OGAE Poll 2024: The results from Germany, Serbia and Sweden!

Every year since 2007, OGAE International conducts the OGAE Poll, which includes the votes of its members from 42 different countries. After thirty-two countries have voted, it is now turn for Germany, Serbia and Sweden to cast their votes.

In detail, the 353 members of OGAE Germany voted as following:

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

The 40 members of OGAE Serbia voted as following:

  • 12 points to Croatia
  • 10 points to Italy
  • 8 points to Austria
  • 7 points to Greece
  • 6 points to Belgium
  • 5 points to France
  • 4 points to Ukraine
  • 3 points to Spain
  • 2 points to Slovenia
  • 1 point to Lithuania

Last, the 163 members of OGAE Sweden voted as following:

  • 12 points to Croatia
  • 10 points to Italy
  • 8 points to France
  • 7 points to the United Kingdom
  • 6 points to Switzeland
  • 5 points to Austria
  • 4 points to the Netherlands
  • 3 points to Spain
  • 2 points to Belgium
  • 1 point to Poland

The results following the votes of thirty-five member clubs are the following:

Italy is in the lead with one point margin, followed by Croatia and Switzerland.

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Eurovision 2024: The Malmö Arena stage just got revealed!

Andreas Papayiannakis and EurovisionFun are reporting live from Malmö, got invited at the Stage Reveal event that took place earlier today at 14:00 CET and got the chance to have a first glimpse of the stage in full operation.

Today, the stage for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is unveiled, and it is a well-qualified gang that is behind this year’s sparkling stage experience in Eurovision this year. It’s about the stage, lighting design and specially written music that will lift the competition and the entire TV show into a feast for eyes and ears – both for the audience on site and for TV viewers around the world.

 

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Florian Wieder – Production Designer
Florian Wieder is based in Los Angeles and Munich. Over the past 30 years, he has developed the creative and visual concepts for several large-scale shows, concerts, tours, ceremonies, music and television productions worldwide. Florian has worked with artists such as Beyonce, Adele, Jennifer Lopez, Robbie Williams, U2, Lady Gaga, Rammstein. He was a designer and creative producer for seven MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), 12 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) and has developed the Eurovision Song Contest seven times since 2011. In 2022, he designed the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. For the MTV VMAs, he was awarded a Primetime Emmy/Best Production Design.

Fredrik Stormby – Light and Screen Content Designer
With almost 25 years of experience, Fredrik Stormby has worked with concerts, theatre, corporate events and television productions. His latest engagements span several roles in projects such as ABBA Voyage, Melodifestivalen, Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour and Eurovision Song Contest 2013, 2016 and with Loreen 2023. Fredrik is one of the founders of Green Wall Designs, a creative studio specializing in lighting, stage and screen content, based in Stockholm. He takes a holistic approach to production design, seamlessly integrating light, video, and scenographic elements.

Eirik Røland and Johan Nilsson – composers for this year’s musical identity
As a duo, Eirik Røland and Johan Nilsson have collaborated since 2016 to produce music for games, television and other media. Previous notable work includes RAGE 2 (gerAAA games) and American Song Contest (NBC). When asked what their specialties are, they answer that it is about exploring and finding the soul and identity in something and touching and conveying a message to the listener. They specialize in composing adaptive music with the technology that this entails. The adaptive music leads to seamless transitions and in the Eurovision Song Contest it provides opportunities to create a soundscape that contributes to a more exciting voting. The duo expresses:

“The music for Eurovision is a mix of energetic dance music, modern film music with big EDM sounds and a touch of Nordic melodies and timbres. Extra fun is that parts of the music will be adaptive, which is the first time ever for Eurovision.

Special thanks to Madeleine Sinding-Larsen, Head of Communications of Eurovision Song Contest 2024 and SVT for the invite!

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding this year’s Eurovision Song Contest to be held this May in Malmö, Sweden!

Source: media.melodifestivalen.se/SVT
Photo: Andreas Papayiannakis/Eurovisionfun

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Bets: The latest odds before the rehearsals!

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

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

The five that became four

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments!

Eurovision 2024: Listen to OGAE Sweden’s official song for the contest!

The Swedes promise us a wonderful contest this year. In this regard, OGAE Sweden and O!DORIAN opted to provide us fans with an official song for this Eurovision Song Contest.

The song titled “We Are One (United by Music)” is written by Anders Dannvik, Per Olsson and Emil Löfström and produced by Michael Lövgren for Milo Blue Productions. The vocalists are O!Dorian and Sophia Ahlin.

The song will be played at several events during the Eurovision week in Malmö (such as: Euroclub and Euro Fan Cafe) and will also be available as a CD-single, together with a sing-a-long version.

It is a typical Schlager type of song, a dominant sound in Scandinavia:

We wanted to create a song where fans can recognise the typical Swedish Schlager sound”, says Emil Löfström (O!Dorian).

While, the president of OGAE Sweden, who also serves as a vocalist for “We Are One (United By Music)”, Sophia Ahlin mentions:

It is a first to have an official song for the Eurovision fans network and we’re hoping to initiate a new tradition.

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden from 7 to the 11th of May, following Loreen’s win in Liverpool.


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Eurovision 2024: The risk of a terrorist attack brings very strict police measures | Eurocafe is changing location!

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest is expected to take place under strict police security measures. Strong police forces are vowing to create a safe environment around the Eurovision 2024 venues, while the city is expecting 100,000 visitors during the contest, many of them anti-Israel protesters.

Traffic regulations and strict measures in Malmö for Eurovision 2024

The choice of Malmö as the host city of this year’s competition is turning into a headache for the Swedish organizers. Malmö is home to the country’s largest Muslim community, numbering 70,000 members, while pro-Palestinian demonstrations are a daily occurrence.

The fact that the EBU normally allowed Israel to participate in Eurovision 2024 polarized the climate even more. Large rallies are already being prepared during the competition, against Israel’s presence and participation in this year’s music competition.

The police on the other hand are feverishly preparing to ensure a smooth and peaceful Eurovision 2024.

Security is very high, municipal police officer Göran Holmberg announced to 180 businessmen – from hotel and restaurant owners to real estate companies – when they were briefed by the police and the city of Malmö on Wednesday. These are those who maintain their business in Hyllie – the area where the arena is located and the competition is housed.

We would appreciate it if you could see a strange figure, but we have nothing to indicate anything at the moment, he says of the possible threat image.

Στους δρόμους του Μάλμε θα εμφανιστούν αστυνομικοί με όπλα ενίσχυσης.

Another failure for Eurovision week in Malmö

As if all the above was not enough, another failure came to be added to the puzzle that the Swedish organizers have to solve. The Moorish pavilion in which the Eurocafe was to be housed, i.e. the place where the friends of the competition gather, while the artists also visit it and parallel events take place, was withdrawn from the organization.

Our assessment is that we can risk our future if we go through with the deal, Moriskan CEO Ozan Sunar tells Sydsvenskan.

The decision was taken due to the risk of closing the entire Folkets Park, where the Moorish pavilion is located, if the security situation requires it. All the money Moriskan invests in staff, guards and artists for the Euro Fan Café will then be lost, explains Ozan Sunar. Now Eurocafe will be housed in Admiral, which is very close. The Moorish stand will remain completely closed.

Now the home of the fans will be the Admiral, which is very close. The Moorish will be completely shut out.

Το μαυριτανικό περίπτερο στο πάρκο Folkets στο Μάλμε θα φιλοξενούσε το Euro Fan Café για τους ταξιδιώτες θαυμαστές της Eurovision. Αλλά ο κίνδυνος να αναγκαστεί να κλείσει το πάρκο για λόγους ασφαλείας σημαίνει ότι ο Moriskan αποσύρεται.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Ambassador of Sweden to Israel: “The message from Sweden is clear – We will not accept anti-Semitism”!

At a farewell event at the Swedish Embassy residence in Israel, Embassy staff, journalists and eurofans had the opportunity to wish Eden Golan the best of luck, just before she left for Malmö for Eurovision 2024. The Swedish Ambassador, Erik Ullenhag, also mentioned in the demonstrations taking place in his country against the participation of Israel, stating that the message from Sweden is clear in favor of Israel and that they are not going to accept the anti-Semitism that has been growing rapidly lately. Read more

Eurovision 2024: Demonstrations against Israel’s participation authorized!

Eden Golan will perform in the Second Semifinal next May 9, in Malmö Arena.  At the same time, a demonstration against Israel’s participation in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö.

The organization Stop Israel is planning this demonstration.  They have obtained permission from the police to organize two different protest demonstrations.  The first one will take place at Stortorget on May 9 at 3 p.m.   A second protest will take place on the day of the Grand Final on May 11 regardless of whether Israel makes it to the final or not.  The program includes a speech, followed by music before the march departs to Slottsparken.  According to organizer Pia Jacobsen, they are expecting at least between 10,000 and 20,000 people to show up to protest.

The demonstration ends with artists such as Mikael Wiehe, General Knas, Kofia, and others performing on a stage in Slottsparken.

“It is absurd and outrageous that Israel is singing while the bombs are falling. Russia was excluded from participating in the ESC following the
invasion of Ukraine. Excluding Israel is now self-evident” Stop Israel

Sweden Strengthens Security Measures Amid Eurovision 2024

Swedish police are strengthening security measures for Eurovision.  The measures will include establishing a no-fly zone during the event and technology to take down drones from the air.

Swedish police will get support from police officers from Denmark and Norway who will guard everything from the arena to surrounding events, hotels and demonstrations.  Furthermore, the Swedish Armed Forces are also involved and could assist with logistic issues if necessary.

Source: Sydsvenskan / SVT 

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


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Sweden: Tina Mehrafzoon and Edward af Sillén are the Swedish commentators for Eurovision 2024!

Today, Friday April the 19th, SVT, the Swedish national broadcaster, has announced who will be involved in the Swedish commentary of the three shows of the contest, on a press release.

When the Eurovision Song Contest is held for the 68th time, viewers in Sweden will be guided by Tina Mehrafzoon and Edward af Sillén.

This is the thirteenth year that the experienced and knowledgeable Edward af Sillén takes place in Eurovision’s commentary booth. For the music journalist and media profile Tina Mehrafzoon, who during the spring had a commentating expert role during the Melodifestivalen, it is the premiere.

Tina Mehrafzoon expresses:

“To be able to do this together with Edward is an honour and a dream come true. The fact that Sweden is the host country makes it all the more special. I know which professionals make the show so my job will be very pleasurable and easy!”

This host year, Edward af Sillén is also involved as a director and screenwriter. The whole spring is filled with intense work, but Edward is very much looking forward to the assignment as a commentator.

“It feels both honorable and very fun. The viewers will be in safe and warm hands with Tina in the driver’s seat, while I will split my time between being backstage and working with the presenters and being by Tina’s side as much as possible during the shows. It’s going to be really exciting,”

says Edward af Sillén.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding this year’s Eurovision Song Contest to be held this May in Malmö, Sweden and any updates regarding its planning!

Source: media.melodifestivalen.se/SVT
Photo: SVT/Dan Danielsson

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Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, will attend Eurovision 2024 in Malmö!

According to Swedish media, the Crown Princess of Sweden, is going to be present and attend one of the shows of Eurovision Song Contest 2024, taking place in a few days in Malmö. Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments!

Source: Eurovision.tv