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As you can imagine, it’s a mixed bag in the world of Eurovision 2026. Most attention remains focussed on the EBU whose no-win position continues to unsettle fan loyalty, with some websites suspending coverage. OnEurope plans to continue covering the national finals season, as this is where the true joy lies for us. We might have to limit ongoing coverage for lots of different reasons as the event itself gets near. So, for now, let’s have a look at the smaller stories…
One bigger story that’s old news by now (Friday afternoon) is that Eurovision 2024 winner, Nemo has sent back their winner’s trophy (the replacement one for the trophy he dropped and broke on his big night) to the EBU as a form of protest. In posts on Instagram on Thursday, Nemo said that although they are “immensely grateful” for the community surrounding the contest, “I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf.”
“Eurovision says it stands for unity, inclusion, and dignity for all,” they wrote in a statement. “But Israel’s continued participation, during what the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry has concluded to be a genocide, shows a clear conflict between those ideals and the decisions made by the EBU.
Martin Green was “saddened” by the decision and respected Nemo’s views.
In actual other news…
If Albania is your bag, RTSH has revealed the running orders for the first two nights of Festivali i Këngës 64.
Austrian broadcaster ORF will list the artists taking part in “Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?” on Monday 15 December.
Croatian action. Karolina Ilić has been disqualified from Dora 2026. The rule she thought she wouldn’t need to care about is fairly basic – Croatian citizenship is required to take part. Her place will be taken by reserve list performer Gabrijel Ivić with the song “Light Up”.
Recent returnee Luxembourg has made available the eight songs competing in the Luxembourg Song Contest 2026. Nip over to the RTL website and fill your boots.
In Moldova, TRM has revealed the 34 artists and songs competing in the auditions phase, which will take place on December 16, of their national selection. If you’ve never seen these before, you’re in for an absolute treat. Let’s just say talent (or a viable song) isn’t always a necessary prerequisite.
Spain might be sitting out the next Eurovision, but Benidorm Fest is going ahead. RTVE celebrated with clips of the participating songs this week. Listen here.
The deadline to confirm participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has now passed. It’s looking likely that 34 broadcasters will field a song in Vienna. The lowest ever number since introducing semi-finals in 2004. Keep in mind that three broadcasters have been tempted back after years of insisting they couldn’t afford it. If any more drop out for ‘reasons’ (although they could face financial penalty), two semi-finals risks becoming unviable.
Eurovision Director Martin Green has ‘published’ an open letter to Eurovision fans: “We will ensure that all participating broadcasters respect the rules of the competition and if they don’t you have a personal pledge from me, we will not tolerate it and call it out”. So that’s put your minds at rest, right? RTVE didn’t leave it long before sniping back.
