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Austrian, German, Swiss broadcasters join forces for Eurovision 2024 programming!

Public broadcasters ORF (Austria), ADR (Germany) and SRF (Switzerland) are working together to increase their cooperation in different programming areas including the Eurovision Song Contest.

The decision was taken in a joint meeting in Munich.  The three partner channels agreed on bi and trilateral plans for future coordination broadcasting in the areas of culture, documentaries, entertainment.  The 140 billion euros agreements allow the channels to share their expertise and resources in future productions.  This would include future cooperation for the Eurovision Song Contest.

For instance, last May, Austrian and Swiss broadcasters broadcasted together ARD’s programmes “ESC – der Countdown” and “ESC – die Aftershow” hosted by Barbara Schöneberger.  In a similar fashion, the three channels will work together in the broadcasting of next Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö.

Source: SRF

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Eurovision 2024: The goal is to shorten the Eurovision broadcast, Per Blankens confirms!

As we have previously reported, Christer Björkman returns as competition producer for Eurovision 2024, together with “American Idol” producer Per Blankens, completing now the Eurovision 2024 core team for Malmö.

As reported by Aftonbladet‘s Törbjorn Ek, Björkman is currently in Berlin for meetings with the EBU. On Tuesday, Björkman‘s and Blanken‘s new roles will be presented both to the reference group, which is the competition’s highest decision-making body, and to all the countries’ heads of delegation who are on site to participate in a workshop about the competition, according to the plans.

Back in June, we had reported reveals by Aftonbladet that the Swedish production, led by executive producer Ebba Adielsson, was planning to shorten the Eurovision broadcast by a full hour.

According to Per Blankens, speaking to Aftonbladet, the cut in the duration of the show is high on the agenda of 2024:

“There may be reasons why the competition is so long, you have to have time to collect and compile all the public votes. But it will be late for those who live in the east and also for us who live in central Europe, so the program has everything to gain from being made shorter, but without shredding or just tearing it off.”

Another rumor circulating among Eurovision fans is that SVT is thinking about introducing some form of Second Chance in the European competition as well.

Per Blankens comments:

“I haven’t heard of it at all so I can’t comment on it, it’s nothing I know about”

Christer Björkman laughs when he hears about the rumour:

“I don’t think that’s really what we’re aiming for. We have a format that is very good and alive and many of the big changes happened in 2013 and 2016 in tonality and with the voting. I don’t think a lot of adjustments are needed right now. What we have to work on is trying to make a tight broadcast, efficient good television that doesn’t take up too much time. That is our big goal.”

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden in 7, 9 and 11th of May 2024, after the second win of Loreen in Liverpool, with her song Tattoo:

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

Source: Aftonbladet


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Eurovision 2024: Christer Björkman and Per Blankens are the last additions to the contest’s core team!

The Director’s Team for Eurovision 2024 was completed today, with the Swedish public broadcaster, adding two more core members. We are talking about the well-known Christer Björkmanand the experienced Per Blankens.

Christer Björkman has a really long journey in both Melodifestivalen and Eurovision Song Contest, while Pen Blankers, has worked in many music shows, like Melodifestivalen, Idol, American Idol and the song contest The Next for China’s Dragon TV in Shangai.

Christer Björkman stated:

“Eurovision’s values are more important than ever, where diversity and community are the foundation. Therefore, I am extremely proud to once again be one of the producers for this event –  it was impossible to say no”

Per Blankers added the following:

“I remember my years at Melodifestivalen as fantastic, but to be able to participate in the big Eurovision Song Contest party in this way is a dream come true. To be able to work so closely with Eurovision’s television elite will be an incredible adventure!”

Earlier this year, SVT presented the executive team that will be responsible for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest. The team consists of Ebba Adielsson, Christel Tholse Willers, Tobias Åberg and Johan Bernhagen. Other names that were later added to the production are David Wessén – Head of  Production Department, Mats Lindgren – Head of Legal Department, Madeleine Sinding-Larsen – Head of Media και Linnea Lopez – Executive Assistant.

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden in 7, 9 and 11th of May 2024, after the second win of Loreen in Liverpool, with her song “Tattoo”:

https://youtu.be/BE2Fj0W4jP4

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

Source: eurovision.tv


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Germany: The application platform for Eurovision 2024 has been opened – When will the selection take place?

German broadcaster NDR has officially confirmed that the national final for choosing the nation’s Eurovision 2024 entry will take place on February 16, 2024, under the new moniker “Das Deutsche Finale 2024” (The 2024 German Final). The application platform launched at the same time that the regulations were made available to the public.

The rules haven’t changed significantly despite the name change for the German national final. These are the announcement’s primary takeaways:

  • From today (7 September) to 5 October 2023, bands and artists can submit their applications on the website eurovision.de. They can also use the hashtag #EurovisionGermany2024 on TikTok to share their submission.
  • NDR emphasizes that all musicians are welcome, regardless of genre.
  • Artists that are interested can enter with or without a song. Later on, the matching of songs and performers will take place. But regardless of whether they include a song or not, all submissions must be accompanied by a video showcasing their vocal abilities.
  • The Eurovision rules should be adhered to by musicians that submit songs. These tracks must not be longer than 3 minutes and cannot be older than 1 September 2023. Last but not least, there are no language restrictions for the lyrical portion.

Germany was represented this year by Lord of the Lost with the song “Blood and Glitter”. The band, which is well-known in Germany, came in last place overall, with a total of 18 points. Will Germany be able to recover from its string of poor results and move to the left side of the leaderboard?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyGR4YWlPEs


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Sources: EBU, ESC kompakt, eurovision.de 

Luxembourg: First impressions from the auditions!

For the participation of Luxembourg at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, the first auditions took place with more than 100 people taking part at Rockhal in July.

A performance on the big stage of the Eurovision Song Contest lasts three minutes, and it will have a great repercussion on the lucky candidate. After a hiatus of 30 years, Luxembourg is back and therefore looking for the candidate or group that will represent the country in the 68th contest in Sweden. Therefore, candidates can apply for three categories:

  1. Singers and bands who can present a complete song.
  2. Candidates who don’t have their own song yet.
  3. Composers and songwriters who will collaborate with someone from category 2 to compose a new song.

Doropshi was the first audition in July of all the people who submitted their candidacy in the second category. Over two days, the most diverse candidates found their way to Rockhal.

At 63, Pierre Urbing was not only the oldest candidate, but also the first to sing.

“Basically, it was always my desire to make music when I was young, but then the opportunity wasn’t as available as it is today. And now we said, try to do something for Luxembourg”.

Melina Frisch is only 16 years old, so she was one of the youngest who dared to stand before the jury.

“I think even younger people should be asked to show that they can do something from a young age. Not just adults. I’m just doing it for fun and who knows what will come out of this”

She was accompanied by Christiane Hoffmann, a friend of the family. For her, the dream of the big stage had already come true in 1991, when she was able to represent Luxembourg as a pianist in Italy.

“It was a bit stressful because we couldn’t see much of Rome. So we had to go to Cinecittà every other day to rehearse. And it was very nice, because you got to know the other countries too. At that time there were not many. It was a great experience.”

Before audition candidates even take the stage, they would first have to convince the jury. The panel consisted of RTL.lu manager Sandra Biintz, RTL cultural program manager Jenny Fischbach, Eurovision coordinator Eric Lehmann, sound expert Jules Serrig, head of Radio Dave Gloesener and radio animator Samuel Steen.

“I would say that 50 percent of the candidates who came forward sing well. We have also made some suggestions for improvement. And I think the crowd will continue to improve until January when the decision is made and I think we’ll keep 40 to 50 people,” says jury member Eric Lehmann after the first day of casting.

Most performances were a cappella. Mainly in English and French, but partly in Luxembourgish, German, Portuguese and even Serbian. Some solo performers were accompanied by guitar or piano or brought a musical accompaniment. As a result, most candidates had chosen a slower song. The jury would like more up-tempo songs, but will take this into consideration for improvement next year and possibly allow background music during auditions.

The best singers will later compete with those candidates who are already more established in the music industry and have their own songs in their repertoire. The finalists will then compete against each other in a big televised show at the Rockhal on January 27, and the winner will represent Luxembourg at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö in May 2024.

Source: RTL

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Romania: Will Ovi return to Eurovision in 2024?

Through a Facebook post, Ovi (Ovi Jacobsen) disclosed that he is currently in the studio working on a potential Eurovision 2024 entry!

Along with Paula Seling, the well-known singer has twice flown the Romanian flag. In fact, they placed third in their initial entry with the song “Playing with fire” in 2010, which is at the moment Romania’s second-best finish. They also performed the song “Miracle” at their second appearance in 2014, finishing in 12th place and just two points outside the top 10.

Romania has not revealed any plans regarding its participation in the 68th edition of the competition up until this point. Consequently, we are unaware of whether its entry, if the country participates as normal, will be picked via selecția națională or using a different procedure.

Furthermore, there isn’t a clear indication in the post as to which country is the subject of the submission or whether Ovi’s contribution is confined to songwriting or also includes singing the song.

These inquiries will receive an answer in the upcoming months!


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Austria: Is the country organizing a National Final for Eurovision 2024?

After the announcement that Conchita Wurst, is not going to take part in the Austrian national selection for Eurovision 2024, there are numerous scenarios going around, that the public will have their own say at the selection.

Despite their inicial proclamation, that the country is going to have an internal selection once again, the public broadcaster of Austria, ORF, talked about the possibility of a live show selection for picking the representative of Eurovision 2024. If in the end, this scenario ends up being true, then it will be the first national final in Austria since 2016.

As we have informed you, more than twelve artists have been approached directly from the broadcaster. However, anyone interested, can submit their entry until September 30, through the email address songcontest@orf.at.

The national selection of Austria last year, besides the jury panel, included live performances in front of a focus group of Eurovision specials.

Teya & Salena represented Austria at Eurovision 2023 with the song “Who The Hell is Edgar” and finished 15th in the Grand Final, bringing their country to the Final after three consecutive non-qualifications:

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


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Austria: Conchita Wurst will not submit a song for Eurovision 2024!

In the middle of the summer, during the so-called post Eurovision depression period, there was another Eurovision winner interested in taking part again, after Loreen’s second win. Namely, Conchita Wurst was expected to submit a song to the Austrian public broadcaster for Eurovision 2024, but as things turn out, she is not interested.

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Denmark: Submission window for Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024 are now open

DR, the public broadcaster of Denmark, has already started preparing the country’s greatest music show for 2024, namely the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, the national final for Eurovision 2024. With the submission window opening today, the country is ready to select their new representative.

The submission window will be open until Friday October 27, and those interested can read the rules and apply their proposals, in the specified website.

“The winning song, with its high quality, must have the potential to represent Danish music and Danish culture in the most distinguished way at the Eurovision Song Contest.”

For yet another year, the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, will take place directly with the Grand Final and with eight songs competing. What is more, some of the rules stat that:

  • Either the artist, lyricist or composer, have to be Danish citizens, or have an equally strong relation to Denmark
  • Citizens of Greenland and the Faroe Islands can also take part
  • The competing song must be up to three minutes in duration and must not be reproduce anywhere publicly without DR’s consent
  • Composers and lyricists can tae part with multiple songs
  • The songs can be performed in any language
  • The winning song, must be performed, both in DMG and Eurovision, live and with 100% live vocals

The previous winner of DMGP and Denmark’s representative in Eurovision 2023, was Reiley with his song “Breaking my Heart”, who didn’t manage to qualify for the final, leaving his country out for the third year in a row:

https://youtu.be/XVZvzZF1JOk

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

Source: dr.dk


Albania: RTSH confirmed the country’s participation in Eurovision 2024!

Albania will once again participate in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Malmö, Sweden.

Albania’s national broadcaster, Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH), has confirmed on the Eurovoix website that Albania will participate in the upcoming 68th Eurovision Song Contest. It is likely that RTSH will continue to use the popular Festivali i Këngës as the country’s national final to select its Eurovision 2024 entry.

Following Albania’s announcement, the number of countries that have confirmed their participation in Eurovision 2024 now stands at 28:

🇦🇱 Albania
🇸🇲 San Marino
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
🇦🇹 Austria
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇫🇷 France
🇩🇪 Germany
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇪🇪 Estonia
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇪🇸 Spain
🇮🇱 Israel
🇮🇹 Italy
🇨🇾 Cyprus
🇱🇹 Lithuania
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
🇲🇹 Malta
🇲🇩 Moldova
🇳🇴 Norway
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇺🇦 Ukraine
🇵🇱 Poland
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇷🇸 Serbia
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇫🇮 Finland

Albania will make its 20th appearance in the Eurovision Song Contest since its debut in 2004. Since its participation in 2004, it has qualified for the grand final 11 times- most recently at the 2023 edition.

In the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, held in Liverpool, Albania was represented by Albina & Familjia Kelmendi with the song “Duje“. In the Grand Final of 2023, they placed 22nd with 76 points.

https://youtu.be/TI9rSDhXwyc

Source: eurovoix.com

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