Contents
- 1 Who will host Eurovision 2024
- 2 Why is Russia in Eurovision
- 3 Why is Morocco in Eurovision
- 4 Who are the stage designers for Eurovision 2023
Who will host Eurovision 2024
It’s official: Malmö will host Eurovision 2024, with the three live shows taking place on 7, 9 and 11 May. The Swedish coastal city of Malmö is set to host next year’s 68th Eurovision Song Contest. Set on the coast of southern Sweden, the city was selected after a bidding process across the country.
- Swedish broadcaster SVT will stage the show after the country’s singing representative, Loreen, won this year’s competition in Liverpool, UK, with the song ‘Tattoo’.
- She became the first woman to win the Eurovision Song Contest twice and her win meant that Sweden now equals Ireland’s record of 7 wins in total.
“Being able to welcome all the competing countries to Malmö is fantastically fun and meaningful,” says SVT CEO Hanna Stjärne. “Hundreds of millions of TV viewers will follow the broadcasts from Sweden. The Eurovision Song Contest fulfils a particularly important function in these times of war in Europe and it is with great respect that we take on the event.
Malmö is a creative city with a rich cultural life that can create a music festival for the whole of Europe in a sustainable way, not least financially, because the arena, communications and logistics are already in place.” Malmö will become the third city to host the world’s largest music event a total of three times.
The Swedish capital Stockholm and neighbouring Copenhagen have also hosted three times to date. Only London, Luxembourg City and Dublin have hosted more contests. Sweden itself will host the Eurovision Song Contest for the seventh time in 2024. Martin Österdahl, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest said: “The EBU is thrilled that Malmö has been selected as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.” “Malmö holds a special place in the history of the Contest, having successfully hosted it firstly in 1992 and then in 2013 – following Loreen’s last win.
We’re excited to be returning to this vibrant and dynamic city which has demonstrated it has the venues and infrastructure that are perfect for staging the world’s largest live music event.” “Malmö’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and innovation aligns perfectly with the spirit of the competition,” he continued.
“Furthermore, its compact size and well-developed transport infrastructure means everyone involved in the contest, including delegations, media, and fans will be able to navigate the city easily. Its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives also aligns perfectly with our own values, making it an ideal host city for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.” Next Year’s Eurovision Song Contest coincides with the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s debut on the show.
Why did Luxembourg leave Eurovision?
Absence – Between the country’s debut in 1956 and 1993, Luxembourg only missed one contest in 1959. The country was absent from the event for the first time, having participated in all previous contests, and decided against participating late in the preparations for the contest as the country was listed among the participants in several radio and television listings.
- Following Luxembourg’s twentieth place finish in 1993 and a string of bad results, the country was relegated from competing in 1994 according to the then Eurovision rules.
- However, RTL did not return in 1995 and officially withdrew from competing in the Eurovision Song Contest.
- In October 2003, RTL initially confirmed its participation at the 2004 contest, however, on 3 November 2003, RTL withdrew their application to participate after monetary issues with the EBU, namely the participation fee.
Then-executive supervisor of the contest, Svante Stockselius, stated that “RTL has formally withdrawn their participation. However, we are looking into the payment fees and still discussing with Luxembourg, and hopefully we can still have them on for 2004.” RTL opted not to participate, with RTL programme director Alain Berwick stating that “Luxembourg will never return to the contest”.
- Despite rumours in June 2004 that RTL could return to the 2005 contest, Luxembourg did not appear on the final list of participants.
- In September 2009, director of RTL Steve Schmit met with EBU representatives, after which it was revealed that Luxembourg were considering entering the 2010 contest,
- However, the plans did not materialise due to financial issues.
On 13 September 2012, RTL confirmed that its withdrawal from competing in the contest was down to financial issues and a lack of “manpower”. The broadcaster also stated that participation at the contest would entail a “financial and organisational strain” and that Eurovision does not fit in with its programming, but the broadcaster did not rule out future participation.
On 31 July 2014, RTL confirmed that Luxembourg would not be returning to the contest in 2015. However, it was reported on 26 October 2014 that the country’s Minister of Culture, Maggy Nagel, expressed her desire for the country to return to the contest. This was later confirmed by Nagel to be a “misunderstanding” and that the country would not be returning.
A collaboration with San Marino had been proposed by the broadcaster SMRTV and singer Thierry Mersch, but later SMRTV clarified that there have only been talks between the two countries and the broadcaster is evaluating other proposals. However, on 24 November 2014, it was announced that Mersch had failed to raise the necessary funds in time for the project to move forward.
Why is Israel in Eurovision?
Why is Israel in Eurovision? Why the country takes part in Eurovision Song Contest This year’s slogan is United by Music, reflecting both the unique partnership between the UK and Ukraine, and ‘s goal of bringing Europe closer together through shared experience.
The event will be hosted by Graham Norton, Alesha Dixon, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, and more. As families across the globe get ready to watch the exciting final, many have been wondering why is a contender despite not being a European country. ‘s inclusion in the contest isn’t new. The country made its debut at the beloved Eurovision Song Content for the first time in 1973.
It was allowed to enter the competition as the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) was an active member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which hosted the event. Soon after putting its name in the hat, Israel took home a win at the 1978 competition held in Paris thanks to Izhar Cohen and Alphabeta’s A-Ba-Ni-Bi song.
- The contest was held in Jerusalem the following year and won for the second time in a row, with Milk and Honey’s Hallelujah.
- Their third victory came almost two decades after, in 1998, when the event was held in Birmingham.
- Dana International’s win with the song Diva caused widespread celebrations across the nation.
Their most recent win to date was in Lisbon back in 2018. and earned Israel its highest-ever score with 529 points. This year, the country will enter the contest with and her song Unicorn. The 22-year-old singer-songwriter revealed her song recently, on March 8.
Who are the Big 5 in Eurovision?
Which countries automatically qualify for Eurovision? The Big Five explained BREAKING A number of countries, including the UK, have already guaranteed their spot in the song contest’s grand final The Big Five automatically qualify for the Eurovision grand final. / Corinne Cumming – EBU But a number of countries have already guaranteed their spot in the song contest, and therefore do not have to compete in the semi-finals.
- In previous years, UK fans may have wondered how our act got through to the final, to end up scoring at the bottom of the board.
- Find out below why the UK, among other countries, automatically qualifies for the grand final.
- The UK, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy are known as The Big Five and automatically qualify for the final.
- These countries’ broadcasters make the biggest financial contribution towards the contest, and so automatically get to compete.
However, only three of the Big Five took part in the first-ever contest in 1956: France, Germany, and Italy. They competed against the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg. JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty Images Dressing in the most awful, Euro-tastic outfits is essential to the night.
- Wrap yourself in tin foil like Ukraine’s act in 2007, use a pot of gel and bottle of hairspray for Jedward or a brunette wig and beard to create the ultimate Conchita look.
- Or for the more old school guest, go ABBA.
- The Eurovision is more about the costume than the songs for some, so your party should be too.
The wackier the better. Decorations are obviously a must, but you don’t have to worry, it’s pretty simple – flags! Flags on doors, walls, windows and even in your food and drinks. Any country that has a space in the grand final deserves a space in your house.
Bernard / imageBROKER/REX/Shutterstock Considering that this year’s Eurovision is going to be held in Stockholm, it seems only right that Swedish traditions have an invite to your party – so it’s time to hit the hard stuff. Brännvin, or ‘Burn-wine’, is a Swedish special liquor distilled from potatoes.
Vodka is the purest form of Brännvin, and is usually seasoned with herbs to create an ‘Akvavit’. For the real party animals, it can also be drunk as snaps, also known as a ‘nubbe’, in a small shot glass alongside a meal. For the less daring maybe, lager beer and sweet cider is also very popular in Sweden.
And if you really want to get creative, why not make the Swedish mule cocktail – chin chin! With all these drinks involved, of course there needs to be a Eurovision-themed drinking game? Take a ‘responsible’ sip every time you see or hear the following.an act wearing sunglasses on stage, when someone says ‘Sweden’, there are dancers that have no relevance to the song – whatsoever, there is an act wearing practically nothing, someone is wearing tin foil – again, when the presenter shouts ‘Good Evening’ and finally, when a country’s performance is unusually amusing.
Rex With people flocking to IKEA in search of its famous Swedish meatballs, why not give it a run for its money with a delicious selection of Swedish party food. We suggest you go heavy on the meatballs and throw in a few cinnamon buns and potato dumplings for good measure.
While watching this gloriously tacky competition, why not engage in a little competition of your own? Organise a sweepstake amongst your guests, choosing one person per country and a pound to enter, with the jackpot as the prize. You can print out the BBC’s handy sweepstake kit from here: BBC Create the ultimate playlist with Eurovision hits from over the years such as, Rise Like a Pheonix (Conchita), Waterloo (Abba), Flying the Flag (Schooch), Congratulations (Cliff Richard), Lipstick (Jedwood) and Just a little bit (Gina G).
It’s bound to get the party started and keep the mood up during any ad breaks. Olle Lindeborg/AFP/Getty It wouldn’t be the ultimate Eurovision party without a spot of karaoke after it’s all over. Even if it’s not your thing, it usually ends up being the funniest and most memorable part of the night.
- In fact, The Big Five was established fairly recently, with the rule being introduced to the contest in 2000.
- Initially, the countries that automatically qualified were the UK, France, Spain, and Germany, a group known then as the Big Four.
- In 2011, Italy rejoined the competition and entered the Big Five.
Additionally, the country who won the previous year’s competition will also automatically qualify for the final. This means that will appear in Saturday’s show alongside the Big Five. Usually, the winning country will host the show the following year. But due to the war in Ukraine, the UK will host Eurovision on Ukraine’s behalf.
- Following the first semi-finals, Croatia, Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, Czechia, Israel, Portugal, Sweden, Serbia, and Norway qualified for the grand final on Saturday.
- The second semi-final will take place on Thursday, May 11, and will see the following countries compete for a place in the final: Denmark, Armenia, Romania, Estonia, Belgium, Cyprus, Iceland, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, Georgia, San Marino, Austria, Albania, Lithuania, and Australia.
- The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will air at 8pm on Saturday, May 13, on BBC One.
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Does Eurovision make money?
Hosting – Countries which have hosted the Eurovision Song Contest A single hosting Multiple hostings The winning country traditionally hosts the following year’s event, with some exceptions since 1958, Hosting the contest can be seen as a unique opportunity for promoting the host country as a tourist destination and can provide benefits to the local economy and tourism sectors of the host city.
- Preparations for each year’s contest typically begin at the conclusion of the previous year’s contest, with the winning country’s head of delegation receiving a welcome package of information related to hosting the contest at the winner’s press conference.
- Eurovision is a non-profit event, and financing is typically achieved through a fee from each participating broadcaster, contributions from the host broadcaster and the host city, and commercial revenues from sponsorships, ticket sales, televoting and merchandise.
The host broadcaster will subsequently select a host city, typically a national or regional capital city, which must meet certain criteria set out in the contest’s rules. The host venue must be able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators, a press centre for 1,500 journalists, should be within easy reach of an international airport and with hotel accommodation available for at least 2,000 delegates, journalists and spectators.
Why can’t Ukraine host Eurovision?
Ukraine won this year’s Eurovision song contest but can’t host because of the Russian invasion. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that Ukraine cannot host Eurovision 2023. Ukraine’s entry Kalush Orchestra won last year’s Eurovision Song Contest after receiving a massive share of the public vote and would under normal rules be the hosts of Eurovision 2023.
- However, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine the EBU has announced that it isn’t safe to host the contest there and has asked this year’s runner-up, the UK, to host instead.
- The announcement comes after long talks with UA:PBC, Ukraine’s public broadcaster, about the possibility of them safely hosting the event.
“It has become a well-known tradition that the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) hosts the competition the following year, providing certain criteria, including ensuring the viability of staging the event and the safety of all stakeholders, including the public, are met,” EBU said in a statement.
Why is Russia in Eurovision
Is Russia banned from competing at Eurovision?
The 67th Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in this year after the,It is the first time the competition has been held in the UK for 25 years – and will not be competing. – Why is Russia absent from the contest? Russia, which debuted at the contest in 1994, was banned last year after its invasion of Ukraine, before it had announced its act.The (EBU), which produces the show, said the inclusion of a Russian entry at the contest in would bring it into “disrepute”.This came after it said it had intended to allow Russia to compete but faced strong criticism from state broadcasters in countries including Iceland,, Norway and the Netherlands.Russia’s national broadcasters subsequently suspended their memberships of the EBU in protest, preventing them from taking part in future contests. – Can Russian viewers vote in the contest this year? For the first time in the competition’s nearly seven-decade history, people from non-competing countries can vote for their favourite act.Their votes are converted into points with the same weight as a participating country.This means that despite Russia not competing this year its citizens could still be able to vote.But organisers clarified this week that Russians are effectively barred from voting due to financial sanctions on the country making it impossible for them to pay the voting fee.Martin Osterdahl, the EBU’s executive supervisor for the event, said: “Some territories are subject to sanctions and to payment providers having suspended their operations and that includes Russia.” – Russia and Ukraine have a history of conflict at the contest Russia won in 2008 with Dima Bilan singing Believe, and in turn hosted the 2009 contest in Moscow.Tensions between the two nations played out in 2017 when Julia Samoylova was chosen to represent Russia at the contest, which that year took place in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.She was blocked from the country because she had reportedly toured Crimea without entering the disputed peninsula through the border with the Ukrainian mainland.Russian television station Channel One then announced that it would not broadcast the contest or take part.Last year’s winners were Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra but they were not the country’s first choice to perform.Alina Pash had originally been chosen through a televised national selection show and was due to sing her song, Shadows Of Forgotten Ancestors.However, she withdrew after facing scrutiny over a reported 2015 visit to Russia-occupied Crimea.People who enter Crimea through Russia are considered by Ukraine to have illegally crossed the border, although there is no suggestion that Pash did this.
: Is Russia banned from competing at Eurovision?
Why is England hosting Eurovision 2023?
Why is the UK hosting Eurovision? – Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the 2022 Eurovision song contest with their song Stefania. Normally, the winning country hosts the following year’s competition, but the ongoing war in Ukraine makes this impossible. Image source, Reuters Image caption, Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra sold their Eurovision trophy for £712,000 to raise money for the country’s war effort The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the contest, invited the UK to host on Ukraine’s behalf as UK contestant Sam Ryder was the runner up in the 2022 show.
Why is North Macedonia not in Eurovision 2023?
Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bulgaria have withdrawn from next year’s competition, saying they can’t afford to pay the registration fees. Three competing nations have pulled out of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. North Macedonia, Montenegro and now Bulgaria have both announced they won’t be attending the contest in the northern city of Liverpool due to the increase in costs to register for the event.
Every year each state broadcaster pays a registration fee which goes towards the contest, but the amount varies depending on the nation. The fee has been affected by Russia’s ban from the contest due to its invasion of Ukraine : the sizeable contribution the country made has created a hole in the budget, leading to increased fees for remaining participants.
The cost of living crisis caused by, among other things, a spike in energy prices due to the war in Ukraine was also cited, as well as the prohibitive cost of staying in the UK, “Such a decision is in the best interest of the citizens, taking into account the increased costs due to the energy crisisas well as the increased registration fee for the participation,” said Macedonian Radio Television (MRT) in a statement.
Why isn t Bosnia in Eurovision?
The country’s last participation was in Eurovision 2016 in Stockholm. The country was represented by Dalal, Deen, Ana Rucner and Jala with the song “Ljubav je”, but the country failed to qualify for the grand final for the first time as it finished 11th in the first semi-final.
- Dalal & Deen feat.
- Ana Rucner and Jala – Ljubav Je (Bosnia & Herzegovina) Live at SF1 – YouTube Eurovision Song Contest 5.57M subscribers Dalal & Deen feat.
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Why is Hungary not in Eurovision 2023?
Hungary will not participate in next year’s Eurovision song contest, amid speculation the decision was taken because the competition is “too gay” for the taste of the country’s far-right government and public media bosses. While no official reason has been given for the withdrawal, the move comes amid an increase in homophobic rhetoric in Hungary, where the anti-migration prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has launched a “family first” policy aimed at helping traditional families and boosting birth rates.
Earlier this year, the speaker of the Hungarian parliament compared same-sex adoption to paedophilia, while a pro-government television commentator referred to Eurovision as “a homosexual flotilla” and said not participating would benefit the nation’s mental health. A source inside the Hungarian public broadcaster, MTVA, told the Guardian that while no reason was communicated internally for the decision to withdraw from the contest, the assumption among employees was that Eurovision’s association with LGBTQ+ culture was behind the move.
“I was not surprised. It comes from the organisational culture of MTVA,” said the source, adding that positive coverage of LGBT rights at the media holding was discouraged, save for annual coverage of Budapest Pride. Public media in Hungary is closely linked to the government and has been instrumental in spreading its messages around migration and other issues.
Earlier, the Hungarian website index.hu quoted unnamed sources inside public media speculating that the reason for the withdrawal was likely to be that Eurovision was deemed “too gay”. Orbán’s spokesman, Zoltán Kovács, described the index.hu story as “fake news” on Twitter, but did not specify any other reason for Hungary’s non-participation.
In an emailed statement to the Guardian, MTVA said: “Instead of taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2020, we will support the valuable productions created by the talents of Hungarian pop music directly.” In previous years, the winner of a series called The Song would go on to become Hungary’s Eurovision entry.
This year the programme will continue but the prize will be a chance to appear on various domestic media outlets and at festivals. MTVA did not respond to a question on the reasons for the decision. Orbán has steered clear of incendiary homophobic rhetoric, although he has repeatedly emphasised his view that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.
But in recent months the homophobia among the prime minister’s inner circle has ratcheted up. An MP from Orbán’s Fidesz party called for a boycott of Coca-Cola after the brand launched an advertising campaign using photographs of a gay couple, while László Kövér, the speaker of the Hungarian parliament, compared proponents of equal marriage and adoption to paedophiles.
Morally, there is no difference between the behaviour of a paedophile and the behaviour of someone who demands such things,” he said. Kövér contrasted those who wanted same-sex adoption rights to a putative “normal homosexual” who understood his lower status in the world. “He tries to fit into this world while he doesn’t necessarily think he is equal,” said Kövér.
Last week, an opposition MP asked a government minister what the reason for the Eurovision withdrawal was, and was told it was a decision taken by public media with no government input. But the link was drawn explicitly on pro-government television shows.
“I welcome the decision, including from a mental health perspective, that Hungary will not take part in the homosexual flotilla that this international song competition has been reduced to,” said András Bencsik, the editor of a pro-government magazine and frequent TV commentator. “Many young people thought that this is something for people under 18, but at this event the destruction of public taste takes place with screaming transvestites and bearded women.” The scandal recalls opposition to Eurovision in Russia, where a homophobic MP called for the country to withdraw in 2014, saying that participating would “contradict the path of cultural and moral renewal that Russia stands on today”.
The European Broadcasting Union, which runs the contest, said: “It is not uncommon for EBU members to have breaks in participation in the Eurovision song contest,” and pointed out that Hungary had been absent on previous occasions. However, since 2011, the country has entered every year.
Why is Eurovision in Malmo?
Malmö will host the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in May 2024 The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 will take place in the Malmö Arena on Saturday 11 May with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 May.
- Dates: Grand Final on Saturday 11 May with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 7 and Thursday 9 May
- Malmö chosen as Host City for a third time following 1992 and 2013
- First time the Eurovision Song Contest hasn’t been hosted by a capital city for 5 consecutive Contests
- Tickets to be announced in due course
- Swedish broadcaster SVT, together with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), will organise the Contest thanks to Loreen’s historic win in Liverpool in 2023.
- Malmö was chosen following a strong city bid process that examined facilities at the venue; the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists; infrastructure; and other criteria.
- Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl welcomed the news:
“The EBU is thrilled that Malmö has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Malmö holds a special place in the history of the Contest, having successfully hosted it firstly in 1992 and then in 2013 – following Loreen’s last win.
- We’re excited to be returning to this vibrant and dynamic city which has demonstrated it has the venues and infrastructure that are perfect for staging the world’s largest live music event.
- Malmö’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and innovation aligns perfectly with the spirit of the competition.
Furthermore, its compact size and well-developed transport infrastructure means everyone involved in the Contest, including delegations, media, and fans will be able to navigate the city easily. Its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives also aligns perfectly with our own values, making it an ideal Host City for the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.
Malmö’s bid demonstrated a huge passion for the Eurovision Song Contest, and I have full confidence in their ability to create an unforgettable experience that will bring together fans, artists, and viewers across the globe. Together with Host Broadcaster SVT, we will create an extraordinary celebration of music, unity, and diversity that will captivate the world in May next year.” Ebba Adielsson, Executive Producer for SVT added: “When we finally had all the options, we did an overall assessment to consider all factors involved in organizing this huge event.
Malmö was eventually chosen as it met all the criteria and provides a location with great venues and is a city where all those attending the Eurovision Song Contest can move around easily. Malmö is also firmly committed to providing both those visiting and living in the city a chance to participate in the festivities.”
- It is the third time that Malmö has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest following 1992 and 2013 editions and it will be the first time the Eurovision Song Contest hasn’t visited a capital city for 5 consecutive Contests.
- Sweden itself will host the Eurovision Song Contest for the 7th time in 2024 having previously also staged the competition in Stockholm in 1975, 2000 and 2016, in Gothenburg in 1985, and those Contests in Malmö.
- “We are proud and happy to welcome the Eurovision Song Contest to Malmö again”, said Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, chairman of the city’s municipal executive board.
“Malmö will deliver the same amazing feeling as 2013 – but with new experiences in 2024. We have a modern and sustainable infrastructure and a will and capacity to arrange a proper festival for all ages.” Listen to all 37 songs of the Eurovision Song Contest via your favourite, and watch the official music videos on our YouTube channel: Don’t forget to sign up to the official Eurovision Song Contest, subscribe to the, and follow us on,,, and – to keep entertained and up-to-date.
How many times Sweden hosted Eurovision?
Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest Participating broadcaster (SVT; 1980–present) Former members
(1958–1979)
Participation summaryAppearances62 (61 finals)First appearanceHighest placement1st:,,,,,, Host,,,,,, Related articlesExternal links For the most recent participation see has participated in the 62 times since making its debut in, missing only three contests since then (, and ).
Since 1959, the Swedish entry has been chosen through an annual televised competition, known since 1967 as, At the contest, Sweden was one of the first five countries to adopt, Sweden has hosted the contest six times: three times in (,, ), twice in (, ) and once in (); and is set to host for a seventh time in in Malmö.
Sweden, along with, is the most successful country in the Eurovision Song Contest, with a total of seven victories. Sweden also has the most top five results of the 21st century, with 13; in total, Sweden has achieved 26 top five results in the contest.
Will ABBA perform at Eurovision 2024?
Holograms of ABBA at their Voyage concert series. In a change of course, ABBA might make an appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. It will be the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s win and is being hosted in Malmö, Sweden after Loreen’s historic second win.
- Agnetha Fältskog, a member of the world-famous and Eurovision 1974 winning group ABBA said, “You never know anything with ABBA well, I won’t say anything, I prefer to keep quiet,” during an interview.
- Previously denying an appearance in Malmo, ABBA members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson rejected the idea back in May.
“We can celebrate 50 years of Abba without us being on stage,” said Ulvaeus. “I don’t want to,” added Andersson, “and if I don’t want to, the others won’t. It’s the same for all four of us – someone says, ‘no’ – it’s a no.” The group reunited publicly in May 2022, after 40 years apart, to launch their Voyage concert series held at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Timothy has written for numerous publications such as The Current Sauce, KTBS TV, the Ouachita Citizen, the Shreveport Times, and now full time with ESCXTRA. Holdiness obtained an Associate of Science in 2020 and a Bachelor of Science in 2022. He has been a healthcare worker for over a decade and has a passion for writing and has been a news writer for ESCXTRA since February 2023.
Why did Andorra leave Eurovision?
Andorra at the Eurovision Song Contest – Andorra first made their Eurovision debut in 2004. Marta Roure represented the country with “Jugarem a estimar-nos” and finished 18th in the semi-final, with 12 points. They also failed to make the final in 2005.
It wasn’t until 2006 that Andorra internally selected an entry to take part in the contest. Jenny became the first internally-selected act, in Athens. Her song “Sense tu” finished last in the semi-final with 8 points – Andorra’s worst result to date. Andorra’s best result came in 2007 with Anonymous’ “Salvem el món” which finished 12th in the semi-final.
Their most recent participation was in Moscow, in 2009. Susanne Georgi represented the microstate with “La teva decisio (Get a Life)”. The broadcaster decided not to return to the 2010 contest due to financial issues. They have not returned to the contest since.
Why is Morocco in Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest’s highly anticipated 67th edition is set to captivate audiences in Liverpool on Saturday. The New Arab sheds light on previous Arab participation and the reason for its discontinuation. The highly anticipated 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is set to captivate audiences in Liverpool on Saturday, with an array of singers and performers from across Europe competing for the coveted title.
- The annual song contest, which features kitsch and often over-the-top performances, has garnered a significant following over the years, with millions of viewers tuned in every year.
- The competition is open to all members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which includes 66 broadcasters from 54 countries, some of which are located in the Middle East and North Africa region, South America and even Oceania.
However, amid the glitz and glamour, one intriguing aspect that often sparks debate is the participation of non-European countries. While the majority of contestants hail from European nations, the inclusion of Israel has drawn attention and scrutiny.
The participation of Israel, which has competed 45 times and won the contest four times, garnered significant criticism from rights campaigners and the Arab world, with its membership marred by ongoing conflicts and tensions in the region, including the occupation of Palestinian territories and the recurrent violence against the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
In particular, Israel’s recent hosting of the competition in 2019 prompted widespread calls for boycott. Similar calls for Israeli withdrawal from the competition have been made this year, Absence of Arab participation The absence of Arab countries in the Eurovision Song Contest has also been a topic of discussion.
- While countries like Morocco and Tunisia have participated in the past, their involvement had been limited.
- Morocco participated for the first and only time in 1980, with famed songstress Samia Said performing the Arabic-language song Bitaqat Hob (Love Card) in the Dutch city of The Hague.
- The contest was broadcast in the North African kingdom via Morocco’s National Company of Radio and Television (SNRT).
Said finished a mere second to last in the competition, having only received seven points. However, she remains the competition’s first and only singer to perform in the Arabic language. Her song was intended to transmit a message of “peace among the world’s nations”.
Despite the less-than-stellar result, Said’s career took off soon after and went on to become one of Morocco – and the Arab world’s – most recognisable recording artists. Morocco’s then-ruler, King Hassan II, reportedly withdrew Rabat’s participation from the contest the following year, saying that the country will never participate again.
The reasons behind the withdrawal were not explicitly given, but there are a few possible explanations. One factor could be the low placement of Morocco’s entry, which could have been perceived as a lack of interest or support from the international Eurovision community.
It may have also been influenced by political tensions and solidarity with other Arab nations who had chosen not to engage with Israel on various platforms. This political factor remained the same for the absence of many Arab countries from Eurovision. In 1977, Tunisia attempted to take part in the content but withdrew shortly before as national broadcaster ERTT did not want to “broadcast Israeli content” on its channels, reportedly.
A similar incident occurred in 2005 when Lebanon – who prepared to take part in the competition with singer Aline Lahoud – pulled out from the competition. The Lebanese public broadcaster Tele Liban, had failed to reach an agreement with the EBU who requested that they broadcast the entire show, including the Israeli entry.
- Lebanese law, however, prohibits the broadcasting of anything affiliated with Israel.
- No other MENA countries have attempted entry since.
- Participation of the Arab diaspora Not all hope is lost, as members of the MENA diaspora have taken part in the competition.
- Tunisia was somewhat represented in 1991.
France’s competing singer and runner-up, Amina Annabi, was of Franco-Tunisian descent. The Carthage-born artist sang Le Dernier Qui a Parlé (The Last Who Spoke) and finished with 146 points. Swedish songstress Loreen, who was born to Moroccan parents, has represented the Scandinavian country – and Moroccan heritage – on two occasions.
- In 2012, she won the contest with her song ‘Euphoria’, which topped charts in 16 countries across Europe.
- The singer, whose real name is Lorine Zineb Nora Talhaoui, will be seen again this year, and is tipped to be among the favourites to win.
- Her song entry ‘Tattoo’, features the singer clad in a traditional Amazigh headpiece, traditionally worn in southwestern Morocco.
Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, and Libya, as members of the EBU, have the eligibility to submit entries to the Eurovision Song Contest. While no official attempts have been made since Morocco’s participation, the potential for Arab representation in the future remains an exciting prospect.
Why is Eurovision not only Europe?
Why is Eurovision not just Europe? Some countries that participate are not located in Europe — but they do have broadcasting links with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the song contest.
Who is presenting Eurovision 2023 with Hannah Waddingham?
What is Hannah Waddingham known for? – Hannah Waddingham is best known for playing the role of Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso, winning an Emmy for her peformance in the series. However, she is an acclaimed West End star, featuring in the likes of Spamalot, The Wizard of Oz, Kiss Me, Kate, Into the Woods and Bad Girls: The Musical. Ted Lasso — Official Trailer | Apple TV+
Who will represent San Marino in Eurovision 2023?
San Marino select Piqued Jacks for Liverpool 2023 The grand final of ‘Una Voce Per San Marino’ has found its winner – Piqued Jacks will represent San Marino at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, with the song ‘Like An Animal’. After a week of semi finals and a second-chance round, the 2023 edition of Una Voce Per San Marino came to its anticipated result on Saturday night at the Teatro Nuovo in Dogana.
Who will represent Israel in Eurovision 2023?
Who is Noa Kirel? And why is Israel in Eurovision 2023? Published: 17:15 BST, 10 May 2023 | Updated: 15:45 BST, 13 May 2023
- Israel will be represented by Noa Kirel for the 2023 edition of the for the first time in 25 years.
- The country will mark the 50th anniversary of its first appearance in the Eurovision Song Contest, having first appeared at the event in 1973.
- Kirel will perform the song ‘Unicorn’, which features lyrics in both English and Hebrew.
So, who is Noa Kirel? Why is Israel allowed to compete in Eurovision even though it is outside Europe? Has Israel ever won the contest? Read on below for all you need to know Israel’s 2023 entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. Noa Kirel (pictured) is Israel’s representative for the 2023 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.
She will perform the song ‘Unicorn’ Kirel first found success in 2015, after her song ‘Medabrim?’ was warmly received when it was posted on YouTube Kirel can be seen here performing at rehearsals for the 2023 contest, the first to be held in England since 1998 Born Noya Kirel on 10 April 2001, she was diagnosed with a severe kidney illness at just two months old.
A rabbi suggested that her name could be changed to Noa – which also means ‘movement’ in Hebrew – and jokingly made a prediction that she would become a dancer. Kirel first found success in 2015, after her song ‘Medabrim?’ was warmly received when it was posted on YouTube.
- She also received a credit in the Israeli version of the 2016 animated comedy ‘Trolls’, voicing the character of DJ Suki.
- The singer, who is of Ashkenazi Jewish, Sephardi Jewish and Mizrawi Jewish descent, released a song in memory of the Holocaust in 2019 called ‘Ima Sheli’.
- Kirel would go on to secure her first international recording contract in 2020, signing with American label Atlantic records.
She was confirmed as Israel’s 2023 Eurovision representative in July 2022. The song Kirel will perform at Eurovision, ‘Unicorn’, was released in March 2023, which the Israeli singer co-wrote and co-composed.
- Although Israel is not located on the continent of Europe, the country is allowed to compete in the competition due to a technical broadcasting regulation.
- Countries are allowed to compete at the event if they are represented by a national broadcaster which is part of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which Israel has been part of since 1957.
- The country’s national broadcaster, the Israel Broadcasting Authority, was a member of the EBU from 1957 until 2017.
The IBA was subsequently replaced as Israel’s public broadcaster by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC). Due to the fact that the IPBC is currently a member of the EBU, Israel is still allowed to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest. Indeed, Israel is not the only country from outside of Europe to compete in the annual song contest, as Australia, Cyprus and Armenia will also take part in the 2023 edition.
Kirel, seen here at the opening ceremony for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, will aim to become Israel’s fifth winner in the competition Dana International celebrates her victory at the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest, which she won following the performance of ‘Diva’ Israel was last victorious at Eurovision in 2018.
The nation was represented that year by Netta, who sung ‘Toy’
- Israel has won Eurovision an impressive four times since first appearing at the event in 1973.
- Israel’s first victory came in just their sixth Eurovision appearance, when Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta’s Hebrew-language song ‘A-Ba-Ni-Bi’ took home first prize.
- Israel also holds the distinction of being one of only four countries to win consecutive, which it achieved in 1979 thanks to Milk and Honey’s track ‘Hallelujah’.
The country’s most recent victory came in 2018, when Netta took home the prestigious trophy with her track ‘Toy’. This ended a wait of two decades for a Eurovision win, which had previously come in 1998, coortesy of the song ‘Diva’, which was performed by Dana International. : Who is Noa Kirel? And why is Israel in Eurovision 2023?
Who are the stage designers for Eurovision 2023
Yellow Studio’s stage design for Eurovision 2023 is a wide embrace of togetherness The social tapestry of the world is a mesh of an entire spectrum of colours; this fabric is pigmented by a plethora of diverse languages, cultures, geographies and traditions—each unique and inimitable.
Eurovision 2023 was hosted by the UK on behalf of Ukraine Image: Courtesy of Eurovision The theme for Eurovision 2023 was ‘United by Music’ Image: Courtesy of Eurovision The stage takes cues from the concept of a hug Image: Courtesy of Eurovision
In 1956, when the continent of was torn by war and political differences, music emerged as a force of unanimity and Eurovision came into being. Since then, this musical spectacle—counted amongst the largest music events in the world—has evolved into a week-long celebration with a host of countries, both European and non-European participating.
Barring the riveting musical renditions, there is one other aspect intrinsic to the song contest and that is stage design. Eurovision 2023 took place from May 9 to May 13, 2023, in Liverpool, and unveiled an eye-catching milieu for performances, conceived by New York-based firm Yellow Studio, specialising in, creative direction, event production, and art direction.
The enveloping cocoon conformed to this year’s theme United by Music as the UK hosted the contest on behalf of the 2022 winners, “It’s a wonderful honour to be collaborating with the BBC and the production team to design this year’s Eurovision Song Contest set.
The stage featured an enveloping sweeping curve Image: Courtesy of Eurovision Julio Himede, director of Yellow Studio Image: Courtesy of Eurovision The stage spread across an area of 200 square metres Image: Courtesy of Eurovision
Yellow Studio has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading design studios, specialising in production design for television and live events. Over the course of two decades, the team has brought some of the biggest cultural events to fruition, more recently, serving as the design team for the 64 th Annual Grammy Awards and Disney’s hybrid live animated special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration,
Multiple countries, both European and non-European participate in the music event Image: Courtesy of Eurovision The stage offers a flexible canvas to accommodate different cultural identities Image: Courtesy of Eurovision
The set design originated from a simple idea of a hug—an embrace that welcomes people of Ukraine, Europe, and the world to partake in a celebration of community. The team injected the singularity of this year’s contest into the 220 sqm of staging. The large-scale production architecture was evocative of a hug that enwraps the Liverpool Arena—from above and below—expressing an alliance with Ukraine and platforming the show’s performers and guests from across the world.
Each performance was catered with a different stage composition Image: Courtesy of Eurovision The stage shapeshifted into a new setting for each performance Image: Courtesy of Eurovision The stage design maintains seamless connectivity between the stage and the greenroom Image: Courtesy of Eurovision
Being a cross-cultural event, the stage’s diverse inspirations were only imminent. Ukrainian, emblematic costumes and patterns struck a dialogue with the rich musical heritage of Liverpool. Together, the two cultural identities covertly fuelled the 67 th edition of the show, while also offering a universal scenery for all the other participating countries to represent their own.
Furthermore, the set designers also ensured that the stage shapeshifted smoothly in accordance with each performance—unveiling a new composition for all 37 contestants in front of a live audience. The set-up expressed an identity yet none at all, existing both as a domineering silhouette and a flexible canvas.
The intensive efforts of the team culminated in an environment that epitomises an equilibrium between allure and absolute functionality.
The stage is inspired by the craftsmanship and culture of Ukraine Image: Courtesy of Eurovision The environment also represents the rich musical heritage of Liverpool Image: Courtesy of Eurovision Eurovision 2023 was a celebration of togetherness and community Image: Courtesy of Eurovision
Being the central figure of the entire event, the Eurovision stage design must be a bold and unprecedented expression of the show’s identity every year. Yellow Studio strived to achieve just that by weaving elements of surprise, representation, and grandeur into the show’s spatial configuration.
Moreover, the 67th edition of Eurovision marked the first time the event was hosted by the runner-up country due to war—a responsibility that had to be met with sensitivity and support. Amalgamating all the aspects meticulously, Yellow Studio breathed life into the sweeping main stage of Eurovision 2023—a silent protagonist that represented solidarity, nationalism, scenography and most importantly, the gentle power of music.
: Yellow Studio’s stage design for Eurovision 2023 is a wide embrace of togetherness