision 2024 tonight. After three months and 22 episodes, “HaKochav HaBa – Eurovision 2024 Edition” is reaching its conclusion, with four artists vying for the coveted title of winner and, of course, the right to represent Israel in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.

The Hosts and Judges

Assi Azar and Rotem Sela have been the hosts of “HaKochav HaBa” since 2014, bringing their charisma and energy to the show. The judging panel consists of Shiri Maimon, Itay Levy, Assaf Amdorsky, Ran Dankar, and Keren Pels, with the recent addition of Eden Hasson.

The Selection Process

A few days ago, the Israeli public broadcaster revealed that the final of “HaKokhav Haba” will take place on February 6, where the Israeli representative for Eurovision 2024 will be chosen. The selection process involves four contestants competing in the grand final for the ticket to Malmo, Sweden. The winner will be determined through a combination of audience votes and of a judging panel.

The broadcaster, KAN, has extended an invitation to a diverse range of Israeli creators to submit songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba” to perform at Eurovision 2024. A crucial requirement for this year’s submissions is that the songs must include Hebrew lyrics.

At least 30 creators will propose their songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba,” and the participants have the option to submit up to two songs each by February 11. All creators must hold Israeli citizenship, and foreign creators are not allowed to participate. The submitted songs will be presented anonymously to a seven-member selection committee.

The committee will evaluate the songs based on professional criteria such as the quality and originality of lyrics and melody, the suitability of the song for the artist, its appropriateness for the Eurovision competition, the likelihood of the song’s success in Eurovision, its suitability for representing the broadcaster as a public radio and television entity, the overall impression the song leaves, and other relevant criteria.

If the committee does not find a suitable song, it has the option to issue a call to the general public for additional song submissions or choose a song that has been published after September 1, or select a song from other submissions made for Israel’s participation in Eurovision between 2021 and 2023.

The winning song will undergo processing, recording, and clip production for the song’s unveiling, scheduled for a special broadcast in late February or early March.

Meet the Finalists

After this three-month journey and 22 episodes, four artists have reached the grand final of the Israeli national selection. The artists competing tonight for the title and the opportunity to represent Israel in Malmö are:

  1. Or Cohen
  2. Eden Golan
  3. Dor Shimon
  4. Mika Moshe

You can watch the Grand Final of the HaKochav HaBa – Eurovision 2024 Edition Semi-Final at 2o:30 CET through the Israeli channel, Keshet 12, by clicking here (subscription fee) or here (free).

Last year Israel at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool was represented by the sensational Noa Kirel and her song “Unicorn” which gave the Middle Eastern country the third place in the Grand Final with 362 points.

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

 

Eurovision 2024: Ukraine is now the frontrunner to win!

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As February, the most crucial month of the pre-Eurovision period, unfolds, national finals are multiplying week by week. Simultaneously, an increasing number of songs that will compete in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest are being revealed. For this reason, one of Eurovisionfun’s most beloved and discussed columns returns, featuring betting analyses for Eurovision 2024.

As you prepare for an “hot” Eurovision February with the reveals of most entries ahead of May, bookmakers are already hard at work. The section for the winner of Eurovision 2024 is already available at some companies. Let’s take this opportunity to present what has been observed so far for the upcoming competition.

Ukraine Emerges as a Strong Favorite

As mentioned in the introduction, February is the month of numerous national finals. The first “Super Saturday” of the year has already caused reshuffling in the betting odds. Ukraine stands far ahead in the first position. The Eastern European country, consistently at the top of the betting boards in recent weeks, is considered the major favorite by bookmakers to win in Malmo.

The triumph of Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil at Vidbir, where they convincingly outperformed their competitors, has significantly affected the odds for Ukraine‘s victory in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest. At present, Ukrainian victory returns up to 3.5 times the stake, compared to odds ranging from 5.7 to 7 just a few days ago.

With the widespread sympathy towards Ukraine due to the ongoing Russian invasion and the quality of Ukrainian entries in Eurovision, betting companies consider the fourth win for Ukraine in its twenty-year Eurovision history highly probable. The competition’s current odds have also been influenced by the relatively weak competition compared to previous years.

Top 5

The United Kingdom maintains its second position. The odds for the United Kingdom have dropped and are lower than they were ten days ago. The assignment to Olly Alexander and the expectations created by the BBC’s choice put pressure on the odds, ranging between 6 and 7. Currently, the United Kingdom appears as the most likely competitor to Ukraine based on bookmakers.

Italy retains the third position just a day before the highly anticipated Sanremo Festival, which boasts one of its strongest line-ups in its long history. The odds for Italy have slightly decreased, and the country is currently offered in odds between 8 and 10. The events in the small Ligurian town in the coming days are expected to influence Italy’s standing in the betting odds.

Iceland occupies the fourth position. Bashar Murad‘s song in Iceland’s national final did not convince bookmakers that it could secure the coveted victory in Reykjavik. Iceland has fallen to the fourth position with noticeably declining trends. The potential maiden victory for Iceland is currently being betted between 7 and 12 times the stake.

Sweden secures the fifth position. As the host country of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, Sweden is once again considered one of the major favorites. The odds for Sweden winning within its borders are between 11 and 13, showing a slight increase compared to the last analysis.

Top 10

In the sixth position is Israel, which sees its odds fluctuate but still maintains a relatively high position. The geopolitical reality and the war in Gaza keep Israel in contention, with victory odds ranging between 11 and 13.

From seventh place onward, significant deviations from the top six countries begin. Lithuania, in seventh place, has seen a considerable drop in odds, with the potential maiden victory returning up to 26 times the stake.

The same trend is observed for Norway, Ireland, and Croatia, which complete the top ten. All three are playing with odds above 20, with Norway‘s odds turning red after the Gåte‘s selection, while Ireland‘s turned green following the choice of Bambie Thug. Croatia‘s entry – most possibly – by Baby Lasagna and the artist’s popularity have brought Croatia into the top ten for the first time this season.

Can Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil make history in Malmo and give Ukraine its fourth victory in twenty years of Eurovision participation? Share your thoughts in the comments! Eurovisionfun will continue to provide updates and analyses as the Eurovision journey unfolds. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of Eurovision 2024!