Romania: TVR will NOT participate in Eurovision 2024!

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The board of directors of the Romanian national broadcaster (TVR) did not approve Romania’s participation in Eurovision 2024.

Financial constraints and the desire to represent Romania at a performing level are the reasons why the Board of Directors (CA) decided that TVR will not participate in this year’s edition of the Eurovision Song Contest which will be held the next May in Malmo.

The decision was taken in today’s meeting, January 25, with 5 votes “yes”, 4 “abstentions” and 4 “against”.

Also today, the Board of Directors approved the budget for 2024, which does not contain enough funds to guarantee Romania’s participation according to the increasingly high standards of the international competition.

Although it has benefited from an extension of the deadline for registering to the 2024 contest by EBU, TVR is forced to postpone the participation in the Eurovision Song Contest for a future edition, maybe next year.

This means that the 68th Eurovision Song Contest will be held with 37 countries, as originally announced and if Iceland does not withdraw its participation because of Israel.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the udpates!

Source:tvr

Czechia: Aiko had submitted songs for ESCZ in previous years!

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About a month ago, Aiko won ESCZ, and at the same time the representation of Czechia in Eurovision 2024, with the song “Pedestal” .

Aiko won the national final, with almost twice as many votes as the runner-up Elly. However, this great win was not Aiko’s first attempt at the national final.

As she revealed in “The EuroTrip Podcast”, she has submitted her songs to ČT several times, in order to participate in ESCZ:

“I think this is my third try at this point. I just really like the community around it. I love that in Eurovision the artists are actually going in with their own music, which is very different to other contests. It’s something I really wanted to experience, and this is the year that it just worked out.” 

Apparently, each times Aiko submitted songs, the public television did not select her to participate in the National Final.

Furthermore, Aiko made some revelations about her stage appearance and what we can expect from her in May:

“You can expect it to be very conceptual – there is a very interesting idea. There will be black, red and white.”

Aiko will represent Czechia in Eurovision 2024, with her song “Pedestal”:

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

Serbia: Listen to the song of Pesma za Evroviziju ’24!

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A few minutes ago, RTS, the public broadcaster of Serbia, released the songs that are going to take part in Pesma za Evroviziju ’24, the country’s national final, for Eurovision 2024! Read more

Denmark: Listen to the songs of Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024!

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DR, the publoc broadcaster of Denmark, revealed the finalists of Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024, the country’s national final for Eurovision Song Contest 2024.

The eight artists competing in DMGP 2024 are:

  1. Basim – “Johnny”
  2. Aura Dione – “Mirrorball of Hope”
  3. RoseeLu – “Real Love”
  4. Stella  – “Sign Here”
  5. Saba – “Sand”
  6. Janus Wiberg – “I Need Your Love”
  7. ChuChu – “The Chase (Zoom Zoom)”
  8. Ublu – “Planetary Hearts”

Among the candidates we meet Basim, who represented the country at Eurovision 2014, and internationally renowned singer Aura Dione.

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: DR

Slovenia: Alleged irregularities in Raiven’s selection lead to the resignation of an RTV SLO employee

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Chief editor of Slovenia‘s national television entertainment program Vanja Vardjan resigned earlier today due to suspected irregularities over the country’s participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Specifically, in relation to a complaint filed with the Committee for the Prevention of Corruption, it is claimed that Slovenia’s national broadcaster disregarded the rules it had established for the representative selection process.

More precisely, RTV SLO declared in October of last year that a national competition named “Misija Malmö” will select the artist who will represent the country in Malmö. The four participating artists were even mentioned as having already been chosen. The songs that the artists had submitted were supposed to be released on December 12.  However, this didn’t happen because Raiven was ultimately selected as the country’s representative on December 5.

Later, Vanja Vardjan claimed that there was never any consideration of holding a national final and that Raiven’s candidacy had a significant advantage over the other submissions.

Astrid Kljun, another “Misija Malmö” contender, responded as well, saying that Raiven was already chosen internally and did not apply to compete in the national final.

The Committee for the Prevention of Corruption released a report after Vanja Vardjan resigned, stating that there is currently no evidence that RTV SLO engaged in any irregularities during the representative selection process. Notwithstanding the artist or song selected, the process-oriented investigations will go on.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding Eurovision 2024!

Source: siol.net

Malta: Watch clips of the music videos of the contestants of MESC 2024!

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Malta was the first country to commence its national final, already by October, while the Grand Final is set to take place on February 3.

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Iceland: The decision about the country’s Eurovision 2024 participation will be made by RUV

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Iceland‘s public broadcaster RUV provided clarification in an official statement regarding some of the earlier reports about the country’s participation in Eurovision 2024. According to announcements made on RUV’s website, the winning artist at Söngvakeppnin is not the only one who will have the last say over whether or not Iceland will compete in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.

Iceland’s participation is still uncertain

The Söngvakeppnin finalists do not receive authority over the ultimate decision, RUV retains that authority. However, it is noted that they are unable to force someone to take part in the competition against their will.

Since many things may occur on the Gaza front, which naturally influences the decisions made by Icelandic public television, no decision has been made as of now.

It is very evident that RÚV, not the contestants, determines whether Iceland will compete in Eurovision. Naturally, the perspectives of the artists that will win the competition will be heard.

Furthermore, we don’t want to burn any bridges by, say, deciding to withdraw from Eurovision right away if things drastically shift in the middle of February or March, or something similar.

Iceland: A singer from Palestine among Söngvakeppnin 2024 contestants!

Icelandic reactions to Israel’s participation are intense

The backlash in Iceland has increased after the EBU announced last week that Israel’s public television satisfies all eligibility conditions to compete in the forthcoming competition.

The Composers’ and Creators’ Union, as well as regular Icelanders, are requesting that RUV exert pressure on the EBU to pull Israel out of the competition.

About 76 percent of respondents to an online poll by Prósent in December 2024 suggested that Israel should withdraw from Eurovision 2024, and about 60 percent argued that Iceland should not compete if Israel does.

No reaction from the rest of the Nordic countries

Should it ultimately be decided to pull out of the competition, RUV does not anticipate its decision will influence the decisions made by the other Nordic countries.

Based on the information I have, it appears that there is only conversation about Israel in Norway and to a lesser extent in Finland. For example, there is no indication of this in Denmark or Sweden. I have frequent contact with my colleagues in the Nordic region.

Voices in favor of Palestine won’t be silenced

RUV makes it abundantly evident that, as was the case with Hatari in 2019, the winner of Söngvakeppnin 2024 will not be prohibited from voicing his opinions on the matter of Palestine.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding Eurovision 2024!

Source: RUV 

Lithuania: The artists and the running order of the fifth and last Heat of Eurovizija.LT!

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A few minutes ago, LRT, the public broadcaster of Lithuania, announced the artists that are going to take part in the fifth and last Heat of Eurovizija.LT and their respective running order!

The running order of the Fifth Heat is:

  1. Freya Alley – “Serenade”
  2. Kàro – “Weightless“.
  3. Petras Daunys – “Run“
  4. Queens of Roses – “Walk through fire“
  5. April Frey – “New Years“
  6. Emilija V – ” Trophy Wife“
  7. The Roop – “Simple Joy”
  8. Lina Štalytė – “Perfect”

The last semi-final will be held on Saturday, February 10 at 20:00 CET!

We remind you that Eurovizija.LT differs from the previous selection process in terms of its conduction and the rules. More specifically, the country’s national selection will consist of  five semi-finals and a grand final. Two songs from each semi-final will qualify for the final, voted by both the public and the jury. The three highest-scoring entries during the final will advance to the “Super-Final”, where the final winner and representative of Lithuania in Malmö will be determined solely by the public.

The five semi-finals will be broadcast on  January 13, 20, 27 and on February 3 and 10  respectively. It is important to mention that, as in previous years, the semi-finals will not be broadcast live, but will have already been taped earlier in the week. Additionally, in the event of a tie during the voting, the jury’s vote will be the one to count. Finally, the grand final will be broadcast live on February 17.

You can check the results of the latest as of now aired, second heat of Eurovizija.LT HERE. All five heats have now been recorded, and are ready to air in the coming weeks, ending up in the Grand Final of Eurovizija.LT.

Lithuania was represented last year by Monika Linkytė with the song “Stay” , finishing in 11th place with a total of 127 points. Will Lithuania be able to achieve another favorable outcome in Malmö?

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

Source: lrt.lt

Iceland: A singer from Palestine among Söngvakeppnin 2024 contestants!

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The artists and songs for Söngvakeppnin 2024, the national final of Iceland, are going to be announced in a few days, however, we may already know one of the artists taking part.

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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!