Croatia: Lara feat. LSQ withdraw from Dora 2025| Swingers to replace them!

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A few days ago, HRT, Croatia’s public broadcaster, revealed the list of contestants for Dora 2025, the country’s national selection for Eurovision. However, as happened last year with Baby Lasagna, there has been a withdrawal from the final line-up and a replacement from the reserve list.

In detail, the duo Lara feat. LSQ, who were set to perform the song “Mama” have withdrawn from the competition. According to Dora’s rules, the first reserve act will take their place. Swingers, with the song “Ful Kul” (Full Cool), will now compete for the chance to represent Croatia at Eurovision 2025.

The 24 acts competing in Dora 2025 are:

  • Ananda – “Lies Lay Cold”
  • EoT – “Bye, Bye, Bye”
  • Filomena – “Strong”
  • Irma – “Enigma”
  • IVXN – “Monopoly”
  • Jelena Radan – “SALUT!”
  • Laurakojasong – “NPC”
  • LELEK – “The Soul of my Soul”
  • Luka Nižetić – “Južina”
  • Magazine – “AaAaA”
  • Marin Jurić Čivro – “It Burned”
  • Marko Bošnjak – “Poison Cake”
  • Marko Škugor – “What Should I Ask of God”
  • Marko Tolja – “Through the Dark”
  • Martha May – “Running to the Light”
  • Matt Shaft – “Welcome to the Circus”
  • Natalie Balmix – “LIFE GOES ON”
  • Natally – “Home to My Heart”
  • NIPPLEPEOPLE – “SIGN”
  • Fire – “Give, Give”
  • Petar Brkljačić – “THE END”
  • Supersonic Trio – “Animal”
  • Swingers – “Ful Kul”
  • Teenah – “Aurora”

Dora 2025

Dora 2025 will follow the same format as last year, featuring two semifinals and a Grand Final. In the semifinals, qualifiers will be determined exclusively by public voting. In the Grand Final, the results will be decided 50% by public votes and 50% by two juries – one Croatian and one international.

The two semifinals will air in February, each featuring 12 acts, although the number of qualifiers per semifinal remains unknown. The Grand Final will take place on March 2.

Last year’s winner of Dora and Croatia’s representative in Eurovision 2024, was Baby Lasagna with his song “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” who ended up in 2nd place, winning Croatia’s best placement in the Contest:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Croatian participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, in Basel!

Source: eurosong.hr

Armenia: Athena Manoukian teases possible Depi Evratesil 2025 participation

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Greek-Armenian singer Athena Manoukian has sparked speculations about her potential return to the Eurovision stage. Known for her selection as Armenia’s representative in 2020 with the song “Chains on You”, Athena’s Eurovision journey was cut short when the contest was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, she appears to be contemplating a comeback through Armenia’s national selection for Eurovision 2025, Depi Evratesil.

Athena’s connection to Eurovision extends beyond 2020. She first gained recognition as a participant in the Greek national selection for Junior Eurovision 2008. This year, it seems that she’s eager to chase her Eurovision dream once again.

In the last 24 hours, Athena has shared several Eurovision-themed stories on Instagram, sparking excitement among fans. In a standout interactive story, Athena directly engaged her followers by asking, “Babies, I haven’t applied for Depi Evratesil yet. Should I?” sparking speculations about her potential entry into the competition.

With the submission deadline for Depi Evratesil set for January 10, Athena has a short time to make her decision. Do you think Athena Manoukian is the ideal contestant to represent Armenia at Eurovision 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the updates on Eurovision 2025!

 

Israel: All the highlights from the eighteenth episode of HaKokhav Haba!

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Last Saturday, December 21, the 18th episode of HaKokhav Haba, the song contest through which Israel will select its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which will take place in Basel, Switzerland, on May 13, 15 and 17, 2025, was broadcast.

The next phase of HaKokhav Haba began with 18 contestants, which is the duet phase. Five duets competed in this episode, where one of the contestants left the competition at the end of the competition process.

Hosts and Judging Panel

Returning to host the show are Rotem Sela and Assi Azar. Azar has been involved with HaKokhav Haba since its inaugural edition in 2013 and previously hosted the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Sela joined as a host in the second season and has been a presenter ever since.

The judging panel for this season includes a diverse group of music industry veterans:

    • Assaf Amdursky
    • Keren Peles
    • Shiri Maimon
    • Eden Hason
    • Ran Danker
    • Itay Levi

The duets

Keller and Nati Levian

Keller and Nati performed Rihanna’s “Stay.” All judges gave this first couple a positive vote, reaching 94%, thus setting the bar very high for the other four couples.

Udi Schneider and Yuval Gold

Udi and Yuval performed Osher Cohen’s “Love.” Two (Assaf and Itay) of the six judges voted against it, resulting in a score of 68%.

Red Band feat. Moran Aharonia and Amit Sadeh

Red Band and Moran Aharonia with Amit Sadeh performed “I See Red” by Everybody Loves An Outlaw. All members of the jury voted in favor, and this duet reached 91%.

Uri Saban and Ilai Avidani

Uri Saban and Ilai Avidani performed Moshe Peretz’s “Signs of Time.” Two (Assaf and Keren) voted against the duet’s performance, narrowing it down to 63%.

Valerie Hamati and Daniel Weiss

Valerie Hamati and Daniel Weiss performed Israel’s entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, “Hurricane” by Eden Golan. All members of the jury voted in favor, and the pair reached 95%, securing their place in the next stage of the contest.

At the end of the competition, the duet of Uri Saban and Ilai Avidani had the lowest percentage, 63%, and the judges decided that Uri Saban’s journey ended here.

Last year’s winner of HaKokhav Haba and thus the country’s representative at Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan, with her song “Hurricane”, finished in fifth place in the final ranking.

Source: euromix

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

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Ukraine: The three-member for Vidbir 2025 revealed!

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With just under two months left until Vidbir 2025, Suspilne revealed the three-member jury of the Ukrainian preselection.

The jury that will play a key role in determining 50% of the final result has been selected through a public vote via the Diia app, with 442,374 Ukrainians taking part in the voting process. The top three candidates who will serve as jurors are:

  1. Jamala (35.28%) – The 2016 Eurovision winner with her song “1944”.
  2. Sergey Tancinets (20.24%) – A well-known figure in Ukraine’s music scene.
  3. Kateryna Pavlenko (11.84%) – The lead vocalist of Go_A, which represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2021.

If any of the jurors decide to withdraw or cannot participate, the next in line will step in.

Vidbir 2024 – lineup

Nine of the ten finalists for the Ukrainian national final have already been revealed. These artists will compete for the chance to represent Ukraine in Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Here’s the full list of the confirmed finalists:

  1. Future Culture – “Waste My Time”
  2. Khayat – “Honor”
  3. Krylata – “Stay True”
  4. Molodi – “My Sea”
  5. Ziferblat – “Bird of Pray”
  6. Abiye – “Dim”
  7. DK Enerhetyk – “Sil'”
  8. Masha Kondratenko – “No Time To Cry”
  9. Vlad Sheryf – “Wind of Change”

The tenth and final finalist will be determined by an online voting among the following eleven shortlisted candidates:

  • BRYKULETS
  • ENLEO
  • FIЇNKA
  • GRISANA
  • MON FIA
  • Ranrawi
  • Starykova Hrystyna
  • TESLENKO
  • YAGODY
  • Muayad
  • Sluchay Sashu

Vidbir 2025 will consist of a one-night show on February 8th, where all ten participants will perform, and the winner will be selected through a combination of jury and public votes in equal shares.

alyona alyona & Jerry Heil emerged as last year’s Vidbir winners and represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2024 with their song “Teresa & Maria”, where they finished in third place.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: suspilne

Albania: With Shkodra Elektronike and “Zjerm” at Eurovision 2025!

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A short while ago, the Festivali i Këngës 63 concluded, crowning Shkodra Elektronike as the winners and Albania’s representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with the song “Zjerm.”

Once again, Albania’s national broadcaster RTSH chose its Eurovision entry through the FiK. The grand final took place at the Pallati i Kongreseve in Tirana, hosted by Enkel Demi and Ornela Bregu. The 15 artists who made it to the final gave their best performances, vying for the votes of the public and the jury to secure their ticket to Basel in May.

The 15 finalists were:

  1. Jet – “Gjallë”
  2. Kejsi Jazxhi – “Kur bota hesht”
  3. Vesa Smolica – “Lutem”
  4. Stine – “E kishim nis”
  5. Djemtë e Detit – “Larg”
  6. Nita Latifi – “Zemrës”
  7. Gjergj Kaçinari – “Larg jetës pa ty”
  8. Orgesa Zaimi – “I parë”
  9. Ardit Çuni – “Amane”
  10. Algert Sala – “Bosh”
  11. Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
  12. Lorenc Hasrama – “Frymë”
  13. Elvana Gjata – “Karnaval”
  14. Mal Retkoceri – “Antihero”
  15. Alis Kallacej – “Mjegull”

Results:

During tonight’s final evening of the festival, the top three awards were presented: first place, second place, and third place. Additionally, a lyrics award and a career award were granted by the professional jury.

The jury members were:

  • Zana Çela
  • Ylljet Aliçka
  • Alma Bektashi
  • Florent Boshnjaku
  • Jonida Maliqi
  • Merita Rexha Tërshana
  • Ramona Tullumani

The Critics’ Award, presented by the professional jury, was awarded to Shkodra Elektronike for their song “Zjerm.”
The Lyrics Award was given to Vesa Smolica for her song “Lutem.”

JURIES RESULTS

3rd Place: Alis Kallacej with the song “Mjegull.”
2nd Place: Elvana Gjata with the song “Karnaval
Winner: Shkodra Elektronike with the song “Zjerm” who will represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest
In 2025, Albania will mark its 22nd participation in the contest, having debuted in 2004 with Anjeza Shahini and her song “The Image Of You,” which achieved an honorable 7th place! RTSH had shown interest in the Eurovision Song Contest as early as 2003. However, with three other countries debuting that year, Albania did not manage to participate. Over the years, Albania has successfully qualified for the Grand Final 11 times, while failing to advance from the semi-finals on 9 occasions.

Albania’s best result came in 2012, when Rona Nishliu achieved a remarkable finish with her emotional performance of “Suus.”

Below, watch the winning performance of Shkodra Elektronike with the song “Zjerm,” which will represent Albania at Eurovision 2025:

What do you think Albania’s chances are in Eurovision 2025?

Denmark: More details on Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2025!

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Additional information has been made available regarding the selection of the eight contestants for the 2025 Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, Denmark’s national competition through which the country selects its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest!

In an interview, Erik Struve Hansen, DR’s (the public broadcaster) director for Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2025, spoke about how the broadcaster selected the eight contestants, their ambitions for Eurovision, and how they handle the psychological pressure of participating in such a big event as Eurovision. He also added relevant details about the participants, the genres of the songs, and their creation for Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2025.

When asked about the songs, Hansen stated that there was more attention to variety and diversity in order to achieve a good result at Eurovision 2025.

“I am super satisfied. We have an absolutely amazing field of songs! I will be proud to take each and every one of them to Switzerland, and believe that every one can get us to the final. We have looked at how we can optimize the songs so that they both do well in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix and have potential in Eurovision.”

The artists and their songs will be revealed and released at a press conference on February 6, but Hansen has given some clues. All eight artists and songs have already been selected by DR, and they include a song in Danish, a former Danish Eurovision representative, and a song described as “the biggest ballad.”

Many songs were created in three different camps with songwriters from Denmark, Sweden and Norway, while others came from the open selection (DR’s upload database). In general, the songwriters and producers have a large list of hits outside of Eurovision, both in Denmark and abroad. Hansen also explained that this year, DR had the first choice of songs and did not have to look for entries that were not selected in other countries’ national selections.

In terms of genres, Hansen explained that DR tried to select both songs that represent the classic Eurovision style and new global genres that have never been included in the DMGP.

The voting model will remain the same as last year, with public voting and a jury consisting of music experts including international representatives and Danish Eurovision experts. Ole Tøpholm will be responsible for the careful selection of the jury members.

Finally, Hansen hopes for a place in the top 10 at the final of the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest and dreams of a victory. However, he knows that performing on the international stage is not always easy. That is why DR is also focusing on preparing the Danish winner for the mental pressure of Eurovision, with psychological support and press advice.

The Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2025 will take place at Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, on Saturday 1 March 2025.

Source: Good Evening Europe

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

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Poland: First Phase of the National Final Completed!

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TVP has completed the round of live auditions to determine which singers will advance to the national final for Eurovision 2025.

On December 19, the Polish broadcaster TVP hosted invited candidates who performed, and the judges were tasked with unanimously selecting which of the top 25 entries would proceed to the national final, which will take place on February 14 in Warsaw.

The 25 artists were directly invited by the broadcaster. The auditions were held behind closed doors at TVP’s studios. As of now, no information has been provided regarding the audition process or the judges’ decision.

According to fan speculation, who closely followed their favorite artists on social media, potential participants include Isabell Otrębus, Diyya, Justyna Steczkowska, Kuba Szmajkowski, Natasza Urbańska, Dominik Dudek, Marcin Maciejczak, Margaret, and Daria.

The artists who will participate in the national final are expected to be announced on January 14. This year, the winner will be decided entirely by the public through SMS voting. In case of technical difficulties with the voting system, TVP has prepared an emergency plan. If any issues arise with the voting process, a backup jury vote will be used.

Luna represented Poland at Eurovision 2024 with the song “The Tower.” Poland did not qualify for the final, finishing in 12th place in the Semi-Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESKG8Uo1YaU

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates!

Source: Dziennik Eurowizyjny

Albania: Tonight’s Grand Final of Festivali i Këngës 63

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After three captivating evenings of music and celebration, Albania’s prestigious Festivali i Këngës comes to a close tonight in Tirana. In just a few hours, the Grand Final of the 63rd Festivali i Këngës will determine Albania’s representative for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place this May in Basel, Switzerland.

Format

The four-night festival brought together 30 participants competing for six awards, one of which includes the honor of representing Albania at Eurovision 2024.

  • Thursday & Friday: Semi-finals where all participants showcased their entries.
  • Saturday: Nostalgia Night, celebrating Albania’s musical legacy and Eurovision journey.
  • Sunday: The Grand Final, crowning the overall winner.

This year’s edition sees a unified selection process. Unlike previous years, no separate voting category will determine Albania’s Eurovision act. Instead, the winner of Festivali i Këngës 63—decided through a combination of jury and public votes—will represent Albania at Europe’s most-watched music event.

The Grand Final

Fifteen artists have advanced to tonight’s final after impressing during the semi-finals and Nostalgia Night. Each artist will perform their song one more time in their quest to win the hearts of the public and jury:

Hosts and Jury

The dynamic duo of Enkel Demi and Ornela Bregu return to host tonight’s show. An esteemed panel of experts will evaluate the finalists and contribute to the voting process:

  • Merita Rexha Tershana – Pianist
  • Alma Bektashi – Singer
  • Zana Cela – Producer
  • Florent Boshnjaku – Composer
  • Yllnjet Aliçka – Lyricist

Where to Watch

The Festivali i Këngës 63 Grand Final kicks off at 21:00 CET. Fans can watch the broadcast live here.

Eurovision 2024

Last year, Albania’s Eurovision hopes were carried by Besa with “Zemrën n’dorë”. Despite releasing an English version, “Titan,” the entry placed 14th in the second semi-final and did not advance to the Grand Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQG22XJIdWw

Will tonight’s winner bring Albania back to Eurovision glory? Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates!

Albania: See the Performances of the Third Night of FiK 63 | The 15 Artists Advancing to the Grand Final!

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The first night of the 63rd Festivali i Këngës, where Albania’s representative for Eurovision 2025 in Basel will be chosen, has concluded. A total of 30 artists are competing in the festival. Like the other nights, the third evening (nostalgia night) also took place at the Pallati i Kongreseve in Tirana, where we heard the 30 artists perform songs from the history of Festivali i Këngës with a live orchestra. The hosts of FiK 63 were Enkel Demi and Ornela Bregu.

You can watch the performances of the third night through the links below:

  1. Stine & Martina Serreqi – Erë pranverore
  2. Mihallaq Andrea & Kejsi Jazxhi – Mora shoqëzen përkrah
  3. Ardit Çuni & Frensi Revania – Eja
  4. Elvana Gjata & Shkodra Elektronike – Margjelo
  5. Gresa Gjocera & Ronaldo Mesuli – Askush s’do ta besojë
  6. Djemtë e Detit & Santino de Bartolo – Zemër e plagosur
  7. Nita Latifi & Luna Çausholli – Udhëtoj i menduar
  8. Endrik Beba & Lorenc Hasrama – Humba pranverën
  9. Jet, Adelina, Laorjan – Në çdo zemër një herë troket
  10. Rea Nuhu & Klea Dina – Grurë dhe Këngë
  11. Gjergj Kaçinari & Kleansa Susaj – Dëshire dhe heshtje
  12. Erma Mici & Alis Kallacej – Suus
  13. Vesa Smolica & Algert Sala  – Mirësia dhe e vërteta
  14. Mal Retkoceri & Epos – Jetoj
  15. Orgesa Zaimi & Devis Xherahu – Shqipëri o vendi im

The hosts also greeted the members of the professional jury of the Festival. The jury consists of seven members who will award five different prizes for music, lyrics, and the festival winner.

The jury members are:

  • Zana Çela
  • Ylljet Aliçka
  • Alma Bektashi
  • Florent Boshnjaku
  • Jonida Maliqi
  • Merita Rexha Tërshana
  • Ramona Tullumani

Unfortunately, the jury decided that only 15 artists will advance to the final and compete for the festival victory. These are:

  1. Jet – “Gjallë”
  2. Kejsi Jazxhi – “Kur bota hesht”
  3. Vesa Smolica – “Lutem”
  4. Stine – “E kishim nis”
  5. Djemtë e Detit – “Larg”
  6. Nita Latifi – “Zemrës”
  7. Gjergj Kaçinari – “Larg jetës pa ty”
  8. Orgesa Zaimi – “I parë”
  9. Ardit Çuni – “Amane”
  10. Algert Sala – “Bosh”
  11. Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
  12. Lorenc Hasrama – “Frymë”
  13. Elvana Gjata – “Karnaval”
  14. Mal Retkoceri – “Antihero”
  15. Alis Kallacej – “Mjegull”

In the last two editions of the Festival, Albania’s Eurovision representative was chosen separately from the overall winner of the Festival. However, this year, the organizers decided to return to the tradition where the festival winner will also be the country’s representative at Eurovision.

The grand final of the 63rd Festivali i Këngës will take place on Sunday, December 22, at 21:30, when we will know Albania’s next Eurovision representative.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all developments regarding Albania’s participation in Eurovision 2025 in Basel!

Israel: The Response to Slovenia’s Request for Disqualification from Eurovision 2025

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As it was revealed yesterday, the Slovenian public broadcaster RTVSLO has requested the disqualification of Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which will be held in Basel, Switzerland, from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The decision to request Israel’s disqualification from Eurovision was made during the last session of RTVSLO’s board of directors, held between December 9 and 11. The EBU has not yet responded to the Slovenian request but published the list of the 38 countries that will participate in the upcoming competition – including Israel – on December 12.

At this stage, no operational decision has been made in Slovenia, despite two additional proposals in case the EBU does not respond to the request: either Slovenia’s withdrawal from Eurovision 2025 or, contrary to competition rules, blacking out of the broadcast during Israel’s performance.

Israel’s Response

In response to Slovenia’s request, the Israeli public broadcaster referred to the words of lawyer Alon Galert in the Knesset’s Economic Committee earlier this week:

We are all familiar with the efforts made by anti-Semitic bodies and Palestinian actors to distance Israel from international institutions… The State of Israel fights against these attempts with all its might and invests tremendous efforts to prevent its removal from these international institutions. And now, the greatest slanderers of Israel in the world are about to get their way, not because they managed to convince the EBU to distance Israel but because we ourselves are about to cause our removal from an important international body with significant influence.

Anyone who thinks that this will end here is mistaken. The demand to distance Israel recurs and rises in many additional international bodies such as sports bodies, academic institutions, and cultural institutions… Israel’s removal from the EBU would be the first domino to create a domino effect and harm its membership in many additional bodies.

In any case, we are now awaiting the official response from the EBU and Slovenia’s reaction to the development of the issue, as the request for Israel’s disqualification from Eurovision 2025 remains open.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: euromix