EBU Reference Group Chair Reflects on Eurovision 2024

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Bakel Walden, the Chair of the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, recently shared his insights into the happenings of Eurovision 2024.

This year’s contest, held in Malmö, Sweden, was not just about music. Despite Switzerland‘s victory with Nemo‘s groundbreaking win for “The Code“, Eurovision encountered various controversies, including Joost Klein‘s disqualification and debates over Israel‘s involvement.

Walden, leading the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, oversees a vital committee responsible for shaping the Eurovision Song Contest’s direction. This committee approves contest formats, secures funding, and supervises host broadcasters’ preparations.

In an interview with Swiss news outlet 20 minuten, Walden, also a member of SRG’s Board of Directors, shared his thoughts on this year’s Eurovision. He will play a role in Eurovision 2025 as it returns to Switzerland.

Reflecting on Eurovision 2024, Walden acknowledged its challenges:

“As my first year as chairman, I lack a broad comparison. Yet, many experienced individuals deemed this ESC historically difficult, a sentiment I share after recent weeks and days.”

Despite difficulties, Walden highlighted the contest’s positive impact, noting the shows’ ability to “enthral millions”:

“The preparation was intense, with many highlights and significant pressure. However, the overwhelming joy and gratitude from this year’s ESC, captivating millions, stand out.”

During the winner’s press conference, Walden bestowed upon Nemo and Switzerland the opportunity to host Eurovision 2025. This task typically falls to the Executive Supervisor, Martin Österdahl, who was absent.

Addressing controversy around Nemo’s display of a non-binary flag, Walden affirmed Nemo’s adherence to Eurovision’s guidelines:

“The non-binary flag, alongside participating countries’ flags and the rainbow flag, is permissible. Regrettably, there were some onsite implementation errors. Nevertheless, Nemo acted correctly.”

Responding to Nemo’s assertion that Eurovision “needs a little bit of fixing,” Walden acknowledged room for improvement:

“In our analysis, we must not only focus on Malmö’s positive experiences but also recognize the need for improvement.”

Regarding Joost Klein’s disqualification, Walden supported the EBU’s decision:

“Regrettably, we faced an additional crisis. However, the decision to disqualify Joost Klein was correct. Unacceptable behavior towards a production employee necessitated action.”

Looking ahead to Eurovision 2025, Walden expressed ongoing involvement in the contest’s production and preparations:

“Preparations for Eurovision 2025 are already underway, with many discussions ongoing. Our supervisory board will convene again shortly.”

Walden anticipates the announcement of Eurovision 2025’s host city during the summer, emphasizing the importance of a fair and well-prepared approach.

Eurovision 2025 marks Walden’s second engagement with the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group.

Source: 20 minuten

Eurovision 2025: Fribourg will check hosting bid!

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Fribourg could join the list of candidate cities to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

The preliminary examination has just started as confirmed by the CEO of HC Fribourg-Gottéronw, a renowned ice hockey club in Fribourg, John Gobbi.  At the moment there is no formal host bid.  However, the discussions are going on and the city is debating whether or not Fribourg may host Eurovision in 2025.

If Fribourg decides to bid, the most likely scenario is that they offer the BCF Arena, home of the HC Fribourg-Gottéron team to host the event which could hold up to 9,000 spectators which is below the requirements to host the event.  However, one of the problems to be selected is the size of the arena and potential clashes with ice hockey matches.

We are also analysing if the ice rink could meet the size requirements. It is certainly big but there are bigger arenas in Switzerland.

Furthermore, the local government of Fribourg has confirmed its intent to examine whether they are able to place a bid.  Before making that move they will assess if they can meet the accommodation and arena requirements.

Four Swizz cities have already confirmed their intent to become the host city of Eurovision 2025. They are:

  • Basel
  • Geneva
  • St. Gallen
  • Zurich

Source: Frapp

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Eurovision 2025: Bern encouraged to host by Biel and the Canton of Bern!

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Preparations for Eurovision 2025 are already underway in Switzerland, and of course, the first phase is finding the right city to host the Contest. Read more

Eurovision 2025: Lugano and Lausanne will not bid to host Eurovision!

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Lugano was the host city of the very first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956.  Unfortunately for fans who may wish to celebrate the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in the city where all began, the city has already ruled out a potential candidacy.

According to the Deputy mayor of Lugano, the city does not have suitable venues to host the event:

“Unfortunately, we don’t have venues capable of hosting up to 15,000 spectators. There is the LAC, the Palazzo dei Congressi, the Cornèr Arena, the future sports hall, and even the conference centre, but which will never reach the required numbers.  It is therefore a shame because surely an event with such resonance would have had a great impact, also in terms of visibility, for our canton. But unfortunately, I think it will be difficult.”

Moreover, Lausanne has also ruled out the possibility of hosting Eurovision.  Lausanne hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1989 after Celine Dion gave Switzerland their second victory in the contest.  According to the Mayor of Lausanne, Grégoire Junod all potential venues to host the event are already scheduled because the hockey season conflicts with Eurovision:

he only place that could be suitable in terms of gauge would be the Vaudoise Arena, but we are already at the limit of what is required in terms of capacity (…) he main obstacle is the calendar. The venue must be available several weeks before the start of the event and this is not possible due to the hockey season.

Zurich enters the race

The city of Zurich is studying a potential bid to host Eurovision in 2025.  If the city finally decides to submit a formal bid, it will join the cities of Geneva, Basel, and St. Gallen which have already expressed their intention to become the 2025 host city.

According to Le Temps, the city held a meeting to examine the feasibility of their candidature.  The bid will be studied with “high priority” according to a spokesperson of the city.

Source: RCI│24 Heures │Le Temps

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Eurovision 2025: The first official meeting for its hosting!

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Switzerland’s national broadcaster SSR SRG kicks off proceedings for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest today in Bern.

A working group has already been formed and is due to hold its first meeting on the details of the competition.

Three cities eager to host Eurovision 2025

So far three cities in Switzerland have expressed their intention to host Eurovision 2025. As we informed you yesterday with our article (here), the first city that has expressed interest is Geneva. Basel and Saint Gallen followed later who also wish to host the European competition.

Conradin Cramer, president of the canton of Basel-Stadt, said that “Basel is ready” and that “it would be wonderful and an honor if Basel could host the next edition of this world-famous song contest for Switzerland.” Their strategy will be based on three main arguments – infrastructure, accessibility and hosting. Cramer made no direct reference to any specific arena or hall that could host the contest.

Christine Bolt, head of the Olma agricultural exhibition in eastern Switzerland, supports holding the Eurovision Song Contest in Saint Gallen. “Now we are in demand,” he told Swiss broadcaster SRF, adding that the new Olma Hall would be perfect for such events. The new Olma Hall was inaugurated at the beginning of March and offers space for up to 12,000 people.

The decision on the city that will host Eurovision 2025 is expected in September.

Source: SRF

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Geneva interested to host Eurovision 2025!

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We are just a few hours away from Nemo’s victory at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 and we have the first bid to host Eurovision 2025.

The city of Geneva has already signaled their interest to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

According to RTS, Geneva is taking serious steps to be the 2025 host city. In collaboration with the city of Geneva, Palexpo Geneva applied with the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR).

The Palexpo Congress and Exposition Centre has the capacity to be the arena for Eurovision 2025.  With nearly 32,000 m2, it can accommodate around 15,000 spectators.  Palexpo started working on their application for weeks together with the local government in Geneva in case of a Swizz victory.

If Geneva ends up hosting the event, to accommodate the competition, Palexpo Geneva will make all three of its convention centers available.

Today an extraordinary meeting of SRG SSR board will take place to discuss future plans for Eurovision 2025.  Furthermore, a task force will start working on Monday.

 

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Eurovision 2024: Switzerland is the big winner of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest!

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The 68th Eurovision Song Contest has been history for a few minutes now, with the big winner being Switzerland represented by Nemo and the song “The Code“.

In a contest marked by drama and a lot of backstory, Swittzerland emerged as the winner with 591 points.

Twenty-six countries took part in tonight’s show, aiming to succeed Loreen and Sweden as the reigning Eurovision Song Contest champions.

The show

Malmö Arena was the venue for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in the Swedish city of Malmö.

The presenters of tonight’s show, as of all the shows, were Petra Mede and Malin Åkerman.

The 25 participating countries that took part in the Grand Final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest were:

 

R/O COUNTRY ARTIST SONG
1 Sweden Marcus & Martinus “Unforgettable”
2 Ukraine alyona alyona & Jerry Heil “Teresa & Maria”
3 Germany Isaak “Always on the Run”
4 Luxembourg Tali “Fighter”
6 Israel Eden Golan “Hurricane”
7 Lithuania Silvester Belt “Luktelk”
8 Spain Nebulossa “Zorra”
9 Estonia 5miinust & Puuluup “(nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi”
10 Ireland Bambie Thug “Doomsday Blue”
11 Latvia Dons “Hollow”
12 Greece Marina Satti “Zari”
13 United Kingdom Olly Alexander “Dizzy”
14 Norway Gåte “Ulveham”
15 Italy Angelina Mango “La noia”
16 Serbia Teya Dora “Ramonda”
17 Finland Windows95man “No Rules!”
18 Portugal Iolanda “Grito”
19 Armenia Ladaniva “Jako”
20 Cyprus Silia Kapsis “Liar”
21 Switzerland Nemo “The Code”
22 Slovenia Raiven “Veronika”
23 Croatia Baby Lasagna “Rim Tim Tagi Dim”
24 Georgia Nutsa Buzaladze “Firefighter”
25 France Slimane “Mon amour”
26 Austria Kaleen “We Will Rave​”

Results

The final ranking of the 25 finalists of Eurovision 2024 was as follows:

The vote of the juries was as follows:

The votes of the public were as follow:

  1. Croatia 337
  2. Israel 327
  3. Ukraine 307
  4. France 227
  5. Switzerland 226
  6. Ireland 136
  7. Italy 104
  8. Greece 85
  9. Armenia 82
  10. Lithuania 58
  11. Sweden 49
  12. Cyprus 44
  13. Estonia 33
  14. Serbia 32
  15. Finland 31
  16. Latvia 28
  17. Luxembourg 20
  18. Georgia 19
  19. Germany 18
  20. Portugal 13
  21. Slovenia 12
  22. Spain 11
  23. Austria 5
  24. Norway 4
  25. United Kingdom 0

Half of the final result came from the votes of the juries who voted last night and half from the TV audiences across Europe who voted for their favourite songs a few hours ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO_qJf-nW0k

What did you think of the final results of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest?

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Bets: The latest odds before the Grand Final!

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The 68th Eurovision Song Contest, which has been marred by drama like no other, will conclude in a few hours from now, culminating in the elimination of the Netherlands from the Grand Final this morning.

Amidst an atmosphere of tension and unprecedented toxicity, we take a look at the betting companies’ odds regarding each country’s chances of winning this year’s contest, as well as their chances of being in the Top 10.

Croatia in pole position

With Croatia as the early favourites, the Eurovision 2024 final will take place this evening. The country that has been in first place more than any other has the best chance of winning just hours before the curtain falls on this year’s contest. The supersonic Baby Lasagna is very close to giving Croatia their first win as an independent nation in their Eurovision appearance. Right now, you can place bets on the Croats’ maiden victory at odds between 1.83 and 2.25.

Second is Israel, which is right on Croatia’s heels and sees its odds of victory remain largely unchanged from our analysis yesterday. Thus, Israel’s Eurovision 2024 win is being played at odds between 2.8 and 4.

In third place, gaining ground after last night’s performance, are Nemo and Switzerland. Switzerland and Nemo‘s victory is now being bet at odds between 4.5 and 5.5, up from 6 to 9 at the time of writing our analysis yesterday.

Up two places for Ireland and down one for France, who complete the top five. The possibility of Ireland winning is now offered between 17 and 23. On the other hand, France‘s odds of victory have risen compared to yesterday, now offered between 15 and 26.

Ukraine has dropped to sixth place, having lost three places in the last two days. With the odds on offer having risen significantly, currently as much as 34 times the stake is returned on a Ukrainian victory in Malmo.

In seventh place is Italy, who lost even more ground after last night’s performance at Jury Rehearsal. Between 21 and 51 is being played on the possibility of Angelina Mango winning.

A one place rise for Greece, which moved up one place compared to our analysis yesterday, “taking advantage” of the exclusion of the Netherlands. A possible victory of “ZARI” and Marina Satti is currently being played at odds between 81 and 251, with no change at all compared to yesterday.

Finland has moved up to ninth place, while Sweden completes the top ten, returning inside the Top 10 for the first time in many months. Both Finland and Sweden are both playing at a maximum odds of 251, exactly the same as ninth-placed Greece as well as the UK and Armenia, who are in 11th and 12th place.

Top 10

Of particular interest is one of the most popular markets for betting companies, that of entering the Top 10. Looking at the table below, it can be seen that bookers largely consider entry into the top 10 to be assured for a large proportion of the countries involved in the Grand Final.

The presence of four countries in the top 10 is considered a given. Croatia, Switzerland, Ukraine and Israel are “given a place” in the top 10, with bookies offering this possibility at odds of under 1.10.

France and Italy are almost taken for granted that they too will have a place in the top 10 at Eurovision 2024, with this possibility returning between 1.14 and 1.20 times the stake.

With the six spots in the Top 10 looking largely taken, four spots remain, with Ireland considered the seventh most likely to take a spot in the top ten at odds of 1.57.

Greece also has a very strong chance of a place inside the Top 10, being eighth in the table below and also the last country to offer odds of less than 2. In fact, a place inside the Top 10 for Marina Satti returns up to 1.91 times the stake.

Beyond that, the Netherlands‘ elimination from the grand final “opens up a spot” within the Top 10 that was considered by many to be a lock. Automatically, it opens the way for two more spots for the top 10 of the ranking. Thus, Sweden is considered the ninth most likely to make the top ten and Armenia the tenth most likely. Both are being played at odds close to 2.5.

Conclusions

We are only a few hours away from the most dramatic final in Eurovision history, which has been tainted by the events of the last few days in Malmö. Leaving aside everything that has marked the contest so far, tonight’s final is the most controversial of all time, where no one can accurately predict what will happen. All possibilities are open and no outcome will come as a surprise.

Which country do you think will win the 68th Eurovision Song Contest?

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments!

Eurovision 2024: Family Show of the Grand Final- Live Commentary (Updated Live)

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The family show of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 has just begun. The family show is the afternoon show before the live broadcast that starts at 21:00 CET, where the artists perform once again their entries. The Family Show is more financially convenient, identical to the live one for families and takes place earlier on the same day of the Grand Final.

EurovisionFun will be watching all the shows live both at the on-site press centre in Malmö and at the online press centre and will be commenting on the full performances of the 26 participating countries.

This article gets updated in real time, all you need to do is hit the refresh button on your browser!

So stay tuned to this article as we update it with all the details, preparing you for what you will see in tonight’s Final, at 21:00 CEST.

The competition part

Sweden

Another professional performance by Marcus & Martinus. They are superstars and we can all tell! I can see a top ten coming for Sweden.

Ukraine

A touching performance by Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona. They are contenders to win the contest and every performance of them is magical.

Germany

Amazing vocals and a fiery performance, but they are not enough. The song feels bland.

Luxembourg

A great comeback for Luxembourg. Tali looks and sounds amazing. We hope all the best for the Duchy!

Israel

Another touching performance by Eden. This is how a ballad can be performed in a modern way. Eden is not separated by her dancers, they are all a part of the same “symphony”.

Lithuania

Love the performance. No one in the audience can stay still when Silvester performs and his energy is haunting.

Spain

The crowd goes crazy for “ZORRA”. The fans love it and every performance is stunning.

Estonia

Not a fan of this entry but the crowd also loves it.

Ireland

Bambie did not take the stage today as an incident happened. Another performance of Bambie was played instead.

Latvia

Another good performance by Dons, no changes in this rehearsal.

Greece

Marina sounded and looked great today. Despite having a cold, her vocals were on point.

United Kingdom

Olly gave a great performance and despite a minor mistake in the shots, this looked great.

Norway

Gåte never fail to deliver a great performance, and so they did during this rehearsal. Big applause at the Arena!

Italy

Angelina and her dancers are wearing the black outfits and honestly this looks great. Bravo Italia!

Serbia

Vocally on point, Teya gave another great performance.

Finland

This entry might not be everyone’s cup of tea but the crowd in the arena seems to love it!

Portugal

Minimalistic perfection. Great vocals by Iolanda and an applause at the Press Centre!

Armenia

Such a catchy entry. Audience was singing along! Armenia bringing the great vibes that we need.

Cyprus

Only 17 years old and such a class act. Silia gave -another- great performance!

Switzerland

Nemo is just incredible. This performance is just breathtaking. Definitely a contender for the victory.

Slovenia

A solid performance by Raiven. Vocally on point.

Croatia

In every single performance, Baby Lasagna nailed it. Is this the Eurovision 2024 winner? We will find out tonight!

Georgia

Vocals? On point. Visuals? On point. Georgia is deservingly back in the Grand Final.

France

In the middle of the performance, Slimane stopped singing and gave a message of peace and unity. Big applause at the Press Centre.

Austria

Kaleen sounded and looked great. A great entry to close the Grand Final.

Interval Acts

Abba appeared via holograms leading to Charlotte Perrelli, Carola and Conchita singing “Waterloo”!

The results 

These results are neither valid nor real, but they come about in order to serve the rehearsal’s purposes, but the winner was Estonia.

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

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Bets: Derby for two for the victory| Lots of shuffling after the second semi-final!

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The two semi-finals brought upsets upon upsets to the betting tables, with several countries standing out and others losing ground. The leak of the Italian public’s votes in the second semi-final changed the scene dramatically, with everything we wrote yesterday going out the window.

With less than 36 hours to go until the Eurovision 2024 grand final, we take a look at the betting companies’ odds regarding each country’s chances of winning this year’s contest.

Derby at the top

Israel‘s “breath” is now felt by Croatia, with last night’s RAI leak moving Eden Golan up six places, with room to move up even further. The sweeping wave of support for Israel‘s entry, which counted around 40% of the Italian public vote, may indicate a Europe-wide trend of support for the Hurricane.

When yesterday, in a total of 16 countries, one song has received 40% of the votes and the second, the Netherlands, has just under 8%, then we can talk about a situation that could have a profound effect on the development of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.

In any case, even at the time of writing this article, the first favourite is Croatia. Baby Lasagna‘s supersonic performance in the first semi-final had given Croatia a clear margin of victory, with its maiden win as an independent country “just around the corner” according to bookers who offered that possibility at odds of 1.62 to 1.91 before the second semi-final. At the moment, you can bet on a maiden Croatian victory at odds between 1.83 and 2.25.

Second is Israel, who yesterday before their appearance in the second semi-final and, especially, the Italian broadcaster’s leak, were considered the eighth favourite to win the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, at odds close to 67. As expected, those odds are now a thing of the past. Thus, Israel‘s win at Eurovision 2024 is being played at odds between 2.75 and 3.5. This is the biggest odds drop recorded from semi-final to final in Eurovision history, and it is not unlikely that in the next few hours Croatia will get even closer in the next few hours.

Despite Nemo‘s excellent performance in last night’s second semi-final, Switzerland has dropped to third place as a direct result of Israel’s rapid rise. Switzerland and Nemo‘s victory is now being bet at odds between 6 and 9, up from 3.5 to 4 last night.

The second winner of last night’s show is undoubtedly France, which is the only country along with Israel to see its odds fall by the hour. Between 17 and 26 was being played last night for France to win, while it is now being played between 11 and 17. Slimane‘s outstanding performance, which moved millions of viewers across Europe, lifted the French above the Ukrainians, Irish and Italians.

The top five is completed by Ukraine, being the big loser after the second semi-final, losing two places from where they were in our last analysis. With the odds on offer having almost doubled, currently as much as 26 times the stakes are returning on a Ukrainian win in Malmö.

Top 10

At similar odds to Ukraine, you can also play Ireland, who have dropped to sixth place, having been in fourth before the second semi-final. The possibility of Ireland winning is now offered between 13 and 26.

A loss of one place for Italy too, with a win for Angelina Mango tomorrow night returning up to 36 times the money of anyone who bets on her. Rising odds for Italy, who have lost whatever momentum they had before the contest.

The same is true, but to an even greater extent, for eighth-placed Netherlands. Having lost five places compared to before the start of the rehearsals and now outside the top five in eighth place, a potential win for Joost Klein and “Europapa” could return up to 81 times the stake.

Greece remains in ninth place at the time of writing, with the fluctuations during the day being huge. In the early hours of the morning of May 10 we have seen too many countries move up and down continuously, with some time of the day being within the top ten and others even lower. The same has happened in the case of Greece, which is now ninth, but was earlier in 15th place. A possible win for “ZARI” and Marina Satti is currently being played at odds between 81 and 251, higher than in our analysis the day before yesterday where it was played at odds between 51 and 151.

At the same maximum odds as Greece, one finds the United Kingdom, which completes the top ten. Up to 251 times the stake is returned on the UK’s first win within the 21st century.

Conclusions

We await with great interest in the coming hours whether the betting tables will be further affected, following the leak of Italy‘s votes in last night’s semi-final with its sweeping support for Israel. In any case, we’ll be back with additional betting articles ahead of the grand final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments!