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Israel: Noa Kirel will most likely confirm her Eurovision participation on a press conference on Wednesday!

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She’s already added layers to the Eurovision 2023 iceberg of intrigue by saying her Eurovision 2023 participation was only a “maybe” – despite KAN (Israel’s national broadcaster) revealing she was at the top of its wishlist.

But now Israeli media are reporting that Noa Kirel will confirm her Eurovision participation at a press conference on Wednesday.

KAN’s Eurovision committee drew up a list of 78 artists who have performed well on the charts in recent years and then debated among themselves to create a ranked list of artists for ESC 2023. Noa, definitely Israel’s most popular star, came out on top.

However, that didn’t mean that Noa and her management were willing to accept her placement on top and to submit to any and all demands from KAN.

In mid-July the 21-year-old star told on an Israeli newspaper that she needs more time to “brainstorm” a potential Eurovision run.

“It’s a competition that relies on politics, but on the other hand it is also a big stage and that offers a lot exposure,” she said. “Fear has never stopped me from trying things and life is about taking risks and getting up. Is this the thing that will expose me to the world? Or could it be the other way around? That’s why I need to brainstorm and understand how I approach this.”

On Monday, Noa revealed in an interview that she’s made specific demands regarding her participation that include being involved in the writing and choosing of the song and directing the eventual stage show. KAN had planned to have Noa perform three or four songs on a TV show, similar to what Eden Alene did ahead of Rotterdam, and have a jury and the public decide her entry.

It’s thought that KAN and Noa will give some sense of how the song will be chosen during the press conference on Wednesday.

Eran Suissa, the entertainment correspondent for Israel Hayom, previously reported that “Toy” songwriter Doron Medalie was contacted by Noa Kirel’s team about joining the Israel team, most likely as a songwriter.

Medalie previously worked as Noa’s artistic director, giving her hits like “If You Are a Man” and “Tikitas”. He also turned Israel’s fortunes around at Eurovision with songs like “Golden Boy” and “Made of Stars”.

Howeveer, he told that he wants to see some big changes within Israel’s Eurovision team and that such changes will be essential for Kirel to climb the scoreboard. He suggested strongly that there are messy scenes behind the curtain at broadcaster KAN.

“We need to devote enormous resources to Noa and a professional team made up of the best talents and professionals we have. To produce such a system will require a real revolution in attitude. We create the illusion that it is so simple but the truth is that it is the most complex undertaking.”

 Listen to one of Noa Kirel’s most popular songs “Thought About That”:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Israeli participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023!

Source: wiwibloggs.com

Andrew Lambrou: With which country is the singer in discussions for Eurovision 2023?

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We promised you last night, through our social media, some really interesting news! And we aspire to always deliver! So, here it is: Andrew Lambrou, an Australian singer of Cypriot origin, is in discussions with a country for Eurovision 2023.

“Until we know what’s happening with Eurovision”

Due to the summer idleness and lack of news, we decided to get in touch with artists who were candidates for this year’s national finals, to see where they are now, what they are up to or if they would be interested in participating again in ESC.

One of the artists we interviewed was Andrew Lambrou, who attempted to represent Australia at Eurovision 2022, taking part in the national final Australia Decides with the song Electrify – eventually coming seventh out of eleven candidates.

So, we contacted him and he agreed to do the interview, referring us to his manager to arrange the details of the interview. After having agreed on day and time with his manager, Timothy Youngson, we were waiting for the final “ok”.

However, on Sunday evening, we received an e-mail in which it was essentially confirmed that the artist is in discussions for Eurovision 2023, and that his team decided to wait for the final outcome of these discussions, before giving an interview!

Which country is Andrew Lambrou in discussions with?

Of course, the question that arises now is which country is Andrew Lambrou in discussions with. There are, we believe, two possible scenarios.

Australia

The first possible scenario is that the young expatriate artist is discussing a return to Australia Decides, the country’s national final for the ESC.

He might not have managed to get the ticket for the Competition this year, but Andrew Lambrou left a positive impression upon the eurofans, and not a few of them would like to see him try again.

Cyprus

The second possible scenario is of course Cyprus. CYBC very recently signed a new agreement with PANIK, according to which their cooperation in Eurovision is extended for at least two more years. In fact, it was announced that for 2023 they will once again select the artist internally, while for 2024 they will hold ,together with Nikos Kokloni’s production company, “All Together Now”, for the selection of the country’s representative.

So, it would not come as a surprise if the Cypriot delegation and PANIK are already in discussion with the artist’s team, in order for the latter to represent the country in the next competition. Andrew Lambrou may not be part of PANIK’s team (after all he lives and works in Australia), but this is not a problem since something similar happened back in 2020, with PANIK records taking over Sandro merely for the Eurovision project.

Who is Andrew Lambrou

Andrew Lambrou is 24 years old, who lives and works in Sydney. He performs and writes his own songs since the age of five.

At the age of just 17, he impressed all four X Factor judges, who easily got him through to the next stage. Having received great feedback from the four big names sitting in the judges’ seats  (Danii Minogue, James Blunt, Chris Isaak, Guy Sebastian). Andrew got through the first round with four ‘YES’, performing his rendition of Nick Jonas’ song “Chains”.

In the second phase, the 5 seat challenge, the coach of the Boys under 25 team, Chris Isaak, was asked to choose only five out of the boys to go through. Andrew sang “Ain’t nobody” by Chaka Khan and achieved a Top 5 spot.

It is worth noting that Andrew Lambrou became known well before his participation on X-Factor, due to his YouTube Channel, where he uploads various covers of popular (mostly pop) songs.

Unfortunately, Andrew was not as lucky in the next phase, the Super Home Visits phase, as he did not manage to make it to the top 3 and enter the live shows. This is attributed mostly to his musical inexperience at the time. However, experts in the field, like Simon Cowell, remarked upon Andrew’s promising career in the industry.

It now remains to be seen if Andrew Lambrou will try again for the Australian national final despite his recent disappointing results or whether CYBC, after this year’s non-qualification, will follow on the ERT’s footsteps and send an expatriate artist to the ESC.

Check out his performance at Australia Decides 2022 below:

Would you like to see Andrew Lambrou at Eurovision 2023 with Australia or with Cyprus? Stay tuned for all the updates on the matter!

Eurovision 2023: Newcastle is “in” and Derry is “out” of Host City bid race!

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We have already reported the flurry of excitement across UK, and among cities willing to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. And while we await the announcement of the shortlist on August 12, the developments on this front are still coming through, with Newcastle confirming the submission of an official bid, and Derry clarifying that it is no longer interested in hosting the event.

Withdrawal of interest by Derry (N. Ireland)

According to a recent article, Derry, the second most populous city in N. Ireland, appears to have changed its mind and will not proceed with an official bid to host the Competition in the city, despite its initial interest. A spokesperson for Derry City Council said:

Following the resolution at June’s Council meeting “that Council Officers investigate the feasibility of submitting a bid to host the 2023 Eurovision Final”, Council has advised its elected members that the hosting criteria has been reviewed.

The Council area is unable to fulfill a number of the essential minimum criteria in relation to the provision of a suitable venue and supporting accommodation infrastructure. On that basis, it was recommended that a Stage 1 bid is not submitted.

Official bid by Newcastle (NE England)

The formal bid was submitted by the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI) on behalf of Newcastle City Council. Confirming the Council’s plans, NGI Director, Ian Thomas, said:

This is a once in a generation opportunity to welcome a huge number of international visitors, performers and media to the North East of England and to showcase our world- class culture, rich heritage and vibrant region to the world.

Our bid is a region-wide effort with support from our local authorities, and public and private sector partners from across the North East as we recognise the enormity of this opportunity.

The potential impact of Newcastle hosting Eurovision 2023 is phenomenal. Eurovision will play a significant role in rejuvenating and sustaining our visitor economy, supporting our businesses and creating an even better place for our residents.

Addressing the city’s success at hosting other large scale events, he added:

We’ve seen other large events such as the European Professional Rugby Club finals attract 95,000 fans to the region which contributed £24m to our visitor economy in 2019, and World Transplant Games also in 2019 brought in attendees from over 50 countries which pushed hotel occupancy rates up by 13%, supporting the hospitality supply chain and helping to sustain jobs within the industry.

Eurovision will be on an even bigger scale, and we welcome this fantastic opportunity to bring this to the region.

Councillor Alex Hay of the Newcastle City Council, said:

“We are delighted to be bidding to host Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with its people. We are collaborating with partners across the region to help make this a reality for Newcastle, to do Ukraine proud and to embody everything that Eurovision stands for.

We’re committed to making Newcastle a better place for our residents and visitors, and hosting Eurovision will be a crucial tool in achieving that.

It will not only showcase the city and its incredible people on a global stage, but it will have a tangible social and economic impact in bringing financial investment into the city, helping change perceptions of the North East, and build a lasting legacy for our city.

We are a certified City of Sanctuary, which strengthens our message that everyone is welcome here. Music is a big part of our heritage and it’s time for us to write a new verse in that history.

We are Newcastle, we are a safe city, famous for our Geordie welcome, we stand united with Ukraine – and we are the perfect host for Eurovision 2023.

Would Newcastle be a good host for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest? Stay tuned for any updates!

Eurovision 2023: BBC issues FAQ about Host City application process

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We don’t often get to see a National Broadcaster publishing FAQ for the Host City bidding process. Actually, we think, that’s a first! BBC has probably been overwhelmed by messages from officials all over UK, and has responded to it with the most British way possible, namely by issuing a Frequently Asked Questions document that briefly summarises the process. You can view the FAQs below:

Eurovision FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Host City application process for Eurovision 2023

How do you apply to be a Host City?

Any local authority interested in becoming a Host City can email esc.hostcity@bbc.co.uk

Does it cost to enter a bid?

There is no charge to enter a bid. It is up to Cities whether they incur costs to support their bid.

Who decides who will be the Host City?

The selection of the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be determined by the BBC and the EBU.

How does the process work?

It is a two-stage process and to be considered, any potential candidates must meet a set of minimum standards that demonstrate they have the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity.

What are the key requirements?

The final decision on selecting the Host City will be based on a city or region’s capacity and capability in meeting the BBC’s and the EBU’s requirements, as well as availability of resources and general experience in hosting a large and complex event such as the Eurovision Song Contest.

For example, last year the EBU’s Host City criteria was based on providing a venue able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators (as well as a press centre), that should be within easy reach of an international airport and with ample hotel accommodation.

Will there be different rounds?

There will be two rounds. Once we have received applications, we will shortlist cities based on their ability to meet the requirements and their responses around capability and experience.

Will the government have a say on who hosts it?

We may consult with the UK government but the decision on who will be the Host City will be determined by the BBC and the EBU.

When will you announce the Host City?

We expect the process to be completed in Autumn and we will announce the successful Host City then.

 

Which shall be the Eurovision 2023 Host City? Stay tuned for updates!

Eurovision 2023: Cardiff pulls out from the host city bid race!

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It was announced today that Cardiff will not proceed with its host city application for Eurovision 2023, due to the unavailability of the Principality Stadium (proposed venue) during the Eurovision period.

That is despite the fact that the Cardiff Council, the Welsh Government and the Principality Stadium had initially expressed a great interest in hosting the show in May 2023.

The above actors clarified, in their joint statement, that hosting Eurovision would have caused cancellations of a great number of significant scheduled events.

Here is the joint statement by the Principality Stadium, the Cardiff City Council, and Welsh Government’s officials:

“Since it was confirmed that the UK would host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, Cardiff Council, the Welsh Government and Principality Stadium have been working at pace to establish the feasibility of a bid to host the event in Wales’ capital city.”

“Cardiff’s very strong track record in hosting major events, and the world-class Principality Stadium, would have made it a natural fit for such a significant production.”

“The BBC, as the event organisers, have released detailed specifications for each city wishing to bid to host the event. As partners, we have been working through these in detail. It is clear that on many of these Cardiff would have a very strong case to become the host city for Eurovision 2023.”

“However, the complexity of staging the event means that a significant number of scheduled events in the Principality Stadium during Spring 2023 would have to be cancelled as a result. These include the European Wheelchair Rugby Championships, ‘The Road to Principality’, a key event in the WRU Community rugby calendar, and a major international artist contracted to appear, among other events.”

This development, albeit not a cause of celebration for Welsh eurofans, might strengthen some other cities’ bid. Taking Wales out of the game, leaves plenty of room for Scotland’s cities to manoeuvre, with Glasgow of course leading the race in the betting odds so far.

Which is the most suitable host city for Eurovision 2023? Should the ESC take place in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland? 

Greece: ERT is ready for Eurovision 2023!

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It’s ERT’s time and Eurovisionfun is in the thick of it all! Learn everything about ERT’s plans for Eurovision 2023, and more… What is this year’s selection procedure? When shall we expect an official announcement? Who have expressed an interest in participating?

As August approaches, the Greek National Broadcaster is ready for the Eurovision 2023 project. Shortly before the summer holidays, the ERT’s executives, involved in the past years’ selection procedure and preparation, have finalised their planning, with the selection procedure scheduled to commence, as last year, at the beginning of September.

The team leaders

Eurovision project’s supervisor, for the third consecutive year, will be none other than Dora Chiraki, while Sofia Dranidou will also return to her position for the third consecutive year as Greece’s head of delegation. You don’t change a winning team, especially when this team has now the necessary expertise and knowledge to go one step further. Indeed, this stability, after several years, in people surcharged with the Eurovision project, is a goal that all participating broadcasters seeking good results in the Contest aim to achieve. 

The procedure for selecting country’s representative

Although we do not know the exact procedure for the selection of Greece’s participation in Eurovision 2023, ERT is expected to remain faithful to the formula it has been following in recent years. That is, to give the opportunity to record labels and production companies to submit their proposals, and to come up, through an internal selection by a committee designated by ERT for this purpose, to the proposal that will bring the best results for Greece in May.

Moreover, it is now widely accepted that ERT’s committee has correctly chosen the songs and artists for the last three years, thus marking a triumphant return of Greece to the elite of Eurovision countries. People in the field, albeit at first being skeptical about the committee’s objectivity and judgement, now agree that the selection method carried out by ERT gives everyone the opportunity to take part in the procedure, keeping away unnecessary drama and negative publicity. At the same time, it has also managed to arouse the interest of artists, who in previous years would not have participated in Eurovision.

ERT expects to capitalise on all of the above to an even greater degree this year, since more and more artists are coming forward and expressing their interest in participating in ERT’s internal selection, estimating a way bigger turnout than the 43 proposals submitted last year. 

The dates

Moving to the practical aspect of the matter, it is expected that the official announcement for the submission of proposals will be issued just after the presentation of the ERT’s program, which will take place on September the 6th. Of course, it remains to be seen if ERT will insist on the internal selection or if it will try to engage the public in some way, although as we noted above, the former is more likely.

The goal for Eurovision 2023 is clear; a place, for the third year in a row, in the top-ten. A goal which is not as easy as it seems. Besides, at the moment only three countries managed to have two consecutive places in the top-10, one of them being Greece. Of course, after this year’s eighth place, the bar is particularly high, but the Greek team is optimistic that it will do credit to all Greek fans.

The artists who have expressed interest so far

The artists who, in one way or another, have expressed their interest to represent Greece in the next ESC (which will take place in the United Kingdom) are the following :

  • Vasilis Kourtis
  • Melissa Mantzouki
  • Antonia Kaouri
  • Leon of Athens
  • Katerina Stikoudi
  • Kalomira
  • Klavdia
  • Aggelos Archaniotakis
  • Tania Breazou
  • Evangelia
  • Joanne et al.

Eurovisionfun will be again this year on the forefront, supporting the Greek entry, ERT and our team with all our strength and vigour, because as we have previously said, they are making a worthwhile effort!

Stay tuned here, at the home of Eurovision in Greece, for all the news and updates about the Greek entry in Eurovision 2023!

 

Eurovision 2023: Sheffield, Bristol submitted their bid to host, Nottingham is still thinking about it!

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Two more cities are now added to the list of those who are confirmed to have submitted a bid to host Eurovision 2023. Sheffield and Bristol are ready to submit tehir own bid while the city of Bristol still considers this possibility.

Sheffield

A statement released by the city council confirms that Sheffield’s bid for Eurovision 2023 is the Utilita Sheffield Arena to serve as the venue of the contest. The Utilita Sheffield Arena (known as Sheffield Arena), has a capacity of 13.600 spectators and has been used for concerts and sporting events since its opening in 1991.

Sheffield stands in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, including those with whom we have long been associated in our sister city of Donetsk.

As the first designated city of refuge in the UK, we strive to offer our city not only as a place of refuge, but as a place to celebrate the unity and solidarity that Eurovision symbolizes.

Sheffield stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we are submitting ourselves to host Eurovision 2023 to make its people proud.

Bristol

During Bristol’s pride in mid July, the town’s mayor, Marvin Rees, has announced their intention to claim the hosting of Eurovision 2023. Now that it has been made official that the competition will be held next May in the United Kingdom, Marvin Rees has reiterated his statement to the media, saying that Bristol are preparing their bid.

The city plans to use the YTL Arena, which is still under construction, for the event. The arena is designed to be able to seat 17,000 spectators using the large space that was once used to build the largest aircraft ever built in the United Kingdom.

Nottingham

Nottingham City Council has announced that it will consider submitting a formal bid to host Eurovision in 2023 after first looking at the official nomination criteria that the BBC has set.

A spokesman for Nottingham City Council said:

“Nottingham has excellent credentials to host a prestigious and internationally popular show like the Eurovision Song Contest. We look forward to the publication of the detailed criteria and bidding process to then consider whether we will be able to submit a formal application to be the host city.”

Katrina supports Manchester

While the British cities submit their bid to host Eurovision 2023 one after another, Katrina Leskanich, the last winner of the British winner of Eurovision back in 1997, says that she supports Manchester hosting the contest.

Speaking shortly after the EBU’s announcement of the UK taking over the next event she said:

“There are only a few cities that claim hosting and I think that Manchester is one of them. It would be on top of my list because it meets all the criteria.”

City councilor Bev Craig confirmed that Manchester will submit its proposal for Eurovision 2023, pledging at the same time that it will be “A Eurovision to remember”!

The following cities are confirmed to have started preparations for their proposals:

  • Aberdeen
  • Glasgow
  • Liverpool
  • Manchester
  • Bristol
  • Sheffield

While the following cities have already declared their intention to bid:

  • Belfast
  • Birmingham
  • Brighton
  • Cardiff
  • Leeds
  • London
  • Newcastle
  • Nottingham
  • Sunderland
  • Wolverhampton

The Contest of 2023 will be the first contest since 1079 in which the winning country is not able to host the next year. Its the sixth time in total that the winning country doesn’t host the contest the following year. Eurovision 2023 also extends United Kingdom’s record of hosting, having hosted Eurovision a total of nine times.

Kalush Orchestra won Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song “Stefania”. It was Ukraine’s third win in the Contest.

https://youtu.be/F1fl60ypdLs

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2023!

Ukraine: Kalush Orchestra’s first reaction to the United Kingdom hosting Eurovision 2023!

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They offered us one of the most anticipated  TV moments of the year, winning Eurovision Song Contest 2022 and giving their fellow Ukrainians a moment of joy and hope in the middle of a war. And while Kalush Orchestra would have loved for Eurovision 2023 to be held in Ukraine, after EBU’s latest decision, they say they are “grateful” the United Kingdom will host on their behalf.

Speaking to the Press Association, lead singer of Kalush, Oleh Psiuk said:

“Of course, we are very sad that the Eurovision Song Contest will not be held in Ukraine next year. But we are grateful to the UK for their solidarity and for agreeing to hold the event in support of our country. We hope Eurovision 2023 will have a Ukrainian flavour and celebrate our beautiful, unique culture.

The singer of Kalush then went on to say that they will try to win once again!

“We, in turn, will make all efforts to help Ukraine win next year as well, so that Eurovision 2024 can take place in a peaceful country. We will work closely with our colleagues at the Ukrainian broadcaster, UA:PBC and will showcase Ukrainian culture and music as a key part of the event.”

The BBC’s chief content officer has already made it clear that the show will honour Ukraine’s win and contain many Ukrainian elements. In an e-mail sent to BBC staff members, Charlotte Moore said:

“We will work closely with our colleagues at the Ukrainian broadcaster, UA:PBC and will showcase Ukrainian culture and music as a key part of the event.”

Kalush Orchestra represented Ukraine in Eurovision 2022 with the song “Stefania”  and won with 631 points and a record breaking 439 televote points.

https://youtu.be/F1fl60ypdLs

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the  Eurovision Song Contest 2023!

Source: wiwiblogs

San Marino: Dates for “Una Voce per San Marino” released!

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The official rules for Una voce per San Marino, the national selection of San Marino for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 have been released. today.

Una voce per San Marino 2023 has been launched today with the contest following the same format as last year. The selection will begin in December and San Marino will have a representative after the televised final on February 17 live from the Teatro Titano.

An Academy and Casting stage will be held which will be broadcast as “Aspettando il Festival-Una Voce per San Marino” (Waiting for the Festival – Una Voce per San Marino), this is followed by five Semi-Finals broadcast across three evenings, then the Emerging Artists Category Final will take place and last but not least the Grand Final. As in 2022, there will be a Semi-Final for San Marinese artists as well as a Second Chance show for a final ticket to the Grand Final.

The key dates are:

  • The Academy and Casting – December 13 to 17 and January 3 to January 11.
  • Semi-Finals of Una voce per San Marino – February 12 to 16
  • Final – February 17

Achille Lauro was the first winner of Una Voce per San Marino and  represented the nation in 2022 with his song “Stripper”.

https://youtu.be/vCmX64N_sXM

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the participation of San Marino at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023!

Source: eurovoix.com

Evangelia: “I’m sending in a song for Eurovision 2023”!

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As we have already revealed, the Greek artists’ interest in participating in Eurovision 2023 is particularly strong! And while the first rumours have already begun to spread, we already have the first official confirmation from none other than Evangelia, a promising young artist who came into vogue the last couple of years!

Evangelia, whose music fuses Greek folk sounds, with (mostly American) pop elements, has already pulled of hits, such as “Páme Páme”, “Fotiá”, and “Ónira”. Also, the new video clip for her song, “Paradise”, was recently released.

The singer, who grew up in New Jersey, USA, and is originally from Crete, said in an Instagram live on her personal account, talking to Adem Kavaz (a Turkish Cypriot Eurovision fan) that she “wants to represent Greece or Cyprus in ESC” and “she will submit a song for Eurovision 2023”.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Adem Kavaz (@all_about_eurovision_sc)

The Instagram video is not available, but it will be published soon on Adem Kavaz’s blog and youtube channel .

It is not the first time that Evangelia will seek to take part in ESC, since last year she reportedly submitted three songs, (one of which was “Ónira”), to represent Greece, which, however, did not go through the second stage of evaluation by the selection committee. Evangelia also sought to represent Cyprus in the 2022 ESC.

Would you like to see Evangelia at Eurovision 2023? Stay tuned for any updates!