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EBU: Proposal to abolish the Big 5 privilege from the contest!

The Swedish radio commentator for Eurovision , Carolina Norén , was invited as a guest on The Euro Trip Podcast. Norén shared her discussion with the Eurovision Executive Supervisor, Martin Österdahl, about a change on the Big 5 status in the contest.

The Swedish commentator, speaking to the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, suggested that the EBU should not guarantee the Big 5 a direct place in the finals. Instead, the Big-5 ( France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and Spain ) shall be put to compete in the Semi-Finals, for a fairer result.

I think you should take away the Big Five. Let just the winner be qualified directly to the final and let everybody compete in the same way through the Semi Finals to the Final.

Although Martin Österdahl, seemed to be processing this idea, as it would be a special and big change, he nevertheless replied that at the moment there is no such possibility.

As it is known, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain constitute the Big 5. The Big 5 are the most important financial contributors to the contest as well as countries with a big Eurovision background. In addition, they pay the highest participation fees to the EBU, so they do not have to compete in the Semi-Finals to earn a place in the Grand Final.

Do you agree on abolishing the Big 5 privilege? Stay tuned on EurovisionFun for all news!

Source: The Euro Trip

Germany: Two new potential candidates for Das Deutsche Finale 2024!

A few days ago we posted an article (here) regarding the artists who have already expressed their intention to take part in Das Deutsche Finale 2024, the show through which Germany is going to pick their next representative at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.

Two new names are joining the list of the potential candidates who are interested in representing Germany. The first new name is Aileen Sager, who is a personal choice of the prominent composer and songwriter Ralph Siegel. Ralph Siegel has already expressed his desire to submit an entry in the German selection process. Apart from that, it has been 50 years since his first participation in Eurovision and 42 years since his victory with Nicole who performed “Ein bißchen Frieden” and he wants to participate once again in this international contest.

Aileen Sager was a semi-finalist in the German franchise of Idol, Deutschland sucht den Superstar” and she revealed via her personal Instagram account that her music collaboration with Ralph Siegel is focused on the pop genre. However their Eurovision proposal is not finished yet and for this reason Ralph Siegel spends a lot of time at the recording studio.

The second name that may compete to represent Germany is the musical duo Tilly Electronics who want to go to Eurovision 2024 in Malmö with the song “Tanzen”. This music duo makes electronic music, comes from Leipzig and keeps its identity hidden under its black and white suits. Tilly Electronics’ application has been the subject of much debate in recent days on social media – with much encouragement, but also some potential for polarisation.

What do you think of these two potentials for Das Deutsche Finale 2024? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: ESC-Kompakt

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Netherlands: This is the complete line-up of Eurostars for Het Grote Songfestivalfeest 2023 in Amsterdam!

Het Grote Songfestivalfeest was a concert that took place in 2019, in order to promote Eurovision 2020 planned to take place in the Netherlands. After two years without it and one cancellation in 2021 due to the COVID-19 measurments in the Netherlands, the concert came back in 2022, and after last year’s triumph, is ready to come back for yet another year

There will be numerous winners and past participants of the contest, including Μåns Zelmerlöw (Sweden 2015), Ruslana (Ukraine 2004), Eleni Foureira (Cyprus 2018) and Cornelia Jakobs (Sweden 2022).

The concert’s official Instagram account, announced every once in a while a new artist that were going to take part and that proccess ended some days ago. In the end, these are the artists that are going to perform in the contest in alphabetical order and the songs that they will sing:

  • Alika – “Bridges” (Estonia 2023, 8th Place)
  • Bobbysocks – “La det Swinge” (Norway 1985, 1st Place)
  • Charlotte Perrelli – “Take Me to Your Heaven” & “Hero” (Sweden 1999, 1st Place & 18th Place)
  • Cornelia Jakobs – “Hold Me Closer” (Sweden 2022, 4th Place)
  • Edsilia Rombley – “Hemel en Aarde” & “On Top of The World” (Netherlands 1998, 4th Place & 2007, Didn’t qualify)
  • Eleni Foureira – “Fuego” (Cyprus 2018, 2nd Place)
  • Ell & Nikki  “Running Scared” (Azerbaijan 2011, 1st Place)
  • Emmelie de Forest – “Only Teardrops” (Denmark 2013, 1st Place)
  • Gali Atari  “Hallelujah” (Israel 1979, 1st Place)
  • Johnny Logan – “What’s Another Year” & “Hold Me Now” (Ireland 1980 & 1987, 1st Place)
  • KEiiNO – “Spirit in the Sky” (Norway 2019, 6th Place)
  • Käärijä  “Cha Cha Cha” (Finland 2023, 2nd Place)
  • Linda Wagenmakers – “No Goodbyes” (Netherlands 2000, 13th Place)
  • Luca Hänni – “She Got Me” (Switzerland 2019, 4th Place)
  • Μåns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden 2015, 1st Place)
  • Rosa Linn – “Snap” (Armenia 2022, 20th Place)
  • Ruslana – “Wild Dances” (Ukraine 2004, 1η Θέσηst Place)
  • Ruth Jacott – “Vrede” (Netherlands 1993, 6th Place)
  • Serhat – “Say Na Na Na” (San Marino  2019, 19th Place)
  • Stefania – “Last Dance” (Greece 2021, 10th Place)
  • The Roop – “Discoteque” (Lithuania 2021, 8th Place)
  • Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine 2007, 2nd Place)
  • WRS – “Llámame” (Romania 2022, 18th Place)

The great concert, is a co-production of the public broadcaster AVROTROS and PILOTSTUDIO and it’s going to take place in November 16th in Ziggo Dome arena of Amsterdam. It will also be broadcasted some time later by the Dutch public Television.

The hosts of the show will once again be Edsilia Rombley (Netherlands 1998 and 2007, Eurovision 2021 host).

But keep your eyes open, beacuse we think that the Dutch producers might announce some more artists in the near future!

Ποίους καλλιτέχνες περιμένετε να δείτε στην μεγάλη αυτή συναυλία με θέμα την Eurovision; Γράψτε μας στα σχόλια!


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Australia: SBS in discussions with EBU regarding Eurovision participation!

The Australian public broadcaster, SBS, revealed today that they are in discussions with the EBU as far as the future participation at the Eurovision Song Contest in concerned.

Initially Australia were invited to participate for a one-off for the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015. After finished in 5th place of the Grand Final – where they automatically qualified – the country were invited for the years followed until 2019 when a 5-year contract was signed between SBS and EBU allowing Australia to take part without an invitation.

However 2023 was the last year that Australia were able to do so, something that has already triggered questions in Eurofans circles regarding the participation of the biggest country of Oceania at the upcoming 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.

SBS commented the following on the matter:

“Eurovision is a cherished part of the SBS family. Australia’s future participation in the song contest is currently in discussion. We understand Eurovision fans are eager for an update and appreciate their patience as we work through these next steps. We’ll confirm details as soon as we are able.”

The deadline for the nations to withdraw without any penalty is on 11th of October which means that there is still time for SBS and EBU to reach an agreement.

In 2023 Australia was represented by Voyager and the song Promise and after managing to win the Second Semi-Final, they finished in the top ten of the Grand Final and specifically in 9th place with 151 points.

https://youtu.be/GSoy_mJMlMY

What do you think the outcome of the negotiations between SBS and EBU? Will we see Australia in Malmö next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Poland: Participation confirmed for Eurovision 2024!

Poland is the next country declaring their presence in Eurovision 2024.

TVP, the national public broadcaster, confirmed today that Poland will take part in the upcoming 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden. For the time being, there is no information available yet regarding the selection method of the next Polish representative.

This year Poland was represented by Blanka and the song “Solo” which after having qualified 3rd from the Second Semi-Final, they ended up in 19th place with 93 points.

https://youtu.be/SEgF1aP-U1o

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Georgia: Participation in Eurovision 2024 confirmed!

Georgia is the next country to confirm their participation in Malmö in 2024.

GPB, the national broadcaster of the country, confirmed today Georgia’s participation at the upcoming 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. There is no information yet regarding the method through which the next representative will emerge.

Until now Georgia has recorded a negative streak of 6 consecutive eliminations at the Semi-Finals. This year in Liverpool the nation was represented by Iru and the song Echo. Despite the high expectations for this entry, Georgia ended up 12th in the Second Semi-Final with 33 point and thus missed again a spot in the Grand Final.

https://youtu.be/HNvGZeEQvfc

Source: ESCToday

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Eurovision 2024: Tomislav Štengl joins the Eurovision Reference Group!

Through the official website of the Eurovision Song Contest it became known that the Head of the Croatian Delegation Tomislav Štengl is the new member of the Eurovision Reference Group.

The Eurovision Reference Group was established in 1998 and is the executive committee tasked with overseeing the organisation of the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Participating Broadcasters. It is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the competition as well managing critical aspects like host city selection, rule development, and dispute resolution.

The Reference Group consists of the following members :

  • The Chairperson
  • Three elected members from among the Heads of Delegations
  • Two Executive Producers from previous host countries, as well as the Executive Producer of the current Host Broadcaster
  • Up to two invited members based on competence and experience
  • The EBU Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor

The Reference Group meets four to five times each year on behalf of all Participating Broadcasters, and is required to take decisions in the general interest of the Contest.

The Eurovision Reference Group Member for the 2024 contest are as per below:

  • Chairman, Bakel Walden from SSR SRG (Switzerland)
  • Ebba Adielsson from SVT (Sweden)
  • Rachel Ashdown from BBC (United Kingdom)
  • Felix Bergsson from RÚV (Iceland)
  • Ana María Bordas from RTVE (Spain)
  • Carla Bugalho from RTP (Portugal)
  • Claudio Fasulo from RAI (Italy)
  • Simona Martorelli from RAI (Italy)
  • Tomislav Štengl from HRT (Croatia)
  • Alexandra Wolfslast from NDR (Germany)
  • Martin Österdahl from the EBU

Source: Eurovision.tv

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Eurovision Latin America: Preparations continue!

Through one of the biggest Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet it became known that the preparations for Eurovision Song Contest Latin America continue.

In more detail, upon the announcement that Christer Björkman will be the producer of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, he also referred to the Latin American version of the contest, commenting that he works simultaneously for both projects.

At this point we remind you that the very first announcement for the Eurovision Song Contest Latin America took place in July 2022 (here) and the project is carried out by Voxovation with which Christer Björkman and Anders Lenhoff, Ola Melzig, Peter Settman and Greg Lipstone, who also worked on the American Song Contest and the Eurovision Song Contest Canada, collaborate with.

Source: Aftonbladet

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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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Eurovisionfun: Join The Team | We’d love to welcome new colleagues!

Do you want to be involved with the Eurovision Song Contest and its national selections? And do you want to work together with others who share your passion? It is not as difficult to get started as you might think. Eurovisionfun is the biggest community of Eurovision News in Greece and Cyprus and one of the biggest in Europe.

We would like to welcome new partners to our team. If you think you can write articles (mainly in English) or if you are a TikTok content creator or if you are good at video editing then just send your application. The work is voluntary, but we help you gain contacts, work experience and of course we are always happy to provide you with a good recommendation. Already many of our partners have won a scholarship for postgraduate studies at the largest universities in Europe thanks to their work on our website or have certified journalistic experience on their CV.

Responsibilities:

  • Writing articles (in English)
  • Creating TikTok content
  • Video editing
  • Be our correspondent in Cyprus (only for those who permantly live in Cyprus)

How to apply

If you want to apply you just have to send an e-mail to the following address, telling us your full name, your country, your age and a small bio, describing yourself. We would also like one of your social media, so that we can get in touch with you easier.

 

Our Journalists will reply to you, as soon as possible.
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