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NDR confirmed that Iveta Mukuchyan was among the candidates, but she wasn’t rejected because of Nagorno Karabah

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The announcement of Iveta Mukuchyan, the representative of Armenia in 2016, that she was among the bidding candidates for the German representation, but eventually she was rejected, caused great sensation. NDR spoke to esc-kompakt and confirmed that Iveta was among the artists the panel of 100 experts had chosen. Of course, the reason given by the German public television for the “cut” of Iveta, is that its inclusion in the list of candidates was inadvertent, since they do not want artists who have participated again in the competition with other countries. This contradicts what Iveta claims, since according to her, the reason for its exclusion was its action to raise the flag of the Republic of Artsakh( formerly known as the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh) in the semifinals of Eurovision 2016.

Just yesterday, Iveta Mukuchyan, who successfully represented Armenia at Eurovision 2016 with LoveWave and ended up in seventh place, revealed through her social networks that while she was one of the candidates to represent Germany at Eurovision 2021, NDR finally informed her that it is not possible, as they do not want an artist who has participated in the competition again.

Iveta went even further, saying that she considered this a pretext, as the real reason is her act of raising the flag of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) at Eurovision 2016 and the reactions that would have taken place in Germany from the large Muslim community living there.

Talking to esc-kompakt about the issue, NDR confirmed that Iveta Mukuchyan was one of the artists who chose the 100-member panel of experts to represent Germany at Eurovision 2021, but insisted on what Iveta herself says on her post.

For the selection process, digame and the NDR have agreed that Germany should not be represented at the ESC by artists who have already participated in the international competition for another country. Iveta Mukuchyan was mistakenly included in the first selection for 2021 and contacted by digame. With the sole reason that she had already participated in the ESC for Armenia, she was then canceled by digame for the further course of the selection. There was no other reason or a separate agreement with the NDR. Political statements didn’t matter.

What is certain is that we will not see Iveta in the next competition, at least for Germany. But let us once again enjoy LoveWave and its stunning performance at the Globen Arena in Stockholm:

Source: esc-kompakt

 

 

Iveta Mukuchyan: “I was invited to represent Germany in Eurovision 2021, but got rejected because I raised the flag of Nagorno Karabakh

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One of the events that stigmatised the Eurovision 2016 was the flag of the Republic of Artsakh ( formerly known as the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh), raised by the Armenian representative Iveta Mukuchyan, while in the green room during the 1st Semi Final. Through a post on her social media, Iveta reminded us the incident, and revealed that, due to this, she was rejected by the German national broadcaster for the representation of Germany in Eurovision 2021, despite the fact that she received invitation by the panel of 200 individuals who will choose the next German representative.

There were not a few those who believe that Iveta’s stance in the semi final cost her several points in the Grand Final, since she ended up in 7th place even though her entry, LoveWave, was one of the hot favourites to win the contest. In fact, the public broadcaster of Armenia was fined by the EBU for their representative’s action in Eurovision 2016.

 

Iveta, who lives in Germany, made a reference to the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan for the quarrelsome region of Nagorno Karabakh, citing that the war has nothing to do with these two peoples, since both Armenians and Azeris have a lot in common, but instead this was is triggered by Erdogan and Aliyev against Armenians and Armenia.

I know how unpleasant it is to read about a war that is happening far away from where you are right now.I knew how unpleasant it was for millions of viewers at the Eurovision back in 2016 to engage a few minutes into the discussion about why I put up the Kharabagh flag in a contest that doesn’t want to be involved in politics. What many people don’t know is that this year I got an excited call from Germany that 200 experts voted, without me knowing about it, to discuss me representing Germany at the Eurovision 2021. Everybody was excited, me as well. Then I got a call that the press-department said unfortunately they decided last minute that they couldn’t take me, explaining that I already participated and that wouldn’t make sense for Germany. I knew from the first second that this explanation was nonsense but the real reason could only be, that I put up the Kharabagh flag up and Germany does not appreciate political involvement in the Eurovision and would get a shitstorm if they would choose me representing them since there are many Muslims living in Germany. Which I completely understand. I want to make everyone understand that this is not a war between Azerbaijan/Turkey and Armenia but a war against Alliyev and Erdogan. When Artsakh shoots back they warn the population of Azerbaijan to evacuate, while Azerbaijan is targeting peaceful civilians, not even telling their own people to hide in bunkers. After they told me kindly that even though they would like me to participate they decided not to, I was mad at myself…regretting that my past act of patriotism would influence my career once again…

Source: Iveta Mukuchyan 

 

 

Sweden: The dates of Melodifestivalen 2021

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After the announcement that Melodifestivalen will not go on tour in 2021 and will be held only in Stockholm given the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the national broadcaster, SVT, revealed today the exact dates on which the shows of Melodifestivalen will take place and through which the new representative of Sweden will be determined.

The 1st Semi Final: 6th February

The 2nd Semi Final: 13th February

The 3rd Semi Final: 20th February

The 4th Semi Final: 27th February

The Second Chance show: 6th March

The Grand Final: 13th March

Source: Eurovoix

Sweden: All the shows of Melodifestivalen 2021 in Stockholm

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According to always valid Aftonbladet newspaper’s article, all the competitive shows of Melodifestivalen 2021, the show through which  Sweden selects its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest, will be held at the capital city, Stockholm.

Traditionally the shows of Melodifestivalen are held in various cities all around the country with the final taking place in Stockholm. All the same, given the pandemic situation of COVID-19, there will be no Melodifestivalen tour in 2021. Initially this scenario was the back up plan of SVT but it will be implemented eventually, since neither the municipalities are eager to spend millions for shows that might not take place, nor the SVT wants to jeopardise its reputation by imperiling the public health.

Moreover, there are no decisions yet regarding the place of the show, whether it will be held in a studio or in a stadium. Questions arise as far as the tickets issuance is concerned.  Aftonbladet contacted the porject manager of the show Anette Helenius, who commented:

“We have nothing to comment at the moment. We will let you know as soon as we have something to announce”

Last but not least, according to the reputable newspaper, the presenter of the event will be the beloved of Swedish television David Sundin, who will not be alone on stage. Who will accompany him, we will get to know in due course.

Source: Aftonbladet

Russia: Channel 1 responsible for Eurovision 2021

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Today, the Russian Broadcaster Channel 1, confirmed that Russia is going to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

In Russia, there are two broadcasters that are members of the EBU; Channel 1 and RTR. Therefore the project of Eurovision is undertaken by each channel alternately. For 2020, Channel 1 was responsible for the participation of the country, but due to the cancellation of the contest because of the COIVD-19 pandemic, it is going to be Channel 1 the responsible broadcaster for 2021 as well.

This is not something unprecedented. In 2017, it was Channel 1’s turn to arrange Russia’s participation. Because of the entrance ban, imposed to Julia Samoylova by the Ukrainian authorities, and the subsequent withdrawal of Russia from Kiev 2017, Channel 1 undertook the Eurovision project for 2018, choosing again Julia Samoylova.

As far as the selection process is concerned, nothing has been announced yet. Could the band Little Big be chosen again for 2021? Nobody knows. But since it’s Channel 1 responsible, no οne can rule out their return.

Source: Esctoday

Helena Paparizou: “I would return to Eurovision”

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Helena Paparizou was invited today at Kalo Mesimeraki, a greek tv show, and revealed to the host of the show, Nikos Moutsinas, that she would like to return on the Eurovision stage. The only condition for her is the existence of a suitable song.

This statement, from the sole yet winner for Greece, adds fuel to the fire of those who claim every year that she’s returning to the contest. It is worth mentioning that such a statement comes only two days after she was declared the winner of Eurovision 2005 at the Eurovision Again Event on Twitter.

More specifically the exact words of hers were:

Had I had the right song, I would be taking part again. Just like the way it happened back in 2005 with My Number One. I remember myself home, sitting at the family table and half of my people were saying not to go to Eurovision, since I was at the beginning of my solo career. I slammed my arms on the table and I said “I’m already there, I’m going!”. I didn’t know, of course with which song. Mentally I was ready to take part to the competition.

It remains to be seen whether Helena’s statements will herald developments for her long-awaited return to Eurovision.

Until then you can enjoy her new song which was released a few hours ago.

 

Eurovision 2020: EUR 12.4 million for Eurovision 2020 from the dutch government

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In today’s announcement, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and Media, Arie Slob, said that the Dutch government will give 12.4m euros to hold the Eurovision song contest in Rotterdam in May.

The budget was accepted by the ministry at the request of the Dutch public broadcaster NPO, one of the country’s three public channels, which will contribute to the production of the contest.

“With the contribution above, I hope that the Eurovision song contest will be a great success”

Arie Slob, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education and Media

Both the Grand Final and the two semifinals are estimated to cost around 26.5m euros. The NRO is committed to 2.5 million, AVROTROS will cover 2 million, and the 9.6 million will be covered by both the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), sponsors and sales of tickets.

Conditional cost coverage

In his report, the Minister has set the precondition for the delivery of money, such as the public channel to place particular emphasis on the access of people with mobility difficulties and the participation of students:

“I have placed particular emphasis on access to the Eurovision song contest by people with mobility problems. I suppose the NPO will pay particular attention to this issue. Also, the involvement of students in the whole process is essential. This was expressed as a clear wish by the House during the legislative consultation. I have informed the NPO and I want to make further arrangements on this “

He closed his report, hoping that “the Eurovision song contest will be a great success”.

“With the above contribution, I hope that the Eurovision song contest will be a great success. Its transmission will create national and international links, while helping to promote the Netherlands”

The channel full of satisfaction

In a statement made to RTL Boulevard, NPO President Shula Rijxman welcomed the government’s contribution:

“I am very pleased that the government is ready to contribute financially to this unique, international television event. The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most exciting European traditions waiting for millions of people each year. The two-week Rotterdam event and all three top-quality television productions will positively boost the whole Dutch cultural, creative and innovative industry “

The Eurovision Song Contest will take place on 12, 14 and 16 May 2020 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the developments related to our favorite competition.

Source: songfestival.be

Eurovision 2019: Tender for the postcards has opened

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In a recent post of Israel Hayom, it is said that tender process for the postcards of Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv has opened, while the deadline is on October 28th.

The winner, according to the newspaper, will have to research for each performing artist, select the appropriate locations and will be responsible about the makeup, outfits and hair.

In addition, the tender requires that senior staff, such as the director, the creative manager and the photographer will have experience with at least ten similar productions, and the producer must have produced at least 3 productions in the last three years, all with a minimum budget of about €1,200,000 (5,000,000 ILS).

If the pilots send to KAN and EBU get approved, shootings will take place between January and March, with the overall budget reaching up to €750,000 (3,000,000 ILS). The newspaper also states that KAN, besides the usual postcards, plans to create a 5-minute clip with all the artists.

What are the postcards?

Postcards are the short-length videos shown before each performance, which give the opportunity for technicians to prepare the stage, plus, to the commentators to provide information about the act that follows.

They usually show landmarks of the hosting countries or/and the representatives themselves visiting these landmarks. The increased interest shown by the fans for the postcards, has led the hosts to try, in any imaginative way, present them.

Also, the official account of the contest on Youtube publish each postcard for those who want to re-watch them, while many fans are ranking them from their least to most favourite postcards.

Source: Israel Hayom, eurovision.tv